Fifty years ago the couple were married at the Higham Ferrers Parish Church by the Rev J Dunn, and took up residence in Cromwell-road, Rushden, moving to their present house a year or two later.

Mr Harlow, who is a native of Renhold, Beds, came to Rushden in 1887 as an apprentice to the boot and shoe trade. Mrs Harlow, whose maiden name was Nellie Houghton, came of a well-known Higham family, her father being caretaker of the Bede House and Grammar School and gardener at the Vicarage. Mrs Harlow is the only one out of the family of 13 who has celebrated her golden wedding.

Office of Trust

Aged 73, Mr Harlow has been in the boot and shoe trade all his life, and prior to his retirement eight years ago was employed at the C.W.S. factory for 30 years. Previous to that he had been employed at Messrs Fred Knight’s. For over fifty years he has been a member of the Free Gardeners’ Friendly Society, being a trustee since 1913 and for many years treasurer. He was for 15 years a member of the Rushden Allotment Association, being keen on gardening. Before the war he was the organiser of the annual C.W.S. old age pensioners’ outing.

Both have done good work for the Rushden Adult Schools. Mrs Harloiw was the first person to suggest that a Women’s School should be opened in Rushden, and attended regularly up to three years ago. Mr Harlow joined the Men’s Adult School when it was first opened 42 years ago, and has never missed a meeting. He was for many years treasurer and trustee.

Cheerful Smiles

Mrs Harlow, who is 71, has taken a great interest in the Women’s Guild and Methodist Sisterhood. Although she is now bedridden, she is cheery and always has a smile to give everyone. Her chief interests now are knitting and reading. Both are very keen whist players.

They have five children, 12 grandchildren (six of whom are serving in H.M. Forces) and two great-grandchildren. On Saturday, when 14 members of the family were present at the party, they received 30 greetings cards and nine telegrams.