The Daily state journal. [volume] (Alexandria, Va.) 1868-1874, 1873-02-01
State Jnmrmal.
LETTER FROM ROANOKE.
The Blue Ridge REORGANIZATION.
of Learning, Churches. &c.-News ana
Other Items.

The Blue Ridge neutrality-suspicious.
of Learning, Churches. &c.-News and
Other Items.
Especial Correspondence of the State Journal. ]
SALEM, January 30, 1873.
Few sections of this state, even OF our
whole country, have enjoyed more renown
than the Blue Ridge country !; and the
route, in a south of west direction from
Liberty to Salem, is one Of the most attrac-
tive. Near big Spring" (mineraD, or
Blue Ridge Spring, as some call it. is the
summit of the ridge where the Tennessee
railroad crosses it, where we get q
view also of the Allegheny mountains.
At this point, and on the highest slopes of
the mountains are some thrifty vineyards
and orchards, which bear good crops of
fine fruit. Here is being built, and is
nearly finished, a large and elegant hotel,
for accommodation Of summer pleasure
seekers. From here We pass along down
the western slope of the Blue Ridge,
passing big Lick" a pleasant sta
ton, with water-power mills, and some
other factories ; and thence down
the famous Roanoke river, running
through a narrow but fertile valley, till we
reach this handsome little village of Salem,
the county seat. The weather was sharp
and freezing cold when we reached here,
and sleigh-riders were out enjoying them
selves merrily /; but, ere night, the weather
became warm, and the streets sloppy.
Mountains surround the place-some of
the points being very high. Among the most
prominent is "Twelve-o'clock Peak"
signifying that, if you start early in the
morning, you can reach the apex by twelve
o'clock.
The old and popular Roanoke college is
situated in this village, Of which Professor
d. F. Bittle, d. D., is president. 1t is To-
Gated on beautiful grounds in the edge Of
the village, near the base of the mountains,
and commands many magnificent views;
it Is surrounded by a splendid park or
''college campus" ornamented with trees
and shrubbery ; the number Of students, of
all ranks, is 1G0 they have two fine liter
airy halls, handsomely furnished and fitted
up, known as the "Ciceronean" and "De-
mosthenean - they have q valuable college
library, and a good public reading room,
with over a hundred newspapers from a
large number of the states, under the
special direction ofJohn t. Crabtree, ABB,
one Of the instructors, to whose politeness
We are indebted for q visit through the in
stitution.
There is also a fine theological seminary
here, of which Rev. s. A. Repass is the
principal, which is well attended.
There are two good free schools here,
well attended-for white and colored pu-
pils--with excellent teachers.
The place is well supplied with churches
in most of the denominations. Also, a
handsome newspaper-the Roanoke Times
neatly printed and ably edited ; and we'll
deserves the support Of its friends.
Good flour and grist mills are among tho
manufactures here; and, as much good
wheat is grown here, the mills are profita-
bly, employed. Fine fruits and good grass also
flourish here !; so do handsome women and
fat babies. as it is really a healthy country.
There are q number of new buildings
going up /; and the usual number of stores
and mechanic shops, needed in a population
of 800, all of whom seem to enjoy COM
Portable prosperity.
Temperance societies are flourishing, and
it is gratifying to notice that Young men
are very generally sober and intelligent !;
and less disorder and rowdying is seen than
in many other places.
There are two comfortable hotels here
IlC Dufdl llOuSc, anu CdIcLll llOltl.
As in most other places of Virginia, there
is here much land in market. for sale at
low figures, presenting splendid opportuni-
ties to enterprising and Industrious immi-
grants from other states, who desire farms,
in genial and healthy climate.
NEWs.-Colonel G. b. Board has been
elected county judge, to fill vacancy caused
by death of Judge Ribble and the cleo
ton seems to give general satisfaction.
On last Sunday morning, the barn of
Joseph Moomaw was burned, together
with much grain, farming tools, four horses,
several cows, calves, and other property,
amounting to 81 1000.
Mr.. Oakley, the postmaster, and Mr..
Friers, merchant, rendered me valuable
aid in getting up a second club for the JOUR-
NAL, daily and weekly; the JoURN AL
is very popular here, among all parties 4;
they say they like it, and to read it be-
cause it is a live, energetic paper, and
is earnest in advocating and promoting the
material and educational interests of Vir-
ginia, without reference to party prefer
ences, and urges harmony and brotherly
kindness among all classes. There are
many always eager to borrow and read the
paper, who are not subscribers let them
read it, any way, it will do them good.
ID. S. G.