Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1886-01-27
A Large Party.

Last Thursday night was night of such
beauty and splendor as not to be forgotten
soon by those who were fortunate enough
to be out, and who had time to appreciate
1t. Tho elements of nature all seemed to
combine 10 make it pleasant for all living
things which were exposed to the weather.
The sleighing was fine, the temperature of
the weather was moderate. and the white
ness OF the srow-co,ered landscape was
not unlike Furnished silver under the bright
and silvery rays of a moon that had scarce
ly commenced its waue. The view to be
obtained in the narrow valley of the Lick
ing Creek, between Patterson and Port
Royal, by moonlight, appeared to be grand
with Herring Bone ridge bristliug with
hosts OF softly soughing pines and the dark
and Iippling creek flowing at its base. But
after having passed through Old Port Roy
al and taking the main road toward Spruce
Hill, Turbett township appeared before us
like silvery map, fences, trees and build
ings all could be distinctly seen at great
distance dotting the snow-covered land
scape. The Tuscarors Mountain loomed
up on the southern border of the township
like great, gray wall, its sides had not yet
been Int up by the rays of the moon, and
Mocha anicsburg could be plainly seen nest
ling close 10 the foot of the mountain. But
We were nearing our destination, which was
the home of Joseph Graham, on his faith
al. The house is situate in a sheltered
nook, facing the south and Tuscarora
Mou tain, about three hundred Yards south
OF the main road, and on the road to Ickes-
burg, Perry county. We had come in res
ponse to an invitation to spend the evening
in social entertainment. The majority of
the young people present were from Port
Royal and vicinity, but the writer and sew
eral others who were fortunate enough to
be favored with an invitation were from the
county seat. We were among the last TO
arrive and the guests had dispensed with
all unnecessary and ont door wraps and were
enjoying themselves in various ways. The
party was large and was composed of many
of the best people of Port Royal and vicini-
ty, and it was soon evident that We were
going to have a very pleasant time. Re-
freshments were served about nine O'Clock,
and every one present appeared to partake
of them with relish, and well they might,
for they were good and nicely served. Al
ter refreshments had been served the par
ty proceeded to entertain themselves.
which they were able to do pleasantly. We
stepped out on the piazza on the south side
of the house and looked in silence toward
Tuscarora Mountain, which is not more
than one mile distant, and while looking
on the grand work Of nature, We heard IN
the distance, the s'too wboo, whoo hoo"
Of the large hoot owl, and we thought
of how short a time ago the red
men inhabited that part of the coun-
try, We wondered whether Alfaretts. the
Indian maiden, in company with her sisters
had wandered away from the "Blue Juni-
ata'' into Turbett township, then bowling
wilderness, or ever crossed the Indian path
which crosses the mountain through Jen-
ney's Gap, scarcely mile distant, but
nothing but the silence of the night answer
ed our thoughts, and We again entered the
hospitable home of Mr.. Graham. The time
so pleasantly spent within passed away very
quickly, and we soon found it was time to
leave for our respective homes, feeling that
we had spent one of the grandest evenings
of our life, thanking Mr.. Graham for his
hospitality, we babe him good night. The
drive home through the moonlight could
not drive away the pleasant thoughts OF
the party, and all the next day, with the
silence of a printing office about us, we
could not dispeIl (and we did not try) the
pleasant feeling caused by attending par
ty gotten up by our sister town Port Royal.