Wheeling daily intelligencer. [volume] (Wheeling, Va. [W. Va.]) 1852-1859, 1859-07-04
Pleasant Hill FemaIe eemInary-R1anl-
untIOn, &c
PLEASANT HILL SEMINARY,
Near West Midd!etown, Pa, June 90.

|
MEssRs. EDIToRs.-Your correspondent bro't
up at this place about o'clock this evening.
We anticipated spending a pleasant afternoon
listening to the examination of the pupils which
commenced this morning, but were unwillingly
detained on the way; first by missing the right
direction on taking "near cut" which resulted
in making it four miles further and then be-
ing overtakcn by very severe thunderstorm
that forced us to seek shelter under the not very
inviting roof of Irish shanty, the only occu.
pants being an old gentleman and lady from the
green sod.
Our predictions for the broguc were now
most wonderfully gratifed by the music of these
two voices, which kept up an unceasing FIRE of
gibberish at each other, with brilliant variations
on, 'tHowly Mother protect us" when a sudden
discharge Of Heavens artillery shook the hum
BILE abode from centre to circumference or rather
corners. This remunerated US in measure for
what we had lost by not reaching the "Hill" in
waiting an hour or two for the storm to abate,
and having procured umbrella in the last
stage OF usefulness, we proceeded on our way
and landed as above.
Pleasant Hill Seminary, as every one knows,
| or ought to know, is located on the elevation so
very appropriately named, about mile north
of West Middletown, in Washington Co., Pa,
and is presided over by that very excellent lady,
Mrs. Jane c. McKeever, sister of Alex. Camp
bell the venerable President of Bethany Col
lege, W., and assisted by an able and accom-
plished corps of teachers.
Throughout the Western country this insti-
tuition enjoys most enyiable reputation, and
that this reputation is appreciated, in gancing
over the catalogue for the year just closed, we
notice eighty-six ladies have been in attendance,
representing eight States.
The location is we'll adapted to the purposes
of Education, in being healthy, surrounded by
pleasing, romantic scenery and highly intelli-
gent and moral community. In religious point
of view it enjoys privileges that few other insti-
tutons can boast, the public hall being occu-
pied almost every Sabbath by ministers of the
different denominations in the adjacent villages
and surrounding country, giving the ladies an
opportunity of selecting the doctrines of any
one of the various sects as spiritual guides or
rejecting all; also, what is of paramount impor-
lance, this arrangement renders any exposure
to inclement weather wholly unnecessary.
As before mentioned, we did not arrive in
time to hear any of the classes examined, but
were informed that they passed through the or
deal with great credit to themselves and teach
! ers.
This evening, the ladies gave grand musical
entertainment under the dictatorship of their
accomplished teacher, Prof. Carl A. Dietrich,
for several years we'll known in the city of Phil
adelphia, as successful compose and teacher,
whose valuable services the Principal has been
fortunate enough to secure.
BY half past seven o'clock, an audience, as
| Pleasant Hill Concerts always command, had
filled the large hall For few minutes we had
an opportunity of viewing and admiring the
beautiful oil paintings which decorated the walls
Paintings, by the way. which had been done by
fair hands during the past session, and we re-
member of hearing connoisseur pass upon
them as being of a superior order of excellence.
This institution is noted for its painting in Oil
and Pastll, and weSventure the assertion that
the facilities here presented fer obtaining a
thorough knowledge of this beautiful art are
unsurpassed by any other seminary in the land
The specimens speak for themselves.
The performances commenced about 8 o'clock,
continuing till IL. Beauty, grace and elegance,
done up in various sized parcels to suit the
tastes, ornamentcd the stage. At first sight
we We're reminded of the Oriental tales we had
poured over in our youth, but a palpitatng
sensation under the left section os our vest soon
brought us back to the consciousness of the
present. Weak, susceptible humanity will be
carried away by such sights, and is, therefore
excusable in this instance.
The moon is beaming DER the lake." by the
vocal class, fully aroused us; we unconsciously
looked for the moon, but the light Of the stars
rendered it invisible. Waltzcs, Polkas and
songs, arias and overtures from the Opera, with
Duets, both vocal and instrumental, were en-
bTaced in the performance
Prof Dietrich's violin was brought into re-
QUESTION several times during the evening, in
Duets, with the piano, such as Overture to
Don Juan" Barber OF Seville" &C.; also n
solo, Fantasia on God save the Queen" which
was skillfully executed. AS will be observed
the music was of superior quality, met with
| only IN the concert room, and was exceedingly
well performed. The principal feature of the
evening was "Sounds from Pleasant Hill," for
two pianos, violin, flute and melodeon, com.
posed expressly for the occasion by Prot D.,
requiring seven performers. This piece elected
great applause. Take it on whole, it was a
great praise for their taste and proficiency. and
the teacher for the thoroughness of his system.
The Calisthenics, with their tortuous exercises,
closed the evenings entertainment We left
P; Fl: highly pleased with our visit. And now,
wishing the ladies pleasant dreams after the
fatigueS of the evening, We will bid them good
night.
~.~.~-
TnE WASHINGTON corresnondent of thu Nau