Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1877-08-28
For the SPECTATOR.
The Lawn Party at New Hope.

Editors Spectator :-"By thunder, thai
thing must be stopped" growled Jupi-
ter. And so we couldn't have our Lawn
Party last Thursday. The ladies looked
as sad as Sally Lunns, but still the rain
poured down, and all their hopes were
washed away. "Ain't it too bad"
when aoiU it STOP" "the cakes will
SPOIL" Jones laughed at the idea, "the
cream'll melt" the dear things plead
but the weather god was implacable and
carried the day. Quiddities Hold the
Fort) and good things generally being
of perishable nature, it was determin-
ed to have the party Friday evening al
all hazards. And SO early Friday morn
ing, Jimmie Boonch bestrode placard-
ed mule, and with horn Tor SOY her
aided through our streets the coming
events. A messenger was despatched
to Staunton for the Band, the ladies
went bravely to work, and before the
day was done the lawn at Mr.. David
Boards was just "the dearest spot on
earth"-a plug from paradise.
The sun had made golden set, and
now
"stringing the stars at random round her head
Like pearl network"
Friday night came. 1t was feared that,
in consequence of the limited circula-
ton given to the change of programme,
the crowd would be small but the news
got spread" some way, and the popular
response was most gratifying.
Jessie, at Lucknow, never looked more
anxiously for the Highlanders than did
"Zack" for the Band, and when, with
his 6dsso profu'ado, he exclaimed
they're comm" the people knew who
"they" meant, and Joined with the "old
boy" in three long, rousing, deafening
cheers for 1.-THE Stonewall Brigade
Band" We had to wait but moment
longer for the music. I wish I could
write you the name of the first piece
rendered.
"-as soul breathing sound
Rose like steam of rich distilled perfumes"
Oh, it was grand! "Zack" thought
twas: "Well, yes, tolerable."
I essay, Mr.. Editor, to write you a
short account of New Hopes second
Lawn Party. 1t has been pre-eminently
a success. The attractions were varied
ald exquisite. The floral display was
incomparably ahead of any similar
exhibition we have ever witnessed. In
the centre of an octagonal pavilion, ele-
gantly festooned and embellished with
boquets, was raised a pyramid-say
three feet high-of the choicest flowers,
the whole being illuminated in such a
manner as to produce the happiest effect.
Misses Nina Stout, Lucie Roberts and
Emma Bondurant presided-beautiful
flowers!
The arrangements at the fruit stand
were of the most elegant character and
the apartment was eminently popular !:
Misses Laura Rayner, Kate and Fannie
Gentry-sweet peaches!
At the other booths, prettier than the
good things they sold, were Misses Fret
well. Rivercomb, Rhinehart, Scott,
Moore, Eakle, Mowry, Brown.
Edgar F. Eakle got the elegant gold
ring" from the cake, and tits whispered
an elegant young lady got it from him !;
at least they sag she had hand in the
matter!
The intensest interest conferred in the
"cake to the prettiest young lady."-
Miss Minnie Mowry received highly
mplimentary vote, but the final can
vass of the ballot decided the victor to
be Miss Bette K. Eakle.
Miss Eakle is beautiful brunette,
finished in letters, accomplished in man
ner. The presentation speech was made
by Mr.. Thomas p. Crawford, who, by
his splendid mien, elegant dictien,
chaste language and handsome face,
won the hearts Of his hearers.
GORDON DAVIS.