Virginia free press. (Charlestown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1832-1916, 1891-08-19


The second Of the series Of entertainments
inaururated by Mr.. Henry shepherd for
M. Young friends. came OF az his country
residence. Wild Goose Farm, on Thursday
evening last. 18th inst, and proved decided
ly ,he most brilliant social event ever wit
messed iu this section
The fact that Mr. 5. had undertaken Spe-
cial preparation for it soon became current
and gave promise Of great things in store
and bv those who were fortunate enough to
participate therein the most ardent expec-
tatious were fully realized.
The closing hour Of bright day afforded
a favored opportunity for the early guests
to enjoy the natural scenery Of the surround
ing country and the handsome estate Of the
generous and hospitable host
Attractive as was this view in the hues of
a beautiful sunset, it took the shades of twi-
light and nightfall to bring out most vivid
lv the elaborate artificial decoration which
had been so layishly provided for the ocea-
sion.
From the outer gaie-the entrance to the
shell avenue leading from the pike to the
mansion-the long rows Of stately trees on
either side. whose INTERVENING bOughs arch
most gracefully overhead, were all uniform
" hung With japanese lanterns, thus pre-
seutinr a continuous line of most bright
and beautiful illumination perfect pic
ture iu itself
The grand stand OF dancing pavilion was
also tastefully trimmed with festoons and
bunting, and a large and skilliully arranged
chandelier Of yariegated lanterns and lights
suspended overhead in the centre.
So the whole scope and sweep Of the
handsome premises-lawn, avenues and
mansion itself-wcro all, seemingly, out
vieing each other In attractive decoration.
Though the bright moon Of the earlier
hours served its part in lighting the way
Of tie gathering guests, 10 soon retired aud
allowed the darker shadows Of real night 10
add 90 the splendor Of the surprise yet in
waitiuE-a magnificent display Of fireworks,
with many o. the varieties aud novelties in
that line which the wonderful ingenuity Of
this dav ha. devised. The evidence Of a
master mind in planning the display was
shown iu their being handled in part from
an elevated perch 10 The top Of tree, and
So efficiently as TO light up the very heavens
and the country around for miles distant.
So much for the eye. The refreshments
for the inner man were no less complete
Several tables were set In conveniant and
attractive sites, laden with abundant sup
plies of good things, subsiantials and dain-
ties Here was q table with sandwiches,
ten and coffee; there another with ices aud
cakes. and still another with grapes and
fruits. the choice arrangement Of which was
a most rare exhibit of taste and tact, and a
keen appetizer itself to look upon.
An orchestra from Martinsburg furnished
quite satisfactory music fer the evening and
in an interval in it, an interesting feature
that must not be overlooked, was the very
acceptable rendering by party Of young
men under direction of q well-trained lead
er. OF several happily selected and greatly
enioyed songs and chorUses.
Several hundred invitations had been
given aud there was large attendance from
Cbar,estown, Berryyile, MaItiusburg, Ha-
eers.own, Sbepherdstown and vicinity, in
Guiding therein a number of prominent Ia
dies aud gentlemen.
Dancing continued until the wee hours OF
the morning, aud about the time the first
ray Of dawn appeared the last guest vanish
ed and all were either home or hOmewayd
bound
We'll does Mr. :. deserve the thanks Of
his many friends aud well he has sustained
his reputation as gentleman of taste in
designing and ability in executing. There
is but one opinion as to its complete sue
cess. Am SPEAK Of it in glowing terms as
most happy and joyous occasion.