Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1890-09-05
As others See Us.

place under date of August 2tn:
Messrs. Editors-This picturesque
and ancient town is situated near the
Potomac River, in the beautiful
Shenandoah Valley and has popu'
lation of about 200. The lofty peaks
of the Blue Ridge are not far distant
and the rugged ridges of the North
Mountain present charming out
look. The soil in this valley is very
rich, and the quality Of cereals pro-
duced cannot be surpassed. Inc
people of this section are intelligent
and industrious, number OF whom
possess great influence and wealth.
No better citizens dwell anywhere on
earth. Five churches represent the
religious views-Lutheran, Presby-
terrain, Methodist, Episcopal and Re
formed. Shepherd College is flour
ishing institution and has corps OF
efficient teachers Funds for town
hail are now being raised, and it is to
be erected very soon. This has been
needed for some time, and 1T will be
quite an addition to the place. Two
hotels and several large boarding
houses accommodate visitors. An eX-
cellent weekly paper, the REGISTER,
is published and edited here by Mr.
Snyder.
MANY beautiful country residences
environ the town and notable among
these is the magnificent country home
of Mr.. Henry Shepherd. Your cor
respondent, with Il party of Balti-
moreaus who have been spending the
hot summer months in this section,
visited this charming retreat few
DAYS since. 1t is known as wild
Goose" plantation, and is located
about three miles north of Shepherds
town. A macadamized pike leads
direct to the estate The road from
town to Mr.. Shepherds home was
built at his personal expense, costing
about $4,000. and more beautiful
drive would be difficult to find. 1t is
a model road. When your correspon-
dent and party arrived at the mansion
we were met by Mr.. Henry Shepherd,
Jr., who courteously gave us the
privilege of entering the grounds.
He called an attendant and directed
him to show us all the interesting
places on the estate. AT the right of
the entrance is the carriage house, Il
handsome building, containing q
number of very fine carriages. The
highly polished floors remind one
more of a dancing hall than reposi-
tory for vehicles Not far off are the
stables, in which are kept the driving
and farm horses. The fine stock es-
pecially is attractive, and regarded
among the best in the country. Many
of these blooded animals were impor-
ted by Mr.. Shepherd. The clearly
condition and good order kept in all
these buildings astonish strangers,
and evoke much praise. Red and
black colors adorn all the buildings.
and present rather novel appear
ance In the grapery choice varie-
ties of this delicious fruit hang in
purple clusters, and cosy chairs afford
rest for the visitors amidst the vine
clad bowers. Pretty grounds around
the residence gives evidence of arts
tic taste, and it is truly wonderful to
behold. To describe the floral beau
ties and lovely designs of the gardens
would require too much space. A
pure lake is located not far, and wild
geese, with clipped wings, sail along
its surface. The keeper remarked,
that wild geese are difficult to tame,
and often they escaped. Circles here
and there, with very broad avenues,
and the majestic old trees, render
this q veritable fairyland. AS we
were about to leave a storm came up,
and Mr.. Shepherd insisted on us re-
manning until the rain ceased. The
parlors fare magnificent, the walls be-
ing adorned with full length mirrows,
rivaling those of the East Room in
the White House also fine paintings;
one, Just in front as you enter the
door, is superb, and rivets the atten-
ton at once. 1t is masterpiece
The rooms were in summer attire,
both furniture and floors being cover
ed with linen. The drawing room is
furnished similarly to the parlor, the
hangings of plush being identical.
The libary and smoking room are
combined and difficult to describe,
both full of costly and tasteful orna-
ments. bric-a-brac books, easy chairs
and every comfort. Here an easel
holds a life-size portrait OF Henry
Shepherd, ST., the owner of this lux
urious home. 1t is a splendid like
ness, and does the worthy gentleman
Justice. The spacious dining room Is
neatly arranged in all particulars,
containing everything useful and
ornamental. The china and silver
departments are elegant and rare.
Most of the silver plate is KEEP in the
Safe Deposit in Baltimore. About
two hours were pleasantly whiled
away at this grand place, which was
greatly enjoyed by the visitors, who
rendered thanks to the young host
for his kind attention.
Shepherdstown has the Shenandoah
Valley Railroad running through it,
which was the means of making other
improvements. Railroads make bus
mess flow when the iron-horse plows
along Next week the annual County
Fair will be held in Col. VIM. A. Nor
gan's grove, which is especially adap-