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Virden, Man., Aug. 27.—Virden was the scene of an unique event Saturday when Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Higginbotham celebrated the 60th anniversary of their wedding. It was the first occasion such an event had occurred In Virden, and during the afternoon and evening 200 citizens of the town and surrounding country called to pay their respects. All day long letters and telegrams of congratulation poured in from friends and relatives in different parts of

Canada

Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham received their friends in the spacious drawing-room of their home, which was beautifully decorated with sweet peas, gladiolus, roses and flowering plants, the gift of the Ladies' Aid of St. Paul's United church and their numerous friends. During the evening an illuminated address was presented to Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham on behalf of the congregation of St. Paul's United church.

Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham were married at Bowmanvllle, Ont., Aug. 25, 1874, and afterwards moved to Oshawa, where Mr. Higginbotham was in business as a druggist until 1889. He served on the council at Oshawa for several years, and both were very active in everything that pertained to church and community life of that growing town.

The lure of the west brought Mr. Higginbotham to Virden in 1889, where he continued his pharmacy business until 1908 when he retired from business to become postmaster, a position which he occupied with universal satisfaction until 1930 when he tendered his resignation.

Mrs. Higginbotham has been very active in church and hospital work and for many years filled important positions on the boards of both institutions. In fact there has been no phase of community life during the past 45 years with which both Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham have not been actively and intimately identified.

Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham have three children, Mrs. E. E. Meek and Mrs. D. A. McNeven, both of Regina, and A. E. Higginbotham, who has been mayor of Virden for the last three years. A pleasing feature of the event was that all the immediate members of their family were present. Among those present from a distance were Rev. and Mrs. Telfer and daughter, Gwen, of Dauphin; Mrs. Argue, Dauphin; Mrs. Ruttan, Hamiota; Mrs. E. E. Meek, Mr. and Mrs. M. C. Neven and daughter, Jean, of Regina. Many of those who called were in a reminiscent mood and recalled many humorous incidents and anecdotes of the pioneer days of the town. Although they have each passed the four-score mark, Mr. and Mrs. Higginbotham are enjoying excellent health and are still active in all that pertains to the welfare of the community.

Miss Ina Hogg, daughter of Rev. Mr. Hogg, pastor of St. Andrew's church, Winnipeg, was married to J. F. Higginbotham, jeweler, of Brandon; the ceremony was performed by the bride's father, assisted by Rev. R. P. Bowles, of Grace church.

Among the very petty first of June weddings was the one celebrated at Maple Grove farm, Oak Lake, when Jennie, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. John Higginbotham, was united in marriage with Rev. John Wesley Johnston, Methodist minister of Oak Lake. It was a home wedding, and the big drawing room was handsomely decorated for the occasion with potted plants and wild flowers. When the guests were all assembled, the bride entered the room leaning on the arm of her father and preceded by her bridesmaid, Miss Mawden, of Brandon, and her two little nieces, Alite Higginbotham of Winnipeg, and Eva Higginbotham of Weyburn, as flower girls, while Mrs. John Higginbotham played the bridal chorus from Lohengrin. The groom was attended by Mr. James Higginbotham, brother of the bride. The ceremony was performed by Rev. J. W. Dickinson, of Virden. Immediately after the ceremony, to the strains of the wedding march, the company proceeded to the dining room, where a sumptuous wedding dinner was served. The usual toasts were omitted to permit of the happy pair catching the noon train for Winnipeg, where they will send the honeymoon the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Higginbotham, 685 Broadway.

The Higginbotham family are pioneers of the Oak Lake district, and have also a wide circle or friends and relatives in eastern

Canada

, every one of whom seem to have remembered the bride. The display of silver and cut glass being almost bewildering,

The wedding guests were confined to the immediate relatives and friends of the family, and those from a distance were Mr. and Mrs. J. D. Higginbotham, Brandon; Dr. and Mrs. Kirk, of Oak River; Mr. John and Miss Tena Higginbotham, Weyburn; and Mr. and Mrs. Geo. A. Higginbotham and family, Winnipeg.

The bride's wedding gown was a dainty affair of white organdie over taffeta with elaborate trimmings of lace, and with it she carried a shower bouquet of white roses, lilies of the valley and carnations. Her going away gown was a smart tailored suit of grey tweed with toque of fancy straw to match. The bridesmaid wore blue voile with decoration of white lace and carried a bouquet of pink carnations, The dear little flower girls looked very sweet in quaint and dainty frocks of India lawn.

A wedding of interest was solemnized at 10.45 a.m., Saturday, Sept. 14, in the United church, Oak Lake, when Marion Ellen, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Higginbotham, Oak Lake, was united in marriage to Mr. Ernest Gordon Stevens, son of Mr. and Mrs. R. F. Stevens, Oak Lake. The church was beautifully decorated for the occasion. The ceremony was performed by Rev. D. D. Millar, Oak Lake.

The bride, who was given in marriage by her father, was gowned in a crisp pale green taffeta gown, floor length, made on mermaid lines, interest being concentrated on the bodice and skirt draped in the viannet manner. Her hat, a small French turban of tulle, was trimmed with plated tulle and shoulder veil of bridal net. Her gloves and shoes were of matching tones. She carried a large bouquet of deep red Talisman roses, fern and lily of the valley. The bride was attended by her sister, Miss Margaret Higginbotham, while the bridegroom was supported by Mr. W. Montgomery, Winnipeg. Following the ceremony Miss Ruth Parsons sang "Because." Guests numbering 45 attended the reception held at the bride's home.

For travelling the bride donned an ensemble of beige rose crepe. She wore a forward brim brown velvet hat, brown accessories and a corsage of cream roses. After a short honeymoon in Winnipeg the couple will take up residence in Portage la Prairie.

PINCHER CREEK, Dec. 27.—The United church was the setting for a pretty wedding on Thursday afternoon, December 26, at 5 o'clock, when Margaret Hannah, younger daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Wilfred Higginbotham of Pincher Creek, became the bride of Charles Alfred Enes, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph Enes of Spring Point. Rev. N. W. Whitmore, E.A., officiated.

The bride was charming in a flowing gown in pastel green shade and carrying a bouquet of Talisman roses and was attended by Miss Amy Brown of Blairmore in rose peach attire and carrying roses. The groom was supported by his brother, Mr. Joseph Enes. Mrs. Wm. Graham played the wedding march, and during the signing of the register Mr. A. B. McMurdo gave a fine rendering of "O Promise Me." A large number of relatives and friends were present.

A sumptuous wedding breakfast was served at the home of the bride's parents, when covers were laid for twenty-five guests.

After a short honeymoon trip to Lethbridge and points in the district, Mr. and Mrs. Enes will settle on the farm at Spring Point. Hearty congratulations and good wishes are extended.

Mr. and Mrs. August Hockstein of Pincher Creek announce the marriage of their daughter, Josephine, to Frederick Higginbotham, on June 2nd, at St. Patrick's church, Lethbridge, Rev. Fr. Madden officiating.

Oak Lake, Man.-St. Alban’s church was the scene of a lovely wedding August 25, when Lila Arlie, second daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Russell Hogg, Oak Lake, became the bride of Mr. John Frederick Higginbotham, only son of Mr. and Mrs. A. E. Higginbotham, Virden, Man. Rev. J. L. Adams officiated.

The bride was gowned in brocaded organza over satin, buttoned down the back. The bouffant skirt ended in a sweeping court train. Leg o’ mutton sleeves ending in lily points and a sweetheart neckline accentuated the fitted lines of the waist. The French net veil was held in place by a tiara of seed pearls. Her shower bouquet was of white roses and lilies of the valley.

Mrs. K. R. Doherty attended her sister as matron of honor. Her gown was of shell pink flowered organdie over taffeta, cut on 13^th century lines.

Miss Rubie Hogg, sister of the bride, was bridesmaid. Her address was identical 18^th century in summer blue. Both attendants wore picture hats trimmed to match the gowns and carried delphiniums and pink roses.

Mr. Fred Sanford, Virden, attended the bridegroom, and Mr. Rayden Lee and Mr. Everett Williams were ushers.

Miss Elsie Parsons sang “Because” while the registered was being signed. She was accompanied by Mrs. T. Story, who played throughout the service. The church was decorated with pink gladioli. The guest pews were tied with white tulle bows and sweet peas. The choir took part in the service.

A reception was held at the home of the bride’s parents, where a buffet luncheon was served to 70 guests.

Mr. and Mrs. J. W. Higginbotham, who celebrated their 67^th wedding anniversary on their grandson’s wedding day, were toasted by the bride’s father.

The bride’s traveling costume was a fitted suit of Roseda green whipcord with London tan.

The honeymoon will be spent at Blendwood lodge, on Lake Mary Louise, the summer home of Mr. and Mrs. A. G. Pounsford, Port Arthur, Ont.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. A. J. Kennedy at Gladstone, Man., was the scene of a pretty wedding, April 10, when Rev. C. D. Rupp, of Winnipeg, united in marriage their elder daughter, Rhoda Lorraine, and Mr. George Allyn Higenbottam, only son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Higenbottam of Brandon.

The bride wore a frock of Alice blue crepe featuring a shirred bodice and bracelet-length sleeves. Her corsage was of gardenias and forget-me-nots.

The wedding music was played by Mrs. J. D. Rogers and during the signing of the register Miss Rae Ellis sang Because. A reception followed the ceremony.

Vases of gladioli decorated St. Michael’ Roman Catholic Church for the recent marriage of Joleen Ann Higginbotham, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Higginbotham of Pincher Creek, to Mr. Roger Brandl, son of Mr. and Mrs. L. Brandl of Clive.

Rev. Father Michaud of Brocket performed the marriage ceremony. Organist was Mrs. Gerald Stuckey and soloist was Miss Doris Robbins. A duet was sung by Miss Sharon Hochstein and Miss Gay Bonertz.

Given in marriage by father, the bride chose a semi-formal gown of white nylon lace and net with fitted bodice. Her chapel veil fell from a cap of sequins and pearls and she carried a bouquet of red roses.

Her bridesmaid, Miss Marilyn LeGrandeur, chose a blue nylon dress and carried a bouquet of white daisies.

The groom's brother, Mr. Victor Brandl was best man. Ushers were Mr. Earl Higginbotham and Mr. Lorne Higginbotham.

The reception was held for 30 guests at the home of the bride's parents where the toast to the bride was proposed by Father Michaud. Master of ceremonies was Mr. Marcel Hochstein.

For the occasion, the bride's mother wore a brown crepe dress with orange accessories and a gardenia corsage. For travelling on a honeymoon to British Columbia and the

United States

, the bride changed to a gold wool fitted suit with a green coat, brown accessories and corsage of roses.

Hochstein of Edmonton and Mr. and Mrs. Antony Bonertz and Mr. Lawrence Halpin of Creston, B.C.

Baskets of white and yellow mums decorated St. Michael's Roman Catholic Church with the pews marked with pink carnations mounted on white ribbon for the double ring ceremony of Miss Gloria Jean Biron, daughter of Mrs. A. G. Biron and the late Mr. Biron, and Earl Higginbotham, son of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Higginbotham, all of Pincher Creek. Father Hes1ey of Cowley performed the ceremony with Mrs. Gerald Stuckey the organist accompanying soloist Mrs. Stan Judd and Mrs. G. McGlaughlin, sisters of the bride.

The bride, given in marriage by her brother wore a floor length white brocaded satin gown with a fitted bodice lily point sleeves and square neck line. Her pauffe, illusion veil misted from a jeweled crown of harelips and rhinestones and she carried a bouquet of a white orchid mounted on a silver star, and red rose buds and white carnations from the bouquet.

Bridal attendants, Lorraine Zoratti and Marlene LaGrandeur wore identical gowns of gold and green satin with a lace flounce and matching chapel veils. Their bouquets were of white carnations and matching variegated ribbons. Flower girl Linda Jack, niece of the bride, was dressed in a tan brocade and taffeta dress with matching chapel veil. She carried a nosegay of white carnations.

Best man was Lorne Higginbotham with Lester Hochstein sharing the duties, and the ushers were Hugh Bonertz and Delmar Hochstein.

Toast to the bride was given by Father Healey at the reception held in St. Michael's Hall, and Mr. A. B. McMurdo proposed a toast to the parents.

For travelling to Las Vegas and points south the bride wore a two piece blue wool blend suit with white marabou hat and a white orchid corsage.

Mr. and Mrs. John Domvil Phillips of 234 Winchester St. announce with pleasure the engagement of their elder daughter Sandra Dorothea to John Allyn elder son of Mr. and Mrs. G. Allan Higenbottam of 438 Waterloo St. The wedding will take place on Saturday, November 20, 1965 at 4:30 p.m. in St. James Anglican Church, Portage and Collegiate.

St. George’s Anglican Church was the setting for a wedding, May 16, when Theresa Anne, eldest daughter of Mrs. Vera Ellwood of Virden, was united in marriage with Mr. John Edward Higginbotham, older son of Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Higginbotham of Virden. Archdeacon Murray Ames officiated at the candlelight ceremony. Mr. Peter Morris of Virden was soloist accompanied by Mrs. Douglas Graham.

Given in marriage by her brother, Mr. Wayne Ellwood, the bride chose a floor length gown of lagoda crepe and imported French lace over taffeta fashioned on empire lines. The bodice featured a round scoop neckline and lily point sleeves. A built-in cathedral train fell from gathers at the back of the neckline. A cluster of white silk flowers held a three-tier chapel veil of silk illusion. She carried a cascade of orange delight roses and stephanotis.

Mrs. Russell Hitchison was matron of honor and Mrs. Larry J. Clark, brides matron. Miss Debbie Ellwood was bridesmaid. They wore dresses of apricot crystal sheer over taffeta with jewel necklines and empire waistlines accented with a bow. Daisies formed the headdresses and they carried cascades of white daisies with apricot colored centers.

Mr. Ulysse Nevraumont was best man. Ushers were Mr. Larry J. Clark and Mr. Brock Higginbotham, brother of the groom.

The mother of the bride wore a powder blue French Chantilly lace sheath topped with a matching redingote, white accessories and a silver and blue cymbidium orchid corsage. The groom’s mother wore an imported dress of ivory silk and worsted shantung. Guipure lace trimmed the neckline and sleeves. Gold accessories and a gold cymbidium orchid corsage completed her ensemble.

Mr. Frank Ellwood of Kenosee Lake, Sask., uncle of the bride, proposed the toast to the bride at the reception held at the Canadian Inn.

For travelling, the bride chose a yellow and white fortrel dress-coat ensemble. The long-sleeved slim dress had a small rolled collar and dropped waistline. A matching sleeveless coat, white and yellow accessories and a corsage of sweetheart roses completed her ensemble.

A lovely home ceremony was solemnized Saturday, April 8, 1972 when Gillian Lorraine, only daughter of Mr. and Mrs. G. Allan Higenbottam, 4791 Timber Place, Victoria, B.C., was united in marriage with Wolfgang Karl Knells, elder son of Mr. and Mrs. John Knells of Prince George, B.C. The ceremony was performed by Dr. H. E. D Ashford.

The bride, given in marriage by her father, wore a floor length hooded gown of pink chiffon over silk. The long transparent sleeves were fitted with cuffs and the front and hood were trimmed with lace. Her only ornament was a cameo which had belonged to her great-great grandmother and was worn as a choker on a white velvet ribbon. She carried a cascade bouquet of white daisies and ivy.

Miss Bonnie Helm was maid of honor. She wore a long skirt topped with a matching blouse. The ensemble was of pink and white flowers on a dark background. She carried a semi-cascade bouquet of daisies and ivy.

A reception followed at the Olde England Inn. Mr. Victor Powley, uncle of the bride, proposed the toast.

Out of town guests included Mr. and Mrs. John Knells and their son Ralph of Prince George, Miss Marietta Schlief of Grande Prairie and Miss Sydney-Jayn Corbett of Bermuda.