The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1859-05-06
THE MAY FESTIVAL,

O1ay Gay was celeordLeu Oh nlonuuy eNeuhS
last, by the young people of our Village. with
all the festivities appropriate to the joyful oc-
cason- The day with us has occasionally been
red to pass away without its proper need
=. honor. but this season the young ladies OF
our very fourishing Female Academy. perhaps
emulous Of the spirit Of the youthful knights,
rs exhibited ut their recent Tournay, and
mindful perhaps Of the pleasures of that fes-
tive occasion, determined to win trophies too,
in their own appropriate spheres by festive
offerings to the blooming Queen Of Spring.
Chill Winter had robbed the lovely May Of
some Of her golden tresses, nnd Paled some
what the roses of her blooming cheek. but she
still came in queenly grace and beauty with
bright chaplet on her brow, and scattering her
Jewels on hillside and meadow. Hail bright
visitant leader of the flowery train, comPan
ion of the golden Hours, aud circing Graces-
| worthy to receive the homage Of young and
truthful henrtsi Old and young prepared Tor
thee, the festive scene-pupil We'd with teacher,
and parents and friends lent their kind np-
proving snile:-gardens were rnnsacked to
| furnish floral wrentls, and infnnt voices were
tuned to songs Of welcome.
At nn early hour on Monday evening. the
spncious rarlor and hall Of the Marshall House
were filled TO overhowing with q crowd ol
eager spectators, who had come to contribute
all that mirth and good feeling could lend To
the interest Of such All occasion. The hall was
nppropriately decorated. AT one extremity
had been erected temporary stage, and ovel
this were suspended graceful festoons OF ever
green, wrcaihed with rare and beautiful flow
ers and the doors and windows were festoonet
with beautiful wreaths Of flowers and tn
whole being brilliantly lighted presented quit
an imposing view. The hall was soon flle'
With n bright array of all that our village cu
boast in the way Of youth. beauty and attrac
tiveness. We suppose that there were nearl
300 persons present, parents. brothers, sister
g and friends, all eagerly awaiting the commenc'
e ment Of the exercises.
Soon came in the blooming Queen, and he
= radiant train, more in number than the Grace
: and the Hours combined aud representing a
= most every flower from the royal heliotroPe
D to the "viulet by the nossy stone" We nee
c not name the Queen any other lovely 70
l. lowers. Suffice it to say that they formed
l. bright throng of youthful grace and beaut
c arrnyed in appropriate enthusiastically re
u resentativcs of the Queen Of Spring and her q
10 ten.laat Grnces. Making obeisan nee to the
u queen they sang sweet song of invocato
J. Then followed question and response, and tn
each tiny voice sweled the general note
) welcome. Thus closed the scene. Retir
er for few moments, the royal train swept
e again, each bearing a!oft u graceful wreath
al flowers upon light wand, entwined with
Ia bon. Next came other sweet songs of W
'e come, and then each presenting her votive
s' ferings professcd fenlty and homage to /
sovereign liegc. The Queen made fitting
&C. sponsc, aud snng sweet and graceful
u. Then descending with her train she receiv
OF. the congratulations Of many cfthe audience.
=. The whole scenic representation was grI
~ fully executed, and was..the.subject of univer
'@ commendnton. There was not an error
10 mar the harmony Of the scene. and its just G
W we'll timed rcprcsenati on reflects the high
u, NC credit upon the young ladies, aud their hcee
"o plishcd instructrcss
Supper was announced at nm early hour.
the company required very slight indr
ment to leave the nectar and ambrosa Of p
try and music above. to partake Of the m
, substantial vinnds, in the supper room bel
~" After discussing these various delicacics &c
81" Of the old folks retired. but the young ones
o just begun to sip the cup of enjoyment.
&c" kept up the festivities until the witch
ee' hour" Young hearts kept time to the Inc
y" w. sound of music and the dance, and a
'"' tho pleasures of the passing hour INDUCED
dreams Of youth and truth aud love"