The old newspapers from by-gone days give us a good example of life during those years.  Today I share stories of two weddings and a silver wedding anniversary from The Daily Evening Bulletin of Maysville, Kentucky.  It sounds as if these events were planned for many weeks or months, and enjoyed by all who attended.  The description of clothing, entertainment and people who attended make these stories come alive!  Remember, in 1881, the ladies fashions were still long, flowing and elegant. 

from The Daily Evening Bulletin, Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky

Wednesday Evening, November 23, 1881

Corded Couples

Jones-Thomas

The main topic in Maysville society for the last week or two has been the approaching marriage of Miss Bessie Thomas to Mr. Robinson J. Jones, of Cincinnati.  They were married this morning at half-past ten o’clock in the Church of the Nativity, by the Rev. J. D. Powers, in the presence of a large gathering of invited friends.  Messrs. Hiram Pearce, Henry Chenoweth, George Bruce and Harry Talbott, popular society young gentlemen, acted as ushers and attendants.  The bridesmaids were Misses Anna Douglass January, Julia Chenoweth, Lottie Poyntz, Mary B. Pearce, Lizzie Cox and Lilian Frazee.

The bride was dressed in plain and brocade satin, veils and flowers and the bridesmaids in white mull, vallencienes and large Gainsborough hats trimmed with ostrich feathers.

The ceremony was brief, beautiful and very impressive.  As the newly wedded pair left the church the ushers gave their arms to the bridesmaids, leaving last the two youthful ones, Misses Cox and Frazee, who at the close of the ceremony came in front of the altar and standing at the side of the font made a picture worthy of the brush of Titian.

The presents were numerous and costly and the wedding breakfast a marvel of delicacies.

Mr. and Mrs. Jones left by the train at noon, for Cincinnati, accompanied by the best wishes of their many friends.

Gilmore – Blackery

The marriage of Miss Louisa C. Gilmore, one of our most charming and amiable young ladies to Mr. W. O. Blackerby, of Bracken County, took place at the residence of the bride’s mother, Mrs. S. M. Gilmore, this morning.  Rev. J. B. Glorieux performing the ceremony.  The wedding was a quiet one, only the immediate friends of the family being present.

from The Daily Evening Bulletin, Maysville, Mason County, Kentucky

Thursday Evening, November 24, 1881

From Ripley

The silver wedding of Mr. and Mrs. W. L. Mockbee, was an elegant social affair.  The invitations read from four to eleven p.m.  Most of the guests were married couples, and the older people availed themselves of the earlier hours of the evening.  The house was profusely decorated with flowers, many the gifts of friends.  Mr. and Mrs. Mockbee received in the large parlors, standing near the center.  On the right of Mr. Mockbee was his son, W. S. Mockbee, and his bride, (nee Miss Hattie Wiles), and Miss Mary Mockbee.  On the left of Mrs. M. were little Edward, Laura and Dora.  Their son Charles was indispensable in the dining room.  Mrs. Mockbee was attired in a most lovely silver-colored silk, trimmed with steel passamenterie and fringe.  She wore white lace fichu, white kid gloves and white flowers in her hair.  Mr. Mockbee wore a full evening dress of black, and white boutonniere.  The young ladies of the family, pure white.  It was a very charming group indeed.  Among the presents displayed – from associates and employees of the Champion Mills:  gold-lined fruit bowl and castor combined, from officers and the teachers of the M. E. Sunday School, of which Mr. Mockbee has long been superintendent.  The family gifts were as follows:

From Mr. and Mrs. Scott, silver cake basket.  From Charles Mockbee and his cousin, Miss Georgia Shaw, silver card receive and bouquet stand.  Dozen silver knives from W. S. Mockbee and wife.  Solid silver tablespoons from Mary Mockbee.  Teaspoons from Ed, drinking cup from little Laura and Dora.

There were very many other presents from friends at home and abroad, which we cannot here enumerate.

The tables were handsomely decorated and the supper beyond our pen to describe.  A nice feature of the entertainment was the presence at different times during the evening of all the employees of the Mills of which Mr. Mockbee is a large owner.  Many strangers from a distance were present.  Among them were Mr. Powers, wife and daughter, of Augusta, Kentucky.  Mr. and Mrs. Manker of Maysville, Kentucky.  Mr. and Mrs. Gazely of Decatur.  Mr. and Mrs. Johnson Miller of Russellville.

Stamm’s Band appeared about 10 o’clock and discoursed sweet music, and were most royally entertained.  A beautiful poem by Mrs. Snedeker was highly enjoyed by all.