The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-06-27

age sown, and more sown than ever known in
the Valley. We have every reason to believe
that the financial condition of our farmers
will be greatly improved after she wheat
crop is gathered and marketed, and as a
consequence every other industry will share
in the revival.
THE GRANGE HALL.-The purchase OF
Grange Hall by the city will doubtless prove
wise and profitable investment, if the sug-
gestions we have heard are carried into ef-
feet, An intelligent member of the Board
OF School Trustees has conceived the plan OF
remodeling that portion Of the building ap-
propriated to hall, by putting in floor.
thus converting it into two stories, fifteen
feet high. He suggests that space be re-
served in the front part of the first floor for
a school hall, or exhibition room. with super
office, and the other part of the
two floors converted into school rooms,
which would give ample space for the &C
commodation of the school now occupying
the old Methodist Institute, on Main st. 1t is
suggested that the alley, OH west side OF the
building, be paved, and an entrance through
it made to the school room in the rear,
on the second floor, so as not to Interfere
with the entrance to the offices to be located
for city purposes on the first floor. as it now
stands. This arrangement would save to
the city from 5000 to $500 rent annually
and furnish permanent and commodious ac-
commodations for school purposes. Other
improvements for the convenience and COM
fort of the pupils would also be made.
This is merely rough and imperfect
statement OF the design. But it indicates
that the city authorizes have it in their pow
err to utilize the building to great advantage,
and this determined upon, the practical
minds in control of the matter will soon de-
wise a feasible and entirely acceptable plan.
THE JoNADAB EXCURSION to Alton last
Friday, though not profitable to the order
pecuniarily, afforded much pleasure to those
who united in it.. It is to be regretted that
the unfavorable condition of the weather
prevented larger attendance. The untiring
energy and activity of the committee of ar.
rangements deserved success, and we wish
them better luck next time.
The excursion tram arrived at Alton about
s O'Clock in a drenching rain. Mountain
Top was enveloped in thick heavy clouds,
which made it impossible for the party to 60
there, as was originally intended. But moth
ing daunted, the party repaired to the Alton
House, and there spent the day in dancing.
rolling ten-pins and such other amusements
the time and circumstances suggested. All
seemed to enjoy themselves and are anxious
to have another excursion under the same
management.
Alton is beautifully situated on the Eas-
tern slope Of the Blue Ridge Mountain, about
one and a half m lies Of the mountain top.
Near the depot is the hotel kept by the
Messrs. Goodloe, it is almost new, arranged
with SPECIAL reference to the accommodation
OF summer visitors, is nicely furnished, and
the table is all that any one can desire, being
supplied with all that the markets afford,
and prepared in comfortable home-like
style.
Though the day was unfavorablc, yet we
were able to see enough to speak in the
On the one side, the Blue Ridge rises in
almost perpendicular walls, while to the
South and East the ''South Range frames
in one of the loveliest valleys the eye ever
rested upon. 'Tis lovely spot and fills one
| with admiration and awe in contemplating
the grand and beautiful as found in natures
great storehouse.
To those seeking relaxation from the cares
and turmols of city and town life no better
place can be found than Alton.
THE LATE DIR. I. W. K. HANDY.-The
| death of DIR. 1. W. X. Handy, pastor of the
Old Stone Church. in this county, brief no.
| tice of which appeared in this paper last
| week, closed the earthly career Of one, who
throughout life long and eventful, had
measured up to the full standard of man
hood, and leaves memory fragrant with
noble actions and deeds of self-sacrfice.
DIR. Handy was a son Of the late James
Henry Handy, OF Washington, and was borr
in that city, December IA, 1915. He wa
graduated at jefferson College and at the
Princeton Theological Seminary, and after
entering the ministry was for some years a
member OF the Synod Of Pennsylvania and
at one time its Moderator. He engaged in
| missionary work on the peninsula, anc
| preached at various points on the Eastern
Shore, his first charge being at Berlin. Hi
| also had charge of the churches at Port Penn
1 and Drawers, Del, and Portsmouth, Va
| His last pastorate was at Augusta Church
| at Fort Defiance, Virginia. one OF the old
est churches in the country, from which he
obtained leave of absence in January last
on account OF his health. DR.. Handy was a
most faithful and conscientious Christian
minister, believing entirely in the creed O
his Church and always ready to defend it.
but tolerant of the beliefs of others and O
a kindly, gentle and loving disposition
which endeared him to a very large circl
of friends throughout the Middle States, Vir
gina ana the w est. Lie Was ultmoSI Y
the General Assembly in 1857, when tn
New School Presbyterians separated on tn
geographical line, and was one OF those VIII
drew up the plan for the reorganization Q
the Southern branch. He was member 0
the Presbyterian Historical Society, OF tn
American Scientific Association and of thu
MARYLAND Historical Society, havin! an es-
pecial reputation for carefulness and accura
cy as genealogist, and was for long tint
one of the trustees of Delaware College, il
which he always took deep interest, ant
where he was chosen professor OF mathe
metics, though he never occupied the chair
During the war DR.. Handy was for fiftee
mounths political prisoner in Fort Della
ware, and during that time lie only ono
failed to hold service in the prison. lie al
so organized classes in Bible study and the
oloey. the result OF which was a reviva
which touched many Confederate officers o
high rank, some of whom afterwards en-
tered the ministry. The effects of this lonI
confinement, which were outwardly shown
the change of the color of his hair from blac