BioA: Peterson, Mr./Mrs. Peter O. (60th – 1956)
Contact: Stan

Surnames: Peterson, McGillivray, Giere, Gilbertson, Benson, Emerson, Mason

----Source: Scrapbook Collection of Duane Horn

Peterson, Mr./Mrs. Peter O. (60th Anniv. – 28 Oct. 1956)

The sixtieth wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Peter O. Peterson was celebrated with a family gathering at their home in Town of Irvin Sunday, October 28, 1956.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson are widely known and for many years the name of "Big Pete Peterson" has had special meaning in our community. A fine book could be written on this popular couple who have now completed sixty years of wedded life together.

Sixty years ago they were married at the Little Norway church not far from their present home. After the ceremony, guests gathered at the Peterson farm where 250 persons were present for dinner. Dancing was enjoyed all afternoon and evening on a pavilion built especially for the occasion. Some 400 guests were served supper during the evening. That was a tremendous undertaking and it proved to be the biggest wedding in the county at that time. Congratulations for the crowd were extended, early records tell, by the late Senator J. J. McGillivray.

Fifty years later at the same home Mr. and Mrs. Peterson were guests of honor at their golden wedding celebration. Over 200 guests registered for that occasion.

The Petersons were married by Rev. N. A. Giere and their attendants were Andrew Gilbertson and Carrie Peterson, Anton L Gilbertson and Gina Gilbertson, Henry Peterson and Julia Benson. Of the original wedding party only Henry Peterson and Andrew Gilbertson were alive to be with them ten years ago for the Golden Anniversary and it is especially interesting to know that they were also present Sunday for the 60th anniversary.

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson have four sons and two daughters, all of whom were with them Sunday. They are Merlin, Raymond, Norman, Price, and Esther (Mrs. Archie Emerson) and Harriet (Mrs. George Mason.)

Mr. and Mrs. Peterson lived on the home farm until 1942 when they moved into Black River Falls but they are back living on the farm again now. Although Mr. Peterson has not been in the best of health recently but he was able to be up and enjoyed the gathering with his family Sunday. Mrs. Peterson is very active. Both are 82 years of age.

A wide circle of friends and acquaintances join with the family in extending congratulations to Mr. and Mrs. Peterson and in hoping that they will continue to celebrate still more happy anniversaries. Sixty years of being happily married is a most wonderful accomplishment.