Our Golden Wedding, on the above date, was most entirely a success; there was far greater demonstration than at the real one 50 years before. Nearly 100 assembled in the Barn which was decorated, well lighted and good music. Our Company consisted of Cottage Tenants to Dinner—Old English fare. After dinner they fetched their wives, and children over 12 years. At six o’clock all sat down to Tea, three long tables prepared with cold sliced Beef, sausage Rolls, Tarts, cakes, fifty dozen Tartlets, mince pies, Baked custard and Apple Pies.

My son Willie then made a little speech, and the Bride and Groom led off the Dance, a few couples down and retired. Oranges, outs, cakes beside a large wedding cake, which went round three times, with Punch, Rum and Water etc. Added to the great enjoyment was that the Hall Party threw themselves into the People’s pleasures. A young and elegant lady, who had just returned from Germany, where she had attended the Court Balls, was seen dancing with the Gardener, and Country Policeman, provided to keep order, but he never ceased dancing when he could, leaving order to take care of itself. Willie was waltzing with the Cook. George Peilman with the Nursemaid. Indeed when I beat a retreat home to supper, thinking we might be some restraint upon the movements of the Barn Party, it acted like a blanket thrown over them.

The absurd part was that several of our friends brought presents to us—quite unnecessary at our age. I had a beautiful old Gold Brooch, an elegant letter weight, black marble inlaid with sprays of orange blossom and jasmine, very beautiful, and my old Husband had a very handsome and expensive Carriage Rug and other nice presents. We had luncheon with our friends at 2 o’clock. The cake had a wreath of Orange blossom and a spray on the top. The village was alive with Flags — I am thankful it is over; but the remembrance of the Party will never be forgotten, as long as one of those attended it lives.