Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1871-03-04

Mr.. Ed. T. DRuMHr1LER, the present proprietor
of the Weaver House, which has been known by
the travelling public for the last thrce-fourths of
a century as the Sign OF the Buck, Intends tear
ing down that old structure by the first of April,
for the purpose of giving place to q large hotel,
when this we'll known old establishment will be
numbered among the things of the past. The
present frame building was erected about 80 years
age by Jonas Weaver, who cmigrated to this Sec
tion from Berks county about that time, and re.
manned in the hands of the Weaver family until
purchased by the present proprietor, seven years
ago. There has been but little change made in
the old structure in all this long term of so years.
Its original color was red, "a favorite color We
suppose, in those early days,) and in front, az n
proper distance from the houec, stood the old
sign of antiquated design, swinging upon hinges
in square frame, fixed on the top of high post,
upon which was painted what was supposed to be
Buck, but to such q degree of perfection had
the art of painting been brought in those pri-
mcval days, that the skiful artist, in his effort
to produce a buck, suddenly, and cunnngly
brought forth drumaderry with elephants legs,
and the antlers and tail of deer attached. This
nondescrpt device was removed about 90 years
ago, when an addition was built, and the origi-
nal part was repainted.
In connection with the old public houses which
are passing away before the march of time and
progress, must make mention of Battalion
day-the day Of ginger-bccr and gingerbread
when the bold militia captain struttcd with lofty
bearing and loftier plume, in front Of his fierce
command, which went through the evolutions mi
lHGire under his instructions, with the grace and
alacrity of drove of oxen, amidst storm of old
shoes, stones, bones, and the shouts and hoots of
a crowd of rascally boys. Battalion day was n
great day-thc day on which all old fcuds were
settled by the strength of knucklcs. Crowds,
in which the demon of whisky impatcntly slum-
bered, would suddenly become 1ocuent as Il
swarm of bees, and the result of the sudden aud
inexplicablc embrace would be numerous black
eyes, skint and bloody noses, and host of other
evils entirely too numerous to mention.
The fiddle and the dance were the usual adj
juncts Of The battalion. and right nice fea-
ture of the occasion. The only dance known or
practccd was the old French-four, which rcsem-
blcd the Indian Snake dance. People now-a days,
know nothing about politeness-they don't why,
in those days If a lady was asked to dance and
refused she instantly nccksd and hauled forth,
and her pedal arrangements Immediately went
into operation ike a streat Of creased Hghtni'g.
We say people in these degenerate days hasn't
the least idea of manners. There were no rest
less waH. .towerS those days us il these--no, no
all danced-all danced pcrforoe OF good breecliH'.
The man who could make the most noise with
his feet, regardless Of tune time, was regarded
as skillful-Dut the man who could get through
with the greatest variety OF bodily giratons, and
hideous yels, was considered far superior to any
one else, and h;S fame rent abroad. When set
of dancers was on the floor in full operation, the
noise and clatter rescmblcd that of the pitman in
q saw-nill--the whole scene pcrfecting sight
ridiculous in the extreme.
The customs, and manners, and condition of
this community aud vicinity, have changed since
this style OF dancing was in ySguc, and the last
of tbe old landmarks associated with buttalions
ard kindred matters Of days gone by, will soon
be superseded by the largest and most commoti-
Gus hotel in this place. Mr.. Drumheler, the gem
temanly proprietor of the Weaver House through
his ndaptability to i!s profession, has had re-
markabe success in this place. His intended
building will be GOXl00 in depth and breadth:
Three stories, II, II, and 1a in heighth, with sa-
loon below Il will be put mp in the most ap-
proved modern style. The estimated cost is
$4,000. Ed is an cuterprising man. and useful
citizen and through his new establishment, IA
yorabe location, and pleasing department, will
command the lions share of public patronage.
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