An interesting piece for Trove Tuesday this week. From February 4, 1882, The Portland Guardian reported on some hush-hush weddings in the district with the information provided by an “esteemed occasional contributor”. The weddings were happening but the wedding bells were not ringing. Not only that, one groom baked his own wedding cake.
An article such as this is most useful to the researcher. It has names, place names, marriages and religious denomination
The Guardian. (1882, February 4). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 2 Edition: MORNING.. Retrieved March 11, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63403448
I think Father O’Donoghue might have been ready for a lie down. All those weddings and he was doing his own housework after his housekeeper, Miss Lavery was also “united in the holy bond”. In case you were wondering, Miss Lavery’s new husband, John Quinlivan, did not bake the wedding cake just because he fancied himself as a cook… he was a baker.
PORTLAND PROFESSIONAL AND BUSINESS DIRECTORY. (1890, January 17). Portland Guardian (Vic. : 1876 – 1953), p. 4 Edition: EVENING. Retrieved March 11, 2013, from http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article63626245
Western District Families 
Oh Merron… I do love that opening statement… “the gods of Cupid and Hymen have been busily engaged in the performance of the duties of their office among the Roman Catholic young ladies of the town…” Such an ascerbic wit which continues throughout the entire article… love it!!!
If “Bex” were around in 1882 I’m guessing Father O’Donohue would likely have taken one before his “lie down” and also placed “a flannel on his head” 🙂 If not Bex… then maybe a drop, or two, of “the good oil” in a nice cold glass of water 😀
Great post, thanks… Catherine.
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