The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1885-02-19
The soiree at the w. F. Institute.
Reported for the v1ReINIAN.l

About a month or more after the holiday
season, when the memory of the few days
of grace then extended by the principal
appear as refreshing as a cool, balmy
breeze in the hottest day of August, dur
ing the long series of tedious, wearisome,
and difficult examinations, which termi-
nate the labors of the first half session.
after these have been passed, it has been
the custom of the young ladies of the
Wesleyan Female Institute to give an an
nual sOiree, embracing essays, recitationS.
and vocal and Observation-Disclosures to give
evidence of the work accomplished and
the improvement which has taken place.
This year was no exception to the rule,
and last Friday night was the time an
nounced for the event. A varied pro-
gramme, indicative of rich and enjOya-
bic treat for those who might have the
privilege of attending had been prepared
for the occasion. Despite the general
inclemency of the weather, walking be-
ing made miserable by the several
inches of snow which had fallen during
the day, and the flakes of ''pure white
still dangling in the raw air, adding to the
unc0mfortableness of those who might
wend their way thitherward, the chapel
was filed to overlooking. And tho every
accessible seat was occupied. and every
available foot of standing-room in the
aisles and doors was taken up. yet there
was an insuilciency in capacity to accom-
modate all. and many were compelled to
retrace their steps. disappointed at not be-
ing able to gain admission, and regretting
that they had not come earlier. And their
regret was not without cause, for the en-
tertainment was destined to excel any
hitherto held at the Institute. AT the
hour for opening Prof. Ayres and Miss
Gernigan took their places at the pianos,
and the chit chat and tete-a-tetes ceased
as the first notes rang out, announcing
that the exercises of the evening had be-
gun. and every ear was strained to catch
each sound in the splendid rendition of
Brahms Hungarian Waltz This was
bat the initiatory to the exercises which
we've to make up over two hours of solid
enjoyment, and over-reach the most san
guine expectations of all present. 1t would
be impossible to speak in regular order of
the programme then taken up, so intense
" interesting and varied were the pro-
ceedings OF the recitations none gave
evidence of better judgment in selection,
possessed more merit. and were produced
with greater effect. displaying an earnest
ness of expression and high culture of de-
livery, than ''Parrhasius and Captive by
Miss Ellis Crittenden "Elopement in
80 by Miss Kittie e. Smith High
Tide by Miss Blanche Hindman, and
Jacob Brown by Miss Katie Critten-
den. Nor did the following, Crock Of
ages, by Miss Allie Walk; 1.-The Maiden
Martyr" by Miss Ada Anderson "Friar
Philip" by Miss Zula Doyle; Ave
Sanctissima, y by Miss Lucie Neff, possess
less degree Of merit, OF were they I'M
worthy of the appreciation with which
they were received. Miss Allie Tate, in a
costume every way representative of the
character taken, fairly exceled herself and
brought forth rounds Of applause in the
spicy and laughable recitation entitled
Widow Bedotte to Elder Sniffles." In a
s.Scene from Lady of Lyons in which
Misses Iucie Neff, Blanche Hindman and
Ellis Crittenden formed the caste, a
strength and beauty of character was
brought out which, we venture to say, was
not surpassed by the company who gave
this drama complete at the Opera House
last fall. Particularly was this true of Miss
Crittenden and Miss Hindman who dealt
in an earnestness and force of expression
rarely attained by those Of so little eXpe-
rience.
The music, both vocal and instrumental,
was exceedingly good. Especially notice
able were the solos, Summer Birds, y
by Miss Nora Kite, and ''When the Flow
ing Tide Comes In,'' by Miss Katie Shep-
herd, which were eXquisitely rendered in
richness and roundness OF voice, and a
Asmoothness and sweetness Of tone. A
yAalse, Satter, by Miss Woodward, and a
dnSete. Gottschalk, by Misses Ford and
Woodward, were also highly entertaining,
and executed with degree of skill and
proficiency, as was also Brahms Hun
garia\l Dance, - in which Miss Woodward
assisted. One of Chopin's Impromptus
rendered. by Prof. Ayres. and an overture,
Berliog, by the same, given as the finale,
evidence\ I'D an ability which few can claim
to have. Tho he has been but recently
with the school, it is matter
of congratlalation that the Principal, Rev.
w. A. Harris, was so successful in secur-
ing sud.h a genial gentleman and so eff
Gent nd capable an instructor.
The e,veninsss entertainment was closed
with the, Fam Drill, a calisthenic develop
ment whose origin dates back into the
dim past. and which has been materially
to. meet the requirements of the
day. It isl a light and pleasant exercise.
recurring inst sufficient exertion to meet
q long desirAM want, and is being adopted
by all the le(ading fesnale Colleges of the
south. SomtN sixteen OF more, under the
direction of laiss Davidson, whose COM
handing voice. rang oat with a distinct
clearness, passeS d tlIro7 the varied and diff
cult drill, and zach reflected credit not
to be ignored by Whose who witnessed the
graceful and regular movements, and the
nicely and ease Which was so elegantly
displayed during the entire exercise.
A noticeable featl,ueNwas the number of
of the Lee Nand\ Jackson Literary
Society who particip; ated\ in the exercises.
1t demonstrated to Those Npresent the vast
good that can be derived Atherefrom, the
assistance that can be had In the cultlva-
tion and development of tai lent, and the
Importance and necessity oily just such a
literary aid. The work THAT is being ac-
complished by this Society was boldly evil
denced, and the fact that it isl an active
and working organization was 9 learly pre-
sented, no better proof of it's pr aggressive
ness being needed than that which was
set forth on this occasion.
On the whole the evening Was most
enjoyable one, and the programme Nof such
an interesting nature, so free fntM,n any
thing like monotony, that even tAlsS most
disposed could not fail to be