Marriages (September 11)

At 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, the beautiful and simple Methodist Episcopal marriage ceremony was performed by Rev. T.F. Hall, on N.E. Barton, of Afton [Chenango Co., NY], and Miss Carrie J. Strong, of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  Every seat in the Methodist Episcopal church was filled with handsomely dressed guests Wednesday, as the waning afternoon was approaching the twilight of an incoming evening.  The fury of an April inclemency had obscured the sun, yet the radiant brightness of happy countenance and sparkling eye, infused with the good wishes and sympathy toward the event of holy happiness, substituted gleams that did not cloud the joy nor mar the scene of anticipated hopes.  The church was darkened by the emblematic service of evergreens obstructing the shedding light as it struggled for recognition through the windows.  The light of night made it a fashionable full dress wedding.  Without nature was covered with crystallized snow which was beautiful in its significance as indicative of the purity and sanctity of the event within.  The resonant and song-like strains of Mendelssohn's wedding march, executed by Geo. E. Carr, of Afton, at the organ, gave the signal of the arrival of the wedding party.  Slowly up the center aisle preceded by the ushers, Rev. F.E. Walton, of Afton, and C.H. Clark, Miss Lillian Hollenbeck, the bridesmaid, and Mr. William Steele, of New York, as best man, came the bridal party.  The bride was robed in a gown of exquisite right blue silk, trimmed in rich, heavy cream lace.  Over her was a most delicate and flowing veil.  The bridesmaid was attired in a rich and expensive light yellow alba-tross.  When the altar was reached, the ushers, bridesmaid and best man separated, allowing the bride and groom to stand before the presence of the pastor, Rev. T.F. Hall, who read in accents clear, articulate and impressive, the marriage vow.  After the benediction, the groom turned and parted the veil, taking his wife, departed down the aisle, followed by the admiring eyes of the people, amid the perfume of flowers and choice decorations.  Mr. and Mrs. Barton and party, were immediately driven to Afton.  The reception was held in the evening, from 8 to 12 at "Walnut Place," the home of N.E. Barton.  It was a memorable affair, long to be remembered in the history of society events in Afton.  Fifty friends of the bride and groom from Bainbridge, and with their large number of friends in Afton, assembled together in happy union of expressions of congratulations and best wishes to the newly married couple.  The interior of "Walnut Place" emitted a charm of pleasing appreciation.  The tinged and variated light, the heavy draperies, the luxurious trimmings, the handsomely dressed women, the genial men, presented a scene of great beauty.  The cup of joy was touched by every lip, and the atmosphere of mirth was exhilarating to gladdened hearts and cheerful spirits.  There were evergreen, palms, similax, roses, hyacinths and lilies, tastefully arranged in profusion.  Mr. and Mrs. Barton stood in the south end of the reception room beneath a large bell of evergreens and roses.  By the side of them stood the bridesmaid, Miss Hollenbeck and Mr. Steele, the best man, while music filled the ears of the guests.  They were presented and there were hearty and cordial wishes that brightness and roses might adorn the highway of their wedlock.  Refreshments were served by a caterer from Binghamton, and thereafter music and song concluded the evening.  The floral decorations and trimmings were from the Riverside Gardens, at Binghamton.  The gifts to the bride were many and beautiful, consisting of a quantity of silverware, jewelry, cut glassware, oil paintings and fine linen.  During the evening, the bride wore a rich diamond pin and a valuable gold watch and chain, gifts to her by the groom.  She was dressed in a light blue silk evening dress and carried a bunch of white roses. The best man, bridesmaid, ushers and organist were recipients of unique and pretty souvenirs from the groom, in the design of a spoon, on which was engraved the residence of "Walnut Place."  N.E. Barton is the editor of the Afton Enterprise and one of the most prominent and popular citizens in Afton.  He has built up that paper, through reverses and misfortune, to a high standard among journals.  Miss Carrie J. Strong was a pretty and highly esteemed young lady in Bainbridge and loved by the circle of her many friends in which she moved.  [Notation:  April 11, 1894]

Mr. and Mrs. E.L. Doolittle of Afton [Chenango Co., NY] have announced the marriage of their daughter, Argarette, to Ray L. Flint of this city.  The ceremony took place in the First Presbyterian church, Scranton, Thursday.  Mr. and Mrs. Flint will make their home in this city.  [LMD notation:  April 23, 1921]

Miss Georgia LaBarre, daughter of Mrs. Reva Parks of 49 Washington avenue, became the bride of Walter Benedict, son of Mr. and Mrs. Floyd Benedict of 40 Kentucky avenue, Sunday afternoon at 3 o'clock in Union Baptist church with the Rev. Lester D. Huxtable officiating.  Attending the bride were her aunt, Mrs. Thomas Brennan, who was matron of honor, Miss Cora Jackson and Miss Hazel Lenox, bridesmaids, Geraldine Marie and Valerie Ann Parks were flower girls.  Bridegroom's attendants were Roselle Thorne, best man, and Robert Thorne, Glen Morton, Reynolds Johns and Theodore Spencer, ushers.  The bride was given in marriage by her brother, Ernest Parks, and wore a gown of white georgette over satin fashioned with a shirred bodice and short train.  She wore a tulle veil held in place by a tiara of pearls which had been made from her mother's wedding gown.  She carried white roses.  Matron of honor was attired in orchid net over matching taffeta.  Her bouquet was of yellow roses, Miss Jackson and Miss Lenox were dressed alike in net redingotes over taffeta, Miss Jackson in blue, Miss Lenox in pink.  They carried pink roses and delphinium.  Flower girls wore floor length frocks fashioned like those of the bridesmaids, Germaine in blue and Valerie in pink.  Mrs. Parks was attired in navy blue with white accessories and a corsage of sweet peas.  Mrs. Benedict, the bridegroom's mother, wore a printed georgette dress with white accessories and a corsage of sweet peas.  More than 150 guests attended the reception following the ceremony.  Mr. and Mrs. Benedict left for a motor trip through the northern part of the state.  For traveling Mrs. Benedict wore a navy blue and red ensemble and white accessories.  After Aug. 4 the couple will reside in 18 Sherman avenue, Sidney [Delaware Co., NY].  [LMD notation:  July 29, 1940]

Wedding in late summer is planned by Miss Ruthe M. Baxter, whose parents, Mr. and Mrs. D.B. Baxter, 10 Burton avenue, have announced her engagement to Wilbur D. Lee of Bainbridge [Chenango Co., NY].  The wedding will take place Aug. 17.  [LMD notation:  1940]

Miss Ruthe M. Baxter