Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-01-13
The Worlds Fair.
d Letter From the Lady Manager.
Attention, IVomen Of West Ytrgtnta.


an exhibit of woman's work at the
Worlds Fair in 1898? call upon
you to enter into this question, with
the zeal, as only our sex can when
once awakened to the necessity of
action. The natural pride of coan-
try and State alone should inspire US
with the desire to excel, and to make
as fine a showing as possible. even If
we did not desire to have the benefit
of the advantages arising through the
attention such an exhibit will attract
10 the wealth and resources of our
dear and beautiful State.
You ask what you are to do?
Bring your needle and fancy work in
every form. wood drawing, painting
of all kinds, pottery, taxidermy, all
literary work In prose or poetry, in
fact anything the fertile brain of Wo-
man can suggest, invent and embsl-
lish. just think what an opportunity
this will be! it will be the greatest in
our lives to show the wonderful pro-
gress women have made in all d.
rections since the settlement of this
country.
Truly the advantage to be derived
from onr efforts cannot be too highly
estimated, and in thus bringing our
minds and our works before the
world, can not help but refect, in re-
turn. much good, generally and per-
sonally. We must show what NE can
do. This Is our chance, and shall we
lose it by the want of the proper en-
ergy and interest? Neveri Women
of West Virginia are as intelligent,
wide awake and gifted as any in the
country, and all they need is an op-
rortunity, and incentive like the pres
ent one TO acquaint Che public with
this truth. You that labor, prove
that your work is not only equal, but
generally speaking, in the majority
of cases, far ahead Of mans. You
women of genius, light your fires that
the reflection from their brilliancy
will shine far and near over the land :;
and you that represent our women of
letters, write that you may be heard ;
speak that others shall listen; and in
so doing, give to the world that purity
of thought that eIevates the mind and
sweetens the length and labors Of the
day.
And women talented for art work
in all its many branches, stand forth
develop, and originate. We have
talent in our mountain State, and our
women have received the praise due
TO worthy effort. Let this encourage
you to advance to greater heights.-
Do not be afraid to try what you can
do. All kinds of work, every thing
that is done or partly done by women
by hand or machine. Every woman
has this good opportunity to contrib
ute the fruits of her labor and genius,
and prove what the women Of this
country are capable of being.
This is the first time NE have been
asked to take an active part in a ma
| tional celebration, and as a matter of
pride ne must succeed and so 1 call
on you to do and dare, that we can
show that the confidence, energy and
ability is not misplaced; and so wish
that our country shall be proud of its
women. The Fair begins in May
1893 and closes in October of the
same year. The buildings will be
ready by October 1892. We have
time to accomplish much if NE begin
at once, and now is the time. Get
up your interest and work with en-
ergy, and let us unite to make our
display from West Va, equal, if not
better than any other State of its size
and resources. This call is to our
men as we'll as our women, and we
want their material help in every
way. This will be grand chance to
advertise the treasures of West Va. IS
mountains and forests and it's towns
and cities. Any information Mrs.
W. N. Linch, Martinsburg, w. Va,
or 1 can not give, can be had from
our commissioners, Col. j. W. ST.
Clair, Fayetteville, W. Va, or Hon.
j. D. Butt, Harper's Ferry, w. Va.
shall-be pleased to answer all ques-
tions upon art matters as far as pos
sible.
We are hoping to call convention
of the women of our State sometime
in February If it is possible, the date
will be given through the papers, so
be prepared to respond. Hoping
you will all unite with me in this
great celebration of our country, and
respond as only our American women
can, I am Most faithfully yours,
LILY IRENE JACKSON,
Lady Manager Worlds Fair.
Parkersburg, W. Va.