The Anderson intelligencer. [volume] (Anderson Court House, S.C.) 1860-1914, 1870-05-26
For ths anderson Mtelligencer.

For Ms Anderson lnteligencsr.
In the absence of your knight of the quill, "
I propose to report.the proceedings of our re-
cent village excitement and rallying festival, in
the mayof irregular old-fashioned May Party,
given by the pupils Of Mrs. Murray's School on
Thursday evening, 10Th inst, at her residence
Whilst all classes, trades and professions are
busy with their conventions and celebrations
for mutual aid and pleasure, and as there has
been such dearth even of amusements here,
it was very reasonable that this Floral Festival
for bloom and beauty, mirth and joy, should
summon our people together once more, ICON
fined mostly to patrons and friends of the
school, of course,) in the gala days ante 6eI-
luns when. our female institution johnson
University-was in its prime, and so oft enli-
vened the village by similar scenes. Alas
alas that the vandal raiders should have des-
ecrated our alma lNater, and the stern misfor-
tunes of war should have scattered far and wide
her teachers, pupils and finances. A remnant
of these pupils gathered there, this bright May
evening, to compare it with those well-remem-
bered scenes and as the vine-wreathed plat
form in the garden, with its glittering lights,
and the thronging multitude appeared, when
the curtains unroIled and displayed the bril-
liant coronation scene, with the gay young
fower-decked maidens, (of whom the rosy
dawn, Aurora, and the resplendent Night, with
the tall, regal form and Eastern features of the
chosen Queen of the hour, Miss MARIA LED
BETTER daughter of the brave Major of Orr's
Regiment, who fell in the path of glory and
honor-were most conspicuous, )-all seen only
in quiet tableaux this time-then indeed were
the slumbering years and memories of glad May
days agone awakened in our breasts for brief
bright spell, and we thought with Longfellow-
'tMaiden, that rcadst this simple rhyme
Enjoy thy youth-it will not stay;
Enjoy the fragrance of thy prime
For, oh 1t Is not always Mayp'
Thanks to the Anderson Brass Band for ad-
ding so much to the charms Of the occasion, as
their enlivening strains bursting upon the night
all. between the scenes were truly inspiriting,
especially to those secluded from the noisy
world, of varied pleasures! Soon these bright
visions ended and the crowd Of old and young
grave and gay, pressed on through the hospita-
BILE mansion to seek new pleasures and
refreshments, and social reunion with friends.
By the way, wonder why it is that our citi-
zens are so seldom assembled these days in such
places of social intercourse, when they were
once so frequent here, and rendered our town
eminently agreeable. Besides numerous school
fetes, pic mics and private parties there used to
be many charitable attractions to summon us
together, such as Floral Feasts, Fairs Hot
Suppers, Concerts, Charades and Tableaux-
all of which tend to relax and geniaize the
care-taxed, dull-spirited, plodding mortals who
need such refreshments oftimes in this work-a-
day, sin-hardened world All other nations
seem to possess more of this taste for innocent
pastimes and pleasures, as interludes to life's
buster scenes, than the ever-active Americans
Perhaps, if our people would return to some of
these pleasures-the old forgetting awhile their
troubles incident upon our many national and
individual misfortunes, and the young for the
purpose of learning more refinement of man.
ner and elevation of tastes which these things
are calculated to efect-there might be a
change for the better, in the tone of our some
what rude and unsophisticated society as at
present visible. Let those who have the means
return to their wonted liberality, when Fire
Engine is called for to protect their property,
or funds are needed to repair our neglected
churches and graveyards, and all similar desi-
rable purposes-being assured that "breail cast
upon the waters shall return to us after many
days." And be it remembered, my sisters, the, !,
the appointed Southern anniversary to deck the
graves of our soldier dead has this year passed
unnoted by us, and if now too late to pay our
floral tributes to the memories of our heroes
asleep in the village churchyards, letus improve
and beautify their resting places, besides those
of other kindred and friends, and henceforth
keep sacred this solemn Memorial Day! And
thus, in fulfilling all of the social duties of Life
we may be better prepared for reunion beyond
this world-inthe Eden of bliss, reserved for
the "6nally faithful"
Editors Table.