South Branch intelligencer. [volume] (Romney, Va. [W. Va.]) 1830-1896, 1893-03-17
REM!siscEScEs OF CUMBERLAND.

Way ba k in the fitties Of the
century, Cumberland had not grown
to her present pretentious proper
tlons, and education among the
masses was restricted to the three
Rs-reading, riting and 'rithmetic,
although under Mr.. Magraw's lead :
ership q few favored ones struggled
up to classic heights. Fourth of
July camc each year, just as it does
now. 1t was ushered in with boom
ing of cannon later in the day the
Continentals and Allegany Guards.
with drum and fife, paraded, and
the celebration was concluded by
the reading of the Declaration OF
Independence and q few patriotic
remarks by silver-tongued orator
to concourse OF all sorts and con-
dltions Of men, women ard chill
dren in Hoffman's Hollow, after
which p.onic tables were spread,
small beer and weak lemonade being
the strongest drinks allowed. This
order OF events remained in force
for many years, when few pro.
gressive spirits yearned for an en-
tire change of programme, and We
~ successfully was their object ac-
complished. On the night of the
2nd OF July stiffness reigned over
the town, only broken by the occa-
slonal barking of a faithful watch
dog. or the crying of the hours by
the German watchman, "Sykes"-
"Pasht twelve O'Clock, and it make
a leetle rain down." The first
streak of daylight brought out the
markot-goers, as every cornsr, eve
ry fence, every available advertis-
ing place held notice with the fol.
lowing announcement
FREE EXHIBITION.
Prof. Culex viii walk on the
water of WHIPS Creek from the
bridge to the dam at 10 o'clock,
A. NJ, 4th Of July.
The news was soon carried into
every home. For one day, he was
a much talked OF somebody, each
one wondering who he was, from
whence he was coming, and how he
was going to perform such a won
derful feat.
The morning gun of the "Fourth"
announced "the day we celebrate. !"
Fhe weather was clear-the sun
beamiRg. At seven o'clock, small
boys had secured choics places.
Later, the procession began and be-
fore the hour appointed, the bridge.
the tow path, the opposite bank
and higher up on historic ground,
Fort Cumberland-memorable for
General Wsshington's presence du-
ing Braddock's expedition-and re
cognized in these later days as the
site OF the most picturesque church
IN the State of Maryland-the
crowds gathered-aud waited-at
81 o'clock skif pulled out from
the shore. "There he comes was
the universal thought, expressed or
unoxpressed-as it glided Up the
river out Of sight. the crowd set.
tied back to It's quiescent position.
The glare of the sun on the rim
| ping surface Of the water sent its
reflected heat upon the crowd on
the shore, and vet they waited.
Ten o'clock came-halt-rast-
I yet thoy waited and wondered AZ
the delay. They asked each other
who Prof. CuIex was, and az they
walked back to their homes, dissp.
/ pointed, Disguised or amused -
Those in the secret, or a ocular
mood, advised others TO consult
Wobstor's Unabridged Dictionary.
The exhibition had been carried
out as advertised their want Of
knowledge preventing them from
seeing it.
Kind reader il you arc not al.
ready acquainted with Prof. Culex.
we refer y1u TO Webster's Una.
bridged Edition OF 1850.