Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1902-01-03
CRAIGSVlLLE-PORTLAND.
An Interesting News Letter-How Christ
mas was C)bseryed-PersonaI, etc.

Craigsville, Dec. 31.-Christmas 1901,
came trooping over the hills in driv-
| ing snow, which settled upon the
beautiful valley of the Lit lie Cali
Pasture River, and made it a scene
fair to behold in its vast wblteness
On the morning after the storm. the
mountain peaks. glittering in the sun.
| light of clear sky file cked with white
clouds, looked like gray bearded patrl-
archs come to open the joyous season
and lend gracious approval to the fes-
Invites soon to begin, and right roy
ally has the occasion been observed.
Numerous were the dinlngs and parties
given, where mingled in happy con-
trast the joyous life of youth with the
soberer gayety of increasing years
But the entertainments that attracted
chief attention were the Sabbath school
exercises held at Augusta Springs and
Craigsville. and very much enjoyed
were these services Mrs. James
Sneed, of Augusta Springs. proved
herself a genius in drilling and the
control of children under such clrcum-
stances, and the SWEET voices OF her
daughters, Alice and Margaret, heard
in song, added much to the pleasure
of the occasion 1t was at the Augusta
Springs entertainment on Tuesday
night, the 24th, that the Cir stmas
Fairy waved the magic wand which
cast such spell over the valley that
even the great industries which lift
their tall stacks high above the tops
of the hills, had to curb their tireless
energies so that their employees
might join the thr0ng of merry makers.
~ hot old Kris X rinO q
10 con- pany with his bright eyed and
smooty faced little chimney elf, made
his first appearance for the season and
began the giving of gifts The closing
exercises of this entertainment were
especially pleasing. for fair haired lit
tie trumpeter, of modest face and
graceful mein. led the song that dis
missed the large audience and brought
to a close the merry occasion.
A crowded house greeted the school
on Christmas night at CraigsvilIe, and
very much enjoyed the splendid service
that followed. Seldom are such exer-
cises so we'll rendered, and praise be-
longs to the children taking part.
Bright and happy were their faces.
sweet and inspiring their voices, as
they lifted them in glad songs of joy
GUS praise to King Emanuel's most
holy name. The recitations were of
choice selection and reverent in tone:
as BELTS the occasion and place, but
the one that pleased most was little 6
year old Mildred Dull's piece, which
delighted the audience and made glad
the heart of her mother. Mr.. j. b.
Goolsby. the efficient superintendent.
has been most energetic in his efforts
arranging for this service, and much
credit is due him, but the highest
praise must be awarded Miss Verona
Bennett and Mrs. R. b. Dull, for the
great success attained.
Tonight the estminster League
will give sociable at the home of Mr..
r. b. Dull, and lingering, say good bye
to the dying year, and thus will end
the festivities of the season.
Mrs. Will Dudley and little son,
Frank, of Clifton Forge, spent the hOl
iday with friends and relatives here.
Miss Lizzie Doyle, of Lynchburg,
niece of Mrs. Samuel Craig, is making
her first visit to Craigsville.
Mrs. Chas. K. Johnson, OF Hunt
ington, W. Va, is visiting her parents,
Mr.. and Mrs. John d. Youell.
Messrs. Harry and Charlie Lewis
are at home for the holidays from
school near Philadelphia
Miss Annie Bennett is also at home
for the holiday season.
Mr.. Weston Vreden burgh, former
uperintendent of the Virginia Port
land Cement Works, made his friends
of the twin cities a flying visit. He
has recently furnished plans for ce
ment works On the Pacific slope which
are now in course of construction. Mr..
V. left Monday for Cleveland, Ohio,
where he goes ION pleasure bent.