Special to Gulf Coast Newspapers

On Saturday, July 18, George and Margaret Schaff were joined by approximately 400 friends and family members as they celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary at the Lillian Community Club. All the Schaff children and grandchildren were present.  Members of the original wedding party and their spouses were seated at the head table including  attendants Polly Sheer Koontz and Dora Strickland Giles, best man Johnny Schaff and his wife Mary Ann, and groomsmen Tom Giles and his wife Barbara, Ron Giles (now married to Dora Strickland Giles) and flower girl Betty Gottler. The flower girl brought a special guest, Bear, a cute little teddy bear she received as a present at the rehearsal dinner 50 years ago. Bear was dressed in a new red bow tie in honor of the occasion. 

Son, Geoff, toasted the couple, “Ladies and Gentlemen, 50 years ago two people stood before God, family and friends to vow their love for each other.  Now 50 years later, they have kept their promise, through good times and bad, for richer or poorer, in times of sickness and health, they have stood the test of time. So raise your glasses for love and laughter and happiness ever after.”

The club was beautifully decorated with gold and ivory balloons and ribbon accented with red roses and candles on the tables.  A meal was served consisting of pulled pork with all the trimmings and a large selection of freshly baked deserts. An elegant four-tier wedding cake was also cut and served to the guests. 

Dance music was provided by Big Jake and the Tag-a-longs. The Grits (a well-known local trio) and son-in-law Steve Duckworth also made appearances. Music and dancing lasted well into the night.  Those that sat out the dancing enjoyed a video presentation that highlighted the childhood, courtship and wedding of George and Margaret as well as their children and grandchildren.