Mexborough and Swinton Times November 1, 1929
50 Years Married
Conisbrough Couples Advice – “Give and Take.”
Mr and Mrs SheltonThe expression, “Happy though married” caused Mr. and Mrs. Richard Henry Shelton of 16 Ivanhoe Road, Conisboro’ to elevate their eyebrows when our representative called upon them with congratulations on the celebration of their golden wedding, They cannot understand how anyone could be otherwise, and a glance around the homestead in which they are spending the autumn of their days is convincing proof of the perfect hap-pins which prevails.
Mr. and Mrs. Shelton were about to partake of their mid-day meal when I called upon them, and though rather reticent about other matters they were quite willing to convince the world that marriage is worthwhile.
“Fifty years is a long time,” declared Mr. Shelton, “but it can pass very quickly.” Married in 1879, Mr. and Mrs. Shelton will celebrate the happy anniversary to-day (Friday), and though they have passed the stage when anniversaries possess real glamour, there was no doubt by the twinkle in their eyes when I asked the question, that Friday was being looked forward to as a red letter day. Mr. Shelton is 71, and though he admits that he is not so young as he used to be, he declares with pride and a firm voice that he is still capable of a good day’s work, and is as good as many a younger man. He is a bricklayer, labourer, and is employed in the near vicinity of his home.
Born in Essex Mr. Shelton moved to Nottinghamshire at an early age, where he was employed in a gas works earning 8s. a week.
One could do much more with money in those days he declared. Later in life he did farm work, and in 1879 he was married at Newark, of which place his wife who is one year his senior is a native.
He later removed to the Doncaster district, and for many years was resident in Bawtry where he is well known.
Mrs. Shelton is still able to perform her household duties, despite her age. Her only infirmity is a slight deafness
Mr. and Mrs. Shelton went to Conisboro in 1915, and they think that they have settled down now.
“We enjoy life to the full and we are never happier than when we are together,” said Mrs Shelton. They went on eating their meal with perfect unconcern sitting side by side, with the fire, roaring up the chimney surrounded by their household treasures they looked the perfect Darby and Joan.
What does Mr. Shelton think of the modern girl ?
She is a good lass at heart, but inclined to be extravagant and fond of pleasure. He had no doubt, however, that she would make a good wife, though, perhaps not quite such an efficient partner as the girls of long ago, this with a gallant smile at Mrs Shelton. To be happily married one must give and take, and though that advice is off repeated Mr and Mrs Shelton hold it very true.
“That is how we have rubbed along so easily,” said Mr Shelton. For long life one must observe moderation in all things. “Cut out the clubs and pubs and have good food,” he abjured, and that was how I left them – having good homely fair, and radiantly happy at the prospect of the approaching anniversary.