The Union times. [volume] (Union, S.C.) 1894-1918, 1902-03-14
Back at The Old Home,

Mr.. EDIToR:-Arriving in your
beautiful town some time ago l was
struck with the many changes that
had taken place since 1 left there
years ago. l felt very much like
Rip Van Winkle must have felt
when he returned to his old home,
for every one | met seemed to be
strangers, | asked myself, where are
the friends of my youth. Feeling
like one deserted, 1 made my way to
the ccmetary and there on some fine
and handsome monuments, l saw
too true, many friends of my youth
had passed over the river. Rstracing
my steps l found many attractive
and handsome houses surrounded by
elegant evergreens and lovely flowers,
bespeaking wealth and refinement to
say nothing of many fine and large
buildings.
Locking to the East and West l
saw two magnificent factories and
other evidence Of the thrift and
enterprise of your people
Walking on Main street I could
not realize l was in dear old Union,
but on reaching the Court House 1
felt as of were child again. all
seemed so familiar, the old Thomson
house looked much the same, the
Goudlock and Dogan houses had
undergone but little change, yet the
young and dear old folks greeted not
my coming as if yore and feeling sad
at hsart. | soon left the home and
scenes of my childhood and turned in
the direction of Beaty's bridge.
Passing along the high way l
found the farmers were going ahead,
and here too were many changes.
feeling tired, drove up to the pretty
home of Mr.. States r. Crawford, the
surroundings speaks for him energy
and good management.
10 his most excellent wife I am
indebted for very haspitable and
cordial greeting, and l enjoyed her
dinner so seasonably prepared by
her competent hands.
l was much attracted by their
winsome and dark eyed little girl
whose face glowed with intelligence
far beyond her years. 1 was glad to
meet my old friends, the parents of
Mr.. Crawford whose genial and har-
py manner l enjoyed.
Once again l started in the direc-
tion of Goshen Hill and at Beaty's
bridge which found to be fine
iron structure, very likely 10 stand
many freshets, nearing this bridge
noticed neat school house and about
thirty pupils forming themselves
in line, all save three boys who
went in an opposite direction as those
three raised their hats, the column
of two abreast marched over the
bridge and up the long winding hill,
and as We neared each other the BOYS
unanimously raised their hats in
such manly way, while the pretty
girla with their bright and sweet faces
smiled so pleasantly. I felt happier
for witnessing so attractive a sight.
Now soon came in sight of the
handsome old home of our revered
Col. Robt Beatty, where all his friends,
rich or poor alike were entertained in
such royal way in ante belluu days
was glad to find his amiable and
loveable widow looking so we'll al
though confined to her house for
years, she was cheerful and
the same thoughtful christian
woman, was pleased at an unusual
sight the devotion of colored girl,
Ida Beatty, whom Mrs. Beatty
has cared for, and now this girl has
stood by my friend in her sffliction,
bestowing upon her tho most delicate
attentions, what could an own child
do more. Such devotion deserves
mentionin 6, and what lesson to
many child. And such devotion
leads us to admire and wish for both
all the pleasures of this life and fina-
ly be rewarded in the life to come.
I also met my good old friend Will
Beatty and his pleasant and enter
tanning wife.
With God bless YOU nv friends.