Two couples who were married in a double wedding ceremony 50 years ago will celebrate their golden wedding anniversaries next week.
On Jan. 29, 1901, Miss Annie Leaven, became the bride of John Kramer, and her sister, Miss Mary Leaven, was married to John McNamara, in the Sacred Heart Catholic church of Walker. The late Rev. William Lean performed the double ceremony.
Mrs. Kramer, 67, has spent her life in Buchanan, Benton and Linn counties. Mr. Kramer, 77, was born on a farm near Urbana, where the couple lived for 34 years, before moving to Walker five years ago. The Kramers have one daughter, Mrs. Helena Beichler of Dubuque, and one grandson. Mr. & Mrs. Kramer will entertain at a family dinner in the Legion hall at Walker, Sunday noon, and will have an open house Monday, Jan. 29.

Both Mr. & Mrs. McNamara were born in Buchanan county, where they have spent their lives. They farmed north of Troy Mills until 10 years ago, when they retired to Independence. Mrs. McNamara is 70 and her husband is 73.
They have two daughters, Mrs. Charles Popper and Mrs. Charles Buxton, both of Cedar Rapids, and three sons, Leo, of Masonville; Francis of Winthrop; and Arthur of Vinton. They have nine grandchildren. Mr. & Mrs. McNamara will entertain at a family dinner at their home in Independence Sunday noon.