DIXFIELD – A surprise party was held recently for Hector and Rita Girardin of Dixfield, on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary at Mountainview Campground in Dixfield. Party hosts were children of the couple, Jackie, Elaine, Nancy, Ken, Steve, Dan and Mike.

Decorations consisted of gold star tablecloths, glitter, posters and a centerpiece of yellow carnations, gold lilies, daisies and greens. Mr. Girardin received a corsage of yellow roses and Mr. Girardin a boutonniere of yellow carnations.

The couple and their seven children were all together for the first time in 14 years. The only person missing was a daughter-in-law, Linda, from Carbondale, Kansas. Throughout the evening, a tape of the couple was played.

The cake was made by Tina Hodge, and toastmaster was Jackie Kilbreth. Elaine Girardin and Nancy Crocker had charge of the guest book.

Mr. Girardin and the former Rita Martineau were married July 19, 1958, at St. John the Baptist Church in Rumford.

Their children are Jackie and Scotty Kilbreth, Nancy and Rodney Crocker of North Jay, Elaine Girardin, Ken Girardin of Carbondale, Kansas, Steve Girardin of Atlanta, Ga., Dan and Leah Girardin of Presque Isle and Mike Girardin of Weymouth, Mass. Their grandchildren are Libby and Joe Kilbreth of Canton, Ryan Crocker, Jason and Heather Crocker of Wilton, Darryl Ann and Kayla Girardin of Presque Isle, and Lindsay and Kelsey Girardin of Carbondale, Kansas.

Mrs. Girardin was employed at Berry Hill Agway in Farmington, Oxford Federal Credit Union in Mexico, the Sun Journal in Rumford and was a den mother for the Cub Scouts, a Girl Scout leader, Sunday school teacher and was on the Dixfield Outdoor Market Committee.

Mr. Girardin was employed at Diamond Match in Peru, Fosters in Wilton, Boise Cascade in Rumford and retired from Mead. He is also a member of the Dixfield Outdoor Market Committee and plays cribbage at the American Legion hall in Dixfield.

Original wedding attendants present were Bernice Morin Boucher of Monmouth, maid of honor, and Harlam Francis of Rochester, N.H., sat in the for the best man.