Clarksville chronicle. (Clarksville, Tenn.) 186?-1872, 1868-01-03
TENNESSEE ORPHAN ASYLUM.

Is remembering happier things"
TENNESSEE ORPHAN ASYLUM.
Editors Chronicle AS many persons here
have been frequently written to. for infor-
nation in regard to the condition and pros
poets of the Tennessee Orphan Asylum, /
availed myself of an invitation from the
lady managers, to attend the Christmas Fes-
tival of the children at the insti ution on
Christmas day, that | might from personal
observation, be able to give an accurate re-
ply through your columns.
On the afternoon of the 25th ult, accom-
panied by a friend, rode out. We were
met at the door by two very neatly dressed
little girls, who conducted rs into the Chap
Ell. There we found assembled quite a
number of ladies and gentlemen, who had
gone out To participate in the festivities and
gladden. the hearts of the children by their
presence. We were then introduced to the
Teacher and Matron, and found them highly
intelligent ladies', and we think well quail
fed for the position they occupy. The
Chapel is large room in the center of the
building, which was decorated with ever
greens in the most tasteful and charming
style. Here the family have morning and
evening dev0tions, and on Sabbath preach
ing and Sabbath School. Just before din
ner their beloved teacher, Mrs. Mckenzie, !
conducted all the children into the Chapel,
to receive and be introduced to the guests.
The boys in their new uniform quits of gray
and the girls in their dresses of gray and
tidy white aprons, looked very sweet and
attractive indeed we have seldom seen q
collection of handsbmer and more intelligent
looking children. They wore also, upon
this occasion, new boots, shoes and hats, a
Christmas present from Mr.. Watson M
Cooke, of Nashville, Tennessee. So well
timed and selected was the donation, that il
seemed really gift from Heaven.
They had some songs prepared for the
day. and being called upon, they sang then
sweetly. Amongst them, 1.-THE Orphan.
Christmas Song written for the occasion BY
Mrs. W. B. Munford, the accomplished cor.
responding Secretary, and set to music BY
Mr.. J. F. Conover, of this city, who SO kind
" rendered his services to teach them song!
for the occasion. The following is a copy
of the song: =.
God bless our friends all over the land,
From mountain top TO oceans strand,
They have sent us gifts both rich and rare,
And gave the Orphan child their care.
God bless the ladies of Tennessee,
Oh, happy and blest may they ever be,
God bless Oh, bless the ladies of Tennessee
Could the dear ones look from Heaven above
And, see us here, in this home of love,
They would watt a blessing SO sweet and true
To rest, dear ladies, upon each Of you.
CHoRUs--God bless &c.
God bless our friends, far west by the sea,
oh, happy and blest may they ever be,
May she soon return from that distant shore
To leave the Orphans home no more.
CHoRUs--God bless the ladies, &c.
.Mrs. Norris Travelling Agent now in
California. 81
Dinner was then announced, and we wer,
invited to partake of the repast. The chill
dren took their places in a most orderl,
manner, evincing TO all, by their quiet cas-,
and genteel department, that the matror
and teacher had fully discharged their
duties. ,l, .,t..a
Gen. J. G. Hornberger, who was an IN
vited guest being called upon, invoked
| Heavens blessings upon the feast of the Or
nbans which the kind matron. aided by on,
generous citizens, had spread for them-in
deed mart of the good things were highl,
enioyed by all. I'VE were most pleased /,
observe the abundance of fresh sweet mill
and TEMPTING yellow butter, supplied from
their own dairy. Children of cities an,
town are seldom indulqed in these luxuries
Mrs chairman. the widow of one of our gal
LIANT soldiers. has charge of this department
we think she deserves special commentator
Dinner being over, the children took re
creation. and we. In company with others
examined the whole Institution, and mus
saw we were both surprised and delighted a
the result of the labors of the noble ladie
of Tennessee. The parlor dormitory, kitch
en-. dininp-room and all were in perfect or
der. we will saw here, that the farm stew
ard Mr. Davis. is conducting the farm YER,
Satisfactorily. and thinks, by the next wear
he can almost proyision the establishment,
We then returned 10 the chapel and fount
the children reassembled and entertainin,
the compAny by recitine verses, speeches, &c
Two lille girls. Mary Roach and Mary AL
exander repeated "The Orphan Girl" an,
received as premiums a book each. one
conv of uBeulab.n the other a copy of IN
uWide Wide World" A little bow Thoma.
Wiley reneated the HOrpban Row. and re
ccivea a nice book as reward
One little bow lust four wears old, attracted
snecial attention. frankie Alexander. from
Cannon county. Tennessee. stood out alone
ana sung. unaided. the Christmas Son
n.o,,rh and NJ Conover asspred us he ha