Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1891-08-18
me Ban q wild GooseF Farm

Tn Iharsuays august 10 lils al10uba
FIVE o'clock IN the afternoon, very
happy party OF fifteen pretty girls left
Charles Town, ia charge of . strict
chaperon. to participate in the festive
tiles at = Wild Goose Farm, the en-
chanting country seat Of Col. Henry
shepherd, three miles beyond Shep-
herdstown.
The drive through the lovely land,
bathed in its sunset glory, was some-
thing never to be forgotten, and each.
moment seemed TO bring subtle and
lovely changes to the scene, until at
last night fell, and the carriages
which had rolled for three miles since
passing through old Shepherdstown,
along the most perfect turnpike road,
built by Col. Shepherd himself
turned suddenly from an ordinary
18th century atmosphere into fairy
land.
Along the dim lines of trees both
sides of noble avenue twinkled
myriads of colored lamps, and far in
the distance an enormous arch of
light seemed to end the vista, but as
Shey drew nearer, larger and more
brilliant picture revealed itself be-
yond the arch. Great groups of fash
ling balls of light seemed suspended
high above their heads, and on all
sides, as the carriages stopped on the
broad sweep of shell road, and the
four courtly sons of the master of
IS Wild Goose stood ready to well
come their fair visitors. 1t was be-
wildering scene of loneliness. The
arch of lanterns sprung from huge
granite pillars, between which a fight
of steps led to the floor of the dane
ing pavilion, which extended far on
both sides of the entrance, taking in
Immense trees, around which were
grouped delightful seats for the COM
fort of the many distinguished guests
who had gatheredt to watch the dancers.
X From the farther side of the pa
viIion the broad she'll road stretched
| up the hill TO the house, and above
hung the massed lanterns of richest
coloring shedding soft, delicious
light, most becoming to the fair faces
of those who moved to and fro be-
meath them. On either side, as far as
the eye could reach, were spots of
vivid color, from lanterns hung on the
branches, and here and there where
more brilliancy was needfuI, the great
jets of flame from gasoline torches
disclosed rich turf and glowing beds
of flowers. The house, which is a
cottage building in graceful architec-
ture, and apparently of great size,
was thrown open, but the outside
charms were too wonderful to allow
of lingering there, and as the guests
turned at the porch to go down the
hill to the pavilion, cries of delight
Escaped them. The lights, the mu-
sic, the bright dresses. the gay laugh
ter, and added to all, the indescrib-
able charm of the summer night, the
wonderful quiet beauty of the wide,
solemn heavens which stretched above
it all, and seemed to keep benignant
watch over the innocent joys of the
light-hearted ones below.
| The manner in which all was ar
ranged, and the quiet precision, like
clockwork, of the attendants who
looked after the lights, refreshments,
ETC., was marvellous, and told of a
master mind which had planned it all,
down to the most minute detail. AS
the candles in the lanterns burned
away, the whole structure quietly
dropped to the ground, new candles
were put in place, and the huge
chandelier" scared aloft again, APP
Iparently by no power agency! The
fireworks were charming feature of
the evenings entertainment, being
made to rush from the heart of big
oak tree down wire which extended
some distance along the avenue, and
then back again, to explode in a
shower of stars.
The large tables loaded with re-
lfreshments were placed outside the
pavilion, and all through the evening
parties wendell their way thither and
were served by half a dozen tidy
maids. Everything so quiet, so ell
egant, so simple, that one felt that this
was the perfection of party going in
the country.
The music was given by three or
four performers on violins, cello and
piano, and was very fine. There was
also very delightful singing, led by
/" R. D. Mclean, - the talented actor
son of Col. Shepherd, and partic-
lipated in by the three Messrs. Shop
herd, Mr.. Martin Boyle, of Hagers-
town, DIR. Morgan and Mr.. Walter
Pierce, of Shepherdstown. Among
the guests were ladies from Martins
burg, BerryviIle, Hagerstown, Charles
Town and Shepherdstown; also Mrs.
Catesby Woodford of Kentucky, and
her copsin, Miss Clay, both of whom
are visiting Col. Henry Davenport,
Mrs. Woodford's father. The DANG
ing of most of these beanx and bellies
would have thrown into the shade that
of the general run of city lads and
Iasses, for il was perfection.
1t was hard to say goodbye to such
a scene of beauty, but finally the
guests consented to depart, and the
Charles Town contingent rolled into
that scandalized city at 1880 A. NJ.
If Col. Shepherd and his sons could
hear the words of appreciation on all
sides, they would feel repaid in a
measure, for the immense pains they
have taken to give pleasure to the
people of their own vicinity, and so
many others, of whom the writer is
proud to count herself one.