The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1876-12-21

POUND PARTIES.-On Tuesday last the
members of the 1st Presbyterian Church re-
paired to the Lecture Room. and deposited
many useful and appropriate presents for
their beloved pastor, Rev. W. E. Baker.
Mr.. Baker himself is quite unwell, which
was the reason the ''pounders" did not visit
his residence as is c, stomary. The presents
embraced all kinds of handsome and useful
articles and huge and sumptuous supply Of
e4tables. They were entirely unexpected
and therefore must have been more appre-
cated by the good man and his gentle wife.
May he have many returns Of the glad
Christmas season and with each. may his
congregation appreciate more and more his
sterling worth and christian counsels.
DIR. Martin, the able and popular pastor OF
the Methodist Church i'll this city. was Sc
uerely pounded by his parishioners on Tues
day night last. He and his estimable family
were quietly enjoying the home circle. not
suspecting an assault from any quarter what
ever, when suddenly the outer and inner
doors of the parsonage were thrust open by
Messrs. Simpson and Risk, who were closely
followed by number of both sexes. and the
unsuspecting pastor and his good lady were
attacked with hams, dressed turkeys, cakes,
coffee, tea. sugar, and various other articles
too tedious to mention. We are glad to hear
of that kind Of a pounding. We are sure
that it was done in the most loving manner
for he is greatly beloved by his people a:
we'll as outsiders.
CHRISTMAS SoIREE.-The music-loving
portion of Staunton society, has had little
opportunity for the qualification of its taste
this season. The public soirees at the vari
rious female colleges have been few and far
between, and the musical enter tainments
which generally enliven the winter season,
have been equally as rare The announce.
ment, therefore, that the Christmas Soiree
at the Virginia Female Institute would be
given on last Friday night, received an unu
sually cordial welcome, for twas well-knowr
that none were more capable of entertaining
critical audience than Prof. Richard ane
the young ladies under his instruction. Long
before the entertainment commenced. the
chapel Of the Institute was crowded and the
aisle near the entrance was filled with stand
ing guests.
At eight o'clock the performance commcnc
ed, with Il splendid rendition Of the beauti.
full overture. Poet ard Peasant" by Misses.
A. Weed, X. Crafts, l.. Bradford and I
Hendricks, with al organ accompaniment
by Prof. Richard. rhe instrumental piece
which followed were equally as difficult anl
we'll performed, and were as follows: Piano
Duo-Don Grovamo, by Misses. Geo. Porte
and NJ. Harnlansol; March de Concert, by
Misses S. DeFalcount, J. W,addill, G. Wallet
and M. Moore; selections from Faust, ar
ranged by Prof. Richard, by Misses Geo
Porter, A. Weed. NJ. Harmanson and l.
Bradford; Waltz-M Lumbye, by Misses }
Hendricks. X. Crafts, NJ. Young and L
WitIicrs; Overture s'Jubell," by Misses l.
Harmanson, A. Weed, Geo. Porter and l.
Bradford In the performance of these Sc
lections, :! e mastery instruction OF Prof
Richard was everywhere apparent; the dell
cate precision, light, musical touch and aoso
lutte control OF the keys, demonstrated how
successfully the Professor had impaired tt
his pupils much of his own thorough knowl
edge of music.
The only solos of the evening we're by
Miss l.. Scherer, who, in clear, sweet voice
gave 'Waiting," and the only duet wa!
"Come Haste and Seek by Misses L. Hott
man and Minnie Moore. The choruses were
''Mireile' and "Christmas Hymn
If there is one branch OF instruction il
which the Virginia Female Institute par'icu
ly exccls, it is in elocution. We doubt il the
equal of Prof. Scharf, as instructor in thi'
useful and rare accomplishment can be fount
in the State, and the ease and exactness viii
which his pupils produce the conflicting pas.
sions of human life, evidence the deepest in.
sight into nature on the part of the tutor, anG
ability of the highest order on the part of the
pupil. The English readings were by Miss
Annie Hendren, Miss Bogart and Miss Day,
and each was greeted with well-merited ap.
plause. The French Rotations were by
Misses W. Bosart and 4. Reed, and were
pronounced by competent judges to have
besu niiexceptionably fine.
-s-----> -
OYSTERS OYSTERS !! OYSTERS
You need not leave your oi1'sess Wlth OUT
SIDE parties, and pay them profits to efasfs
but 80 to Pearman's and get the best at the
lOyokt roSsih1o pr;oo