The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1880-01-22

Christmas at the Miller Orphan Asylum.
BY ORA LANGHoRNE.
''All details Of Christmas festals are only
leaves OF that great tree, which is called hu-
manity, tree planted by Christianity and
cared for by its love-"
Within half mile OF the city limits, lie
the extensive grounds, which with 40 ample
fund for buildings. and support, were be-
queathed by the eccentric Samuel Miller, to
Lynchburg and its suburbs for home for
female orphans.
Winding paths lead through broad grassy
lawns and weil.kept flower gardens to the
large building, which looks like an ancient
feudal castle with its sombre brick walls,
square towers and stone facings. TO the
right and left extend fine groves of oak, with
here and there an opening to afford glimpse
Of the distant mountains, which stretch as
far as the eye can reach in the rear, MAX
ing fine background to fair scene.
The institution has been in successful
operation for some years, and forty six girls
from infancy to maidenhood are now shell
tered within its walls.
Many of these children are from the dregs
Of society, rescued from the pollutiEg infu-
ences, which surrounded them at birth,
while others are the offsprings Of respectable
parents. whom calamity of various kinds
had overwhelmed, and their hapless children,
born to good position in life, found the "blue
blood'' run chill in the veips of weather.
relatives, and are fortunate in becoming in
mates of a home where they are so we'll
cared for.
The rules of the Asylum forbid all secta-
rian bias with the orphans, and require them
to attend the services Of different denomina-
tions in turn, and the long rows Of healthy
looking, well.behaved children attract much
attention at the various churches OF the city,
as they enter attended by the watchful SUI
perintendent and matron.
The ample income Of the institution is
managed by board Of directors, most of
whoml were appointed by Mr.. Miller himself,
and as most of the funds are disbursed in
the city and the Asylum is the chief point
for all newcomers to visit, and the favo rite
drive for al residents, the whole community
feels an interest in the Orphans Home. Some
times this interest Is manifested by kind
hearted burgher in way to crafty the
children, as when Mr.. Cohn, a worthy He
brew merchant, sent the matron tickets for
the Pinafore at the Opera House, asking her
to bring all the children large enough to en-
joy it, or the popular eonfectioner Mr.. Boyd,
inviting the whole concern to his rooms to
eat ice.cream, all being big enough to enjoy
that Perhaps no one could have shown
more tact than Mr.. Carroll, the Tobacconist
Of 'Lone Jack" fame, who is one of the direc-
tors, and bids fair to rival Mr.. Miller in the
fortune the weed is bringing him. He always
takes kindly interest In the little girls, and
not long since sent them present of fifty
yards Of calico in small bits, saying he want
ed them to make bed quilts. The children
were greatly charmed and are each busy ia
odd Monuments, with intricate patterns of the
"Wild Goose Chase "Rlsing Sun" etc.,
each quilt when finished being the property
Of its manufacturer, a souvenir Of their child
hoods home to bear with them when they
60 out into the world to seek their fortunes
Living within sight of the Asylum, and a
frequent visitor within Its walls, can testi-
fy to the careful training given the children,
who whatever their condition when brought
these, soon show the good effects of careful
teaching and comfortable living. Sometime
ago small savage, from the "free state" OF
Amherst, region quite capable OF furnish
ing such products, as we'll as the numberless
hares, known In the city market, as Gam.
herst pork" was sent to the Asylum by a
minister, who had come across the mother.
less waif in his pastoral visits. AS is the
rule Of the House, she was permitted to
roam at will for few days, until she had
become accustomed to her new surroundings
Her uncouth expressions OF surprise and ad.
miration, greatly amused her more cultivated
companions. and when she reached the par
lor and exclaimed at sight of the sofa. "Oh
what big cheer!' there was general laugh
at her expense. The amiable teacher began
to play for her, when she asked an explana-
ton of the piano, and the child listened in
open-mouthed establishment to the music
When it ceased, she drew long breath and
remarked complscently IBIS good place
l gwine to stay here! No one could now
distinguish this child from the others b,
any faults Of speech or manner, and there i
every reason to hope that the rough
diamond may take polish and become fair
jewel.
l am often impressed with the healthy ap
pearance Of the children, and feel sure there
is usually more sickness in families Of half