Wedding Wednesday: Sullivan Golden Anniversary

Wedding Wednesday is a daily prompt at Geneabloggers that invites bloggers to display their ancestors’ old wedding photos, wedding invitations, and wedding announcements.

Doris Jean Strole, Laura and Will Sullivan, Jimmie Morris

A visit with my mother’s 2nd cousins Mary Lee Upton and Phyllis Carruthers, daughters of Elta Sullivan Farrar, solved the mystery of this photo. I had thought these were Sullivan grandchildren but they were not. The children were dressed to represent Laura and Will on their wedding day. The occasion was the Sullivans' 50th anniversary, an event that warranted detailed coverage in the local newspaper, The Page News and Courier. 

courtesy of
Mary Lee Upton

Golden Wedding

The adult Bible Class of the United Brethren Church, Shenandoah, Virginia, gave Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Sullivan a surprise celebration in honor of their golden Wedding anniversary at the church January 14, 1936.

The couple were met at the church door by a youthful bride and groom, Doris Jean Strole [niece of Pearl Sullivan Strole] and Jimmie Morrison [possibly Jimmie MORRIS, Laura’s great nephew], who escorted them to their seats to the strains of Mendelsohn’s Wedding March and sang “Put On Your Old Gray Bonnet.”

The choir then sang “Love’s Old Sweet Song.”

“Down By the Old Mill Stream” was beautifully rendered by Maxine Strole [granddaughter].

A reading, “Why We Go To Church,” was given by Miss Frances Knipple.

“When you and I Were Young, Laura,” was sung by the choir.

The couple’s Love Story was told, closing with Riley’s lovely poem, “That Old Sweetheart of Mine,” by Miss Fannie Louderback.

“Silver Threads Among the Gold” was sung by Mrs. Miller Davis and Mrs. Forest Racey [daughter Leota].

A beautiful family Bible, a gift from the Sunday School, was presented with an appropriate speech by Rev. Lee E. Sheaffer.

Then everyone was invited to the basement, where refreshments were served. The tables were artistically decorated, carrying out the color scheme of white and gold in the bride’s cake, candles, and favors.

Rev. Sheaffer made a jolly little speech and called on many others who responded with cheer and good wishes to the couple. Mr. Sullivan expressed his thanks and appreciation for the happy evening.

Many merry jingles were sung and time passed all too quickly bringing the parting hour.

Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan (nee Miss Laura Jollett) were born and reared near Swift Run, Virginia.

They were married fifty years ago, by Reverend Garrison at the bride’s home near Swift Run, January 14, 1886.

Their four children are: Mrs. J. W. Breeden, Roanoke; Mrs. Lewis Farris [should be FARRAR], of Shenandoah, Mrs. Forest Racey, of Rockingham, and Miss Floral Sullivan at home. [there were 5 children – Mrs. Clyde Strole was omitted]

Mr. and Mrs. Sullivan have lived many years in Shenandoah where they are loved and respected by a host of friends.

Wendy 

© 2016, Wendy Mathias. All rights reserved.