The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1877-04-28
LETTER FROM VOLCANO, W. WA,

cellent paper from this place. First
OF all permit me to thank you hear.
tily for the welcome weekly visits of
the Oakland or Garrett County RE-
PUBLICAN. Believe me that l es-
TEEN them very highly, and wish
you continued and increasing pros
perity. In regard to Oakland with
me and mine, the old adage is ever
true, Though absent thou art dear
and nigh" and in our deepest
thoughts cherished memories of our
pastoral term midst the people Of
your town shall ever dwell. Let
this suffice for introduction.
Volcano, being a new town, is
comparatively unknown east of Par
kersburg and west of Cincinnati. 1t
is situated on the Laurel Fork and
Sand Hill railroad, four miles north
of the b. d 0. railroad, connecting
with the latter at Laurel Junction.
The Parish, as we may call it for
convenience sake, is about three
miles long and one mile wide. The
houses are scattered over the hills
and down in the valleys to accommo-
date the proprietors and workers of
the oil wells, the latter being the
chief business of the town. The pop
ulation does not far exceed 1000 per-
sons but is now rapidly increasing.
The increase is caused by the pro
rata increase in the price of and de-
mand for oil. The people here are
from almost every State in the I'm.
ion, and every nation of Europe,
British and Continental. At one
time it was rough and much given
to "rowdyism," but those days have
passed away and have seldom seen
a town more respectable or correct in
its departments than Volcano of the
present time.
Speaking of hills, Volcano can ex-
cell any place have yet seen in my
ministerial tours, hills to rightof lis,
hills to left of us, hills behind us,
volley and thunder, engines every
where; oil ubiquitous whistles
screaming, horns blowing, water
running. Why, in comparison with
all this music, the Oakland band is
n0Wher! Now l don't mean any
disrespect to the band, for perhaps
no town Of the same population can
produce band so efficient as the one
resident in your beautiful county
seat.
Volcano has two churches, Prot
estant Episcopal church and a Meth.
odist Episcopal church. The very
excellent and liberal minded minister
of the former was present at my SER
vices on Sunday evening, and like
wise participated. Thus we dwell in
harmony under the guidance of one
great leader. 80 mote it be.n The
Sabbath congregations are very
large, and the week day services are
well attended.
On last Friday evening the I. o.
G.. L. held public meeting, on
which occasion l had the pleasure of
iecturing on temperance. The meet.
ing is to be repeated on next Friday
evening, so Of this more anon. The
Good Templars own a fine hall here,
and number about 80 members.
The Masonic fraternity are also
numerous. They possess the largest,
handsomest and best furnished hall
in town. The building, containing
only two rooms, was recently cree
ted at cost of 81, 100 dollars.
The l. 0. O, F. have also hall
and lodge, and are in good working
order.
All the societies here noticed have
taken me by the hand and given me
a genuine w. Va, welcome.
Volcano has also a large graded
school, open nine months in the
year. There should be an Academy
likewise.
There are here seven stores, all do.
ing brisk business; one hotel; sew
eral boarding houses one drug store;
two doctors, (medicaD; one Justice
of the Peace one Notary Public ; no
lawyers, and one barber.
The oil produced here is at once
shipped in its crude state to the re-
tineries at Parkersburg, there being
only one refinery here, and that for
oil of a coarse grade.
There are within view of the par
sonage, two iron founderies and ma
chine shops, giving employment to
number of men.
Everybody seems to be busy hur-
rying to and fro, so that through the
day you would not see a single loa fer
in any of the stores except the min