Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1890-08-16
A VIRGINIA CAMP MEETING.
A Gala Time for the Inhabitants OF the
Neck Every August

NORTHERN NECK, Va, August ii.
ffteen-mile drive through drizzling rain
In an abbreviated road cart, with no support
for your spinal column and the happy knowl-
edge that stray stream Of water is trickling
from your umbrella and reducing to a pulp the
tulle upon your best hat 1t wasn't altogether
pleasant experience, but like others it came
to an end at last and with parting spatter of
mud deposited in my lap by the an
tics OF the antiquated but still frisky
nag descended with as much grace as my
cramped limbs would allow and landed upon
the soil Of Marvin Grove, the mecca Of
Northumberland, Richmond and Lancaster
counties. From one summer to another the
camp meeting is thought of, dreamed
OF, discussed and dissected by the in
habitants Of the Northern Neck. For
weeks previous the family wash is
mas all Its things put away for camp don't
you know" and even if one unexpected dance
crops up beforehand, the giver ~ immensely
1attered If those who attend it condescend to
unpack and come dressed in their best suits of
clothes. But let the first week of August ar
rive and Solomon and his glory could not COM
pare to some of the costumes that greet the
eye, and l might almost add the ear. for they
are loud enough. under the oaks of Marvin
Grove. The place itself is picturesque. with
It's many trees, whitewashed cottages and q
good-sized tabernacle, but those same cottages
are inclined TO leak and to harbor the festive
flea
AT THE CAMP GROUND.
There are two hotels, which differ from the
residences. insomuch as they have canvas eat
ing rooms at the side. l seated myself upon
the veranda of one to wait until the bell rang
for services, which l really did intend attend
ing, but am afraid another paving stone went
n rtn.y g.
young fellow IN bicycle costume sauntered UP
and balanced himself upon . narrow bench
near by. He was evidently a puzzle to some Of
the younger natives. for quite a retnue fol-
lowed Mt respectful distance, and their pro-
ceedlngs were so amusing that forgot church
In viewing them. One small boy began at the
low-visored cap and glanced slowly down the
mustached face and broad shoulders; then at
the short trousers and long stockings; then up
again until he became convinced that it really
was man. when his mouth opened as wide as
his eyes and he continued to stare in amazed
| silence. Two girls in front of me, apparently
much interested in each other, were really
casting surreptitious glances at those knee
breeches, for one of them presently remarked,
III cant be boy, cause he's got whiskers. "
The gentleman appeared oblvious for a time,
but finally smile broke over his face, and,
turning 20 companion. he inquired whether
he would like a shave. My gaze followed theirs
and saw what called forth the question: lit
tie girl standing in the center of the grounds
with an extremely short skirt on and long thin
legs lncased in blazing peppermint-striped
stockings -veritablc BARRIERS poles.
CELEBRITIES OF THE NECK
After awhile began to remember that had
breakfasted At 6, so followed the crowd to the
DINING room. After dinner l found some one
friendly enough to point out the celebrities
and passed an hour or so listening 10 the his
tories of the young man who went TO Baltimore
several years ago as nothing ont a clerk,
miss, and now he counts his thousands" and
the girl who was "a perfect tacky till she went
to school In the city, and now she tries to set
the styles for the whole Neck" Then there
was the man who had travel ed"-he had served
hve years in the army and been stationed in
California-and q good many others, but | was
busy watching the pretty girls promenading
and don't remember the rest Quite number
OF Mashingtonians were down, and one young
lady seemed TO be very popular. l ddn't
wonder at il when saw her under the taber-
nacle III the afternoon with her claret-colored
eyes THAT Is the only appropriate adjective /
can fnd) cleaning and her red lips ringing
out: We shall meet you in the New Jerusalem.
Two little yellow-haired spritrs running about
were pointed out as the children of Mr.. Lloyd
Smith, the commonwealth attorney, who is one
OF the most popular men in the county, and who
conducted several cases growing out Of the
oyster controversy at Hog Island Flats. Rain
was plentiful all the week, and caused a good
many to attend preaching who would probably
not have done SO otherwise, for the tabernacle
| was almost the only shelter visitors could find
and sudden shower brought a rush in that
| direction.
The householders appeared DESTROYS OF keep
ing up Virginia's reputation for hospitality,
and if you happened to forget your hostess
name you had only to address her as Mrs.
Downing or Coles or Harding, for she was
pretty sure to be one or the other. Sam jones'
Is expected down next year and the old camp ID
| to be put in better trim than during any of its
| thirteen furnishing years NJ.