davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
DECORATION DAY IN OLD DOMINION

A few years ago It was our good for
tune to spend the thirtieth OF May N
Petersburg, Va. the guests OF delight
full Southern family. 1t had not oc-
CURED to us that II was Decoration
Day until our host invited US to drive
out to the cemetery in the afternoon,
adding: II think you Will be interested
In the old church which Is quite FAM
Gus because Of its age, having been ouilt
early In seventeen hundred.
II was an ideal day for the purpose.
the air soft and balmy, the sun Veiled
by light clouds toning the brilliancy Of
the landscape, which with its rich ver-
dure was like the latter part or June
In the North; flowers In variety We're in
full bloom giving wealth to lay above
the dead. Many beside ourselves were
vending their way to the silent city,
much more interest being manifested
by people of every class than with US.
After driving about a mile Blandford
church arose before us, beautiful,
Gothic ruin. one gable entirely covered
with English ivy, through which the
arched windows looked out upon the
graves of two centuries. The church
and surrounding yard We're enclosed by
q high wall. the brick for both having
been brought from England. The wall
had partly fallen In places, but the ir-
regularity only lent an added charm,
nature having covered every gaping
wound with glossy ivy and sweet flow-
ertng honey -suckles. filling the eye with
beauty, and the air with fragrance.
The dates of some stones proved the
graveyard half a century older than tho
church. Some Of the stones were brok-
en- and bent. some graves unmarked,
while others had been most carefully
surrounded by O wall Of brick on which
the large, heavy stones. craven with
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
fnH DANTE Clun.

The Dante Club his, hsA % heisl Q
past AZ to furnish linlleA material fee
q sketch Of it, work. TAe Ave members
whe compose the club, Nm. Rogers
Israel. Mrs. W. I. Fmsh, Mrs.. ]. w.
ConAnt liso Lea n. xDsath end MrA
z. 8. Ws&toA, began thsif iaG0tings
carly last fall. so 'thase u but one win
ter's werk to SevisW. bat ths sstVegpect
il :uf,iciently grstisyisS = wsr1ant
enticipations q mach .l1Asal1s1A en-
joyment in ths'futurS..
The pssesnt .ebjest 1ssths elu. = th:
and commentaries 10 the snsnbsrs
several Valuable DseEs rSasustly pur-
chased " the lihre0y, Q eaReful study
Of the Inferno and Sposttsalee the. Fur.
gatorio has been NADIA DASJte says
the poem 10 to be taken xterally and
allsgorically. In oydsr 70 rightly un-
derstand. and TO fully interpret this
double meaning. 10 u open un add OF
study Of the widest nature. The Dante
Club Of Scranton does not attempt to
make Q complete and final analysis Of
the Divine Comedy, but to give the
poem careful study. to undentand its
historical illusions. to appreciate its
poetical beauties and its wonderful
Imagery, and to discern the spiritual
interpretations Of the allegory. which is
the very soul Of the poem. thereby
learning again the old lesson Of the evil
effects Of sin, and the blessednsss Of
virtue.
When the Divine CemeAy shalt have
been satisfactorily compjetsd. the club
hopes to take vp some topic Of equal
interest, such a. Milton. ~ Browning,
or Shakespeare a. 3. w.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
Literary Department.
/

vpon. his command, Q tardy recoeni-
age during the coming summer.
One of the most interesting weekly
functions are the drills, reviews. pa
rades, band concerts and receptions ev-
cry Friday at the fort, which adjoins
the Arlington cemetery on the heights
overlooking Washington.
Washington barracks, on q neck Of
land juttlng out itno the Potomac. Is
headquarters of the Fourth artillery In
command of Colonel Closson. and main
tains its reputation for hospitality and
sociability.
The marine barracks In the same
section Of the town, with its celebrated
band, is also most attractive point for
visitors.
SOME ADVANTAGES OF WASH
INGTON LIFE.
Washington has. too. exceptional ad-
vantaGes for the student Of various
branches Of study. Its courses Of free
and paid lectures on scientific and other
subjects, its great congressional library
and its colleges. Its theaters and con-
cert halls have all the celebrities each
season, including the star perform
ances Of the greatest stage notables IN
in the country. This 10 also a church
going city. a large element of the old
resident population being Catholic.
Every Sunday the churches are crowd
ed. sittings being at q premium. and
many evident divines among the set
tied pastors.
The so-called society leaders are in
terested in charitable works Of all
kinds, and hospitals. homes and insti-
tutions of like character are well pro-
yided for and maintained by these la
dies, and many are the beautiful homes
thrown open to the public for charity.
ADA NJ. SCRANTON.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
FRIvOLITIES.

Let US call things by their proper
names; this is the frivolous column,
wherein no burning issues, no deep
questions. no controverted points will
be discussed. Serious minded persons
are warned OFF by the title, which will
also keep the men from reading 1t.
Only few careless ones may sandwich
1t between the courses of solid pabulum
offered elsewhere. Its erratic jottings
will be like thistle-down on the wanton
breeze, or the aimless flittings OF the
butterfly in the summer sun.
There was once small scion Of roy
atty who would some day be king when
his years should permit his mothers
regency to expire; and because the
throne was waiting for him. he was
forced in knowledge and hedged about
with dignity.
One day after listening to tutors who
tired his poor little brain. finishing with
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
M LAln6. RRADu(o olR.

This organi1atibn began. IL literary
work In 1Sse under the leadership q
Miss Ris0eil. talented young girl. who
coming to Scranton q stranger. oooA
made her influence felt by the mAE&eA
ability with which she conducted ~.
eral classes In history. Tho original
members Of what was called the class
were Mrs. N, H. Castor. Mrs. Hsaen
Loyeland. Mira Alfred Hand. MrA R
Z. Hunt. Mira r. w. Archibald. NrA
Milton Blair. Mrs. w. T. Smith. Mrs. w.
W. Scranton. Mrs. c. H. Welles, Mrs
w. H. Buell., Mrs. ]. A. Price. Mrs. Z.
y. Reeber. Mrs. A. II. Lee, Mrs. e. @
Noffat, Miss Emma Vail. Miss =. i
Piatt and Miss NJ. G. Mates.
Meetings were held weekly at the
house Of Mrs. ]. A. Price and English
history and English literature engroso.
year permanent organization was ef.
fected. The class declared Themselves
club. and elected Mrs, r. w. Archibald
president and Mrs. w. W. 0cranto0
secretary and treasurer.
AT the beginning Of their third year
the claims OF history gave way to thooo
OF art. and after some months Of study
they induced Mrs> G. d. Adsit, Of MIL
waukse, to deliver . course Of lectures
on Etching and Engraving" These
lectures began In February, 1883, and
will long be remembered for their min.
gled profit and pleasure to all who
heard them. Our eyes were opened and
we beheld wondrous things II t. bo 9.
benefactor is to make two blades Of
grass grow where one grew before %
also should one be reokoned who nrst
wakens our powers OF appreciation and
show ~ what to sea
tory have been euccesaively taken up
by the club, and the past year has been
devoted to study Of the Aistesy q eur
own country.
II was through the efforts q this
club that Amelia B. Edwards. the tam.
| Gus Psychologist. lectured In Scranton
and Mr. w. Hudson Shaw. the noted
English lecturer. gave an ILLUSTRATED
series Of talks on Venice.
When the Public library was . bO
furnished with books, among the other
the Ladies' Reading Club. One charm.
ing evening will be rememhered when
the club invited its friends to . reading
by MIRA Custer, widow eS the famous
general, and a she gave. from her own
manuscript, q brief account Of the trials
and privations, the dread possibilities
and actual sufferings attendant O. .
| Ire IN camp, her listeners 1elt mat uoes
wlthstandlng the glorieo e VA; itU "
sage was Indeed grim.
The personnel ot the club - but
slightly changed. One .mamhor, MA
Loveland, has exchanged 0hs DvFsuitbe
earthly knowledge for heavenly vision.
Mrs. Lee and Mrs. Bsebor Gre no loaeer
members and MrS c. d. Robinson was
chosen In Mrs. Beeher'a plaza while
Mrs. 0aston 10 now a heneeayy uaAaA-
Der.
For the coming year. plans Of work
are alroady mapped out, ame let US
hope that the time shall b far distant
'WhaueAe lat reader reads n moro I"
| ANNA n A0BWAT.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14

Ing and tending babies, and this ven.
ture Is merely . little ramble into Par
nassian fields. before setting out upon
which. every button has been put firm-
ly In place, all the stockings darned.
the larder filled, the children's faces
shining. our husbands well fed, well
groomed and well content; so prythee.
good masters. have patiencel
After all. there Is no happier being
than the egotist, and in the long run
no more useful one, for he unhesitat-
ingly accepts positions the ditf1dent
would decline. and accomplishes much
one of equal ability and less confidence
would fear to undertake; and If we can
repress q natural feeling Of irritation
and look only upon the funny side.
what amusement is afforded.
There Is the breezy, happy, buoyant
type who talk right on" only pausing
to ask us II I'VE catch their meaning"
or ''see the point" reminding US always
of the man who on meeting friend
said: There was great preaching at
Tangletown last night" Indeed. who
preached?" a."
We once knew a representative Of the
ponderous type in whom egotism rose
to sublimity. He possessed a grave
dignity of face and manner, bearing
himself like the wise doctors In Ho-
garth's immortal picture.
Lying on his table one day was O
fresh Quire Of foolscap, upon the first
page of which was written with many
Spencerian flourishes: THE remark
able sayings and doings OF Charles
Rumble Bliss" Charles was evidently
about to begin q diary. The same
Charles after gravely and critically
studying an addressed envelope, told
US we wrote very good prescrip-
tion."
/ know a dell where violets grow
big. velvety blue ones-others sweet and
white. with yellow centers-cunning lit
tie dog tooths-great yellow discs with
black hearts, and myriads Of tiny pale
blue ones.
The ground Is soft and oozy; you
must try each step carefully, but If you
walk that large moss covered log you
can reach all you care to gather.
Here the sunlight never comes In
full flood, but filters through a mill
lion leaves making golden twilight,
and the deep woods guard 1t round.
Mosses green and lush grasses nestle
the flowers, and tiny waterfall CUR
giles a dreamy song. Like the "horns
Of Elfland family blown" come bird
songs in soft echoes from the sunny
world outside, or the nearer twitter of
some nesting mother brooding in sweet
content. Yet the silence Is replete with
life, If only Of higher organism We
could hear q thousand tiny voices OF
the growing world around US. Here let
us rest while care falls away from the
spirit, and natures healing touch gives
peace to the soul. for these lovely
haunts have nearly all been destroyed
by the outing away Of the trees.
Away to the hills, to the hills away,
'Tis the bonnie sweet month Of May,
When heaven and earth, and cir and ssa
| Arc chanting Q roundelay.
Through sunny green zelda where tn,
cowslipS bloom,
Through the greenwoods hewery way:
| The world Is thine, the world 10 mine.
IT'S the bonnie sweet month Of Nay.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
WHY DAISIES ARE WHITE.

There Is q quaint Hebrew legend
OF the shadowy buried age,
When mans history lay written
On but one brief unturned page.
Part, illumined by the briliiance
Lent from bliss, az bright as brief,
Part recorded in the tracery
OF a plying angels grief.
To the gates Of loved, lost Eden,
Sorrowing Eve each morning crept;
From the bowed head, golden glory
To the dust its bright length swept
Yelled her brow In silken softness
AS against the portals dread,
Beat the tender hands, forever
Reaching after peace long dead
Never stain of Eden warbler
Wandered through that woeful bar:
Never CLEAN Of silver river
Flashing under sun and star
Ever stood the stern eyed keeper
Lifting steadfast gaze afar
From the woman, waiting vainly
For the gates to drift atar.
Once she cried with bitter longing.
And next morn her startled eyes
Greeted a bright group of daisies,
That had slipped from Paradise.
Daisies then were blue as Heaven;
But meath that baptismal rain,
All their petals bleached and whitened
Bleached by the exiles pain.
Still the daisies flecked the meadows
. But their pure sweet faces rise
White. from tears our fair frail mother
Wept outside lost Paradise.
HARRIET CLAY PENMAN.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
SCRANTON PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Albright Memorial Library.

This library Is an institution In which
our city justly takes much pride. Its
site was given by the heirs Of Mr.. Jo-
seph J. Albright, q well-known, early
and long resident Of Scranton, while
the building, which Is one of the finest
Of its kind. was erected by Mr.. ]. ].
Albright, Of Buffalo. as q memorial to
his parentA Joseph ]. and Elisabeth
Albright
Such q mmument 10 O well-chosen
memorial. 1t perpetuates the memory
Of the donor. and also helps to uplift
and educate those who have high as
pirations without means to cultivate
them A study Of the building IN an
education In itself. Messrs. Green and
Wicks. the architects. carefully car
ried out the ideas Of Mr.. Albright. who,
In his travels, saw the
CHATEAU DE CLUNY
In Paris, admired the Gothic style Of ar
chitecture, and wished to make this
building In its exterior resemble that; /;
which, as far as possible. has been done.
On the outside Of the building, cut in
the stone. are dozen or more Of the
devices or trade marks Of noted print
ers; on the stained glass windows are
representations Of celebrated bindings
used during the sixteenth century. The
Boston Public library has a magnifi-
cant building, one much grander than
any library In the country, but, from
an architectural and artistic standpoint
ours Is q more harmonious structure.
The Scranton Public library was
opened for public use June. 1893. with
$1,000 volunlns: 1t now contains 26, 900
volumns, to which additions are con.
stantly being made. Tho library is mis-
cellaneous In character, furnishing in
formation on almost every topic, from
popular fiction to the most profound
philosophy and theology. The refer
ence department, containing 1000 vol
umns for use In the library only, Is ar
ranged on open shelves free of access
to every one. Few public libraries, ex-
cept In the very largest cities, have q
greater number Of reference books
placed SO conveniently or subject to
such unrestricted use.
In the reading room are to be found
many monthly magazines, literary,
scientific and Juvenile. This depart
ment is very popular, az Is attested by
the numbers who frequent it at all
hours. The library 10 largely used by
the teachers and pupils of the various
schools, and by the members Of the
many literary societies and clubs. Its
future Is in the hands Of the people, as
upon their Hberality, represented by the
city councils, depend Its growth and
progresA
CORA NJ. DECKER.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
OLD CHURCH AT PETERSBURG, VA.

quaint and curious, many with elabor-
ate epitaphs. were horizontally laid.
One marked the resting place OF some
scion Of noble race, for the arms OF
the Gordons was beautifully cut upon
the stone, the last tribute from Cae old
home across the sea-
Through wide gap In the wall we
stepped out into the modern cemetery
which stretches away through vale and
hill q scene Of sylvan beauty. On q
little knoll across the small ravine the
service was Just closing with the firing
Of q volley across the confederate
graves by the Petersburg Greys who
came marching up the path shortly az
ter headed by their captain who, We
were told, was a New York man,
elected to the position after q few
years residence In Petersburg. Surely
"old feuds were done away"
Standing there in the waning light
of the late afternoon, the ivy-mantled
church in the foreground with its pic
turesque environment Of gray stones,
fiowered wall. deep dales and swelling
hills covered with grand old trees, a
more beautiful scene could hardly be
imagined.
Retracing our steps we entered the
church which had become simply an en-
closure. Not q vestige OF the furnish
ing remained save q few fallen tim
bers that had supported the old gallery.
floor and all had disappeared. leaving
only the earth beneath our feet.
The walls were smooth and bare save
at one end where hung q black wooden
tablet on which was engraved the fol-
lowing verses which were found PEN
eiled on a paper left in the church by
/ visitor in 1S4l, who was supposed to
be an English actor.
Thou art crumbling to tho dust old pile
Thou art Fastening to thy fall,
And round thee in thy loneliness
Clings the ivy to thy wall.
The worshipers are scattered now,
Who knelt before thy shrine;
In days Of 'Auld Lang Syns."
When oft, In years gone by,
Prayers rose from many hearts to HIN,
The Highest Of the High.
Zhe tramp Of many busy foot
That sought thy aisles IL Ser,
And many q weary heart around
10 still forsvermoGe
How doth ambitions hope take wtns-
How droops the spirit now;
We hear the distant city's din.
The dead are mute below.
The sun that shone upon their paths
New glide their lonely SrAys4
3Ns lsphyrs which eAos fasns6 tASil
Ne ~: ~bov. .,su v.ra
OIL could W. call the many hook
KAo'vs gathsreA here In val1-
WhovS careless rovsd where W - new
.Wnou never msst again.
HSw would our very hearts ~ ss'sss1
OF tAs lovely and he beautieyi
IL light k other dAys,
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
A FAIRY TALE.

We know a man who went home last
week to find the furniture on the piaz-
"a, books in the easy chairs sofas and
tables in the hall. step ladders In door
ways, scrubbing brushes. soap and pals
floating about on the floor. the dog
asleep In the baby carriage. and the
dinner spread In the kitchen. What do
you think he did; glover at his wife.
scold the children. kick the cat,
and find fault with the dinner7 Not
bit Of 1t. He rose grandly to the oc-
casion, gave his wife bunch of carna-
tions, saying Sweets to the sweet
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
THE THURSDAY MORNING CLUB.

Among the many clubs that have
arisen In Scranton none has been more
enjoyable than the ThursdAy morning
club which originated In the informal
gathering together Of thirteen young
women. This society. in existence for
several years, was unique In that 1t had
neither officers nor hy laws. q majoraty
vote deciding ~ 0usattsns without
friction.
The reign OF Queen Anna, 20 rich in
literary activity was studied nearly
the remainder Of the time being spent
on Colonial history and the books Of
Imbert dest Amand ON the Napoisonie
period.
A notable event in the history Of the
club was O. lecture BY Pre-. Win0hester,
Of Wesleyan University, on the Lake
Poets at the residence Of Mr.. James
Blair. given bsfors the club and IL In
vited guests.
This rare intellectual treat, Q oonming-
ling Of wisdom and hursor. IN which
the dead past lived again. was givso
with the simplicity of style character
istic of this accomplished scholar.
The personnel Of the club was as fol.
lows: Mrs. G. 8. Weston. Mre II: 9.
Shafer. Mrs. william Brown. Mr.. N. q.
Kingsbury, Mrs. Levi Shoemaker. nee
Conelia Scranton, Mrs. John Baker.
nee Isabel Fisher and the M1see
Manness, Mates, Hand, ReynoldA. MAJ
thsws Flora Matthew'S. ws.-
u. l. MA1T2a0W&
In looking over this list OF clube IL
must occur to every thoughtful woman
that we have abundant material Tor Q
successful woman's club, such ~ exists
in every large city and town for literary
work-founded on broad lines, liberal
in tone. progressive in character. ana
worthy Of the city we love.
The mental growth and devslepmsnt
consequent upon conscienueus werk IN
these societies cannot bs estimated; or
the opportunities which arise through
such ORGANIZATION, as in the case OF the
century club Of San Francisco. before
Compliment 70 be asked to speak, Edwin
Arnold for instance II y tins ooeaa-
ton wheeled into line
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14

fortunately, with our limited means at
command we cannot afford to open the
library other than In the evening. and
that, of course. does restrict the read
Ing attendance But, Notwithstanding
the many drawbacks this suburb would
greatly miss the little library on the
hill EMMA A THOMPSON.
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
011EN RIDGE LlBy.ARY,

TAas littls library u the outcome Of
che "Grsea Ridge Book club" which
cams into existence IN 1Siya with thirty
dve members and abouty forty books.
Ths membership books and interest
Increased until In 1890, the club felt
warranted In becomirfs . library; an
object 1t had in View from the begin
ming. Accordingly, GH.er the necessary
preliminartes e. chsI ter. and q very
euccessful fair. the raoceeds Of which
formed Q nucleus ftr q building fund)
an attractive and tN rviceable building
was erected on . nte given by the
Ridge street and ", 'oming avenue.
Although opened as q subscription
library in June. 1891 1t has not attained
q growth or been = helpful as a.ntici-
pated, because Of u 40 munificent gift to
the city at about his time Of the AL
bright Memorial Il uilding," for the pur-
pose. Of = library. But It has struggled
along eI1deavoraa to do some good,
and not allowtIlg local pride to be
wounded by it, ~ Agnificent rival, in the
central city, sirb,e we believe In "the
greatest good to- tho greatest number"
and we never cssAd have done as grand
. work a. the Scranton Public L.
beary' u doing.
ITS FAR IcEACHINQ vALUH
TO keep abr.s 1t with the true library
spirit the Gre en- Ridge Library was
made . FREQ library November, 1892. II
- now suppo n ed by subscriptions from
IT. generous ncands, and by entertain
ments OF vAI tous kinds. a course OF
illustrated textures this winter being
more instr 70 tive and successful than
any prevtoa sly given.
This libr airy does pioneer work In
getting the youth Of the enighborhood
interested o. reading and studying, and
when they exhaust our resources they
20 to the larger library. 1t also doei
good work In supplying books to peo.
pie outside Of the city limits (yet In
Green Rl6ge), who. for that reason, ars
6eharred from the privileges Of thu
ecrantors Public Library.
Since tie opentng Of the Green Ridge
Library nearly q thousand people hav,
registemd: over five hundred are q,
Deooene taxing out bookA No doub,
~ A'latAef WaallA b OrsakAN hut vn
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14

and after dinner. though his box Of
cigars was missing, said: "Tis toe bad
you are having such q hard time. I'm
going to buy some tickets for the opera
tomorrow night, and you must save
your strength to 60. III lunch down
town % you won't have to worry about
me-" Hts wife says marriage 10 not =
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
Mr.. Whistler and the 0ushef.

"Mr, whistler" said the gushing lady
visitor TO the cynical artist, why do
you never paint q storm at seaf'
"My dear lady, I've often tried, but
unfortunately paint in oils, and as
soon as I spread my colors the waves
subside and the sea becomes - calm
- 4 duck pool"-New York Wo06
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14
LITTLE THINGS.

Are important in Dry Coos. - well
as In other lines. Our notion stock v
fuN ef uttls things at lit&ls pejeoA
CONNOLLY q WAxNnANA
The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1896-05-14

tsol - ths vDolftlng. the IsvsleoiA6 g
mankind mAkaity. morally ana sptFiAs
ually.
NARY H NICOIA