Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1888-08-22
summering at McGilvary Park.
Correspondence of the SPECTATOR

Correspondence OF the SPECTATOR
MCGILvARY PARK. VA, Aug 20. 1888.
This is glorious place. an awfully nice place
for quietude, pleasure and rest. Here, all who
come, old and young, sedate and gay come
purely to have good time leaving their cases
and troubles, iIl-temper and good clothes at
home, they come prepared to rough it. on 1.-THE
go as you please style. IT'S a secluded spot
away up between two spurs of the Blue Ridge.
with no particular attraction beyond the num-
Der of cool crystal spring of free stone water
that abound within the limits OF the park.s
And while one can readily understand how
a few families. or neighbors might each sum-
mer determine to come here and enjoy social
intercourse in camp life, the mystery Is how
from 200 to 800 different persons, should. in the
short space of four weeks visit this place. Yet
such is the fact, for up to this date there has
been registered 23S names. and as there are no
bills to he settled by the register it is kept up
on different plan from all other summer re-
sorts-no visitor can get their 3name upon the
register but once during the season-they may
come as often as they please. and will always
be welcomed with "yell of JOY" but their
names never appear after the first visit. OF
course, there must be sources of amusements
daily, and they have. Whist parties, card
playing. back CANNON, drafts, QUOT and dollar
pitching, music and dancing every night.
Then, too at times we have some enlivenlng
excitement. a few days since daring rattle
snake was brought in, which had the effect OF
bringing out all the ladies, upon the green, and
as each one came up with the query. SIS it
certainly dead ?" Being assured there was no
danger they would approach within ten steps
only to retreat twice the distance at every
| contortion of the dying reptiles body, a young
lady from New York and Virginia, mounted
on tall horse. heroically rode around the body
of his snake-ship. After the rattles were tax.
en- of, and safely secured in cigarette box,
another young lady, from Baltimore, bravely
stepped forward took the box and bore 1t of
in triumph as priceless trophy of woman's
valor
Since witnessing the heroism of the fair sex
around that dead snake, 1 can never believe
the common charge that a woman will run
from O mouse.
The 1y sad feature of life here, is when
some party leaves for home. they go mourn
fully, leaving many sincere regrets behind
them. 1t was sad breaking up a few days
ago, when tho occupants of "Villa Palmeri" va
Gated. This party had been the life and joy OF
the Park, composed as it was, OF musicians,
artists, authors, authoresses, caterers and cat
crosses, they were gay and festive among them
selves, and ever on the alert to contribute TO
the pleasure and amusement of the camp, Their
departure left void not to be filled.
In looking over the register find the follow
ing late arrivals, Judge W. d. McKemy. Miss
Bruce McKemy, Dayton, Ohio; Chesley Nc
Chesney. La Fetta, Col, Miss May Farley, New
York, Jewette Churchman and Miss Bessie
Chase, Philadelphia, Mr.. Caldbeck. and l.. S.
| Rawlinson, England, Miss Virginia Donaghe,
| Miss Belle Stuart, Mr.. and Mrs. ]. W. Nc
| Corkle, Misses Frazier and Leila McCorkle, Cap
tain B. c. Rawlings and family. Miss Lula Car
| son. Capt. Jno. HUMPHREYS, DR.. Tapp Church.
man and others from Stanton and Augusta.
| GUM