STRONG — On Saturday, Feb. 13, family and friends gathered at The White Elephant to celebrate Richard and Betty Bredeau’s 54 years of marriage. The couple also celebrated Richard’s 75th Birthday.

Those attending found it a wonderful evening as 51 loved ones from Phillips to Bangor to Boston enjoyed an excellent meal and an evening of fellowship and fun.

Granddaughter Dene’ Stevens and daughter Janice Bredeau adorned the table with handmade flower arrangements and balloons, and daughter Joyce Bredeau made the anniversary cake. At the end of the evening, daughter Janet White presented the couple with a gift from herself, siblings and the couple’s friends —a one night getaway at a Holiday Inn in Massachusetts and a meal at their favorite vacation restaurant —The Cracker Barrel

Betty recalled that on their wedding day 54 years ago, her sister and brother-in-law, Mr. And Mrs. Lewis Abbott, stood up for them as their maid of honor and best man. Betty’s cousin, Velma Cousineau and her late husband, Ernest Cousineau, held a reception for the couple following the nuptials at their home in Strong.

Richard and Betty waited until spring to celebrate their honeymoon and climbed Big Squaw Mountain (now Big Moose Mountain) in Greenville and Mount Katahdin in Baxter State Park. They then returned home to start their family and have since been truly blessed with an ever expanding brood including six children, seven grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren. They are certain that their story will continue with many more additions to their family and many more stories to tell and wanted to thank everyone for helping them celebrate such a special event.