Washington telegraph., 1854-05-03


dy; ard those who possessed musical skill
frequently had their talents put in requisi-
tion BY young lovers We almost ALWAYS
remarked, however the observance Of a
sort Of rigid impartiaity III the performance
Of this attention IF serenading party
went out, every young lady came in for her
share Of the compliment; the only dstinc-
tion being observed was, that the best airs,
4 and the longest time. we're devoted to those
for whose favor the entertainment was spe-
cialy provided.
The season was always closed by the races
and the Jockey Club ball. The St. Steph-
EMS race course, about half mile from
Pineville, is one of the Oldest and best in
the State. The track runs over a level
surface, and within il is large pond. which
being drained and kept clear Of trees, af-
fcrds from every point an und;sturbcd view
OF the horses throughout the race After
the settlement Of Pineville. the races were
established for the END Of October and, as
the season il then comparatively safe, lovers
Of sport would there meet from various parts
Of the country. The races, which. 1t that
time. continued two days, were ushered in
by dinrer and concluded by ball
About fifty years ago dancers Of both sexes
drew lots for both places and partners, 50 that
there was, for the first two sets at least. no
liberty Of choice but the practice was Dis
continued too early for Us to have any
knowledge Of it, bur from tradition The
purses were altogether made up BY mod
crate subscription, as no money was taken
at the gates; and though the subscrip. ion
was general, the stakes were too moderate
to tempt the cupidity Of professional sports
men: 50 that, believe, no horse Of distinc-
ton ever appeared On the course between
the years 1894 and 1886 Since that time
the club Las been remodeled, the time for
meeting changed to January, the subscrip-
ton increased, and the club now ranks
among the most respectable in the State
Before we quit the subject Of amusements
in Pineville, it is meet that we conclude by
showing one Of their most natural issues
Let Us take you reader, to wedding. The
spirit Of improvement has pervaded every
portion Of the State, and a country wedding
differs now very little from one celebrated
in the city. "A Charleston pastry cook pro
vides the entertainment, ard Brissenden's
band the music The company is invited
to assemble at late hour and no one is ex-
| pected to stay over to breakfast But it
was not so III days Of yore. 1t was not so
when we hailed us resident Of Craven
county. The events of 1886 have entirely
changed the aspect Of society, and the diff
ference between the period before and that
since that epoch. is as great as is generally
| perceived III the course Of a century. Be
fore the wedding, a visit to Charleston was
indispensably necessary. The blide-elect
could not think Of getting married, without
making in person the arrangement Of her
trousseau Then, visit to Charleston was
by $50 means an every day occurrence. An
annual visit was common; but there were
many who let years pass over without see
ing the metropolis. The preparatory visit
being made. and al arrangements complet-
cd, ;he day would be fixed and invitations
extended Several days before the wedding
the bridesmaids would assemble at the house
of the betrothcd, and TO them was commit
ted all The preparations for tie feast The
master Of the house furnished the materials,
and the busy and active fingers of the brides
maids transformed them into cakes and con-
! fections jellies, cu-tards. tarts, and all other
danties which the occasion demanded.
The master ard mistress appeared, as it
were, to retire from the management of the
household, and leave everything 70 the con-
troll of those Young friends who came to AZ
tend their companion 20 the sacrifice, and to
prepare her for it. On the evening ap-
pointed. the bridegroom (who has been de-
MED the enfree 10 The house since the arri-
val OF the bridesma;ds) arrives, the invited
guests follow, and. at tie hour appointed,
the happy couple stand before the priest and
receive tie nuptial benediction. And, as
soon as this is pronounced the fiddles, which
are in waiting strike up the time -honored
air of "a Health to the Bride" Friends
and relatives crowd up to offer their con-
gratulations and good wishes, and the poor
bride is at last permitted to take her seat.
sadly in doubt whether the ceremony ITSELF
or the congratulations upon it, were the Sc
verer trial Now the walters appear with
tea and coffee, followed up directly with
wine. cake aud cordials, and this over, the
dancing commences.
The first GrocmSman opens the dance
with the bride. the groom with the first
bridesmaid. and. by time-honored custom.
the air is Haste TO the Wedding After
this, the dancing continues until near mid
night, when supper is announced, and the
bride is led into supper by the first grooms-
man. The supper table is a bona fide sup
per table, arranged to hold all the guests.
Considerable ingenuity is shown in devising
a suitable form, 50 as to afford the greatest
accommodation. and in decorating it. Tow
ers of cake. wreaths, ornaments Of every
description. may be seen. while by their side
an ample provision Of turkeys, Of ducks, Of