The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1882-02-23
JNO. F. TRENARY,
Celebration of the Zenobian Literary
SOciorV


This association celebrated its I'd anniversa-
ry at the Staunton Female Seminary, on last
Friday evening. The pleasant and ample hall
of the Seminary was filled at an early hour by
large, select audience. The programme
opened with finely rendered chorus, "Fondly
we greet you," in which, though so many
different voices Joined, there was not dis
cordant note. This was followed by an instru-
mental Duet beautifully played by Misses
Shirley and Dosh One of Ketterer's most
brilliant fantasias was rendered with exquisite
delicacy of touch by Miss Snyder, and one of
Strauss enchanting melodies. First Love-"
was charmingly sung by Miss Blanche Vim
yard.
Several other selections for the piano, and
one or two more sweet songs were given, each
one admirably selected and finely executed.
The entire musical programme gave evidence
of the most cultivated taste upon the part OF
the teachers, under whose auspices it was ar
ranged, and of the most thorough training
upon that of the pupils In several instances
we could not fail to recognise talent much
above the average. One lovely song in par
ticular, 1.-The Bells of Lynn" was sung by
Miss Kate Dosh in voice of exceeding sweet
ness, while it's natural sentiment appealed to
every heart. After this came the annual ad-
dress to the Society by Rev. DR.. Gilbert, OF
Winchester. The orator began by stating the
difficulty he experienced in the selection of
theme proper to the occasion, SO many sub
jects presenting themselves, each one urging
its special plea tor consideration. He finally
solved the problem, however, by taking as
his theme the motto of the Society he was
called upon to address, "La5oranaus anaore,"
I'VE labor in love-" Giving to this simple
text its fullest Interpretation, he gave grand
and eloquent exposition of womans peculiar
sphere of duty and the spirit that should
prompt its fulfillment. To labor lovingly, he
said comprehends all that woman can do in
the achievement of her distinguishing the
work that lies nearest to her, whatever it may
be, faithfully, patiently, and cherishng through
all the sweet grace of womanly tenderness to-
ward the wronged, the weak and the helpless,
that stand in her pathway.
low almost every avocation of usefulness, and
has little need to strive for admission to the
few for which she is distinctively unfitted,-
the doubtful privilege of the right of suffrage,
| to sit upon the jury or to administer justice in
the magistrates court.
There was pleasant vein of humor run
ming through the DR. IS sober counsels that was
reflected in the fair, youthful faces turned to-
ward him as he laughingly bantered them up
on the subject of bangs and beaur; but that his
remarks upon the latter were quite uncalled-
for, was proven by the Principals statement
closely following his that the young ladies
wished it distinctly understood that the even
ing's entertainment closed when the words of
dismissal were pronounced, so far as the audi
ence was concerned, and that they expected
no further attentions from the young gentle
man than their attendance upon the public
exercises of the evening.
| Mr.. Miller is evidently determined to exer-
else wise and fatherly supervision over those
entrusted to his care. The bright, contented
faces round him evinced that submission to his
judgment was rendered easy by the respect
and affection of his pupils. Staunton has
every right to be proud of her Lutheran Semi
nary.
The school is enjoying well deserved pros
perlty this SESSION, and bids fair to become still
more extensively patronised.
The musical department is under the super
vision of Mrs. Hamaker and Miss Cora Turner
two ladies so well known tor their musical
gifts and culture that it is unnecessary to add
anything in their praise.