Rev. G. W. Crofts also furnished a timely and very beautiful poem. Because of his inability to attend the reception, he called upon the couple Monday afternoon and in a few well chosen words presented it to them. It was the production of the minister’s own pen, and handsomely written on embossed cardboard fastened with orange-tinted ribbons. The poem was beautifully illustrated by Miss S. D. Phere, the cuts being the representations of a well-spent life. Upon its receipt Mrs. Bloomer and her husband were greatly moved. The poem is as follows:
“1840. April 15. 1890.
“To Mr. and Mrs. Bloomer.
“The Psalmist says that he who goes forth with tears,
Conveying precious seed, shall doubtless come again
Rejoicing, bringing with him sheaves. ’Tis fifty years
Since you as one were made, and out upon the plain
Of Life’s great field together moved, ‘mid hopes and fears,
And in your faithful bosoms bearing golden grain.
“To-day you come with sheaves, oh rich and golden sheaves!