The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1884-07-24
Hibernian Picnic.

AS announced in the last issue of this
paper, the annual picnic and excursion of
the Hibernian Society was made to Fort
Defiance on last Thursday, 18th inst
1t afforded day long to be remembered
by the members of the Society and the
citizens of Staunton who accompanied
them. In point of success and the enjoy
ment of the crowd. it by far exceeded any
similar picnic heretofore had
The special train provided for the pur-
pose left the B. & 0. depot in Staunton at
O'Clock, a. M, we'll loaded with old,
middle-aged and young people short,
pleasant, and rapid trip landed them at
the picnic grounds, where already aboet
| fifty of the Hibernian friends from Har-
risonburg had arrived. From the evil
dence of good cheer depicted on every
face, it was apparent that these Sterling
and industrious people had abandoned for
the day their various pursuits in life for
the purpose of happy enjoyment. In this
they were right royalty satisfied. Fathers
McVerry and Donahoe accompanied the
"
tended the proceedings of the day. At
the outset he remarked that he realized
the fact that on occasions like this a
reasonable amount of enjoyment was de-
manded and would be allowed, but that for
obvious reasons he opposed round dancing
and he hoped there would be no occasion
to reprove anyone for that, or anything
else during the day.
Mi. KOontz. with his string band, took
possession of the music stand in the ro-
tanda, and during the entire time, with
but short intermission for dinner, the
Pwaxed floor resounded the laughter, the
chatter, and the tripping of the merry
whirl of the dance.
Target-shootlng at one part of the ground,
swinging at another part, and throwing at
doll babies at still another part, furnished
amusement for old and young.
Several young ladies had day or two
before the picnic found an old sabre. about
half-drawn from scahbard, and SO rusted
as that it could not be moved either from
or into its case. They represented it as q
famous sword, to be rallied off at ten cents
a chance. They realized $500 therefor,
and Mr.. VIM. Lally, of Staunton, drew
the prize at the rattle. When the crowd
ascertained what was going on, the dancing,
swinging, shooting, and throwingall ceased
and they gathered around the rotunda to
see this famous sword (for the young ladies
had adroitly kept it hidden till then,) pre-
sented to Mr.. Lally by Mr.. VIM. E. Craig.
When the sword was shown, shout at
once went up and was continued during
nearly the whole time of the humorous
and happy remarks of Mr.. Craig in making
the presentation address. MI. Lally prizes
this sword very highly and has it on exhi-
bition at his Virginia Hotel Saloon. This
break in the proceedings was enjoyed
very much by the crowd, and the ratse of
the young ladies getting it up highly COM
plimented.
At4 o'clock large accessions were made
by persons arriving on the regular after
noon train from Staunton. At least 400
persons were present at and enjoyed the
picnic. 5sN 49,
Everybody had such good time on this |
trip that the Hibernians will have to make
double provisions next year for the transit
to and from the grounds, or great many
persons will be deprived of attending.
Everything went off quietly and nicely !; |
everybody present enjoyed themselves
greatly. Father McVerry, who is loved
and respected by all, was very watchful.
but did not have to give single rebuke
during the day.. The crowd very re-
luctantly boarded the train at O'Clock p. |
m. for returning home