Maggie & Moe - 50th Anniversary

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My parents, Maurice and Margaret Quinton, were married on Saturday June 11, 1938 and 50 years later celebrated their 50th anniversary with an event on Saturday July 9 with family and friends in Walter's Falls where they were married and where they lived together. We had a lunch at the nearby Talisman Inn and a big party and dance that evening at the Walter's Falls Community Center. The photo album at left documents some of the event.

Margaret Ellen Dixon (February 5, 1920) was born and raised in the village of Walter's Falls and would have been 18 years old at the time of the wedding. Maurice Watson Quinton (April 19, 1914) was born and raised on the nearby family farm in Euphrasia Township. The farm is not quite a mile outside of Walter's Falls on the Deviation Rd just past the ball park. Dad would have been 24 when they married and they lived together on the farm which they managed with Richard Quinton, his father.

Their children were: Ellen Alberta (1938), Larry Russell (1940), Anthony Walter (1945), David Maurice (1947), Reginald Emerson (1952), Dale Dixon (1954) and Paul Finley (1958). All were in attendance with their family for this celebration.

I have a type written writeup of the event found in family notes and records. I suspect it was prepared by both of them for the local newspapers. I have typed it up with minor corrections:

After celebrating their 50th. Wedding Anniversary Mr. and Mrs. Maurice Quinton of Walters Falls, returned from holidaying in England, Wales and Ireland.

On July 9th. Maurice and Margaret celebrated their 50th. Wedding Anniversary with their family of one daughter Ellen, and six sons Larry, Anthony, David, Reginald, Dale, Paul and their families who arranged a dinner party at Talisman Resort, Kimberley 45 guests, immediate family and brothers and sisters of the honored couple, with their Rector Rev. A. and Mrs. Robertson. Guests arrived from Chilliwack, B.C., Kingston, London, Hamilton, Mississauga, Orangeville, Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa, Simcoe, New Hamburg, Mitchell, Markdale, Flesherton, Holland Center, Meaford and Chatsworth. 

Rev. Robertson offered the dinner Grace, Larry Quinton of Kingston the eldest son was M. C., Beier Pitts of Meaford proposed the toast to the Bride and Groom of 50 years. Each family member spoke briefly of their childhood memories which brought laughs and tears. The family that plays together stays together. Father and Mother made fitting replies and sang, "When your hair has turned to silver, I will love you just the same." 

After a bountiful dinner all returned to the Community Centre, Walter's Falls where a decorated Hall of flowers, balloons, streamers, wedding bells, relatives and many friends greeted them with Best Wishes and Gifts. Those in attendance where from Schreiber, Sarnia, Brampton, Toronto, Iroquis Falls, Owen Sound, North Bay, Ottawa, Waterloo, Durham, Meaford and Markdale and areas.

Larry Quinton the M.C. welcomed all and introduced his friends the Dady Brothers from Rochester, N.Y. who entertained the young and the older guests with music and humor, dancing was enjoyed to music for all ages. 

Misses, Leslie, Natalie and Julia Quinton of Montreal, Ottawa and Kingston, daughters of Larry and Lori Quinton sang by special request for their Grandparents that beautiful song "Because." 

The family called their parents to the stage and presented a gift of English money for their holiday trip. Taken by surprise the parents offered their many thanks to them, and to all who made the celebration so meaningful and sange once more, "When you hair has turned to silver." A bountiful lunch was arranged by Jeananne Edmonstone a grand daughter and their daughter-inlaws Cathy Quinton, Lori Quinton, Gail Quinton, Kate Graham, Judy MacDonald and daughter Ellen Edmonstone. The Dady Brothers were given special thanks for their entertainment. 

Congratulatory certificates were received from The Premier of Ontario, The Prime Minister of Canada, The Governor General of Canada and Dr. Gus. Mitges, M.P.

Mr. and Mrs. David Quinton of Hamilton accompanied the Quinton's on their holiday trip. When in England they visited St. Peters Anglican Church Cemetery in Formby, and the grave of Sgt. Walter Dixon, a fighter pilot who gave his life for his country in the war of 1939-1945, a brother of Margaret and son of the late Russell and Mrs. Dixon of Markdale.

While in Ireland Mrs. David Quinton was pleased to attend Mass in the Church of her father John Delahunty of Ottawa attended as a boy in Templemore, Tipperary, and meet relatives for the first time.

The trip was most enjoyable, but there is no place like Canada, and all came back appreciating it more and more.

This note was prepared during the COVID-19 pandemic of 2021.