Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1881-01-25
PORT REPUBLIC.
Regular CORRESPONDENCE. |

PORT REPUBLIC.
Regular Correspondence.
SrAUNToN, VA, January 23nd, 1880.
MEssRs EDITORS Our recent visit to that
thriving town. was intermingled with some
of the most startling disclosures ever recorded
uuder our notice. The little 'burg" was all
ablaze with excitement regarding the contem-
plated erection of the depot, there having been
| some talk of moving it to another place. Lay
| ing aside all personal animosities as existing
| between the owners of the land desired for the
site, it appears to us that any one. with spoon
| full Of judgment, would see, after moments
reflection, that that town is the proper place
for the largest depot to be erected upon the
| road. The misunderstanding in regard to the
piece of land could be easily adjusted, and In
stead of moving it, the depot, to the Forge, as
| is now expected. when it would accommodate
| only an immediate few, whole neighborhood
would be benefited and it would be more extern
sively patronized by building it at Port. Since
| the completion of the Shenandoah Valley Rail-
road to WaynesbOro', q new outlet is made d.
rect to this place. and all the products of those
fine and well.cultivated farms would center
| there Cat Port and which would always find
ready sale in our popular city. The route runs
through one of the most delightful sections of
our noted Valley, while the entire community
is composed of the kindest, most hospitable
and Industrious farmers to be found anywhere.
We certainly hope that those people will sue
coed in obtaining the depot, for we want to see
them provided with good store house, and
then we will use every effort to secure the ben
fits of their earnest labor.
AS important as the depot next in the cata-
| I~- lxzIl
much-talked-of Fool Bridge across the river
opposite to Port. Instead of men who are
worth thousands-and there are plenty Of that
class DEMONSTRATING in accordance with
their circumstances, they only give a mill in
comparison to the needed AMOUNT. Those per-
sons are surely standing in their own light,
and some day-soon we fear-they will repent
of their stingy folly. but at time when it will
be "too late' to derive any benefit from inn
mediate action. The money invested in the
bridge would more than repay the uses. besides
being safe and convenient at all times.
Educational-wea attended the everyday ex-
ercises of the Academy at that place, and were
pleased to see the thorough working order
which extends throughout The principal, Mr.
B. B. White, deserves credit for the sense OF i'm
portance of study which seems to actuate every
pupil, and in order to show how perfect he re-
quires lessons from each,1 called a class in
grammar. He teaches that branch under an
entirely new departure, simplifying 1t by dia-
granting sentences on the blackboard This is
commendable method, and makes the rudi- |
ments Of that intricate study perfectly cOmpre |
hensible to even the smallest child. Equal eff
forts are expended in endeavoring to make all
as conversantIwith.o one study another. J. R.
Keller. ESQ.,, has charge of the primary depart |
ment, and the little fellows seem to wait with |
delight for recitation, The teachers are doing |
good work, all their efforts meeting with sue |
cess, and without one dissenting voice the
patrons note with pride the rapid advance
ment of their children.
Noting few 'dots"' which we will reserve for
future reference, our waiting ended, and board
ing the regular passenger train of the Shenan-
doah Valley Railroad, were soon hurled through |
the long silent woods, which now re- echoes
with the crashing sound of roaring train and
piercing whistle, to the busy village Of
wAYNEsBoRo'.
Having been detained there by delay in
of trains, we sent telegram ahead |
our detention, and proceeded to
spend the leisure hours in viewing that pleas
antly situated and industriously inhabited
town. We had an agreeable chat with DR.. W.
The Doctor is a congenial gentleman, his
interesting and not like some. |
composed largely of Journalistic taffy.', At |
his suggestion we enjoyed pleasant sleigh-ride |
to the factory of the Elastic Wheel Company
Through the kindness of B. F. Way, Esq.,, we |
were shown the usages of the different kinds |
of the latest improved machinery. and the SUI
perior merits of that ingeniously devised |
wheel. They have a large frame building ION |
the river about three quarters of mile from |
town, and which is supplied with every thing |
requisite tefaeilitate rapid and thorough COM
pletion of work. The capacity of the shop. |
with four hands. is twenty-four sets of wheels |
complete week. All the work is fitted with |
neatness and a view to beauty and strength. |
One wheel is capable of sustaining pressure
of $500 pounds. There is no rough jolting |
when the wheels come in contact with rocks
or ruts, but rides as easy and similar to car |
springs. The membership comprises some of
the most wealthy and influential citizens of
the town and vicinity. The capital stock now
aggregates $4,000, all of which has been accu-
INFLATED since the first of last July. This, OF it
self. proves the popularity of the wheel, and
that the managers are business gentlemen of
indefatigable efforts. AS this is a very import
ant branch of industry, we hope it will be ex-
tensively patronized besides, it is quite an i'm
provement on the 'old STYLE" and there is no
conveyance now used which can equal it for
comfortable travelling.
A prominent feature In our rambles was a
sight into the double store-house of Mr.. T. 81.
Antrim, a leading merchant of that place. We
were shown through the spacious and elegant
establishment by the courteous and pleasant
gentleman himself. Upon every side taste and
judgment as to the wants OF his customers. go
hand in hand and display the tact and superior
ability of the entertaining proprietor. Every
shelf is devoted to its own peculiar kind and
class. and you can find any thing there from
a cambria needle to threshing machine. Dry
goods, notions, gentlemen's furnishing goods
groceries, hardware, boots, shoes, hats, trunks
and farming implements of every description
Three attentive and accommodating clerk sare
present to show you the profuse and superb
assortment of cheap and attractive goods which
al the rooms from floor to ceiling. few more
UGH enterprising and business gentlemen as
MIR. Antrim would place Waynesboro' far above
Tine average mark, and make it justly envied of
all.
iWaynesboro' is surrounded with every natu-
raj advantage for q manufacturing town. The
business done outside of commercial interests
is enough to convince any one that capitalists
cali find no better place for an investment in
such enterprises as wooden and paper mills.
We regret that our limited time expired be-
fore we could gather a few more interesting
''pencilings." Our time being "up,' we ceased
our rambles, and soon reached this little city,
SO cozily n estled among the hills. The visit
was very pleasant one in every particular
and we return our thanks TO all who SO kindly
to our pleasure and comfort and
ocI,o aoly
grateful remembrance. P. A. r.