JANUARY 9, 1913
A BRILLIANT HOME WEDDING
Clark E. Young and Miss Bessie A. Griffin Joined for Life.

NEARLY NINETY GUESTS ARE PRESENT

One of Most Elaborate Social Affairs in Years - Couple Away on Months Trip - To Live in Buckingham

In one of the most brilliant and elaborate weddings known in Traer in years, Clark E. Young and Miss Bessie A. Griffin were made husband and wife at 7 p.m. Wednesday last. The affair was at the bride's beautiful home in east Traer, where nearly ninety guests had gathered to witness the event. Rev. Dilman Smith, of Grundy Center, officiated, assisted by Rev. E.G. Copelnad, of this city. When the guests arrived they found the home charmingly decorated under the supervision of Mrs. W.J. Ladd. The open stairway was wound in smilax and potted plants decorated the various landings. White carnations graced the mantel and colonades. The reception hall, library and parlor were decorated with smilax in green, and potted plants, white and yellow. The ceremony was performed in the parlor beneath a canopy of smilax, narcissus and oak leaves.

As the clock struck 7 Miss Dorothy Daniel faultlessly sang "Because," then from the head of the stairway was heard "All, All for You," sung by Mrs. Will Fee, of Carroll township, a school friend. At its close appeared six ribbon bearers, dressed in white, who sang the bridal chorus as they descended the stairway. These were Misses Margaret McCornack, Nellie Woolley, Grace Young, Georgia Brown, Jean Wilson and Martha Morison. Following them came the flower girl, Wilma Ladd, carrying sweet peas and hyacinths along the bridal path. The ring bearer, Little Isabel Ames, a niece of the groom, followed, carrying the ring hidden in a calla lily. Rev. Dilman Smith attended the groom and the bride, accompanied by her father, and carrying a large shower bouque of lilies of the valley, calla lilies and white lilacs, joined the groom beneath the canopy. The ring service was used and a ceremony in rhyme, the bride and groom repeating the vows as read by the minister. Prior to the service Lohengrin's wedding march was softly rendered by Miss Ruth Thomas. Miss Daniel also sang the bridal chorus as congratulations were given.

A dainty three course luncheon was served, the same color scheme prevailing in the dining room, where the bridal table was set for ten. Above the table were two white doves and a huge bouquet of narcissus. Miss Vera Winters had charge of the dining rooms, Marian McKerral and Ralph Griffin waiting upon the bridal table. Hilda Morse, Alice Ladd, Addie Ulstad, Edith Pratt, Lois Harrington and Florence Spiers were waitresses.

Each member of the bridal party received a gift made by the bride and each guest a dainty brass basket containing small portions of the bridal cake; the ribbon bearers handmade bags; pianist ivory clock; singers, hand painted plates. Even the waitresses were remembered.

The bride's gown was made of white satin charmuese and white brocaded satin, trimmed with pearl beads, with a complete bodice of imported hand made lace. She wore a string of real pearls, a gift from the groom. She never looked more attractive and probably was never so happy unless it was when Clark suceed [sic] in asking the momentous question.

At the close of the luncheon, Mrs. L.E. Adams sang "A Perfect Day," and as the company were departing Mrs. Will Fee sang "Felice."

The bride is the only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. H.B. Griffin, long residents of Geneseo, now of Traer. She graduated from Traer high school and the Teachers' college at Cedar Falls, then did good work at teaching in Idaho and Iowa. She is a charming Christian young lady and equipped also to do her part in the practical duties of life. The groom is the only son of Mr. and Mrs. James H. Young, of Buckingham, and a young man of the best of habits. He is a worker, has a business head and is devoted to agriculture. The couple will take charge of the Young farm next month, and will be happy and succesful. They left on the C. & N.C. night train for a trip to consume three or four weeks. They go south and west, to New Orleans among other places, thence by boat to New York and home by rail. Soon after their arrival Mr. and Mrs. Young will come to Traer to occupy their residence, which is fully furnished and in readiness.

Transcriber notes: Date of Wedding: 1913 Bessie Amanda Griffin: Born 13 Jan 1888; Died 1949. Sister of John Griffin who married Maud Young, sister of Clark Young.

Submitted by: Carol Baumeister (carolbau@lmi.net)