As promised, here's the rest of the story about the Connell 50th Wedding Anniversary celebration from the Altoona Tribune, 19 March 1942: The program, with H. V. Kemery as master of ceremonies, was followed by the grand march, at which time everyone expressed their good wishes to the guests of honor. The grand march was followed by an evening of dancing, which was enjoyed by all present. The Altoona high school band serenaded the Connell's on Monday afternoon at their home. Mr. and Mrs. Connell also received a telegram of congratulation from their grandson, Sergeant George Olseth, who is stationed at Camp Livingston, La., and a wire was sent to them from their daughter, Mrs. Clarence Lelonek of Duluth, who was unable to be present because of sickness in her family, and from their grandson, Bud Lelonek, who is serving in the U. S. Navy. Mr. Connell was born Feb. 5, 1866, and Mrs. Connell on March 10, 1871. They were married in Black River Falls March 16, 1892, and they resided in Merrillan for six weeks thereafter, coming to Altoona then and have resided here ever since. Mr. Connell began working as a fireman for the Omaha Railroad Co. in 1890 and was promoted to engineer in 1899. He retired from active duty in 1938. Mr. and Mrs. Connell have eight children: Bessie, Mrs. Sam Hayes of Menomonie; Grace, Mrs. Leo Butler of Eau Claire; Art of Merrillan; Hugh of this city; Gladys, Mrs. Olaf Olseth of this city; Mrs. Marie Decker of this city; and Peggy, Mrs. W. Flyte, Jr., of Eau Claire. They have thirty-four grandchildren and four great grandchildren. Mr. and Mrs. Connell are active members of the Methodist church, the O. E. S. and the Masons, the B. of L. E. and the Auxiliary; and the B. of A. R. E. and the Auxiliary. Mrs. Connell is a charter member of the Womans Club and they are also members of the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War and its Auxiliary. Mr. and Mrs. Connell's numerous friends wish them may more happy, healthy years of married life. The celebration held Monday was a complete surprise to the couple, and was planned by the following friends: Mrs. R. H. Buchholz, Mrs. G. Reedle, Miss Lucille Edgell, and Miss Ruth Jacobson. +++++++++++ Dinner guests at the Thanksgiving celebration at our home today are: Miss Angie Dalsveen, Mrs. Aubrey Wittren, Mrs. Lorraine Seaback, Mr. Joshua Sampson, and Miss Keri Sampson, hosted by Mr. and Mrs. John Sampson. Wishing you all a safe, healthy, happy, and blessed Thanksgiving!! Enjoy those that you are able to be together with. -- Nance