Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1893-11-26
THENORTHERN NECK.
DISTINGUISHED VISITORS At ely.
pAEl" FROM CHICAGO.
Un,oue and Costly Hunting Outnt--A Brisk
Oyster Tradc-Generai Revival Of bnsi-
ncs.-waksBeid's Improvements.
fcorrespondencc Of the Dispatch)

(Correspondence or the Dispatcn.)
CONFORM. VA. November 3.-Among
the distinguished personages visiting
this county Just now are Mr.. Willie RAN
dolph. Of Chicago. and his accomplished
bride. who are spending a few days
with the formers mother at "Clydael"
Mr.. Randolph is a son OF tho late Col
onei william Randolph, OF Confederate
fame. and a grandson Of the late Dr.
Richard Henry Stuart. the largest real
estate owner Of this section OF Virginia
The most unique and costly hunting out
1T perhaps IN the Northern Neck Is
owned by Captain Robert L. Robb, OF this
county. every part and parcel OF which
came from Montana. The saddle weighs
about sixty pounds, and is typical
"cow boy" saddle OF the Wild West-a
curiosity worthy OF place In the Nation
al Museum. The horns which control the
Captains pack OF hounds came from the
heads OF Montana steers, and are the
largest and loudest "tooters'' ever seen
here Even the grey slouch-hat which
adorns Captain Robb's silvered locks
during hunting season is the novel head
gear OF a Montana ranchman. And the
man who owns and enjoys this outnt
Is one OF the best story-tellers and most
attractive conversationalists in Tide
water Virginia--accompli attained
by native intellect. classical education,
and extensive travels by land and sea.
FINE OYSTERS.
The oyster business on the Potomac and
lower tributaries opened more auspici-
ously THIS season than II has for Il num-
- .ucf nd
pronounced the finest ever found in these
waters. Oysiermen and the merchants
adjacent TO the oyster grounds, are very
much encouraged at the prospect, and are
working with renewed energy. The out
look In oyster communities has Infused
new life into every department Of bust
ness. and has already restored confidence,
and revived credit.
Notwithstanding dull times and low
prices for farm produce, larger number
OF new dwelling houses are now in course
Of erection in this county than has been
built here in any one year since the war.
The mechanics, who have had but little
er1plOyment for several years. are now
ovcrrun with work in their particular
line. and every "cobbler" who can use the
saw, Ratchet. and plane finds ready en-
poymcnt and commands good waes.
Indeed il may be added that a general
revival IN All bTdututS VI DuSliltNo u
apparent all over the county. and we
learn through commercial travel
Icrs that this spirit Of revival pervades
the whole Northern Neck OF Virginia.
BEAUTIFUL WAKEFIELD.
The people OF this county rejoice with
those Of WestmOreland at the prospect
Of a magnificent wharf and other needed
improvements at Wakefield, the birth
place OF Washington. Though neglected
In appearance. and at present difficult OF
access by the public Wakefield Is beauti-
ful for situation, and Ia susceptible OF i'm
provements that will render It as pictur-
csque and attractive rs a seaside resort.
II has a commanding view of the broad
Potomac Just where this beautiful river
shows 10 splendid advantage, and the
congressional act appropriating a sum OF
money to heautify and commemorate this
gacrel spot not only met with the hearty
approval Of the whole people OF King
George and Westmoreland. but awakened
q general feeling of gratitude almost be-
voul cXoroseion. The subject OF Wake
field and the prospective improvements IL
alnia the topic q conversation both in
public gatherings and private circles, and
many strangers seek opportunities to visit
tho historic spot and all who visit there
carry away stick, switch. chip. brick,
or some little relic.