Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1890-09-30
MISCELLANEOUS.
Address of Welcome.
By Forrest w. Brown, Esq, at Nor
gam's Grove, September 2, 1890,

Mr.. PRESIDENT, LADIES AND GENTLEMEN
AS the revolving seasons usher in once moro
the mellow autumnal days, we gather for the
sixth time in this delightful grove to renew our
individual acquaintances, to recall our past as
sociations, and to weave the fbres of new and
stronger friendships for the future With n
common ambition for greater Achievement as
a people, the best treasures that seed time and
harvest, skill and care, labor and attention
have produced, we bring with one accord to
this great treasure-house, that all may see and
profit, and that each from the other may gather
some suggestions, some fresh conception for
his benefit hereafter.
On such an occasion It would seem appro-
pirate to recall the short but interesting and
eVentful history of the association that cele-
brates its sixth anniversary to-day. Infant in
years though it be, it has about it the COM
pleted strength of a glorious young manhood.
In its conception, in its objects, in its manage
ment, its founders and promoters have exhib-
tied and exhibit that discretion that secures
success, that wisdom that invites confidence,
and that patriotism and libeTality that COM
mand esteem. Hence in six short years from
the Chrysalis of attempt it has developed into
the iuliness of accomplished fact.
These agricultural societies are to localities
what the great eNpOsitions are to nations aud
empires-thT vehicles of information, the me-
ii'i1us or ad adysrtisemcut, the stimuli to greater
eNertlQn and the certain indexes of needs and
capabilities. Before the institution of this So
ciety it was matter of profound regret |
might say of acute modification. that no such
Organization had been formed among our peo-
pie. believe that before the great struggle
between the North and the South an organiza-
tion existed, but for twenty years after ,'grim-
visaged war had snoothcd its Wrinkled front $
for two decades after our swords had been
turned into pruning hooks, when our desolated
fields had been long restored to full fruition
for years after our agricultural and mechan-
ical interests had risen from their ashes an d
our fertile lands blossomed once more as the
luxuriant ross. no such society was attempted
and the agriculturists of Jefferson were enabled
to exhibit their teeming productions only as
the invited guests of the citizens of adjoining
counties and States. For these hospitalities
extended to our people we are all profoundly
grateful, not SO much in the way of return,
but in the same spirit of generous fraternity
we extend hearty welcome.
That the great county of Jefferson had no
such society, / repeat, was subject of pro-
found regret. Its people had about them and
within themselves every requisite for a sue
cessful venture. Since the ancient Law-Giver
looked on Canaan, no people had occupied a
fairer land. On our cast flows the beautiful
Shenandoah, on our North the noble Potomac
their tributary streams interlace our verdant
valleys and wind among our grassy hills, and
the well-watered pastures are alive with we'll
bred horses, bleating sheep and browsing cat
tie, scattered DER ten thousand hills and dales.
Toward the rising sun yon mighty mountain
range bounds our eastern view, and on its slop-
Ing sides could grow the fruits of various
climcs; while as we watch the setting sun we
look on spurs and towering peaks OF o still
mightier mountain monarch, which stands as
perpetual guard against the devastating cy-
clone wind and etorm-and between these giant
ranges Peerlessly arise the everlasting hills
and dells that form the entrance to the far
famed Valley of the Shenandoah wondrous
land. where ancient forests await the wood
mans axe and the valued cereals grow with
undiminished yield. Within her borders arc
comfortable homes, intelligent aud enterpris-
ing people, wel-tended orchards, cultivated
gardens; men of brain and nerve to manage
all the agriculturist can know women of skill
and industry, tried and true, from whose fair
hands come unrivalled gems in cookery and
art.
With such advantages MS these it was indeed
to be regretted that within the limits of the
county of Jefferson there was means of ex-
position, and six years ago the public-spirited
citizens of Shepherdstown aud vicinity per-
ceiving its necessity and persuaded of It's sue
cess, and with the nerve 20 do and dare, un-
dertook the task of organization. And well
have they performed that duty. Now be II
said in honor of their efforts, the long-felt need
has been abundantly supplied. The Morgan's
Grove Exhibition Society. stronger than its
conception, broader and more prosperous than
forcseen. at this its sixth anniversary, opens
wide its welcoming doors 6nished struc-
ture receives beneath its capacious roofs
whatever Agriculture, Manufacture and Com.
merce care TO bring.
No one more deserves our commendation
than the owner of this beautiful and conven.
lent grove, who perhaps at the sacrifice of pri-
Nale Interest, DuJ IOE great puOlic good. lal
opened them for the continued use of the so
ciety. AS we stand beneath these umbrageou,
trees whose shadows dim the rays of the soft
eutumnal sun We can with one unanimous ac-
| cord extend to him our grateful acknowledge.
nenr.
This spot IS not without historic interest
As in the last century Inorganic Spring was the
camping-gruund for the heroes from Virginia
who dared to aid their brothers of sisterState
in the opening struggle for freedom, so in
these latter days Morgan's Grove has become
the gathering spot for those who seek to ad-
| vance the public interest in the less rugged
paths of peace. ..
A century ago our fathers gathered ION hos
not the pomp but with all the circumstances oil
war. with doubt aud death and dire-defe con
! fronting them. To-day NE assemble here nm
der far different and more propitous surround
Tugs. We bring the product of the loom. the
welI-bred gteed; we come in peaceful garb,
with smiling face and extended hand; above us
| and about us hangs the atmosphere of peace;
| over all and more precious than all we here
to-day enjoy that glorious liberty thatthe valoT
of the fathers won for themselves and for their
\ pOsterity. Full heirs TO all they accomplished
I in the full enjoyment Of our inherited and IN
alienable rights it Is but meet and becoming
| that as VIC gather on this historic spot We
should pause to pay tribute to their memory
| rifice they made These rights that they have
bequeathed to us we have kept as a sacred
1 trust and in their preservation lies much % bt
commended 1t hath required and still re
quires continued care aud vigilance. Peace
| hath her victories no less renowned than war
| Liberty hath the shrine of watchfulness beside
| the shrine of valor. but whatever be our merit