UPDATE - Part 2: Paul had a friend of a friend from Germany translate this the best they could.
UPDATE: I talked with Charles (since he's "too busy" to visit the blog) and he said it is Anton and Gertrude Benz. They came to the U.S. in 1851 arriving on a boat called St. Nicholas. The document is an anniversary card for the Benz's. I tried to translate it, but I couldn't get all of the words. However, words such as faithful and affectionate and anniversary and bless and fun and so forth makes me believe this was a joyous invitation to their anniversary where they would restate their vows. Their 30th anniversary perhaps? The anniversary was to be held in Boston on Jan 8, 1874... just over 133 years ago. Amazing.
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"A colleague forwarded this blog post to a German friend and he took the time to send back a translation. Here it is,
“Bless you, who have spent together 30 years with faithfulness and love. Who have tried to make each other happy with constantly renewed drive. The tune of two faithful hearts easily fights off all the earthly pain.”
The translator is a little unsure that he translated it correctly, but he admits that he did the best he could.
Maybe Charles will visit the site now."