JOHN AND ANN FLANAGAN'S
SIXTIETH WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

Sixty years of marriage! Married to the same person for sixty years! Married only once! That might seem a bit old-fashion for two people that not only had this as a goal in life, but successfully obtained their effort. Two people, without doubt, must have had their trying times and fragile moments during those many long years, but because of their devoted attachment and absolute faith for each other and their strong desire to meet all of their responsibilities of raising their family, they have reached a moment of time in their lives when they are rewarded in return, for many years of hard work, a sixtieth wedding anniversary celebration.

After reading the opening paragraph, one would have no choice but to assume that the two people briefly described are John and Ann Flanagan. To set truth to that assumption, yes, John and Ann are those two people who recently celebrated their sixtieth year of marriage and as planned an anniversary celebration was held in their honor May 23, 1987.

To facilitate this memorable occasion, John and Ann's sixtieth wedding anniversary celebration was held at Baron's Waterwheel Park near Manton, California. The Waterwheel Park, with its large shade trees presented a cool atmosphere, well-groomed grounds, fish pond, recreation area, antiques, very well designed barbecue and cooking area, picnic tables to accommodate the park's capacity, hosts that cooked and served without like or equal and the pleasant sounds and appearance of the lively creek moving rapidly by, made a remarkable setting for this gala event.

More fitting to the occasion than having such a delightful facility to host a reception of this magnitude was to have the anniversary party in Manton so that John and Ann could be surrounded by their unquestionably true friends that they have acquainted themselves with for the past thirty years; friends that have become an indispensable part of their lives.

May 23, 1987, the day of John and Ann's wedding anniversary celebration finally presented itself as planned, and as prayed for turned out to be a warm, pleasant day. Guests started arriving at Baron's Waterwheel Park around 12:00 noon and by 1:00 P.M. two hundred fifty of their good friends, sons and daughters, grandsons and grand-daughters, great grandsons and great granddaughters, a sister and brother-in-law and a nephew had arrived.

The festivity commenced with John Flanagan (son) saying a short prayer of thanksgiving and followed by a lavish open-air feast. Chicken barbecued to perfection surrounded by a variety of salads, baked beans and refreshments were skillfully served cafeteria style.

As guests were served they seated themselves at tables of their choice surrounding themselves with family and friends, and as chatting and laughter filled the dining area the delightful sounds of background music being played on a hand saw made an already wonderful occasion even more delightful.

After the meal was served, and as each guest had satisfied their hunger, the guests' attention was directed to a large covered bridge crossing the creek adjacent to the picnic area. The covered bridge, with its antique decorations, benches and picturesque setting made an ideal location for the anniversary cake to be cut and served. As friends and family joined in, John and Ann very proudly, showing jubilant expressions, cut their sixtieth wedding anniversary cake which had been created and decorated with excellence, especially for them.

The remainder of the afternoon was enjoyed by family and friends mingling from group to group talking and laughing as they nibbled on dessert and sipping their refreshments, while others joined in for fun playing horseshoes and other games.

As all glorious occasions end, guests started to leave the park and soon it had returned to its pleasant natural surroundings.

Present at John and Ann's anniversary party were:

Proper as it might be, a sixtieth wedding anniversary party must be celebrated by two people at a time and place to enable their family and friends to be with them to share a few happy moments. However, that which time does not allow at such events, it would only seem fair that we take a brief glance back through some of those sixty years and possibly earlier.

By Dick and Lou Thurman, August 1987

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