Ken and Frances
Perkins Sr.
MECHANIC FALLS — A surprise party was held recently for Ken and Frances Perkins Sr. of Mechanic Falls at the American Legion Hall in Mechanic Falls on the occasion of their 50th wedding anniversary. Party hosts were daughters of the couple, Darlene Thomas, Doreen Riggs, Kathy Downing, Diane Thomas and Felicia Gilks.
The couple was escorted to the party by daughters, Doreen Riggs and Kathy Downing, where 93 people were in attendance, 75 of whom were family members.
Also attending the party were siblings of Mr. and Mrs. Perkins and their families.
Special events taking place at the home of the couple, where they have lived for 39 years, was their granddaughter, McKenzie Thomas who sang “The House That Built Me,” while a house memory DVD was playing throughout the whole party. Daughter-in-law, Mary, videotaped all the events during and after the party. A beautiful anniversary cake was made by Tia McCulley, another granddaughter.
Darlene Thomas, daughter of the couple, made a card box and guest tree picture for all to sign. A set of toast glasses was made by Diane Thomas, another daughter, and a picture poster board consisting of pictures through their 50 years, was made by Morgan and McKenzie Thomas, granddaughters.
Centerpieces were gold and white balloons on all tables, made by Kathy Downing and Darlene Thomas, daughters. The couple received many cards and some gifts. One special gift was given by the couple’s 16 grandchildren, which was a gold metal tree filled with gift cards for the couple to enjoy at area stores and restaurants.
Upon returning home, the couple found a table piled high with a variety of food and pantry items given to them by each of the couple’s children and their families. The whole day consisted of many surprises. The toastmaster was Kathy Downing, daughter of the couple.
The couple later took a trip to Fort Drum in New York, where Mr. Perkins had been wanting to take Mrs. Perkins for the past 50 years.
Mr. Perkins and the former Frances Hodgkin, were married on Aug. 13, 1964, in New Hampshire. Their children are Doreen Riggs, Kenny Perkins Jr., Kevin Perkins, Kathy Downing, Diane Thomas, Darlene Thomas and Felicia Gilks, who were all in attendance. Their grandchildren are Tia McCulley and Ben Harris, Tia Downing, Jason Perkins, Whitney Perkins, Zak Lance, Meagan and Morgan Thomas, Sammy and McKenzie Thomas, Seth Keene, and Adri and Abi McCallister. Fourteen of the 16 grandchildren were able to attend.
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