Frostburg mining journal. [volume] (Frostburg, Md.) 1871-1913, 1891-01-03
In the Country.


For several weeks Hon. George w.
Blocher, of Garrett county, piled the
JOURNAL with invitations to attend Il
grand blowout Christmas day at his
country-seat, seven miles west of
town. The great paper could not de-
cline. Accordingly it joined forces
with R. G. Colborn. the popular
druggist, and secured James Aspinall's
nag, damned by ''Speed," and sired by
''Lightning," and away we went On
the west decliyity of the mountain
sighting Johnsons,' the sleigh over
turned, landing the JOURNAL head
foremost in a Snowdrift. The great
paper was planted deep, too-below
the frostline. The nag started on a
run, but Colborn held her up after u
short gallop. In the sleigh again, we
sped on until we struck Henry
Blocher's house. Here the old gentle
man directed us to drive up the field.
then across, close to the haystack,
then right through the open fence on
"a Decline to Georges. We went on
but got too high up, the nag was vain
~ trying to climb an A pine drift, she
was pulled "haw," but oyer we weat,
the JOURNAL again going, like Nc
Ginty, to the bottom. When we got
out there was the team going swiftly
homeward. And Bob-''the boy, O
where was he p A cloud of snow
enveloped something behind the
sleigh, like dust on the fresh trail of Il
railway train. But one rein was held
taut. the nag described circle, and
when she found she was going west
she stopped. 1t was quite dark and
the snow falling, but vixen the JOUR
NAL reached the runaway Robert
had regained his feet but lost his hat
The JOURNAL found that, however. A
survey of the ground showed that
Robert had lost his footing at the base
of the drift he fell behind the sleigh
and was dragged on his back over 300
feet in less time than it takes to tell
the story. That he was not killed is Il
miracle. The ground oyer which he
passed was but lightly covered with
| snow. He saved himself, horse and
sleigh by steadily pulling one rein.
A young man came out and piloted
us in sight of the Blocher mansion,
whose many lights beamed as brightly
as those which welcomed the christian
Knight of Norembega.
! The master of the house assisted in
thawing us ont, and after awhile the
dance began. Fair women and brave
men were there, and erelong our
Robert, in the exuberance of youth.
under the inspiration of lively music
and the spell of bright eyes, forgot
that imam was made to mourn"
About III o'clock supper was an
nounced-a layout that comprised AZ
lbs. of turkey, 20 lbs. chickens, and no
! end of cake, pastry, fruits and confec-
tons. Pyramids of butter adorned
each end of the table and the centre
was graced by roll wrought into IA
pensive duck. There were other
novelties to please as we'll as feed the
guests, and all ate to repletion.
At | dancing was resumed and con-
tinued until daylight.
A list Of those present would made
this sketch too lengthy, but we cannot
omit mention of Uncle Billy Frost,
who, although proud of the distinction
of being the first male born in Frost
burg, was lively as the Youngest in
the party. The JOURNAL slept with
him several hours in Hon. Georges
own boudoir and it can certify of a
truth that uncle Billy does not kick in
his sleep.
1t showed all night and the morning
exhibited blue prospect for those
who had to go home. By dint of walk
ing and leading we fually got to the
pike. 1t was still showing, and the
time we then had crossing the two
Savages would hardly be believed if
told here. 1t took three hours to
reach the point where Lem CLARK de-
cided he would as lief go to the North
Pole as to Grantsville. With the fast,
est horse in Frostburg, it took us 80
minutes to travel an average mile.
But it was pleasant occasion, and
we are overhowing with gratitude to
Hon. George for his royal hospitality.