Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1886-01-07
Correspondence of the lOrkville Enquirer.
LETTER FROM ROCK HILL.

Rock HILL, January 4.-Since my last
letter the joyful Christmas season has come
and gone, and we have entered upon new
year, which trust may may bea happy and
prosperous one to all.
Chistmas passed off very quietly here,
and l am more than pleased to be able to
report no accidents of any kind. There
was less drunkenness than was ever known
here at the festive season. There were a
number of colored people on the streets who
conducted themselves in quiet and order
ly manner. But for the pop of the fire
cracker and the discordant blast of the tin
horn, one would have taken the day for
Sunday. The places of business were all
closed and the heads of the firms and their
employees had day of rest which all en-
joyed. Most of them spent the day with
their families and partook of the Christmas
turkey.
The ladies of the Episcopal church gave
the Sunday-school scholars Christmas tree
at the rectory and each child was made hap
py when his or her name was called to re-
ceive some token of love from the teachers.
Several private families had Christmas
trees laden with presents for children and
friends.
MA few days preceding New Year, it was
suggested by some of the young men that
the natal day of 1886 should be celebrated by
a paper chase, which was something novel in
this place, and proved to be very pleas
ant affair. Considerable enthusiasm was
manifested by the devotees of equestrian
ism, and a party consisting of the follow
ing ladies and gentlemen, was organized
and took part in the chase-all being hand
somely uniformed: Mrs. w. B. Jennings,
Miss Ammi Pride, Miss Kate Roddey, Miss
Willie Miller, Miss Hattie RaWlinson, Miss
Kate Russell, of Rock Hill; Miss Minnie
Wilson, Yorkville; Miss Minnie Fewell,
EbeneZer; Miss Cammie Cook, Greensboro,
n. c.; Messrs. J. r. Roddey, Ed FeWell, j.
l.. Poag, Emmet Watson, r.. II. Fewell, A.
J. Pride, S. J. Kimball, Pride Rattaree,
Rock Hill; DeFoix Wilson, Yorkville; C..
B. Simmons, Charlotte; Julian Avery,
Ebenezer; and John Sandifer, Rock Hill.
At an early hour the pioneer couple or
foxes, consisting of Miss Russell and Mr.;
Kimball, (who is an old coon) left town half
an hour in advance of the remainder of the
party. 1t was the office of Miss Russell and
Mr.. Kimball to select the routes over hills
and valleys, the same being designated by
slips of paper being thrown upon the ground
whenever deviation from the main road
was made. The prize offered for the cap
ture of the foxes made the excitement in
tense, as whoever should be so fortunate as
to capture them was to be rewarded by a
handsome white plume.
The chase started in the direction of Ebe-
nezer, at o'clock. At 12 o'clock the foxes
came into Rock Hill, soon followed by the
excited party. The foxes rode down Main
street, in the direction of the cemetery,
and when the chasing party turned the cor
ner of Railroad street and saw their game,
the excitement increased, each being anX-
ous to gain the prize. The riders urged
their horses forward, when Miss Cook soon
took the lead, and the crowd of spectators
who had lined the streets stood in awe, fear
ing that the horse which she was riding was
running away. But this proved not to be
the case. He was only leading his fair
rider on to victory. Considering her limit
ed experience as horseWoman her victory
was grand one. The plume was awarded
to the fair winner by Mr.. Joseph Davis, of
Charleston, in a few appropriate remarks,
while her graceful acceptance of it amidst a
profusion of bushes won for her much adml-
ration.
So great was the enjoyment of this first
chase that determination has been formed
to organize permanent club.
The knights of Honor and the knights
and Ladies of Honor are to give their an
nual supper on Wednesday night the 9th
instant.
Emancipation day was not celebrated by
the colored people of Rock Hill.
Rev. A. 2. Pugh left on Tuesday last for
his new charge in Carrollton, Miss. He
will be succeeded by Rev. J. @. Adams, of
Darlington, who will arrive this week and