Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1878-03-12
For the SPECTATOR.
Valley Female Seminary.


No doubt this institution of learning
is well-knOwn to many of your readers,
and we deem it not supererogatory to
essay few words in commentator of
Seminary of this kind, established in
an excellent community beyond the
confines of city, where attractions are
not 30 numerous as In great metropo-
lis. This institution, of which speak,
is located on the Valley pike, soms eight
miles northeast of Staunten, at place
called Fort Defiance, or more generally
known as Willow Spout, being accesai-
Die either by rail or private conveyance.
The building wherein this school is CEN
Quoted is large commOdious structure,
standing back from the main read on
an elevated spet far enough to present
shaded lawn of handsome appearance.
Friday evening, March LIST, we had the
good fortune to be the guests of the
courteous and ebliging Principal and
the magnificent hospitality of the hos
tess, Mr.. and Mrs. Heller, to attend
musical rehearsal of both instrumental
and vocal Rotations under the super
vision of Miss Clara Wheeler of East
Virginia, instrumental instructor, and
Prof. J. A. Wright Of the Valley, vocal
list.
Our little chit-chat around the well
come hearthstone was hushed by the
proclamation of bell announcing the
preliminary exercises, when we were
at once ushsred into the parlor already
glowing with many sweet and blushing
cheeks. As your correspondent could
not use his notebook without being
charged by the Principal with writing
6sttet-doar to his pupils, a short sketch
OF the programme can only be given
from memory.
Promptly at u o'clock the introduce
tory piece, Saratoga March," was well
executed ca the piano and organ, re-
spectively, by Miss Clara Wheeler and
Miss Lettie Martin. Miss Sue Wenger
played FAIRY Polka" elegantly, and
Whispering Winds" by Miss Minnie
Rucker of Amherst, was equally so.-
The rendition of the "Shower of Roses,"
by Miss Lizzie Davis of Madison, was
admirable, nor can too much be said of
that exquisite song, ~ will never leave
thee" by Miss Alice CARRIER Of Pleasant
Valley, from whose sweet lips it came.
Minor pieces by the small class, Misses
Bessie Mckay. Mile Brubeek, and
Nina May, were quite good. "Silvery
Waves BY Miss Fanny Bailey of
Lynchburg, met with appreciation, as
well as the ''Serenads" by Miss Myra
Kyle Of Messy Greek. Commentator
followed Vocal Solo" by Miss Ella
Brubeck Of Augusta, and also Little
Brown Church" by Miss Tommie Fitz-
patrick of Nelson. Goodnight" was
sung in good time by she class. which
closed the exercises. Miss BERTHE Mars
ton of Bay City, Michigan, quite an in
telligent lady, who is visiting in the
neighborhood and being present that
night, was called to perform ON the pi-
ano, which she did in most creditable
manner, and Miss Sue Wenger received
no little demonstrations when she pick
ed the accompaniment on the guitar and
5aag Goodbye Fritzer, van you Vas
away" We were highly entertained
during the evening and hope to be pres
ent at concert they propose having the
latter part Of May.
We think this Seminary deserves the
patronage and influence of those who
wish tosgiye their daughters good prao-
teal education and at small expense.
The various branches we believe to be
thoroughly taught in all their parts.
The sympathies over the death Of Miss
Ella Finley from Fishersville, pupil
OF the school who died suddenly there
va Ide lotH III, are very great among
teachers and soho0l-matas to whom she
was 80 enGeared. She seems to have
been the favsrite among them sll, and
when grouped around her dying bed
tsse scaae must have been truly affect
ing. A short while before she gasped
her last. she raised up and gently asked,
"How long she could live2" When
told some three hours, she meekly said.
"In tAree more hours I will be IN NV
Heavenly home" She was a faithful
member Of Thinking Spring church and
Ia her twentieth year.
"Iesus can make dying bed,
Feel soft az downY pillows ars'
RAMBLER.