North Wales Record, December 29, 1883

Birthday Celebration: A Family Gathering at the Old Homestead

One of the most delightful holiday gatherings in this neighborhood took lace last Saturday (December 29th) at the residence of Mr. Samuel Fleck, near Springhouse. Sunday, December 30th, was the 79th birthday of Mr. Fleck, so it was resolved by his children to celebrate the event on the day previous, and give their aged parent a good and hearty greeting in the form of a surprise. Arrangements were in progress for several weeks. Very quietly invitations were sent out and plans laid, and happy hearts longed for the coming time. At last the appointed Saturday arrived, a most auspicious day. The sun shone brightly, the sleighing was excellent, and all agreed that nature had done her part. About ten o’clock that morning numerous sleighs were seen driving into the yard of Mr. Charles Fleck’s home. This was the meeting place. About eleven o’clock all the guests had arrived. The important procession was than formed- the sleighs containing not only people but well filled baskets and package. In a short time the “old homestead” was reached, and there never was a more

Complete Surprise

One after another the friends came in until a large company had assembled. While some enjoyed themselves in the parlor with music, etc. others were busy elsewhere with the precious contents of the baskets. What they did was revealed when the whole company marched out into the large dining room. There was a banquet table reaching the length of the room, and ornamented with four large specimens of turkey, with chicken and other good things; young ladies stood guarding a side table laden with mince pies and tempting dished, and the room was filled with the aroma of excellent coffee. Nearly forty persons gathered around this table to do honor to the 79th birthday of Mr. Samuel Fleck, who, with his faithful wife, sat at the head. All of Mr. Fleck’s brothers and sisters were present: Mrs. Charlotte Smith, aged 82; Mrs. Maria Markley, aged 78; Mrs. Elizabeth Holland, aged 75; Adam Fleck, of Norristown,, aged 73, and Benjamin Fleck, of Jenkintown, the youngest, who was playfully called the “baby of the family’, aged 70 years. It is remarkable that this family has been kept together so many years, not one of the original family having been removed by death. Another interesting item is that all these persons were born at the place where they now assembled, the ladies were married there, and Samuel Fleck in a life of 79 years, has never been away from the place more than a few days at a time. But the Dinner was not all the loving hearts had provided. During the afternoon when the guests had all collected in the parlor.

A pleasant Incident

Took place. The Rev. George Diehl Foust, the pastor of the family, in a short speech, on behalf of the assembled family, presented to Mrs. Fleck a pair of gold spectacles, and to Mr. Fleck a very comfortable revolving chair, extending to them the hearty good wishes of all present, and to Mr. Fleck many congratulations upon his birth day. Other presents were given, and the invitation to proceed to the dining room again was accepted. This was to taste “the birthday cake”, which stood majestically amid the abundance of oranges, bananas, etc. But there always comes a time to say farewell. However, glad the hours, they hurry onto when we say good-bye. So here the sun was sinking, the evening approached, and the guests prepared to leave. Brothers and sisters said “God bless you” and turned to go; children and grand children pressed the patent hand, and said “good bye”. All left the “old homestead” with hearts not only glad for the day’s pleasures, but felling that they had done their duty, for like Christmas, a birthday “comes but once a year”, and when it comes again some of us may not be here to greet it. In addition to the above, the following were present: Mr. and Mrs. A. K. Shearer, Mr. And Mrs. George Johnson, Mr. And Mrs. Charles Fleck, Mr. And Mrs. Almon Fleck, Mr. And Mrs. Samuel Fleck Jr., Miss Maggie Fleck, Alfred Smith, Tilghmann Hoover, Miss Amanda Fleck, Misses Louisa and Lottie Holland, William Fleck, Miss Carrie Shearer, and all the grand children.

Submitted by: Bill.