Esperanza has seen several family weddings, though none in living generations.  It has also seen its share of funerals.  Equal measure.

From September 1906, a newspaper clipping describing the wedding of Lucy Morris Ellsworth and George Mason Creevey:

“One of the most elaborate out-of-door weddings to take place in this State that has taken place for some time…Lucy Morris Ellsworth, daughter of William Webster Ellsworth of the Century Company of New York, was married to Dr. George Mason Creevey of New York. The wedding took place under the trees fronting the house on Esperanza Farm, Mr. Ellsworth’s summer home….. (genealogy)…(guest list)…the wedding was perfect in every detail. The house was draped with greens, with here and there decorations of goldenrod.  The trees were hung with gaily coloured ribbons of many different hues. An orchestra occupied a retired spot on a side veranda and furnished the music. The ceremony took place in a small wooded bower, twenty bridesmaids lining the pathway from the house….

so forth through a description of the dress, list of bridesmaids, gifts etc.

The bower is still there in part.  Of the two massive Norway spruces that made the front frame, only the south one survives at 109 feet in height.  Beyond though is a veritable cathedral grouping of several more Norway spruces and pines, all at well over 80 feet in height.  Now if only I could get rid of the road…