Hathaway – Thompson Marriage 1914

HATHAWAY, THOMPSON

Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 10/30/2024 at 11:22:37

Source: Decorah Republican Sept. 24, 1914, P2 C4

HYMENEAL.
An open-air wedding took place Saturday, Sept. 19th, 1914, at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Thompson near Fayette, Mr. M. Lee Hathaway, formerly of Ridgeway, and Miss Jessie C. Thompson of Fayette being the principals.
The wedding was a complete surprise to everybody, even the guests. The reunion of the Thompson family was in progress at the Ralph Thompson home when about the noon hour three automobiles containing the bridal party drove into the yard, and almost before the guests knew what was happening they were witnessing the marriage ceremony. This was performed by President R. W. Cooper of the Upper Iowa University, who, with the bride and groom, stood in the car in which the ride from town had been made. The car was surrounded by the entire body of relatives and immediate friends as the words of the ceremony were said, then the assembly was photographed, and congratulations followed. The bride wore a beautiful gown of embroidered net over white taffeta, and carried a bouquet of roses. The groom was attired in black.
There were about seventy present at the reunion and wedding, and following the ceremony all sat down to a picnic dinner on the lawn, where an hour or more passed in festivities suitable to the occasion. Later in the afternoon the bridal party returned to Fayette. From there the bride and groom went to Elkader for a short visit at the home of Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Griffith, thence going to Chicago for a week’s stay, when they will return to Fayette to make their home. After their departure from the scene of the wedding the guests made up a substantial purse for the purchase of a wedding present.
Besides the reunion guests who witnessed the wedding ceremony those from out of town were Mrs. Hathaway of Ridgeway, mother of the groom; Mrs. Chester Williams of Calvin, N D., his sister, and Mr. and Mrs. H. L. Griffith of Elkader, Mr. Griffith being Mr. Hathaway’s partner in the Fayette County Leader, soon to be issued at Fayette.
The bride is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. A. H. Thompson of Fayette, and is known as a lady of numerous musical and artistic accomplishments, and of a happy disposition which has made her many friends. The groom has been a resident of Ridgeway, Iowa, all his life and is known as a young man of high integrity, clean personality and good business ability. For the past ten years he has conducted the Review at Ridgeway, in connection with this work being postmaster for the past three years.
The newly married couple have many friends who will wish them all happiness and prosperity in their years of life together.