The Roanoke times. [volume] (Roanoke, Va.) 1890-1895, 1893-06-25
FROM SALEM TO CATAwBA.
A Jolly Party Make a Visit to McAfee
Knob.

Jolly Party Make Visit to McAfee's
Knob.
Yes, we have been, we have seen, we
(were) conquered. Leaving the quiet
little city of Salem as the hands of the
town clock were nearing tho hour Of 8
a. N. and vending our way in a north
west direc ton, we found ourselves after
two hours steady drive, as the boys al
ways proceed when accompanied by a
fair lady, at the foot of McAfee's Knob,
z spur of the Allegheny N ountains and
in the beautiful valley of Catawba
Now to ascend $500 feet is no small un
dortaking, especially on an August day
which happens TO be in June. No ono
knew the route evidently as we showed
conclusivelY few minutes previously
and had gone astray: not from our ignor
ance altogether but by listening atten-
lively to the siren song Of horny
handed son of the soil who belonged in
another community and by perchance
happened in our path. or course he wouli
help lib out of our sore distress but he
did so by winning for himself laurels
which the most pronounced fabricator
would have bean ashamed to own, and
had he been born in the time OF Nero
instead OF the nineteenth century, he
evidently would have been found head.
less in some lonely spot. However, we
booked him for Woolwine's undertaking
establishment should he again cross our
path either as prophet or as plain
every day citizen.
Climbing the mountain distance of
about three miles was next in order and
the young men, alighting, prepared for
"a IN lr hu ro1i 10 uir ~ 81 -
sombreros and comm enced seemingly
endless task of guiding their we'll heate d
steeds who, by this time, were almost in
the humor OF crying enough. A cry from
the advance agent told us we were near.
ing a station called Midway, 1 suppose,
as no other name was given. The hos
telry was presided over by q very talk
alive Representative OF the Caucasia n
race, who insisted on our giving our
names and addresses, as the regisira ton
books were now open and were liable to
close most any time. We refused posi-.
lively but it was CT no avail, and we
promised on our return to subscribe
with an indelible pencil our genuine,
simon-pure signatures, not so much to
the profit Of the house but as souvenir
After taking on good supply of pure
fresh spring water and resting our he ses
we proceeded on our journey, and at
11:30 o'clock yell similar TO those
heard during the late unpleasantness
was heard. At the top horses are I'M.
hitched and after deputizing sufficient
force to prepare lunch portion Of the
party ascends to the rock which had un.
doubtedly been in the same position for
ages undisturbed save by the fowls of
the air. by appointment. with Roam
oke friend flag was waived by the
writer, not in declaration of war but as
an experiment to be used possibly by tn ,
weather bureau or in a time of rehash
of the ,Johnstown flood as sig
nal to flee. The time having elapsed
we again join the party on q rock as
solid as Gibraltar and find it heavy.
laden with sweets and presided over by
score of pretty girls.
Time has flown swiftly and at 3
o'clock the order Of march was given.
An accident, we thought, would be
impossible, but accidents will happen,
you know, even in the best regulated
communities. A cry is heard-horri-
ble-a buggy occupied by gentleman
and lady has overturned and gone down
the precipice, we know not where.
Rescue the pershing is the thought OF
all. They are seen rising; thank the
divine Providence their lives are saved
The young lady, though pale and
suffering from the intense shock, bears
up bravely and assisted by her escort
is soon landed on terra frma with only
few slight bruises. The poor horse
he is doubtless gone to the happy hunt
Ing grounds, is imagined by all and for
the vehicle there is no use Of searching
for it, says the owner. But an error has
been committed and although never
having the practice in circus ring the
animal has turned several we'll defined
somersaults, the buggy clinging faith
fully on and is imprisoned in ravine
perfectly untArnished.
The following ladies and gentlemen
composed the party: Mr.. and Mrs.
Palmer, Misses McCue, Lobbin, Koiner,
Fox, Misses Palmer, Misses Armstrong,
Messrs. Montgomery, McClung, Nc
Carly. Berry, Allemong, Roberts, Gamma
day, Gregory and Master Frank Palmer.
June %, 1898. AN OBSERVER