The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1877-08-30
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Waynesbor0'.

THE LAWN PARTY-THE CROwD-A GREAT SUCCESS
sToNEwALL BAND, ETC, ETC.
WAYNEsBoRO, August 29. 1877.
MEssRs. Enthusiastically evening the ladies'
of the Presbyterian Church of this place held a
"lawn party which proved one Of the most cred
liable and splendid affahs OF the kind ever given
in our county. One of the most pleasant features
OF the evening was the soft, sweet music of .the
Stonewall Band of your city, whose tender harmo-
MES seemed created for such picturesque scenes.
The lawn was richly Illuminated with Chinese
lanterns, numbering hundreds of many devices.
all of which were arranged in manner at once
novel and setting an example well to be followed.
Upon entering the grounds one was so charmed
with the weird and fancy scene spread out before
him that he could not resist the impulse to stop
and enjoy the picture. I have seen many such
enterto inments, but never one SO captivatingly
arranged.
THE EATABLEs, ETC,
were in quantity and quality unexceptionable,
and with prodigality for which old Waynesboro
is famous. Salads, fowls OF every kind, rare old
hams and viands of every sort, ices. cakes :and
coffee good enough for the Sultan were there.
Everything was cheap, and measures were given,
not Struck, but "heaping full" There were
also soda water stands, and beautiful flower
stand OF the choicest and loveliest bouquets
tastefully arranged, as well as tempting fruit
stand. The wonder is that the receipts were so
large. being $50 after paying all expenses.
TIE OBJECT
of the entertainment was to raise sum sufficient
tie pay the last obligation not yet due upon the
elegant new church built here recently. l am
glad to say the object was fully obtained in this
instance. know OF no congregations entitled to
more credit than those in this town. In spite of
tie panic and the consequent moneyed strn-
gency, both the Presbyterian and Methodist con-
gregations here have within the past couple of
years erected beautiful new brick ediflces that
would adorn town of much greater pretensions
the Methodist church costing about IS, 900 and
the Presbyterian $1,000 Unlike most of such I'M
dertakings, they were paid for before occupation.
The Presbyterian church is entirely free from
debt-in fact, never had any, and the proceeds OF
this party, together with the funds on hand. will
be ample to enable the congregation to pay for
the pews, which seat four hundred people and
are made of walnut and oak Can any other town
of like population in the State boast of such re.
ligious enterprise, and not merely faith but
works? 4 81
THE CROWD < -
is variously estimated from $50 to 500. about $40
being taken in at the gates. Quite number of
Stauntonians were present, and had it not been
for the dance at Fort Defiance that evening" many
young people from your city would have honored
us with their presence. Mr.. Ned. Cushing auc-
tioneered the surplus of eatablas in his usual
happy style, and more as a compliment to his
kindness than his wont OF pulchritude, else he
wouldn't have gotten it, beautiful bouquet was
voted him as "the ugliest member of the band -
The occasion was enjoyable and profitable in
every way @r - @z & g X