Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1902-08-04
1nnisvil1e Fveninr Posi-.

Tremblingly from out the gloomy past,
There come some bygone dreams
That Ger our time-worn spirits cast
The strangely sad but vivid dreams.
In a basement-room Of Beaumont col
lege, Harrodsburg, Ky, there stands
little old-fashioned spinet-a SCARED vet
eran of long ago, still bearing traces of
aristocratic lineage. The small, twisted
legs of mahogany show beautiful carving,
and the keys, though almost entirely in
nocent of ivory, are not wholly mute from
their long unbroken silence and the ac-
cumulated dust of fifty years.
Why IT has remained unmolested all
these years Is not known. Sooner or later
some relic hunter will find and restore 1t
to its original rank.
Could this old instrument speak, tale
II would tell of former glory, when it was
the central figure in the parlors of the
once famous Graham Springs-the ante
bellum Mecca for the south, the virtue OF
whose healing waters was known far and
wide.
1t would speak of a lone grave, where
the moonlight falls softly. throwing halo
over all, where the hooking bird on
nearby bough sings love songs to his nest
ing mate all through the night.
The tall trees cast gaunt shadows across
the winding paths, and a weird, uncanny
feeling over the earth and in the air takes
superstitious possession Of one.
IT IS fifty years ago, the south is in its
glory; wealth and every luxury belong by
right of birth and inheritance to those
aristocratic people.
They came TO this celebrated watering
place in Central Kentucky, seeking health
and pleasure. The waters of the then IA
nous Graham Springs gave health and
happiness to many an invalid brought
there from the south
Three hundred acres Of beautiful rolling
bluegrass land, laid off in parks, with
great forests to cast long, loving shade
and shelter, winding drives and romantic
walks. where lovers fingered hand in hand
and talked of future plans, building their
Castles in Spain"
There was the one main hotel and two
long rows of cottages An ideal place in
which to live and love, and perhaps to die
for many came too late to reclaim
health.
The people came in carriages with chill
dren dogs and saddle horses, and re-
tinue of servants, to take up life for
season For the well there was round Of
gaieties; for those not strong enough 10
share in the ballroom and other pleasures
there was scenery and water, solace
and sure cure for nearly all ills.
One summer there came to the springs
a beautitul young WOMAN diOhe' except
for her maid: no chaperone; no friends.
She was young. beautiful, and alone, three
things that appeal strongly to the sympa-
thetic southerner.
She was wealthy. If one could judge by
her appearance and the prodigality. with
which she spent money, She soon won
the heart of every one in the hotel and
cottages; all had something kind and
complimentary to say of the beautiful
stranger.
She had her own saddle-horse, and be-
ing a perfect horsewoman, she made
picture in her hunters green riding
habit on her thoroughbred bay, taking
the lead always with the riding parties.
She was the best whip at the springs.
and the admired of all. when she went
out in her light road wagon, pulling the
ribbons on the handsomest cOal-black
team in Kentucky.
on the ball room floor she was queen