Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1888-01-12
Letter from Rappahann o elk.

Eel
RAPPAHANNocK County, Va, Jan. g.
The Xmas festivities are over and we have
begun another year. We have had the
pleasure of attending three church Xmas
trees the first of which was on Monday
the Goth, at o'clock, p n, at the Fodder
Stack Mission (which is near the summit of
the Fodder Stack Mountain) Miss Susie F.,
Principal. Never in my life did ever see
such bright faces or such perfect happiness
as shone on the faces of the poor little noun
tain children, when they beheld for the first
! time in their lives Xmas tree, and as
each name was called and they came for
ward for their presents. their happiness
was complete. The room was darkened
Just at three o'clock the room was brilliant
| ~ Illuminated with lamps, candles and iapa-
ness lanterns, and the children sang "Whie
Shepherds Watched their Flock by Night"
The music was very good. Some of the
children spoke some very pretty Xmas
pieces, and altogether we had gay, good
time and enjoyed seeing the happiness of
the little mountain waits who have had but
little sunshine in their darkened homes.
Many thanks to our kind friends in Alexan-
dria who so kindly helped US to contribute
30 the enjoyment of the little mountaineers.
Particularly would we like to thank the
children of Mrs. Jas. Entwisle, who sent
nice box containing books, Xmas cards, con.
fectionery, &c, also Misses Katie g.,
Maggie G., and sisters and last, but not
least, our old friend, Mrs. DR.. Klipstein,
whose kind heart and hand are always open
TO dc good 10 the poor and needy. The
second tree was at the NJ. E. Church South,
Flint Hill. There were two trees, one oD
each side CT the stage, and beautiful arch,
decorated with eVergreens and rare flowers,
reached from tree 20 tree. Tinse and Gia-
mond dust were scattered and woven in and
| out the evergreens. The presents were hung
on the trees and were numerous and costly.
When the curtain was drawn the effect was
! dazzling. The stage was lit up with colored
| lights. and everything sparkled like myrisds
Of diamonds. The music was grand. The
choir sang beautiful pieces, also the children.
Miss Lizzie Yates presided at the organ.
Santa Claus came in for a few minutes,
much to the delight Of the little folks, who
never before had q chance TO get peep ut
the old fellow The third tree was at the
Baptist Church, Flint Hill, and represented
Jacobs Ladder. There was a large ladder
in the centre of the stage beautifully decor
ated with evergreans, and the presents were
on the rounds and candle en- each side OF
every round, and large tree on each side
Of the ladder which bent under the weight
of the presents for both teachers and child
rem. The music was very good, as were also
speeches by Mr.. Moss Chelf and several of
the little children. Everything passed off
very pleasantly, and so ended Xmas.
| Efforts are being made to build chapel
between the villages of Flint Hill and Wash
ington for the poor people in the mountains,
as it is too far to walk to attend service in
Little Washington.
The public schools, which have had ten
days holiday, have again resumed their
duties.
Mr., George Browning, principal of the
Academy, in Washington, is very popular,
aud has learned the art which few teachers
possess of having perfect control of his school
without having to use the essence of rod.
The roads are in a fearful condition,
greatly impeding travel.
The mountains ere covered with snow,
and will be until the middle of April.
We like the gilded summer,
VII its merry merry tread,
An we sigh when hoary winter
Lays its beauties VII the dead
FVEPG , EIsN