Marriages (July 22)

Cole-Randall, Dec. 26th, 1896

 

"Marriage, as old men note, has likened been

Unto a public feast, or common rout,

When those that are without would fain get in,

And those that are within would fain get out."

 

Scarcely had the sweet echoes of Christmas carols vanished, Yuletide bough of mistletoe and sprig of holly been laid aside, when merry wedding bells called a joyful company together at the beautiful residence of Dr. and Mrs. E.L. Ensign to witness the nuptials of their niece, Miss Jennie H. Randall, and Mr. Perry F. Cole, of Yaleville [Guilford, Chenango Co., NY].  We forbear to use the common term "quiet wedding," since there is generally no sense in a marriage of that kind.  Let it rather be a festive, rollicking celebration which the chief actors will have cause to recollect.  Not often do we meet a better natured assemblage, or more genial souls, than those who came from near and far on that inclement night to place the seal of approval on the union of this fortunate pair.  The outside gloom was dispelled after entering brightly lighted parlors which afforded a brilliant scene of fair faces and rich dresses.  There were decorations of fresh evergreens and fragrant flowers, and we seemed to hear good wishes spoken from beneath the fairy marriage bell.  In a near-by room, massed upon a side table, were testimonials of love and appreciation, rare and costly gifts, drawing the interested glances of many bright eyes, making a picture rich and variegated.  The impressive ceremony was performed in faultless manner by the Rev. Ward T. Sutherland, at 8 o'clock.  The bride was tastefully attired in a cream colored crepon dress which suited well her ever pleasant face. The groom advanced with a breezy, business air, not as "one more unfortunate," but as a man whose heart was there because his treasure was.  He was garbed in the usual suit of somber hue.  After cordial congratulations and best wishes had been tendered, all were invited to tables replete with varied delicacies.  Appropriate toasts were "The nuptial bonds-may they never depreciate," and "Many happy returns of the evening we celebrate;" also, "Young ladies think they Miss it by not, while many a married lady is sure she Mrs. it in being married." and "New occasions teach new duties."  Finally, "Our idea of a heroine; an educated American woman who does her own housework."  Thus ended, not a "quiet," but a gay home wedding.  There are no others like it.  Can any ;picture be so enchanting as such a scene?  The gloomy, unsympathetic church, the solemn cloister, may answer when there is no home where the children were brought up and educated among youthful associations most dear. If there by any performance that should take place at home it is the sacred act of marriage.  Doubly fortunate they who can wed beneath the roof of their birth as the choicest, most sacred spot.  It is not difficult to approve the sentiment of one who wrote:

"Of earthly goods the best is a good wife;

A bad the bitterest curse of human life."