Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1893-06-06
As Others See Us

Editor Sheetz, of the Leesburg
Mirror. gives some interesting notes
of his recent trip to Charles Town.
After noting the drive to the river,
he says:
At Harper's Ferry We crossed the Shenan-
donh in the primitive fat-boat, but the trnsty
fcrryman informed us that we were probably
making our last crossing ut that point IN that
style, as the Iron Bridge that spans the stream
few hundred feet below the old ferry. was
nearly finished. and would to-day Dune lst.)
be open to the travelling public. ut which
time bis occupation as ferrymnn. which he has
followed for niuctecn consecutive years. would
be gone. He took II good-natnrediy. however,
and seemed glad that the end was so near.
Bold, rugged soul inspiring harper's Gerry.
once and for many years. the site of M
tional armory and the abiding place of large
body of frugal, industrious and prosperous ar
tizans-and subsequently the theatre of
most braZcu and foOl-hnrdy invasion. eneh as
none but q reckless fanatic. like old John
Brown would have ever dreamed of making;
and later, torn and dismnntled by eonlendlng
armies until scarcely one stone was left upon
another. to mark the spot where e'stw hue, WIS
heard the hum that attended the workman Mt
his labor. Still, Hnrpers Ferry. Camp Hill
aud Bolver Heights are to-day populated by
an energetic set of people engaged in other
pursuits than those that once made the place
famous. From Harper Ferry to Charles Town
is an hours drive over u superb road. such as
is only made 10y the blue limestone rock that
abounds in the Valley of Virginia. On that
side of the river corn. like that on this. is
backward, but their wheat and grass arc
good way ahead of Ours VIC saw Fields OF clo-
yer much Of It in full bloom, while the wheat
stood thick upon the ground, and the well
filled heads bctokened an early harvest. At
Charles Town we stopped at that once famous
old hosiery the Carrier House" The pro-
prietOr is an nffaGle pleasant gentleman. who
seemed anxious to cater tn the comfort OF bis
guests. The ravages of Time, however, are
visible around the old House
We reached town at noon. and after dining,
about the first we met was the genial
sheriff of the county, Mr. Hurst, aud as our
travelling companion Is the Sheriff of Lou
doun, the meeting OF the two officials was
quite cordial, bnt VIC observed. with little
surprise, we must confess. that the proven
bal courtesy said TO be extended when the
Governors of the two CarOlinas meet, didn't
obtain ON this occasion. However, The sher-
iif conducted us to the jail and Introduced us
to the jGilOT. who very politely unlocked the
doors and took ms in, and alter giving MS
an opportunity of interviewing the prisoners.
and inspecting tho prison, which is complete
in all its appointments, he as cordially turned
the bolt and let us ont, but accompanied us to
the office of the Prosecuting Attorney. For
rest w. Brown. which is in the jail building.
Mr.. B. is IL pleasant gentleman, and said to be
Il most excellent lawyer, aud quito popular
with his people. who have elected and re-
elected him for several terms to his present
responsible position.
The writer makes an appropriate
notice of the Confederate memorial
observances at Hill Cemetery.
and then adds:
After the speaking. the strewing of flowers
was commenced. and while this labor of love
was progressing. our companion and ourself
left the 'silcnt city" for Il stroll through the
busy and somewhat historic old town.
G.zf r.Yo to ntN- f1ffn
the POwhat0n Hotel, situated on beautiful
cmiuence III the new, or boom" section of
the town. 1t is magnificent building. hand
sOmely finished. with all modern improvements
for comfort and convenience. aud is richly
furnished. We found the lessee, VIM. q.
Stafford, Esq, busily engaged putting his
house in order for the summer season, which
will open. he informed US, to-day, June first
and from all we could learn from the pro-
prietor. we have no doubt it will merit gen
erons patronage.
The various enterprises started year or
two ago on the lands of the Improvement
Company, are in fnll blast. most OF them we
und= rstood, doing thriving business. The
Iron Bridge at the Ferry. already referred to.
was built mt the Charles Town Works.
The town generally has GROVE vastly since
we knew it yeurs ago. and to-day contains
some OF the handsomcst private residences in
that section of the State-hcr churches and
other public buildings are in touch with the
cntcrprising spirit of her people. and her
whole surroundings wear an mir of energy
aud push greatly to be commended, aud in
striking contrast with what it was in our
boyhOod days.
NE attended services at the old Methodist
Church on Sunday-a sacred old ediGce and
one of the landmarks of the town. But it
was the last time its dilapidated walls were
to echo to the voice of prayer. The next day
the work of demolition was tc have COM
menccd. to give place TO new aud more
fitting house of worship. The pastor. Rev.
II. P. Hamill. gave an Interesting history of
the old building, from its first inception in
1901 to the present time, ard his reading of
the record brought to mind many familiar
names of the long ago past, who have since
crossed the river and joined the great con-
grcgatiOn of wOTshipers ON the other side.
We met with quite u number of familiar
faces. GmOng them Mr.. Z. l.. McCluug, for
awhile. a few years ago. n resident of this
town. His photograph studio is model of
leatncss and good workmanship. He is pre-
pairing to build an addition to his present
home. which may be regarded as the best
evidence of his success. lie is u clever gentle
man. an adept in his profession, aud deserves
the success he has achieved.
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