Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1889-01-04
MERRY CHRISTMAS TIMES.

The Christmas holidays passed of
quietly in this place. Everybody seemed
to have an enjoyable time, for all seemed
to exert every effort not only for their
own pleasure but that Of our people gen
orally. The fun with the noisesome hre-
cracker began early Christmas Eye. AT
first it wac reported that the "ciIy dads
had ruled that this sport should remain
in oblivion. But some of our inn-lovlng
citizens soon learned better, and after as
eertsiDing that they could be fired with
out fear of punishment, opened up the
racket. This was a surprise to these
anciently minded Gathers" who had
thought that not cracker could be found
in town. for within twinkle some Of our
merchants displayed them on their coun-
ters and small boy as well as the big boy
was in his glory. They kept up the noise
the next day until every cracker obtaina-
BILE was fired. The usual family reunions
were held, but as a general thing the
Christmas turkey was dispatched by each
! family. Quite number Of visitors from
in and out of the county were in town,
other than those mentioned in our per
sonas The bell snickles were ont every
night. and were improved somewhat in
hideousness over former years. The bands
came ont on New Years day and dis
coursed some sweet music. The fire.
cracker again reigned supreme. During
the entire week the weather was delight
ful, which added greatly tothe enjoyment of
both the religious and social events that
occurred during the holidays. We regret
that the crowded condition of our
columns will only permit of passing
notice Of these events which occurred as
follows
At the Methodist church. six o'clock
service was held on Christmas morn
ing. It was well attended. Wednesday
night the scholars were treated to
candies, nuts, and oranges. The
pastor delivered an address. A watch
meeting was held in the same church
on Monday night The meeting was
largely attended.
The Reforms also held an early SER
vice on Christmas morning and it was
well attended. At night festival was
held and presents distributed among the
Sunday school children. A handsome
willow rocking chair was presented by
the school to Mr.. W. II. Bargelt, the
superintendent, as a token Of the high es-
TEEN in which he is held.
tub of bran, styled a plum pudding,
into which the scholars dipped for
presents was the principal feature Of the
treat given to the Sunday school chill
drsn Of the Christian church on Christ
mas day.
Receptions were held at the parsonage
for the scholars of the Lutheran Sabbath
school on Wednesday, Thursday and
Friday nights.
On Saturday night the scholars Of the
Episcopal school assembled at the church
aud candies, etc, were distributed among
them.
At the Presbyterian church on Sunday
morning the school rendered delightful
service appropriate to Christmas. The
church was deliberately decorated for the
occasion. The exercises consisted of sing
ing and responsive readings and an ad-
dress by the pastor. A large cOngrega-
ton was present. The music was ex-
cellent, and the entire program reflected
great credit upon the participants.
Rev. T. p. Epes gave party to num-
Der of young people on Christmas night
IN honor Of his guests, Misses Spencer and
Epes.
A party was given by number of young
gentlemen to their lady friends at the resi-
demo of Mr.. P. W. Magruder on Wednesday
night. An enjoyable time was spent and
the festivities lasted until late hour
On Friday night Miss Mary Magruder
gave card party to her lady and gentle
men friends.
The young people under seventeen had
several "taffy stews" at different resi-
dences in town.
The young ladies returned the treat
given by their male friends at Mr. Ma
gruder's and gave a watch party at the
residence of Mr.. L. S. Walker on Monday
night Cards were the principal feature
Of the evening. Luncheon was served
shortly after eleven o'clock. after which
the gay party assembled in front of the
house and amid display Of fire works
watched the old year out and the new
year in. Games were again INDUCED IN,
continuing until an early hour
Miss Lizzie Magruder also entertained
her friends the same evening.
Mr.. and Mrs. W. r. Hite gave a dance
to friends on Tuesday night.