Wilmington journal. [volume] (Wilmington, N.C.) 1844-1895, 1866-05-10
May Day at Smithville-Beautiful md ApprOpri-
ate Celebration.
SMITHvILLE, N. c., May 4th, l

SMITHvILLE, N. c., May 4th, 1866
MEssRs EDITORS Such occasions as the last
May-day celebration at Smithville are things
which should not pass away with the hushing to
soberer tones of the merry ringing voices that en-
livened it. The day was not ushered in by any
pompous demonstrations; no band of music other
than that which nature kindly vouchsafed from
her leafy bowers, was there to catch up and pro-
long the joyful strains that from young and inno-
cent lips went for tn to mingle with the fragrant
air of that bright May morn but despite such de-
ficiencies call went merry as Il marriage bell, ="
and the perfect harmony and good feeling which
prevailed and the highly commendable manner in
which the younger people acted their parts were
truly worthy of remark. Two Queens were crown
ed, Miss Mary A. Davis and Miss Lizzie Williams,
and we'll did they prove the good taste of their
companions, who had made the selections.
About 10 o'clock the multitude that had assem-
bled in large grove appropriately chosen the
of long train of little maidens robed in white
and decked with flowers, marching to the music
of songs in honor of the festal day. Arrived at
o richly carpeted PLATFORM wherein was erected
the throne, within beautiful evergreen bower
tastefully festooned the cortege halted and the first
named young Lady assembled; and after being pre-
scented and invested with the insignia of royalty,
she addressed her subjects in handsome speech,
gracefully delivered. Intelligence was then brought
to her that young maiden sovereign of a neigh
boring realm was approaching to make her royal
visit, when she despatched number of her attend
ants to bid her welcome and request that she
should share her honors by uniting their dominions
train of ''melry lads and rosy lasses'' accompa-
MED the second queen, equaling in appearance and
effect that which escorted the first. On receiving
the crown and sceptre, she made very happy and
appropriate speech, and each of the queens re-
ceived the gratuatons of their respective maids of
l.
songs composed for the occasion by a talented
LADY, were sung by the young subjects of the
united realms. -Four lads then addressed the
whole audience in well received efforts appropri-
ate to the occasion. Not long after these ceremo-
MES the multitude were summoned to the honor
of dining at the royal table, which groaned be-
meath great variety of good things that refresh
and make glad the inner man.
But ere the young party quilted their honored
places, an artist who was ON the ground believing
that such scene ought to be peIpetuated, took a
very goodpicture off Thescene was iaspi,-ing-a
splendid array of innocence and beauty. The
day passed away as happily and tremendously as
it began joyfullyl; and too much credit cannot be
given the ladies of Smithville for the excellent
arrangements that made the occasion such sue
cess
Long MAY the festivities of merry May be kept
up and cherished among us. It does the heart
good, and it is calculated to make the human soul
more pure and charitable to be in the midst of
such influences. How eminently proper that we
should encourage every occasion that will oblite-
rste the deep lines of sorrow and grief that have
been traced by the fiery hand of war. The young
hearts among us, ripening into manhood and wo-
manhood should not catch the gloom which their
seniors wear for the hard fate which has been
theirs. Those young hearts and minds are our
hope for the eventual rescuing and restoring to
its pristine vigor and beauty the political fabric
which our fathers reared; and for Heavens sake
let them 60 to their great and glorious work un-
scared, unbowed and with arms nerved with q
throbbing hope in the success of their mighty
Very truly, yours,
CAPE FEAR