DIXFIELD – Eugene W. and Evelyn Haines of Dixfield were surprised on Feb. 8 when family members gathered at Eli’s Restaurant in Turner for a family brunch. They later gathered at their home in Dixfield for an open house to celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary.

Toastmaster at the restaurant was Kenneth (Ed) Bureau, son-in-law of the couple, who praised the couple for their example of keeping their devotion to each other in a marriage of 50 years. Dorna Bureau toasted on behalf of her brother, Eugene Haines and herself, with a gratitude of the gift of love given to all from their parents.

At the open house, a smorgasbord was enjoyed by friends and family from early afternoon until evening. A two-tier anniversary cake with gold flowers was cut by the anniversary couple in traditional fashion.

The overwhelming gathering of friends and family from childhood to the present filled the day with overflowing memories and celebration. The opening of many cards and gifts, as well, touched the hearts of the couple.

The couple was married on Feb. 14, 1954. His parents were Clarence and Jennie Haines. His siblings are Bernice Haines, Burton Haines, Madeline Cunningham and Everett Haines. Her parents were Donat and Evelyn Parent. Her siblings are Emile Parent, Donat (Giz) Parent, Joseph (Dick) Parent and Timothy Parent.

The couple has two children, a daughter, Dorna Bureau of North Belgrade and her husband, Kenneth Ed Bureau and their children, Emily, Edmond and Kenneth land a son, Eugene (Gene-o) of Plattsmouth, Neb., and his wife, Dawn Ramo and their children, Amy, Sarah and Buddy.