Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1877-09-04
TIE UPPER VALLEY.

central portion of the magnificent Valley OF
Virginia, of which our own rich county forms
the northern gateway. Two of the best and
most experienced conductors of the b. Il o.
r. R., Capts John G. Smith and Lewis Bar
lev, run the through mail and passenger
trains on the Valley Branch, and with one of
these accommodating railroad men Capt.
Smith, we were in the space of few hours
landed at the, Chesapeake and Ohio depot at
Staunton, just in time to take train on that
road bearing the famous "Stonewall Brigade
Band" aud number of ladies and gentlemen
from Staunton to Waynesboro, (whither we
were also dostined) to attend lawn party
given by the congregation of the Presbyterian
Church OF that place. We felt most fortunate
that our visit and the lawn party in question
occurred, so OPPORTUNITY for us, at the same
time, and in a little while after reaching
Wayuesboro we were numbered among the
large throng entering tho grounds where the
party was in progress. It was held in beau
tiful lot upon an eminence at tho western end
of the town. The ground was entirely free
three hundred lamps and chinese lanterns
with which it was illuminated, were arranged
in most artistic style and appeared to the most
decided advantage, nothing intervening to
mar the attractiveness of what at first sight
almost appeared to be glimpse from fairy
land. The Rev. Mr.. MoCuschen is pastor of
the Presbyterian Church, for the benefit of
which the party was held, and none worked
moro faithfully than he in making it suc>
cess. Beautifully adorned tables were heavily
ladened with almost everything that heart
could wish in the way of substautials, sweet
meats, ETC., which fair hands rapidly served
to generous patrons. A music stand occupied
the centre, and here the "Stonewall Band"
discoursed enlivening music during the even
ing The party was kept up until midnight,
and even then the asscmblage seemed 10th to
leave the almost enchanting scene. hand
some boquet was voted to the "ugliest man"
of the "Stonewall Band" and Ned Cushing,
The President of the Band and Stanton
noted auctioneer, was awarded it by the au>
dience without dissenting voice. We tried
hard to elec,ioneer for Strasburg, Of the Spec
tnior, but it was no go; Gushing had the
Inside track" on him, and if he had not got
it, Sam Baskins would have been brought in
as "oompromise candidate" and carried the
field. Two hundred dollars were taken in,
out Of which the party netted the handsome
sum of ono hundred and ffty>six dollars.
Leaving Waynesboro VIC passed through
Stanton on our return, and spent few
hours there. Thos. D. Ransom, Esq, form
erly of Charlestown, lives in Staunton and
practices law in partnership with tho Hon. A.
ii. Il. Stuart; Capt. Jno. N. Opie, also a
native of Jefferson, is farming near the city,
and Mr. Charles E. Haines, at one time a
resident of CharlestouD, has in Staunton the
lsrges, and most complete cigar mandatory
in the Valley. Three of the best newspapers
in the Stste-the Spectator, Iindicator and
Trginian-sre published in Stanton. Her
female institutes-a source of great pride and
rob the city for short space of its wonsed
busy appearance, but these will be soon
opened again. On Wednesday afternoon the
..Wess Augusta Guards" and "Staunton Ar
tilery," headed by their Drum Corps,
marched from the city for Stribling Springs,
to spend few days there. and the ''Stone-
wall Band" followed OF Thursday evening.
The camp Of the military was named Camp
Holiday" in honor of the nominee for Gov
ernor of the State, who is unanimously en-
dorsed by old Augusta. In conversation with
friend who is city officer in Staunton We
we're informed that the tax on property in that
city is $3.50 on the hundred dollars. With
rs it is % cents. And yet Staunton seems
rather to be benefited than otherwise by
heavy taxation. She has magnificent water
works snd other conveniences, aud tho large
amount of revenue derived from these heavy
taxes is discussed among mechanics and
laborers at home, giving work to those who
would otherwise BIO unemployed. It is live
town at any rate, aud its streets constantly
wear business aspect which cannot fail to
attract the attention of the visitor or traveller
passing through enroute for some other point.
VIcK's FLORAL GU1DE.-The quarterly
edition-No. for 1977-of this interesting
publication is received, and abounds in mat
tiers of practical use to the foriculturist.
Vick's new "IHustratcd Monthly Mag
assae," which is an enlargement and improves
ment of the Floral Guido, will commence on
the first of January next, but the first num-
Der will be ready to send to subscribers on the
i