Charles and Elaine Fossett Rittershaus of Sprucewold and Malden, Massachusetts recently celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary. They were married Aug. 28, 1976 in an ecumenical service in Boothbay Harbor at the United Methodist Church by the Reverend James Smith and Father Thomas Lee. Brother of the groom Brian Rittershaus was best man and groomsmen were Warren Heartquist and brothers of the bride, Brian, John, and James Fossett. Maid of honor was Mary Alice Racz and bridesmaids were Susan Racz Gagnon and Pamela Trask Boucher, all cousins of the bride.

Trumpeters Involuntary by Purcell was the processional music played by organist Mrs. Rufus Osgood. Soloists were Smith Climo who sang "The Wedding Song" by Paul Stukey accompanied by Brian Rittershaus on the guitar and Mrs. Robert Barter who sang "Wither Thou Goest I Go" by Gary Singer and The Lord's Prayer accompanied by Mrs. Osgood.

The bride wore a wedding gown of ice blue silk designed and created by Elise I. Andersen of East Boothbay, lifelong friend of the bride. The reception was at the Our Lady Queen of Peace Hall and the honeymoon was in Camden at the Whitehall Inn.

Fifty years on, looking back at photos and reliving events of the day brings many happy memories. Parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles, cousins, friends, and participants may have passed on but the next generation has created new memories and a life full of joy with four children, one daughter-in-law, three sons-in-law and six wonderful grandchildren.

The couple plan a celebratory trip in the early spring.