Manufacturers and Farmers Journal, December 6, 1886

EAST PROVIDENCE

Golden Wedding

 

Mr. and Mrs. Isaiah Hoyt on Wednesday celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their wedding, at their residence in Rumford. The reception began at 3 p.m. and continued until 7 in the evening.

During these hours the house was besieged by invited guests, who were continually coming and going and paying their compliments to the happy couple. The guests were composed of some of the town’s most influential and respected citizens and relatives and acquaintances from other states. Prominent among the guests present were Messrs. A.A. Folsom, Superintendent of the Boston and Providence road and George Greene, Superintendent of Transportation on the same road, and Rev. L.S. Woodworth, of the Congregational Church. A table in one apartment was laden with elegant and costly presets, consisting of gold and silver gifts and paintings. Tables with refreshments were set, and during the afternoon as each guest arrived he was seated down to partake of the luxuries. A number of literary selections were given. Rev. L.S. Woodworth read a biographical sketch of Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt, and Mr. A.N. Cunningham read an original poem entitled “The Golden Wedding.”

Mr. Hoyt was born in New Hampshire and came to Boston when he was 20 years of age. The Boston and Providence road was at that time beginning the construction of this branch, and Mr. Hoyt was employed as foreman of the laying of the track. His business calling him to East Providence, he became acquainted with Mrs. Hoyt, then Miss Bishop, a daughter of Ebenezer Bishop, he was subsequently married in New York. Shortly after his marriage the couple returned and took up their residence in Rumford, where for the past fifty years they have passed their days, surrounded with every possible luxury and comfort. He continued in the employ of the Boston road as Superintendent of Repairs. Without interruption, he had been for fifty years continuously in the employ of this road, and today is still filling the same position with the same life and energy that characterized his labors in his younger days. His faithful labors while in this company’s service have not been overlooked. He has always been held in high esteem by his employers and ever respected by those under his charge. As an evidence of this esteem, a short time ago Mr. Hoyt received a letter, worded in the most complimentary terms, from the Boston and Providence Company, enclosing a check for $500, in recognition of his honorable career. At the same time those in his employ assembled at his residence and presented him with a handsome gold watch.

Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt have been prominent members of the Congregational Church at Rumford for the past forty-three years. At the reception yesterday Mrs. Hoyt was attired in the dress she wore when she was married: the color was ashes of roses. It was not altered in the least from her wedding day. In the evening the grounds and residence were brightly illuminated. Mr. Hoyt still enjoys excellent health, but his wife has been ailing for some time past. As the guests came and went the aged and happy couple were the recipients of many congratulations on their long life of unalloyed happiness, and all wished Mr. and Mrs. Hoyt many more years of uninterrupted happiness in married life.