Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1879-09-09
OUR TOWN AS A HOME.

The ruins of the Sadler building are still
smoking rs we write this article, and the
thought that FIRST comes to us is that Charles
town is particularly desirable as homo from
the fact that its people seem knit together in
one common bond of sympathy and good fell
lowship. We live close together, not in the
sense of being cramped up in small lots like
city folks, for here we have plenty of room,
We are not crowded-you can stick out your
elbows without endangering your neighbours
eyes-you have room to expend your extra
energy in long walks-or if you prefer it,
you can work in your farm>like garden
But in another and better sense we are close
together. The laughter in your neighbours
house finds its echoe in your own-the home
sorrows become the town SORROWS. Does sick
ness invade your happy home-the sweet
spirit of charity sends troops of friends and
neighbors to comfort, by their sweet ministra~
tions, the sick and the suffering. Does death
stop the heart>beats of some loved one-the
Grape upon your door knob shadows the whole
village, and your neighbors' tears are mingled
kind como; does misfortune with one fell
swoop destroy the material prosperity of any
one-wiling and able hands are quickly put
forward to help those in need. Does the fire
fend, with his hot breath, destroy and bring
to ashes any mans home or place of business
the whole community, as one man, are en-
gagged in fighting the fiames-rch and poor,
white and colored-all snswer with one noble
instinct to the cry Of help. Forgetful of
self, they vie with each other in doing and
daring for the unfortunate.
SITUATION.
In the gateway of the Valley of Virginia
the fertile and beautiful valley, the valley
made historic and consecrated by the blood
of heroes, favored by heaven with scenery
unsurpassed in the world-Charlestown is
most admirably situated for home.
No epidemics ever soourge US, no torna>
does sweep, with their destructive force, over
us; no droughts of long continuance are
known here our climate is very delightful
one.
Around our town are very many beautiful
walks, the views from Fair Ground hill and
from G. Frank Galaher's being particularly
fine, while our drives are very attractive and
over pretty fair roads.
Oar homes themselves are worthy of notice.
While not SO pretending as those of some
other sections, yet the buildings are substan-
tial and tasty. We have had in the last few
years four Building Associations in active
operation, and these have afforded our people
great facilities for building. AS home for
summer visitors our town is becoming very
attractive, having two excellent hotels and
many good private boarding houses. Those
who flee from the city during tho heated
term find much more comfort for much less
money here than at the fashionable watering
places.
Law and order reign supreme in our viii
lage-our one man police force is vigilant
and effective. We have our share of saloons,
but the majority of them are shade above
the usual village GROCERY. Our successful
Temperance order has done much towards
the prosperity and welfare that reigns in our
borders. and although they have just suffered
the loss of their beautiful hall, yet they are
still at work. The course of lectures given
under thei- auspices last winter were very
successful, and We trust they will DO con-
tinued.
Our people are social people, and while,
of course, we have our classes and sets, yet
it does not take golden key to unlock the
doors of our best and most cultivated homes
we have no monied aristocracy.
1t is to be regretted that We have never
been able to sustain successfully circulating
library. We trust, however. this will como
with the other good things that the future
has in store for us.
Altogether, We have reason to be very
thankful that the lines have fallen in such
pleasant places. May peace, prosperity and :
happiness long continue to bless and beautfy
the homes of Charlestown.
GRAND LODGE, I. o. G. T.-The Grand
= VT