The Farmville herald. [volume] (Farmville, Va.) 1890-1934, 1904-09-23

'NNAAAAhn = W so EI 49,
was given p%enitentiary lodging for
the term Of eight years.
4 FarmYille Home IN Which DWellS
Sweet Content.
1t was the privilege Of the writer to
spend an hour Of last Sunday af-
ternoon in the h%ospitable and pleasant
home Of Mrs. Martha Robinson, on the
corner Of Middle and Third streets. !
| went there because Of my growing
interest in old landmarks, and in those
who by lives consecrated to duty have
given interest to them.
Mrs. Robinson celebrated her Sith
birth day by going to the church Of her
choice and love on the Attn Of the pres
ent month, and though more than four
score, a widow and a mother, who has
stood by the open grave Of each Of her
children. is yet in love with life, and
helping to give cheer and brightness
to the lives Of others.
For fifty years she has been a resi-
dent Of Farmyille, and yet so far re-
moved from the "maddening crowd
has that life been fixed, that when on a
recent occasion she entered one Of our
Main street stores, she vas asked by
one Of the clerks if she was not a stran-
ger IN town. Since 1853 she has been
living in the house she now occupies, a
modest home ofonly three rooms, but
rich in comforts, and the very home Of
cleanliness. Rugs made by her own
hands cover the floors, spotless curtains
hang oyer the windows and snow
white counterpanes cover the beds
Pictures Of loyed ones, and friends, and
q group Of Baptist ministers adorn the
walls, and an open fire place stands
ready to give out good cheer and
warmth when the SHOWS come again.
The kitchen is still IN the yard, just as
all old and loyal Virginiaus wouldbaye
it, but 80 scrupulously kept that no
other dining room is needed for the
winter time. In the summer months
the table is spread in the back porch or
under the branches Of protecting shade
tree. Chickens covered the yard, and
what cares the mistress Of this home
that eggs are twenty cents a dozen ?
The wood pile is never exhausted, and
the morning never opens with blowing
on wet chips. Bags Of dried fruit were
still drying in the sunshine, and though
/ did not get a peep into the closets
know the Virginia-made preserves and
pickles are there.
For 10 years Mr.. Peter Tucker, section
master Of the Norfolk aud Western, has
boarded with Mrs. Robinson, and ]
am quite sure that if a real Waldorf
Astoria should open in Farmyllle, he
would still take his meals there.
Five o'clock is rising hour in this
well regulated home, breakfast follows
soon after six, and this means that
no one rushes to the work Of the day
Mrs. Robinson is a devoted member
of the Baptist church, was attending a
missionary meeting at the hour Of my
call, aud is already delighted with hel
new pastor, whose hands it will be hel
pleasure to uphold.
Description Of this household would
be sadly difficult, however, if no men.
ton was made of"Aunt Peggy" who
is woman Of all work, a living luxury.
a "ioy forever" She went to the pres
ent home and entered upon the present
duties in 1865, and there she has beer
ever since 3 true to duty a the needle
to the pole. DIR. Irving, now Of Rich.
mond, but then Of Farmville, n day
asked Mrs. Robinson how it was tina
she could keep the same servant yea
by year, when others were constantly
changing, to which she said, 81 trea
her Justly and kindly. She eats fooC
az good as that | eat, sits by my fire
sleeps in my room and shares in all o
my comforts That's the secret o
Peggy's answering loyalty, and Their
she is today true TO every recurring
duty. proud Of the home, the chickens
the pigs, the flowers, the good brea'
and the hot, brown wanles. And o!
the way, she needn't look for a bette
home this side Of Heaven, and tina
mistress and servant may meet Their
when life's work has been finished
the earnest prayer Of the writer.