davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
New Years In 1890.

NesS Years day, 1890, was one Of
special interest to those who delight in
tracing facts concerning this method of
celebration. President Washington, then
in the first year Of his first term, lived
at the Franklin House, in Cherry street,
New York
The city was then little Dutch town
Of cobblestones and gardens, containing
about 1, 400 houses and 100000 people,
most Of whom were tradesmen and me-
chanics Of very limited means.
The president had lived among them
several months, but most Of them had
held aloof through the awe inspired by
his great character and his high Office.
But Oh this New Years day great num-
Der Of them put on their best cooked hats,
their Sunday wigs and all their best
clothes and called upon the president.
Philadelphia Times.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
low l3-4ts
CHURCH DIRECTORY.

First Presbyterian Church, on Frederick 81
between New and Market streets, services
II a. NJ. and p. m. Pastor, Rev. A. N. Fraser
Second Presbyterian church corner Freder.
lex and Lewis streets. Services at II q. m
and 8. Pastor, Rev. VIM. Cumming.
Emmanuel Episcopal Church, worship at Y.
N. C. A. Hall. Services at II q. M, and p. m.
Rector, Rev. r. c. Jett.
Trinity Episcopal church, Main street, be-
tween Lewis and Church streets. Services at
II . m, and 8 p. m. Rector, Rev. W. Q. Hull
lihen
UnifSd efhrsn chr.~l. Lewis street, be-
tween Main snd Jo6nson streets. Services at
II a. m ana p. M Pastor, ri; D Dom
ovan.
Methodist church, Lewis street, between
Main and Frederick streets- Services at II
m. and p. m. Pastor, Rev. J. h. Boyd, D. D
Christ Evangelical Lutheran church, Lew
is street, between Main and Frederick streets
Services at II g. m. and p. m. Pastor. Rev.
H. F. Shealy.
Baptist church, corner Main and Washing
ton streets. Services at II a.. M. and p. m
Pastor, Rev. W. J. E. Cox.
st. Francis Roman Catholic, North August<
street, Mass at and 1880 a. m. Vespers and
benediction Of Mos: Blessed Sacrament at
p. m. Pastor. Rev. Father McVerrv.
Young Mems Christian Association, corner
Main and Water streets. Services at p. m.
Sunda
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
WATCHING THE OLD YEAR OUT.

The Custom Once Common In New Eng
land Eas Nearly Passed Away.
An old fashioned "wateh night" i'll
New England or the middle states was
until recently one Of the institutions OF
this country. The keen, frosty air Of the
early evening bore upon its crystalline
and twinkling depths the sound OF nu-
merous strings of sleighbells converglng
at the church. The we'll loaded cutters
and the crowded sleighs hissed through
the creaking snow, that stamped off
with loud emphasis at the porch door,
announced the arrival Of each load. The
interior of the church, heated to almost
a point of discomfort by big stoves, still
retains the decorations put up when the
Christmas tree did service before its re-
moyal. The usual chatter and gossip
soon subside. A solemn hush falls over
the assembly, and when the first hymn
lis given out it is sung with more hearty
uplift Of tone than usual The prayer is
more fervent than usual, and the an
them that follows it is more like dirge.
The young elder, who is present,
breaches an address, the tones Of which
fall on all hearts with sadness that be-
gets repentance. No such theme as this
finds expression at any other portion of
the year, 1--WE all do fade as leaf, y
and then he closes with Longfellow's
mournful words:
Howl, howl, and from the forest
Strip the rcd leaves away.
Would the sins that thou abhorest,
o soul, could thus decay
And be swept awayl
Kyrie eleisonl Christie eleison!
Moro singing, more prayers, all instinct
with earnestness, and then shrili
voiced girl recites Prentice's "Dying
Year.
'Tis midnight's holy hour. etc.
Another Tennyson's g "Old Year." then
comes breathless waiting, and the bell
strikes, when joyous Amen!" is fol
lowed by a burst of song that every one
joins in.-Chicago Tribune.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
what Happy New Year Means.

A happy New Year! What does it
mean? Are not these words often thrown
out as greeting without thought or
depth of meaning? Is it a year in which
to ourselves come wealth and health,
prosperity and friendship; one spent in
the pursuit Of feeting pleasure and
filed with self centered interest? Mol
Rather let the wish be to each and all,
as the new year dawns with all it's op-
portunities, that the days Of 1896 may
be we'll spent-flled with thought and
sympathy for those around; that in self
forgetting and kindly deeds the happi
ness Of others may be ever sought, and
then most truly will each act rebound
again in joy and blessing to the heart
from which it springs. Maud Booth.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01

No Engilsh holiday was OF much ac-
count that vGs not observed with flow
ing bowl. On New Year 8 sFe the was
sail bowl was filled with spiced ale and
drunk in families, and poorer folk tied
a bowl with ribbons and begged for
money for ale to fill and refill the bowl,
singing:
Wassail, wassail all over the town;
Our toast it is white; our ale it is brown;
Our bowl it is made of a maplin tree;
We be good fellows all; drink to thee.
In some parts Of England the old year
is ''swept OUT by men and boys with
blackened faces, dressed to represent
sweeps; in others it is "burned out"
with bonfres Sometimes it is rung out
with muffled bells that are unmuf1ed
and rung clear after 10 O'Clock.
pendent
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01

A child PROSTATE before its father ask
ing for his blessing on a New Years
morning. This is typical custom
among the French Canadians of the
province Of Quebec, and undoubtedly
retained by French Canadians now resi-
dent in New England and other parts of
this republic. The head of the family
rises early New Years morning, renews
the fire on the hearth and in the stoves,
and, seating himself in an armchair
within the shadows Of the Yule log,
watches the embers and awaits the first
of his offspring to ask for the paternal
blessing On the glorious "jour de Fan. :"
Boston Globe.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
THE DYING YEAR.

MY dsor stands open wide tonight
In token of parting guest,
Who twelve months since, with kctn oehgns'
welcomed to my homely nest.
He stands there nov. wan, wasted, olo'
His race quite run, mis- mission Ger,
And when the midnight hour is tolled,
We part, to meet on earth no more.
He came to me in merry guise,
With hopes and promises net lew.
All. who could look within those eyes
And deem that they were all untrueI
Rut expectations all have fled,
The promises are broken, too,
The hopes lie withered, crushed and dead
Not one of all but proved untrue.
And there he stands, decrepit wan,
Who came to me merry elf,
few sands more he will be gone,
And with him gone part of myself.
So come and 60 the passing years
That bear Us to the silent sea,
But bright with smiles or dim with tears,
They come in love, dear Lord, from thee.
Christian Work.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Oueer Welsh Beliefs

In many parts of Wales to see olne's
shadow i'll the moonlight upon New
Years eve is believed to be an infallibleA
sign that the person seeing it will die
before the expiratio,lnf the coming Na~
Year, and then is also a pop~isy super
stition that if all unmarried woman
should see her face reflected in wator on
New Years eve it is an infallible sign
that she is destined to live and die in
state of single blessedness. New York
World
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
.---p----i -
sIAMEsE NEW YEAR.

Evil Spirits Supposed to Infest the De-
parting Tear-A Night Of Terror.
The Siamese "Choola Sakarat, :" or re-
igious New Year, generally falls ON the
day after the first full moon in the
month of March. The Brahlnin astrolo.
ger, whose sole duty it is to point out
the aspect Of the sun, moon and stars,
heralds the approaching full moon by
setting in motion all the multitudinous
gongs and temple bells in the city far
and near. The people, who are always
ready, waiting, for this signal. have
generally finished their business for the
year. Debts have been paid off, accounts
closed, merchandise disposed of and all
traffic Of buying and selling suspended
three days previous to the expected
event.
The announcement made by the many
tongued instruments is received by the
vast population that inhabits the valley
watered by the beautiful Menam river
with fear and trembling, for they firm
" believe that this is the witching hour
when the very atmosphere Of the world
is alive with gods, demons, genii and
hobgoblins, and forthwith the anxious.
superstitious people hasten to frustrate
their evil designs. They bind unspun
cotton thread, consecrated by the priest,
round their doors and windows, as the
sacred thread is supposed to prove an
effectual barrier in keeping out the ma
1icious spirits. This done they place by
the doors Of their houses and huts
platter containing pigs head and a
bottle of arrack, as conciliatory repast
for the wandering ghosts that may de-
sire to regale themselves during the
night, after which the whole city, like
the snail, draws in its horns and no con-
sideration will tempt mortal soul to
venture out of it until sunrise the next
morning.
At sunset every family offers to its
own household genii an oblation of can
dies, perfumed tapers and roasted rice.
AS for the royal palace, 1900 balls Of
unspun cotton, Of seven fbers, conse-
Grated by 81 priests, are reeled round
and round the walls. and from sunset
until dawn a terrific and continuous
cannonading is heard from all the forts
of the city to rout the evil spirits that
infest the departing year.
But once this dreadful night is passed,
the terror sticken inhabitants, with a
long drawn sigh Of relief, prepare to
welcome the new year. Dressed in many
colored silks, they repair first to the
temples to offer praise and Thanksgiving
for their deliyerance and to make hand
some gifts to the priests, and not until
they hive propitiated Buddha and Bud-
dha's earthly repreeentatixes do they
think q their own mem na1ine. -IS-
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Now Year Means Progress.

A new year, not simply another year.
Many people may be said to live the
same old year over and over again. Each
succeeding year is the same unit added
once more to the sum Of life. There is
the same task performed in the same
spirit with the same motive; the same
imperfections Of character, the same
failures of conduct. The times may
change and progress hasten, but If we
stand still, we live only the old year
once again. A new year never comes to
the contented OK; he simply grows old
1t is not the lapse of time or the prog
ress Of civilization, but our progress,
which makes possible to us new year.
Josiah Strong.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
A Song of the Season.

love no rest but nut browne toste
And crab layde in the tyre;
A little bread shall do me stead
Much breade not desyre.
No froste nor snow, no winde, trowe,
Can hurt NEE if wolde.
/ am SO wrapt and throwly lapt
OF jolly good ale and olde.
Back and syde go bare, go bare;
Both foote and hand, go colde;
But belly God send thee good ale inoughe,
Whether it be new or olde.
With sober cheerfulness the grandam eyes
Her offspring round her, all in health and
peace,
And, thankful that she's spared to see this day
Return once more, breathes low sacred
prayer
That God would shed blessing on their heads.
Selected.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01

May the aeR year, just opening to
rs. be signaled in public and II >PPfi*Rta
life by the growth Of noble ideas-of
ideas that shall make men freer, truer,
better; that shall more and more reflect
the Incompatible teachings of the Holy
Child whose nativity we have just cele-
brated, and whose spirit, initiated and
obeyed, can redeem the time and crown
mankind with blessedness. Christian
Work.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Debts Settled on New Years.


On New Years eve in Japan hardfuls
of beans are thrown about the rooms and
over the threshold to exercise evil spirits
who may be about.
Before the new year the merchants
endeavor to get in all the money that is
owed to them and to pay or settle their
own debts. As consequence many
things can be bought very cheaply at the
end of the year, for ready money is the
great desideratum. Men carrying trays
OF something looking like white worms
go through the streets crying. Soba,
soba e the Japanese form of macaroni,
which. eaten with soy sarce. is q fa-
YoFita delicacy with; the coolies and
lsIs 1ils|s s.ss:nsss z,
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Birth Of the Year.

How like human birth the waking hour
OF the child year! The weak and querulous
gale
Mid tears of rain doth lift kindred wall.
Blankly the suns eye stares: the air doth
lower
Dense as listiess ear. Beneath shower
OF snow fresh fallen those branches, white and
frail
AS newborn limbs, lie promo, with only power
Given to endure what wind soccer prevail.
The baby lips that pcut their hungering
Do not more wistfuIly the nurse invite
Than every spiral leaf bud yearns for spring.
And as tho young blue eyes wax deep and
bright
While the soul greatens, SO the glowing light
Widens by morn and eve its azure ring.
-Philsdel1)hia Times
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
A New Epoch.

AS the sun completes his annual rev.
olution through theheavens by touching
the southern solstice, and then COM
1nences his return to northern latitudes,
man is compelled to recognize a new
epoch in his own career and is reminded
to pause moment for earnest reflection
in order to gather wisdom from vanish
ed months and to forecast the signs of
the future. Christian Work.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Japan's Common Birthday.

The first Of the year is really sort Of
double festival in Japan, for the Japa-
nese, like the Chinese, reckon their age
from that date. A child born "a hours
before New Years day is called year
old on that day, SO that it is the birth
day of all the japanese people. New
York Advertiser.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
New Year Bells.

OF all sounds, Of all bells most SOL
emn and touching is the peal which
rings out the old year. never hear 1t
without gathering up Of my mind to
q concentration of all the images that
have been diffused over the past twelve
mouth. I begin to know the worth Of
that regretted time, as when person
dies.=Charles Lamb.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Read the Bible New Years Morning.

Read the Bible New Years Morning.
In many Welsh household the first
thing that is done by each member Of
the family on rising on New Years
morning is to consult the family Bible
with a view to learning from 1t what
the coming year has in store for the per-
son seeking the information. This is
done by reading the first verse upon
which the eye falls, and the verse in
question is believed to foretell in some
way the good or ill fortune, the happi-
ness or unhappiness, during the just be-
gun new year Of the person making the
trial,-Exchange.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Tho Mario Bell.

Tho Magic BeIIs
The old year is dead, and hoary haired time
High in the belfry is tolling his knel
From the phantom rim Of a magic bell,
And the world is swayed by its mystic chime.
For earth is the ponderous tongue that Swings
In the tower Of time. The cathedral dim
= the universe, and the bells huge rim
h the. ether blue ~ It rings and rings.
1hs chimes are tho passions that sway mems
souls S..
That tempt and inspire them. THIS thousht.
the deed,
On this New Years eve from the earth dzss
n one misnty vibration upward rolls,
And huahed are the voices around rs thronss
A. the Great Creator receives his own
Detroit Free Pre0.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
ALPHA PUBLISHING CO. s's BosisS, ssS,ssSa %sss: st.
holiday EXCURSION TO WASHINGTO N
Dc.

The b. & o. Railroad Company will inaugu-
rate q series of monthly excursions to the Ma
tiona INC Capital, from PittSburg, wheeling. ParK-
mediate points along it's lines as far East as
Washington Junction, affording an excellent
opportunity for mid winter Jaunt TO the Ma
tjOnal Capital. The first excursion OF the series
is announced for Thursday, December 18TH
The rates are remarkably low and the Time
limit ample enough to allow visitors an oppop-
tunity to visit all the Public Buildings and In
stit,ltions in Washington and make SIDE TRIPS
to nointS of interest in near vicinity.
We give below a list of stations showing the
tjr,,d lf trains and rates of fare.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
=. Of ApvER rJsIWc.
unIucky to lend anything on new

Years day. :
The fire must be watched with great
care on tho first day of the year. InLan-
cashire England, it is said that If it do
not : burn through the night of New
Years eve, bad luck will visit the
household that year; nor must any ono
be given live coal, ur even lighted
candle at this timo, for the bad luck
will then visit the recipient Of the gift.
At Auspach the shadow thrown Oh
the wall by the oaudles on the Christ
mas tree, Oh New Yef ) evening will,
II any one is to ole SC Jn, represent his
shadow headless.
In Roumanla the Rev Year begins
With a ceremony OF blessing the waters,
the priest performing mass and
sprinkling the streams with holy water
while blessing them. st. Louis Re-
public
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
GRATEFUL-COMFORT
EPPS'S COCOA

"By a thorough knowledge of the natural
laws which govern the operations OF digestion
and nutrition, and by a careful application
OF the fine properties of well selected Cocoa,
Mr.. EppS has provided for our breakfast and
supper delicately fiavoured beverage which
may save us many heavy doctors bills. 1t is
a constitution may be gradually built up until
strong enough to resist every tendency to dis
ease. Hundreds of subtle maladies are float
ing around US ready to attack wherever there
is a weak point. Wemey escape many fatal
Shaft by keeping ourselves well fortified with
pure blood and properly nourished frame" )"
Civil Serpice Gazette. Made simply with boil
ing water or milk. Sold only in half pound
tins, by GrOcerS, labelled thus:
JAMES EPPS & CO., Ltd, homeopathic
Chemists, London, England.
dec 1S- Ats
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
DIRECTORY OF LODGES.
M SONIC LODGE.

MisONIC LODGE.
Staunton Lodge No. 13, A. F. and A. NJ, meets
every second and last Friday night in each
month, in Masonic Temple, Main street. Jas
NJ. Lickliter, W. M; B. A. Eskr1dge, Sec'y.
UNION ROYAL ARCH CHAPTER.
No. q meet third Friday in every month, In
Masonic Temple, on Main street. W. W. BIC
Guf1n, High Priest; A. A. Eskridge, Sec'y.
ODD FELLOWS LODGE:
Staunton Lodge, No. 45, I. o. o. F. meets ev
cry Thursday night in Odd Fellows Hall, owe
Wayt's drug store, on Main street. John G
Fretwell Noble Grand; C. A. Grafton, Sec
KNIGHTS OF HONOR LODGE.
Staupton Lodge. No. 756, Kr.xhts OF Honor
meets every first s,id third Tuesday in each
month, in Pythian Hall, Main street. w. L.
olivier, Dictator; W. A. Burnett, Recorder.
MOUNTAIN CITY LODGE.
No. 1ls, 1. O. G. T., meets every Friday night
In their lodge room over wayt's drug store on
Main street. A. s. woodhouse, Chief Templar
F. B. Kennedy, sec'y.
DISTRICT LODGE.
No. q, 1. o. G. T.. meets every three months
G. q. shipplett, D. G. T.; 8. h. Bausermsn
District Secretary.
ROYAL ARCANUM.
Augusta Council, No. 490, Royal Arcauum
meets every second and fourth Tuesday In the
month, at Pythian Hall, Main street. W. W
Robertson, Regent; Jos. B. Woodward, Sec
retary.
SONS Of TEMPERANCR
Charity Division, M. A., Sons OF Temperance
meets every Monday night at Odd Fellows
all. w. A. Rapp, Worthy Patriarch; John
B. Cofelt, Sec'y.
UNIFORMED RANK, KNIGHTS OF
PYTHIAs.
e. B. Stuart Division, No. 10, meets second
and fourth Mondays each month at Pythian
Hall. Sir Knight Captain, F. B. Berkley; 8
Knight Recorder. s. H. Rosenbaum.
KNIGHTS OF PYTHIAs.
Valley Lodge, No. IS, K. of P, meets every
Monday night at Castle Hall, on West Main
street. over DIR. wayt's drug store. c. T. Ham
mond, Chancellor Commander; Albes
Keeper of Records and Seal.
KNIGHT TEMPLARs.
Staunton Commandery, No. 8. Knights Tenn
plar, meets arst Friday night in every month
In Masonic Temple, on Main street. W. B.
IMcChesney, Eminent Commander; A. A. T.
ridge, Recorder.
ONEIDA TRIBE, NO. SO, 1. o. R. H.,
| Meets In their wigwam, in valz Building
| every Wednesday at Sth run 3Oth breath
setting OF the sun. j. D. Anthony, sacheu>
James w. Blackburn, chief OF records. IN
visiting brothers welcome.
| AMERICAN LEGION OF HONOR.
| Valley Council No. 736 meets on the first and
third Mondays in each month. Commander
A. s. Woodhouse secretary, DR.. j. M. Hange
collector, Isaac C. Morton, Jr.
CATHOLIC HIBERNIAN BENIF1CAL
SOCIETY.
Meets first Sunday in every month In their
hall on the church lot. M. TB presi.
dent; ]. ]. Kngalen, first vice president; j. J
Murphy, second vice president; D.J. O,Connell
recording secretary.
''sToNEwALL" BRIGADE RAND.
Band meets every Monday ana Thurn0av
orchestra, every Wednesday, at p. M, in CITY
Hall. Mr.. ]. n. Brereton. dtr.rto-
J. a. Armentrout, president, ana @. Harry
Haines. secretary. ~
cHAm1R or cosMBaOn.
Monthly meetinss, Rourth Tuesaex ! "a.
month at5soep'caocts Roor-s a fs ss<
f1nG lGn00WlfR ~ -fxsne. rf1<St & S5,sH
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
So MANY Girts.

Three hundred and sixty five spick, span. new.
Beautiful presents for me and for you'll
Fill them with kindness and sunshine, my
honey,
And you'll find theee gifts better than'play.
things or money.
Youths Companion
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01

If you can make love and charity in
your heart chord with the last song the
choir sings New Years day, you can
make up your mind that you are pretty
good man after alL-Kearney Journal.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
VIRGINIA HOTEL RESTAURANT,

On First tFloor-Entrance on New street.
Nice newly furnished rooms, private for
ladies and gentlemen and connected with the
ladies' Entrance and Front Restaurant Din
ing Room. Nice Oysters served in any style
desired. The best service-Low charges. .
nov 21-1v J. G. SCHEFFER, Prop'r.
CITY CONSTABLE'S OFFICE.-I have
" opened an office at No. 10 North New
Street, and am prepared to give attention to
any business placed in my hands. l can be
found at my office any hour, when not engaged
in outside work pertaining to the duties of the
office.
JOHNA. NOON,
Constable for the City of Staunton Va.
July 11-Lf
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01
Begging Bread and Cheese.

Scotch children of the pooyer class in
small towns still beg On New Years
eve from door to door at the houses of
wealthier families for a dole Of cat
bread, calling out "Hogamanay'' or
some Of the local rhymes which are CIV
en- in Chambers Popular Rhymes Of
Scotland" such as:
Hogamanay,
=. Trollolay,
/; fGiveu as of your white bread
Ard none of your grayl
They also beg for cheese, which they
call "nog money" and Brands ''Popu-
lar Antiquities" gives this begging
rhyme used by Scotch children:
Get up, guide wife, and binno sweir;
Deal cakes and cheese while ye are here
For the time will come when yell be dead
And neither need your cheese nor bread.
AS the children on these forays are
swathed in great sheets formed info a
deep bag or pouch to carry the oatghke
they form quite a mumming and fan
tastic appearance on the by streets and
lanes. s.-Independent.
Staunton spectator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1849-1896, 1896-01-01

ANN Agents proflt per month. WIN prove
WIKI it or pay forfeit. New Articles just
XnIn out. A $15O sample and terms free.
WU I'll Try us. CHIDEsTER Son, 2S Bond
ST., Y.
nov l2-A