125 years ago in 1897

July weddings, picnics, and parties graced the pages of the Youngstown Vindicator, here are a few highlights:

• “A wedding takes place in the parlor at the Probate Court Office. An Italian couple joins hands for life in the presence of an appreciative gathering.

“The usually staid air of the probate court suite of rooms at the court house was not a little perturbed Saturday morning for a few minutes before and after 10 o’clock. There was a rustling of skirts in the corridors and this, with the noise of hurrying feet, told plainly that something unusual was going on.

“The truth of the matter was that all the young ladies of the different offices in the court house had read in Friday’s Vindicator that a wedding was to take place in the probate court’s wedding room, Saturday morning, and they have arranged with the young ladies in the probate office to phone them on the quiet when the wedding party arrived. The phoning was done and then there was a rush for front seats.

“The contracting partiers were Frank Marion and Congetta Mastronaardi, Italians who live in the city. The bridegroom was accompanied by four of his countrymen, beside the interpreter, and there were four fair daughters of Italy with the buxom and blushing bride.

“The interpreter talked aside with the deputy probate judge, J. W. Rogers, the usual questions were asked, and answered, the license was issued, a bill was passed to the deputy, and then an adjournment was taken to the front parlor.

“The bridegroom’s male companions were attendants for him, and the ladies who came with the bride, and the court house young ladies, were the bridesmaids. When all was ready, Justice Williams conducted the vital part of the ceremony which made the principals husband and wife. When all was over, there was a flutter among the feminine portion of the spectators and a sigh, as of the escaping excitement.

“The couple married appeared happy and everybody else present had congratulated the bridegroom and given their best wishes to the bride. The impromptu gathering broke up and young ladies returned to their desks, wondering perhaps…”

• “Gave him a surprise: A party of friends called unexpectedly at the home of Adam Darsch, on Mount Pleasant Street, Monday evening, to remind him of his 43rd birthday anniversary.

“The evening was pleasantly spent with music and cards, while about 10 o’clock the members of the Mannerchor Glee Club arrived and rendered some excellent musical selections. Luncheon was served and the festivities continued till a seasonable hour.”

• “An enjoyable party. The disagreeable condition of the weather on Tuesday evening did not deter about 100 members of the Father Elliott Temperance Society and their lady friends from attending a social party given under the patronage of the society. Cards were a pleasant feature of the entertainment, while various other forms of amusement were also provided.”

• Compiled from the archives of The Vindicator by Traci Manning, Mahoning Valley Historical Society curator of education.