Builder, Wife Mark Golden Anniversary
Builder, Wife Mark Golden Anniversary
A “blind date” on a sleigh ride led to the half century of married life that Mr. and Mrs. William L. Zebbs of 139 Hill St. observed today.
Mr. Zebbs was working as a carpenter for a local contractor, and Mrs. Zebbs – then Miss Eva Byrd – was employed at University Hospital.
A courtship of about two years followed that first meeting, and, on April 1, 1899, they were married in a house on Mary St. that Mr. Zebbs rented for their first home.
Today, 50 years later, they are happy about the events that paired them on that wintry night.
Both In Good Health
They have many reasons for that happiness.
Both Mr. Zebbs, now 76, and Mrs. Zebbs, 77, are still healthy. Mr. Zebbs’ skill as a builder enabled him to become an independent contractor and finally to retire. They have been living for 40 years in the home they love – and which, incidentally, Mr. Zebbs built.
And, besides all this, they have had time to do much for their church, the Second Baptist.
Mr. Zebbs served as a trustee of the church for 45 years and as a treasurer for 25 years, and Mrs. Zebbs has always been active in woman’s activities for the church.
It is to the teachings of the Bible that the Zebbs attribute their happiness and their long life.
“Trust in God,” is Mr. Zebbs’ advice. “Take Him for your helper. He isn’t going to let you run around nights and get into trouble.”
In carrying out that philosophy, Mr. Zebbs said, “I just try to treat the other fellow as I want him to treat me.”
Started Work At 13
Mr. Zebbs was born March 1, 1873, at Honey Creek on Dexter Rd. His parents came to Ann Arbor when he was eight years old.
Because there were eight other children in the family, Mr. Zebbs set out when he was 13 to “do his share to ease things.” He began working for a local family, running errands and taking care of the horses.
From that beginning, he kept plugging until he became a carpenter when he was 19 and a contractor 18 years later.
Mrs. Zebbs was born July 4, 1871, in Cass county. Her family moved from there to Lansing, where she resided briefly before coming to Ann Arbor to work at the hospital, and – although she did not know it then – to meet her future husband.
(Caption) Mr. and Mrs. William L. Zebbs of 139 Hill St. observed their 50th wedding anniversary today. They have long been residents of Ann Arbor.