Staunton spectator and vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1896-1916, 1903-07-03
A WEDDING IN OLD VIRGINIA
Rec0IIectiOns of a Woman Who is
Now a Grandmother.

time ?" asked young woman OF
stately matrOn who is grandmother,
who. like herself, was guest at a
recent noted wedding. And the grand
lmhther, who comes from Virginia,
told this story:
| ''Y our grandfather was the richest
young man in the county, and l had
fortune of my own. The day OF our
marriage he came on horseback to my
home. He was attended by his young
friends, each of whom rode a white
horse. They wore high white hats,
white silk knee breeches and white silk
hosiery. Their shoes were adorned
with great buckles.
| "They came up the long lane which
led to the great lawn in front of my
home and their coming was quite like
a pageant. This cavalcade was fol
lowed by large number of slaves, the
property of your grandfather. They
were also mounted; there was slave
for each Of your grandfather's friends.
"When your grandfather reached
the entrance to the lawn he dismount-
ed and was met by my father. AS each
attendant dismOunted he was present
ed by your grandfather to my father,
and the procession moved up the great
walk to the wide portOco of our home.
There they were seated and served
with such refreshments as all South
ern gentlemen dispense to their guests.
1.-The attendants were conducted to
various apartments to make ready for
toe event of the day. When your
grandfather had been cared for by his
special servant. he descended into the
great family room and paid his most
distinguished respects to my mother
who, at that moment, both by reason
of her stateliness and splendor, would
have been noticeable parsonage at
any court function.
''After this brief interview my
mother withdrew and came to me in
my chamber She was accompanied
by my father. They bestowed upon me
their most affectiOnate attention.
Then the minister, the Bishop of the
State, came in and laid his hands upon
me as he had done when l was con-
firmed by him, and as 1 knelt before
him he gave me his blessing.
"My bridesmaids were then admitted
and after each had kissed my hand all
withdrew. Ny brothers and sisters
then came in and we had little re-
union. Then came my maid, my old
black nanny and her husband, the
latter venerable hostler. They bowed
before me, as slaves in those days were
accustomed to do before white people,
and in leaving me those dear old black
people wept as if they never expected
to see me again. Then came the other
slaves of the plantation IN couples.
The discarded wardrobes of the family
were seen in that procession.
"Then was left alone for few
uluuIcO-ttIl c1lOHCs III cAc9o OiAAC
bowed devoutly, and in that attitude
my father came In and found me.
arose and he conducted me to the great
salon below.
The ceremony of my marriage was
much the same as that observed now.
Our church has not deviated from its
ceremonials in such affairs, however it
may have been tempted to change some
of it's rubrics.
"a wedding breakfast followed.
There was no music before or after the
ceremonial. After the breakfast l
was conducted to my mothers old
family room and there under her dI-
rection my wedding gown was changed
to a riding habit.
LAS passed out your grandfather
met me and conducted me to the old
stiIe block at the entrance of the lawn.
1t was covered with honeysuckle. Be
side it stood the most beautiful ami
NAL that money and thorough
knowledge of bloOded stock could
procure.
sThe saddle was of white silk; the
outfit was caparisOned fit for a queen.
My black mammy's old husband was
the hostler. / do not know which
seemed to be the proudest, that old
slave or the beautiful horse which
awaited my coming.
"The attendants whom had watch
ed short time before stood uncovered
while your grandfather lifted me into
the saddle as lightly as if had been a
feather. He was in his saddle mo-
ment later. and then his friends
mounted with the precision of trained
cavalry. The bridal procession began
it's journey. 1t was seven miles to the
home of your grandfather. That jour-
ney came as near being triumphal as
any of which ever dreamed. 1t was
a holiday all along the course. The
road was lined by slaves, most of whom
were dressed in white, and as we pass
ed they bent to the earth, which was
scattered with flowers.
"When we reached the entrance to
the great lawn in front of your grand
fathers house be lifted me from my
saddle and, taking me by the hand
he led me in the courtliest manner up
a path literally covered with flowers tC
the Intel of his house, which had wei
coined other brides for several genera
ltions. At the entrance of the house
your grandfather handed me the keys
to the same.
, "After rest from the journey
+ was prepared for the banquet. Nom
T l have seen equaled it. What splen
! did recollection it is The dane
which followed no one ever attempte