Their day of days - just 18,250 days later, p. 2

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I The Taylors: As it was 50 years ago • By HENRY BURY Staff Reporter Fifty years ago Friday, Albert College student Harry Atkinson took newlyweds Bess and Taylor Kincaid Franklin aboard his horse and buggy to their new home. That scene was re-enacted Fri- day afternoon at Albert with the same driver, Atkinson, now a Toronto clergyman, and--of course-the Franklins, who celebrated their golden wedding anniversary. Tne re-enactment-18,250 days after that first marriage day-- came as a surprise to Bess and T.K. Franklin during a full after- noon of celebration to mark their 50th anniversary year of togetherness. About 100 family members and friends attended the celebration held at Albert, where T.K. Franklin was employed for 41 years. Part of the festivities included the unveiling of a memorial win- dow in the school's chapel. The stained glass window is in memory of their parents, Charles and Lily Ketcheson and Harry and Emma Franklin. Unveiling the window was Lisa Franklin, their youngest granddaughter. But the big thrill for the Franklins was the ride aboard the horse and surrey from Albert Col- lege to their present home at the McNabb Towers on Front Street. "I remember this part very well for it was Harry (Atkinson), an Albert student who took us from Moira United Church to the bride's home. It was a treat then and it's sure a nice treat now," T.K. Franklin said. On his 50 years of married life, T.K. added: "I'd like to do another 50 years with the same girl." Bess agreed, saying "I would be very happy with that. It's been a good 50 years. The Lord has been good to us." T.K. recalled how the couple met more than a half-century ago. He was Albert's business ad- ministrator and registrar - first coming to Albert in 1931 as a teacher - while Bess was an elementary school teacher in Belleville. "I was also president of the Bridge Street United Church Young People's organization and a girlfriend of Bess' ask her to meet me during one of our meetings," he said. Bess then took over, saying "pretty soon we were friends, then sweethearts. We were engaged in March of 1934, just a few months after we met, and married on Aug. 8,1936." The couple was married at Moira United Church near Roslin. Their first home together was at Albert where they stayed for 25 years. In 1959 the couple built their own home on Cedar Street. Last year they moved to their Front Street apartment. Franklin retired from his role as Albert's business administrator and registrar in 1972. However, he has maintained a strong link with the college by producing the alum- ni newsletter entitled Alberttalks, whioh is sent to more than 3,000 ad- dresses worldwide. Atkinson, the horse and surrey driver, said he felt "honored to be here Friday" for the re- enactment. He recalled how a group of fellow students at Albert wanted to do something special for the newlyweds. "We arranged that initial horse- and-buggy ride out of our respect for T.K. Nothing has changed over those 50 years." said Atkinson. i

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