The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-07-24
For the FARMER AND MEcHAN
Letter from Durham.

First allow me to extend 10
you my congratulations, upon your success
in getting up a newspaper, containing each
week so much that is valuable and instruc-
tive to all classes and professions; and espe-
ciallv would | congratulate you upon, at last
getting Capt. Shotwells consent to his
s.Three years in Battle and three in Prison,
and YOU NAV rest assured that the many
hundreds of his friends wait impatiently the
weekly visit Of the paper that contains his
interesting narrative. And now begging you
to excuse me for the above you might
consider it fattery.") / will give you a few
items of news from oar little town.
LAWN PARTY.
The Presbyterians gave quite a pleasant
lawn party in front of the Grand Central
Hotel last Friday night, which was hugely
enjoyed by all who attended. The grounds
were lit up with japanese lanterns and
beautifully decorated with fancy tents and
booth, presided over by cayly dressed mai
dens, some dressed as indian girls. some as
centennial ladies and others in the sweet
costumes of the present day. The Durham
Band, ever ready to assist the ladies were on
hand with their new uniform. with brass
buttons glittering in the lamp light like SO
many diamonds. And taking everything
into consideration it was a gay aud happy
scene, and heartily enjoyed by all.
IMPROVEMENTS
in every part OF the city is going rapidly for
ward, and mingled with the whir and buzz
of the machinery, the ringing of the many
bells, and song of the operatives can be
heard the hammer and saw. and loud CRY of
more mort" Messrs Blackwell & Co.,
have already commenced to tear down
making ready to add to their already mammoth
tobacco concern.
They propose to more than double its
present capacity. These gentlemen are also
getting ready to erect a row of buildings
containing ten stores on Main street. Capt.
+. }. Parish perhaps the best
warehouse man in the South will
soon be ready to begin operations
in his new brick warehouse. This establish
ment IS the largest and handsomest III the
State, and has but few equals in the South.
II. A. Reams is also adding to his house.
Messsrs. A. *. Umstead 4 Co, j. VI. Smith,
j. W. Smith, Pearce & Goodson have just
completed large and handsome buildings in
which to handle tobacco. Messrs. W. Duke
Sons < Co., have added largely to their fac
tory as also has the r.. +. Morris & Son
Manufacturing Co. and both these firms
"a tdS SiSutlg " tlC dpICdl diiCt VI
their houses by repainting them. Messrs.
Tucked 4 Billings a Canada firm represented
here by Mr.. John II Ger are also erecting a
very large and handsome house.
There is some uneasiness manifested in
regard to the continuous dry weather which
has already injured the growing crops
especially tobacco and prices in this last
named product have advanced consideal | Z
owing to the gloomy prospects for a full
crop.
OUR CITY
is fast gaining a reputation for a Summer
resort, especially with the fair sex. Your
correspondent not being a ladies man owing
to hard looks and limited means, can not
keep up with the name of them. Miss
Bullock, daughter of Col. Bullock, of Florida,
is visiting Mr.. j. S. Carr. Miss Jones. of
Chatham is stopping at Mr.. Peays, Miss
Torean a beautiful young Virginia he;ress. is
making things lively and is visiting Mr.. 4.
Walker, Miss Willard, Of Wilmington is
stopping with Prof. Tomlinson, and there
are many others whose names | cannot
r~ecollect. Your.
I~OBACCONIST.