"Y" Anniversaries

Yerkes, Mr./Mrs. Oliver (27 JUL 1907)

Surnames: YERKES
Sources: COLBY PHONOGRAPH (Colby, Wis.) 08/01/1907

It is our pleasant duty in this issue to chronicle an event, not uncommon the state at large, but to our little city it is the first in its history.

Saturday, July 27th, 1907 was the 50th anniversary of the marriage of our old and respected townspeople, Mr. and Mrs. Oliver Yerkes. A goodly portion of those years have been spent in Colby and vicinity, and the relatives and friends joined in the occasion to commemorate the day by arranging a surprise for them.

Owing to the large crowd which it would be necessary to accommodate the opera hall was engaged. The hall was very tastefully decorated with bunting and asparagus and every available space was filled with flowers and house plants; wires were strung from opposite corners of the hall, from which Chinese lanterns were hung. At the father end of the room a large Japanese umbrella was suspended, also hung with lanterns and beneath, with a background of geraniums, two rockers were placed for Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes to sit in and receive the guests. It was the wish of the relatives to make it as much of a surprise as possible, and it was a complete surprise to both.

Oliver attended the Odd Fellows Lodge as usual, intending after lodge to spend the evening with Mrs. Yerkes at E.L. Wicker’s, but when the lodge meeting was over, Oliver was piloted by E.L. to the hall and on entering was marched up to the front, where he beheld his bride of fity years ago awaiting him, who had in the meantime, by surprise, been taken to the hall by the ladies. He took his place beside her, and they received the hearty congratulations of between two and three hundred guests, there assembled.

Dr. D.R. Freeman acted as master of ceremonies, and introduced President John F. Sims of the Stevens Point Normal School, and an old Colby boy, who made a few appropriate remarks to the occasion, calling attention to the similarity of this occasion to the homecomings now so popular with cities and villages. He spoke of the influence of such lives on the community, and his thoughts were very well received. Hon. F.M. Jackson spoke on the progress and discoveries that have occurred during the last fifty year and of which they were witnesses. He spoke of the faces of old friends of the bride and groom now gone from the earth forever.

A very nice lunch was prepared and the next two hours were given over to eating, singing and visiting generally.

Near the close Prof. J.T. Sims of Edgar, in a few chosen words on behalf of the friends and relatives, present them with a gift as a testimonial of their esteem to which Oliver replied in a few well chosen words. Then Dr. Freeman, in a short but very appropriate speech, which the sentiment of all, said: "There may be lots of people older than uncle Oli and Aunt Kate, but there are none any better."

During the evening a vocal solo entitled, "We Are Growing Old Together," was rendered by Mrs. W.D. Bartell, and a quartet entitled, "I’ve Grown So Used to You," was rendered by the Misses Alma Harry and Belle Marsh, and Messrs. Gehrman and Laurence Firnstahl, after which there were sung many old songs by the audience, and one and all expressed themselves as having had a royal good time and the wish was that Mr. and Mrs. Yerkes might have many more pleasant anniversaries.

The attendance from the city and surrounding towns and villages was too large for us to attempt to publish the list, but those from afar, whom we caught on our tablet were: Mrs. L.A. Grow, Minneapolis; Hal Grow, Neillsville; Mr. and Mrs. John Loberg, Nelsonville; Mrs. Emiline Wicker, Mrs. Nettie Castner and daughter Ethel, Loyal; Mr. and Mrs. J.F. Sims, Mrs. Mary Moerke and daughter Georgie, Stevens Point; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph T. Sims, Edgar; Frank Wicker and son Harold, and Misses Ethel and Bernice Wicker, Medford.

Yoder, George & Lillian (50th Anniv. - 3 APR 1949)

Surnames: Yoder, Smith, Dietze, Schmidt Vircks, Larsen, Borck
Source: THORP COURIER (Thorp, Clark County, Wis.) 04/14/1949

The 50th anniversary of their wedding was observed on April 3rd, 1949 by Mr. and Mrs. George Yoder, former Gilman residents who are now making their home with their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. Delmar Smith in the town of Deer Creek.

The Smiths were hosts to 35 guests at the golden wedding celebration in her parents’ honor on Sunday. The guests included Mr. and Mrs. Richard Coates, Mr. and Mrs. Glen Coates, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Coates, of Thorp; Mr. and Mrs. Geo. Budzinski, Marshfield; Mr. and Mrs. Walter Verkuilen and family, Thorp; Mr. and Mrs. tom Larsen and family, Chetek; Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kapping, Stetsonville; Mr. and Mrs. Harold Schmidt, Westboro; Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Kavaugh, Mr. and Mrs. George Bushman, Mr. and Mrs. John Rossman, Gilman; Mr. and Mrs. Eugene Laurent, Medford; Mr. and Mrs. Art Shilts, Mrs. Ed Berchem, Boyd; Mrs. Frank Dietze, Miss Margie Vircks of Stetsonville.

Other guests in the evening were: Mr. and Mrs. Anton Rabida and Donavon, Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Montandon, Mr. and Mrs. Charles Lindbal, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Abegglen and Janet, Mr. and Mrs. Frank Dietze, Mr. and Mrs. Roland Dietze, Mr. and Mrs. Casper Stuessy and family, Mr. and Mrs. Herman Vicks, Mr. and Mrs. Ed Abegglen, Wm. Bricke, Mr. and Mrs. Oral Langteau and Lloyd.

Assisting Mrs. Smith with the meals were Mesdames Frank Dietze, Harold Schmidt and Misses Margie Vircks, Shari Larsen and Ivadcane Smith.

Mr. Yoder was born at Menomonie on Oct. 22, 1873. He was employed by the S. M. & P. Railroad Co. and the Soo Line, retiring in 1943. After completing 43 years of railroad service. He also was operating a small farm on the outskirts of the village of Gilman.

His wife, the former Lillian Borck, was born in Calumet Co. on June 20, 1882. They were married at Thorp and moved to Taylor Co. in 1910. Mrs. Smith is their only child. There are four grandchildren.

Mr. Yoder is a member of the Masonic Lodge.

Yost, Mr./Mrs. Wm. (1st - 1946)

Surnames: YOST LEITNER
Sources: Marathon County Register (Unity, Clark Co. Wis.) 03/01/1946

Relatives and a few friends gathered at the Wm. Yost home Tuesday evening to help Mr. and Mrs. Allen Leitner celebrate their first wedding anniversary. Mrs. Leitner was the former Helen Yost.

Young, Mr./Mrs. C.H (Gold - OCT 1937)

Surnames: YOUNG BARDEL SMITH SLOCUMB
Sources: The Loyal Tribune 21 October 1937

Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Young of Monango, North Dakota, marked the 50th anniversary of their wedding Sunday, surrounded by all their children, 16 grandchildren and relatives. The occasion was made happy when the members of their family entertained at dinner and open house at the home of their son-in-law and daughter, Mr. and Mrs. W. W. Bardell, a three course dinner being served at noon, when places were set for 55 family members and immediate relatives, followed by open house, when 54 additional friends called to offer felicitations.

The dinner was unique in that all guests were seated at one time, large tables being erected in each room and tastily appointed, yellow roses adorning the center of the tables and a gold color scheme being carried out in the place cards and other favors. The honor guests and the members of their immediate family were seated in one room at a table centered with a huge wedding cake which was presented to them by relatives from Minneapolis, and which served 100 people. Relatives were seated at large tables in other rooms. Dinner was served by Mrs. John Simmons, assisted by Misses Monteith and Young.

Following dinner, tea was served to friends, many of whom drove long distances to help Mr. and Mrs. Young celebrate the happy event. During the afternoon a mock wedding took place on the large out-door porch, the delightful weather making a perfect setting for the affair. Taking the part of the bride was Miss Gertrude Bardell and the groom was Eugene Young of Minneapolis. Miss Helen Krause was bridesmaid, Kenneth Smith the best man. Denis Anderson the ring bearer, Willard Young the ring carrier and Lyle Slocomb the preacher, all excepting the best man who was a cousin, being grandchildren of the guests

Coming from a long distance to attend the happy couple (3 lines unreadable) Mrs. Maude Briggs of Minneapolis, Minn. Frank and Dora Young and Eugene and Patricia of Minneapolis, Mr. and Mrs. John Young of Stanley, Wis., Mrs. Leonard Anderson and Mrs. Leonard Underhill, the honor guests’ two daughters of Lakeland, Fla., who arrived unexpectedly; Mrs. Ethel Morehouser and Carl Smith of Gemmell, Minn., Mrs. Minnie Bardell of Loyal, Wis., Mr. and Mrs. Rolf Campbell of Rockton, Ill., Mr. and Mrs. Al Garvin of Jamestown, N.D., and Mr. and Mrs. Walter Devore of Dawson, N.D.

Relatives from the immediate vicinity who were present other than Mr. and Mrs. Bardell, daughter Geraldine, and son Byrle, were Mrs. Young’s brother and sister-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Will Smith of Monango, their son and daughter-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Coral Young of Ellendale, their sons-in-law and daughters, Mr. and Mrs. Asa Slocumb and family of Monango and Mr. and Mrs. Harry Krause and daughter Helen of Fullerton, and a son, Gideon young of Lakeland, Fla., who has spent the past several weeks with his parents at Monango.

Mr. and Mrs. Oscar Astradson of Edgeley and Mr. and Mrs. Ed A. Bardell, their sons and daughters-in-law, Mr. and Mrs. Earl Bardell and Mr. and Mrs. Alvin Bardell of Cresbard, S. D., were also out of town country guests who were present at the reception.

For the occasion, Mrs. Young, the bride of 50 years ago, was charming in a white silk dress and wore a lovely corsage of yellow roses, while the half century old groom was dressed in a navy blue suit and wore a yellow boutonniere. Each one of their children wore a yellow rose while each grandchild wore a yellow chrysanthemum. The bride and groom who came from their home at Monango, were met on the road with an old-fashioned surrey and team, typical of the wedding day and driven by two coachmen, their sons Frank and John, who escorted them to the Bardell home. At the dinner the family history was read and appropriate toasts were given in their honor.

Mr. and Mrs. Young, who are 74 and 74 respectively, are enjoying unusually good health and on this, their golden wedding their many friends who have known them so long and well are happy to offer sincere congratulations and best wishes for many more years together.

Dickey County, N. Dak. Leader

 Young, Mr./Mrs. William F. (Gold – 1977) 

Surnames: Long, Vandehey, Monarski, Carpenter, Frane, Baumgartner, Kops, Luzinski

Source: Tribune/Phonograph (Abbotsford, Clark Co., Wis.) 02 Nov 1977

Young, Mr./Mrs. William F. (Gold – 18 Oct 1977)

An open house for Mr. and Mrs. William F. Young Sr., in honor of the couple’s 50th wedding anniversary was held Saturday, October 15, 1977 at the VFW clubhouse in Colby. On Tuesday, October 18 a mass was said at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Colby, for the couple who were married on that date in 1927 in the rectory of St. Bernard’s Catholic Church, Abbotsford.

Mr. and Mrs. Leonard Vandehey were attendants for the wedding, which was officiated by the Rev. Paul Monarski.

William Young, who was born December 23, 1901 at Colby and educated in schools there, is a hunting and fishing enthusiast. He is affiliated with the United Church of Christ.

His partner of 50 years, the former Evelyn Carpenter, was born November 4, 1909 at Fond du Lac and attended school there and at Longwood and Abbotsford. Prior to her marriage she was a long distance telephone operator at Abbotsford.

Mrs. Young Sr. is a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church, the Christian Mothers Society, and a homemaker club at Colby. She enjoys growing plants and flowers.

After their marriage the couple lived in Minocqua, where Young was a lineman for the telephone company. After moving to this area, Young was employed at the Colby Cheese Box Company for 15 years and was a mechanic for Kriplean Brothers for another 15 years. He also worked as mechanic at Schjoneman’s for five years.

The couple has seven children. They are: Mrs. John (Marjorie) Frane, Mrs. Vernon (Dorothy) Baumgartner, Mrs. LeRoy (Shirley) Kops, all of Colby, Mrs. Roger (Carol) Luzinski, Springfield, Illinois, and William, Richard and Louis, all of Colby. They are grandparents to 29 children and have two great-grandchildren. 

Ystad, Ralph/Eleanor (50th anniversary-25 October 1933)

Surnames: Ystad, Olson, Bragstad, Basile

Source: Marshfield News-Herald (15 August 1983)

Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Ystad of Greenwood, who were married October 25, 1933 in Winona, Minnesota, celebrated their golden wedding July 30 to enable all the children to attend. The reception, buffet dinner and dance were at the Loyal American Legion Hall.

Ystad, son of Mr. and Mrs. Hans (Jorgina) Ystad, was born at Greenwood and attended schools in that area. His wife, the former Eleanor Olson, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John (Thora) Olson, was born in Neenah. She graduated in 1931 from Greenwood High School.

The Ystads farmed on Route 3, Greenwood, from 1935 to 1968, moving to the City of Greenwood in 1969. They are members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church.

Their children are Neil of Spanaway, Washington; Ronald of Nekoosa; Roger of Baraboo; and Gwen, West Allis. There are 14 grandchildren.

Attendants at their wedding were Bernard Bragstad and Jeanette Ystad Basile. 

Yunker, Mr. and Mrs. George (Golden - 1980)

Surnames: Yunker

Source: Clark County Press (Neillsville, Clark Co., WI) 7/17/1980

Mr. and Mrs. George Yunker, former Christie residents, celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the American Legion Hall in Neillsville, July 12. A great number of friends and neighbors enjoyed a dinner and an evening dance. The Yunkers have two daughters, Alice of Wis. Rapids and Mary of Tucson, Ariz., who hosted the party for their parents.

Flossie and George are in relatively good health. They moved from this area some 30 years ago and are now retired in Tucson.