Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1880-12-04
A Rip Van Wrinkle Village.

Having desire to spend a short
time in the mountains Of West
Virginia, where the air is bracing,
pure, and free from that poisonous
agent so deleterious to our race,
called malaria, we board western
bound train on the 3 & O. II. r.,
and after long, weary ride, step
off at North Mountain Depot. On
making inquiry for the nearest
hotel, we are directed to an ancient
and sequestered town, called He'd
gesville, the distance between this
latter and Station, being about one
mile. There is, however, a sort
of conveyance always here for the
transportation of passengers, ex-
cept in very stormy and wet
weather. when the foot-sore trav-
eller must watch for an opportuni-
ty and walk to the Mountain City.
Reaching theavenue called "Tater
HILL" the public edifices and pri-
vate buildings, with the thronged
thoroughfares fall upon our bewil-
dered gaze, and we fear to proceed
further, till an officer, called by
the citizens, "Town Sergeant"
comes to the rescue, and pilots us
safely to a byway free from dan
ger. After enjoying an excellent
dinner at the Mansion House,"
we conclude to take q stroll thro'
the principal streets, having first
been previously disappointed by
learning from the landlord that
this was an incorporated town,
and hence no red eye allowed to
be sold within its limits, this be-
ing a special enactment Of the
board of regents. However, being
always prepared for emergencies,
we continue on our way, and are
suddenly confronted by two secdy
and pompous individuals, one
having rather a medical air, and
the other seemingly dealer in
dry goods, groceries, &c, &C. We
are al ways anxious to know and
be known, and on asking whether
these individuals occupy any off,
cial positions, are informed that
they are members of the town
council. which readily accounts for
the stately tread and military
bearing of these gentlemen, be-
sides. we understood, their opin-
ions in reference to public meas
ures, intended for citizens good,
are very valuable, as they are men
of much legal experience. This
town is illuminated at little ex-
pense, not from the products of
coal tar, but rather spontaneous
combustion of gas already prepar-
ed in many of its residents. The
laws are made and sanctioned by
this august body of rulers, and are
carried out to the very letter.
Among others, there shall be no
running on the streets Of swine,
nor throwing stones in them, be-
cause they dread injury to some of
the living masses huirying to and
fro, for it is just possible that the
services ofno member of the heal
ing art could be secured, as there
are only five in this dense popu-
lation Of three hundsed. At night
the regulations are not so strin-
gent, as the officer is not on duty
when darkness comes on, and ever
and anon we hear the melodious
hooting of the screech owl, or the
soft and plaintive MARBLE OF the
Thomas Cat. There are many OBJ
jects here we'll calculated 10 excite
admiration in the close observer,
as for instance the placid and care
worn expression of those whose
powers broken down under the
severe strain of reclining on hair
cloth sofas, or sWeetIy nesting on
the ragged edges Of a store box;
then, too, the town spring whose
sparkling nectar, when once
quaffed, fixes in us an ardent de-
sire to visit once again this elysian
city and become lost in wonder
and amazement over the many
works begun and completed in
nature and art. Sad predictions,
we have heard, are made as to the
futdre destiny of this place Of
wonders, her prophets declaring