Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1889-09-05
SHANNON PARK.


lfOM tht tYtt ~ C.VtfcoH.l
The spacious and elegant Villa of Mr..
Charles H. B. Rouss, opposite Shannondale
/ Springs, was the scene of 4 most brilliant
entertainment last Thursday evening. In
vitations from Mr.. Rouss and his sister, Miss
Virginia Rouss, summoned large number
of their friends to the happy pleasures of a
rarely equaled round of varied gayeties.
The festivities began about S o'clock with
an exhibition Of fireworks, under the direc-
ton of Mr.. Rouss and his friend Mr. Ware,
of New York The display was wonder
ful one, and in the highest taste of the pyro-
technic art, making the night so beautiful
with the striking contrasts of the rockets,
Roman candles, wheels and explosives of
every shape, hue and style This continued
until all the guests had arrived and appear
ed on the ample veranda ready for the grace
full Terpsichore's guidance. Then, after
short promenade through the parlors and
ballroom, dancing was INDUCED in until the
arrival of Jacks" Band, signal for the
cotilliou to commence. About twenty cOu
Piles participated in the eyerchanging mazes
of this dance, popularity called the Ger
man." 1t was led by Mr. Ware, of New
York, who showed great skill and tact in Sc
Letting and managing the pretty aud often
very funny figures ofhis cotilliOn repertoire.
Theioyous abandon of the dancers and their
happy smiles and sparkling eyes were testi-
mony of how thoroughly they enjoyed the
brightly trippingof the light fantastic"
During the intermission just before the
supper, there was charming little musicale
preside over by the far-famed musical ge-
MUS Mr.. Leo Wheat, in his inimitabe man
ner. Some Accomplishments to the piano
forte were sung by several of the fair guests,
which was especially charming.
The supper was sumptuous one, the
mirthful spirit of wines mingling with the
delicacies of every cline and season. The
cotillion was resumed after the intermission
for supper and many beautiful favors were
bestowed in the German figures, particularly
noticeable being satin souvenir of the
evening presented by the courteous host.
When the cotillon was over, the must
Gale was again begun, and Mr.. Ware sang
several character songs, which provoked the
audience to scene of perfect jolly laughter.
The Villa is a beautiful summer home,
built on q gentle eminence sloping eastward
to the CHEEKY, sparkling Shenandoah. I'm
mediately in front of the house is a superb
fountain, and on every side are parterres of
rare flowers; terraces with the green sod
suugly lying; gravel walks and drives
winding among the trees and shrubbery of
this one seasons growth lake cleaning
near by, and arbors over which are just be-
ginning to run the Virginia ivy and other
vines. Faaltless taste has transformed a
noble hilltop into a very idyl of architec-
ture and Horticulture,
The most conspicuous engraving in the
house is one of the immortal 'Stouewall'
Jackson, the idol of the hosts father, and
reminds the spectator of the conquests of
Mr.. Rouss, the Senior, the grand Jackson
of the realms of mercantile pursuits.
The occasion was one ever to be remem-
bered in the social calendar, and all were
10th to leave the many delights of such open
hospitality and friendly regard.
Really was it treat of beauty, to be
Joy Away to the happy friends Of host and
hostess. May health, wealth and friends
ever bestow the cornu-copia of increasing
happiness