Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-03-19

In this charming and fertile valley a.
bout three miles west of the pleasant
town OF Harrisonburg, is located the
beautiful little rural village called Day.
tOn.
This town has been founded for sew
eral years, but for the want ofenterprise,
and other pursuits of industry, it has
fallen in the rear, in comparison with
others of its size and age.
The Inhabitants number probably five
hundred. Some of them seem to be in
dividuals of good reputation and moral
understanding, also men Of business;
while others seem to be possessed of
kind of illiterate understanding, and do
not show forth that snergy of mind and
vigor of soul which they should, to make
this one of the most dourishing towns
that could possibly be found between
Earper's Ferry and Staunton.
1t is not because the facilities. requisite
for improving their present condition in
life, are not afforded, fOf surely they are
excellent when compared to many 9th
ers.
Large crops are produced annually,
for the soil is just as prolific around in
the vicinity of Dayton, as can be found
anywhere in the "OId Dominion" and
ofcourse much arduous labor is required
in the gathering of these abundant sup
plies of food.
But, from some cause unknown, they
appear to have a greater preference to
live up to the general rule of popular
society,-to do nothing, than to put their
shoulders to the wheels ofimprovement,
and try to make it a grand success. Oh,
how many persons there are in the
world to-day, that desire to see the works
of improvement carried On nearer to 8
state of perfection, but are not willing to
lend a helping hand!
But so far we have been rather refer.
ring to the past condition of our village.
At the present it seems to be awakening
to the idea of enterprise and intellectual
culture. The hearts Of our foremost
men seem to be enlarging; they have a
more ardent desire to see this place come
out from its old ruins, and rank among
others of its size.
Within the past two years, through
the Kindness of some whole-soul- work.
ing men, there has been founded an in
stitution Of learning under the title,
Shenandoah Seminary. This seems to
add much to the attraction of the place,
though great many persons worked a.
gainst it with all their power.
The number of students is not large,
vet what are present seem to be young
men and women of highly adorned
characters. They seem to be possessed
of good social disposition very kind
in all their actions. We are regarded in
every way, by them, as true citizens, for
which we return the sincerest thanks,
and desire them pleasant time with us,
and also hope they will continue to re-
main. Its professors are geod sound
minded and noble-hearted men. Just
such men as the world needs every
where. JI M
If it was full of them it would move
along on much grander scale. We
know that the time has come when ed
ucated men and women should fill every
useful public office. therefore, we are
glad to see these institutions of learning
springing up in our cities, towns and
villages, that are calculated to train the
minds of the noble youths of our land,
to develop their understanding, and
make them capable of filling any inn
portant position in life, to which they
may be called.
say we feel glad, and we would well
come quite member more of just such
students as there are at present to S. S.,
SO that it might be made a powerful
success in the way of cultivating the
minds of ladies and gentlemen.
Besides this, there will be opened in
the coming spring two new grocery and
dry goods establishments, which are very
much needed here to reduce the price of
will be reliable men such that the town
may be abundantly blest by their influ-
ence. as{ ses s4giN esi1 "a
This is just what our village stands so
much in need Of, more substantial and
honorable personages. ssfeaa
There is one thing of which we, as
little town, can boast, that is, we have
no saloons. This is a blessed thing, for
the evils of intemperance will ruin any
people. It makes no difference how
sanctified they may seem to be in many
other particulars, if they are addicted to
this heinous habit, their lives will have
no influence upon the nohler portions OF
human society.
At the present the United Brethren
Church is erecting fine edifice for the
worship of God. It is substantial brick
building of moderate size with q fine
cupola.
Their society at this place is not so
large as at some others, but what they
have are whole-soul- -earnest-working
men when they undertake anything
they expect to see it completed. Oh
for more such men! The building is
expected to be finished by the first of
next June. Besides this, there is anoth-
er house of worship which belongs to all
denominations. This like all otherIfree
churches, is not kept in the order il
should be, if desired to be power in the
land for doing much good for the Lord.
Now I have given laconic synopsis
OF our beautiful little village, though
perhaps l have portrayed some of its
worst features.
IInou the w hnla Il is q uor,r doc; a