Sandstone's First Wedding

From the Pine County Pioneer, January 25, 1889:

The handsome and newly refitted Sandstone Hotel, Col. R.A. Smith, proprietor, was the scene, last Wednesday evening, of the first wedding in Sandstone, and was brilliant in every way – the toilets of the ladies were beautiful, as were the ones of toilets adorned – and Sandstone proved that she could show as handsome ladies and gallant gentlemen as any town in this part of the country, on such occasions – a fitting re-opening of the hotel. In the presence of one hundred and fifty friends and acquaintances of the contracting parties, Miss Mary O'Day, of Carver, Minn., was united in marriage to Mr. Carl Staples, the presiding genius of Staples & Smith's Headquarters Saloon. The ceremony was performed by Rev. Father Lynch of Hinckley; Mr. Thos. McCoy acted as groomsman, and Miss Alice Prenevost acted as bridesmaid. The bride was charmingly attired, and when she and the lucky one chosen by her as a life companion, stood before the priest – and all about them light and gaiety and beauty – the scene was one to be never forgotten.

After the simple but beautiful ceremony of the Catholic Church, making the happy couple man and wife, they received the congratulations of their many friends. An elaborate repast was served in the dining room at about midnight which was partaken of by the company. Through the kindness of Mrs. R.A. Smith, your scribe was shown part of the presents, and during the short time which our hostess could spare to us from her numerous guests, we caught a glimpse of the following:

Beautiful stand lamp, Mrs. McCoy; Trombone, of which the groom is a practicer, Robert Smith; Glass fruit dish, Mrs. George Wilkes; Toilet set, C.W. Finn; Silver pickle fork and butter knife, Mr. and Mrs. J.S. Lynds; Handsome glass lamp and shade, Miss Polly Bregg; Set silver knives and forks, Mrs. R.A. Smith; Set table glass ware, Mrs. James Finn; Glass water set, Mr. and Mrs. Concannon; Hand worked tidy, Miss Brandes; Set silver knifes and forks, Mr. and Mrs. R. M. Simpson; Set silver napkin rings, Mr. and Mrs. Jos. Kronenberg; Silver carving knife and fork; W.H. Gavin and wife; Elegant butter dish, John O'Neil; Two linen table cloths, Pat Coughlin; Set silver table spoons, A. Glasow.

The groom, in a few well chosen words, returned thanks for the presents, after which the music struck up and the gayest throng that has ever assembled in Sandstone, responded and enjoyed themselves by tripping the light fantastic until the wee small hours had come, when the people left for their several homes. Large numbers were present from Hinkley, Pine City, Mora, North Branch, Harris, Duluth, and St. Paul.