The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1871-07-07
COMMUNICATIONS.
That " IIOp.N :
EDITOR COLUMBIAN:- -

iSDiioh Sohp
Far beyond the memory of the old
est inhabitant it has been common re-
mark that but little sociability existed |
in Bloomsburg. Intercourse was re-
stricted to a few persons, and those
were generally relatives, or members Of
the same sect.
On Thursday evening of last week
the old barriers were eflectually broken.
Through the enterprise Of few of our
citizens, chop" was projected, the
only restriction on attendance being
that the participants should be gentle.
men and ladies.
The place was selected at Rupert; not
only because of the beautiful natural
scenery surrounding it, but because it
was equally convenient to the Catawis.
slams, who had also been invited.
About sunset the finest gathering of
maids and matrons, youths and men,
ever assembled in Columbia County for
like purpose, were to be seen at the
base Of Prospect Mountain,-number.
ing nearly one hundred. The air was
delightfully."- cool. On the slope, and
under the trees a platform had been
erected for the Terpsichoreans. Higher
up rose terraces of seats for the use of
the band, the dancers, and the specta-
tors. Those tifed of the dance, or of
sufficient sentimental tuan to prefer a
moonlight stroll could be gratified by
following the mazy walks through the
grove, prepared by the watchful care
of Mr.. Tubbs. True, the gnarled root
might suggest snake, or the hoot of
an owl give nervous tremor but then
this was compensated by the messy
seats, and the beautiful views obtained.
And what grand sights opened to the
view through the riffs in the clouds.
Spread before the spectator, as on a
map, lay the beautiful valley between
the Fishingcreek and the winding Sus-
quehanna,-a beautiful plateau dotted
with green woods and fields of waving
grain-a picture of peace and repose
Bloomsbury in the distance, with its
Normal School prominent, and the
spires glittering in the sunlight, found
new beauty in our eyes. And then tho
winding usquehanna-river of story
and song-of thee has native poe
well said -
| "The earth has nowhere greener fields
Than thy refreshing moisture yields;
Though loftier mountains crown the Rhine.
| None are more beautiful than thine;
Health through thy fertile valleys roams
And virtue blesses all thy homes
Il with pure felicity
The border to this picture is equally
beautiful; the bold ridge stretching
from the Miilin valley to the quain
| town Of Catawissa, and towering be
yond, with sky.likc aspirations, are tn
nobler forms of the Catawissa noun
! tains. The eye at last rests on the blut
now called "The Lovers Leap" from
| which, the legend hath it, an Indial
9 maiden and her youthful lover cas-
themselves into the placid waters G
4. the Susquehanna, when pursued by
: vengeful father. In describing tn
n scene local poet says:-
Now no cruel papa can the lovers divide.
|
J. tide,
!, And down they are floating side by side,
a on their way TO their bright Hereafter
- | Where fierce old fathers are quite unknown,
u And Indian lovers may wander alone
o In the shady groves where the bright birds sin
O And the roses bloom, ana the forests ring
l., With sounds OF music ana laughter"
:" No more will the echoes. by stream and glade
Reply to the song of the Indian maid;
10 For Hunkee Punkee's battles are o'er
g And never again by the peaceful shore
d VIII his dusky followers rally.
=, Brave and maiden have passed away
Like the leecy cloud OF II summers day
. Now the echoes reply TO the dinner horn.
s And we have no Indian, but Indian corn
For the Dutch have taken the valley !!
e And while the sinking sun bath
;. each crag and tree in fiery light, v
), can almost imagine it the funeral py
|, of "the maid and her slaughtert
: lover"
in But the band has struck up a live
le tune-the dancers have taken their |
ID spective staiions-and all is mirth al
le excitement. The cheeks of fair damst
ye renew their color, their eyes spark
and grace is in every movement.
ID After few hours, the genial face
IS Tubbs peered through the bushes, al
x supper was announced. Everythi
was there that an epicure could wis
at All were bountifully served, though
VT was astounding to see how much eve
Y, body ate-even those delicate maiden
,r. Soon after ten the party disperst
a Nothing occurred to mar the harmo
lc- OF the occasion, and all are anxious
k repetition of "the hop"