A Well-Known Citizen is Pleasantly Surprised.
Milton H. Howard attained the fiftieth year of his life on Sunday last, but of course Sunday is not exactly the day for a celebration. His friends therefore planned its observance on the day following. Monday the annual evening gathering given by Mrs Howard’s side of the house was expected, but, thanks to the now road to Canton, a little afternoon function was provided which Mr. How ard had in no way reckoned on.
That afternoon Mr Howard went to his labors as usual, and was busily engaged at the High school building when his daughter came to summon her father home, stating that there were some gentlemen at the house who wished to see him on very important business. Mr. Howard had been expecting a business call of this kind and hastened home. He stepped sturdily into the parlor to be confronted by a large gathering of his relatives, in which there were a goodly number of masculine representatives. The company came from Brockton, West Roxbury and other places.
Mr., Howard was completely surprised, but rose to the exigencies of the occasion and very pleasantly entertained his friends, giving his male relatives a drive about town. The company assembled presented him with a handsome and valuable dress suit case, also a very nice shaving-glass. Before boarding the cars for home the guests enjoyed a bountiful supper served on china which is an heirloom to Mr. Howard from his grandmother. The table was also graced with a large and beautiful birthday cake, bearing the legend, “1851-1901.”
In the evening Mrs. Howard’s relatives made their customary annual appearance and presented Mr. Howard with a very handsome clock. Refreshments were served and the evening spent in a pleasant social way. Miss Clara L. Capen presided at the piano, rendering very enjoyable music. All present wished Mr. Howard many happy returns of the day and expressed the desire that he might live fifty years longer.
(All articles originally published in the Norwood Messenger)