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On Sunday, Jan. 16 [1949], Immanuels Lutheran church in the Bethune Settlement was the scene of a special service in honor of the golden wedding anniversary of Mr. and Mrs. Sam Schaal, Sr. Rev. L. C. Johnson led the procession, followed by Mrs. John Dobler, Sr., who was the bridesmaid 50 years ago. Jake Bauder of Sterling, who was the best man, was unable to be present. Next in line were Mr. and Mrs. Sam Schaal, Sr., and their nine children, who were all present, Jake, John, Sam and Fred, Helen Knodel, Carl, Dorothea Schlichnmayer, George, of Denver, and Louise Holmes, 25 grandchildren and one great grand child.

The church was decorated with baskets of gold flowers. Mrs. Schaal carried a bouquet of gold flowers. Rev. Johnson read the same chapter that the minister read at their wedding 50 years ago, St. John, chapter 2.

Special German songs, requested by Mr. and Mrs. Schaal, were sung by their three daughters, their niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Ted Knodel, and their grandchildren, Gladys and Laurance [sic] Knodel, and Herbert Schaal.

After the service a dinner in the basement was enjoyed by the family, relatives, friends, and the congregation. Mr. and Mrs. Orin Milburn took several pictures of the anniversary couple and their family. Two special musical numbers were given in the basement, "When You and I Were Young Dorie," by Mrs. H. M. Harrison, and, "Silver Threads Among the Gold," by Mr. and Mrs. Ted Knodel.

Mr. and Mrs. Schaal were married in the old rock church that stood just a little south of where Immanuels church is now located, on Jan. 15, 1899. Mr. Schaal homesteaded a place about 22 miles northwest of Burlington. In 1917 they bought the Yale place, formerly a post office. A lot of hard work went into building up that place. The old sod house and post office were torn down and all new buildings were built.

Mr. and Mrs. Schaal have seen many changes in their 50 years of married life, prosperity and depression. Raising a large family brought them pleasure and anxiety, and many anxious moments were spent at the bedside of children when sickness came.

Mr. and Mrs. Schaal received many lovely gifts and cards from relatives and friends who were unable to be present.

Relatives who attended the happy celebration were Mrs. Schaal's sister, Mrs. William C. Maas, of Golden; a niece and husband, Mr. and Mrs. Andrew Hartel, also of Golden; Mrs. Schaal's brothers, Mr. and Mrs. Gottlieb Bauder and Mr. and Mrs. Fred Bauder, of Burlington, and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

Burlington friends who attended were Mr. and Mrs. H. M. Harrison, Mr. and Mrs. C. D. Reed, Mr. and Mrs. A. W. Hudler, Dr. and Mrs. G. S. Flatt, Dr. and Mrs. R. F. Courtney, Mr. and Mrs. Orin Milburn, Mr. and Mrs. Roy Bader. Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Peterson and Mrs. Carl Rikoff.