The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-04-11

THE SEMINARY SOIREE.-The announce
ment OF q soiree at the Augusta Female
Seminary never fails to bring with it pleas
ant memories and the liveliest anticipation
of an evenings enjoyment. The rarity OF
soirees in general of late days, has raised
them from the plane of. the familiar into a
more attractive sphere, and now instead OF
considering them but slight variation OF
the dull monotony of society-life, they are
looked forward to with the impatience with
which one would hasten all assured pleas
ure. Especially is this the case when the
programme is SO varied as that presented at
the Seminary last Thursday night. and the
audience which crowded to hear it, attested
its magnetic power. There was something
in it to please the taste OF each and tire none,
so happily had the popular taste been catered
to. The commencement was chorus from
Martha, led by the sweet, clear soprano OF
Miss Ida Fletcher, and well supported by
Misses A. and j. Junkin, Gum, Baird, Nc
Cuschen and Mccoy. This was followed by
that matchless old Scotch melody, 'Robin
Affair." a song to which voice so sympa-
thetically altuned as Miss Nellie Moreland's is
particularly adapted. In all the repertoire
of music there is, to us, no sweeter note, no
purer pathos, than this old song, and well
did she who gave it deserve the applause it
elected. Next came Jean Ingelow, ''Songs
of the seven,' that picture of life-its sha-
dow and shrine-its joy of youth, its ma
turer happiness, and sorrow of age. Each
stage of the drama, for drama it is, was
presented with naturalness and an almost
finished elocution by the following ladies !:
Seven times -Exultation-AnnieR aph-
| ael; Seven times observation-disclosures
Gum; Seven times three-Love-Mol
Love; Seven times four-A happy home
hood-Annie Red Seven times SHELVING
in marriage-Ida Fletcher and Fannie Sym
ington Seven times seven-Longing for
home-Lottie Baylor. At the close OF each
scene a tableau was given in response to the
applause, and when the curtain fell on the
final scene. it rose again in few minutes
disclosing tableau of unusual beauty. The
weary, care-worn creature was kneelng.
praying for rest, and before her stood a
group of shining angels, the foremost of
whom was extending crown, whilst, as if
from distance, came the low, sweet notes
of the softest music. 1t was a picture of
surprising beauty, and will not soon be for
gotten.
Part the second commenced with the solo
ssEsmeralda," by Miss Jennie Baird. 1t is
song of rare merit, and was so finely rem
dered, that the audience enthusiasm would
brook no denial of response. The semi
chorus-"Auld Lang Syne "-that old, old
song of which no one ever yet grew tired,
and which as time gathers on it seems to
grow richer, as if it treasured memories,
was then sung co Miss Mary Crawford's
splendid accompaniment, by the following
young ladies, all attired in becoming cos
tune: Misses Moreland, Antrim Hop
kins, Hooks, McCutchen, Keitt, Simpson,
Kittrell, j. and A. Junkin, and the entertain
ment closed with series Of graceful and
beautiful pantomimes by Misses Kett, In.
man, Hall, Murchison, Baird, Jackson, Pope,
Davidson, Hooks, Goyer, Estes. Erwin, ].
| and A. Junkin.-Miss Sallie Parrott presided
at the piano.
We cannot too strongly commend the good
taste and judgment shown in the selection
of this programme. 1t evidenced desire
to please the audience as well as exhibit
the superior culture of the performers. and
was thoroughly appreciated from beginning
to end. In harmony with its simplicity,
were the beautiful decorations of the stage
and the modest and tasteful costuming OF the
young ladies.
We venture to say that few entertain
men:s have been more heartily appreciated
than that Of Thursday night, nor has there
been any which reflected more credit upon
the excellent institution at which it was
given.
STAUNToN.-No town or city in Virginia
is provided with more comforts or advan-
tages than Staunton. We have thorough
supply of gas, reaching every locality in the
town the streets well lighted; an abundant
supply of water for four times the present
population the sidewalks we'll paved; an
almost perfect system Of Public Schools
splendid private schools; church advantages
enjoyed by but few communities; delight
full and healthful climate beautiful scenery
two railroads; rich agricultural surround
| inc. an intellioent and public spirited