The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1907-06-30
Correspondence Of The Washington Herald.

Correspondence OF me washington h.tIi4
Woodstock. Va. June 2,.-The Valley
Of Virginia is far-famed as a summer
resort Nowhere else ON earth may a
season be passed more pleasurably. Here
the mountain air is inyigorating, the
water pure. and everything that contrib
utes to healyhful and happy life the best
Language fails adequately 20 picture the
beauties Of this Shenandoah section. At
Woodstock AID Newmarket, both in
Shenandoah County. the valley IS sixty
eight miles Wide. Majestic tree-cOveIed
mountains rise on an sides as natures
guarding sentjnels. The rich soil is
copiously watered by numerous brooks
and rivulets which f6w into the Shenau-
doah River. Travellers who have gone the
world around and seen natures beauties
/ in remote regions. declare there is none
that surpasses the Shenandoah Valley.
Years ago when this country was vast
wilderness. the Prlmordial red man. that
pristine child Of nature. saw in its beauty
and grandeur living monuments o. the
Great Spirit, "a prototype Of the Happy
Hunting Grounds in the Land Of the Set
ting sun lie climbed the crest Of the
mountain and looked below To behold In
wondering transport natures magnificent
attempt AT perfection. AS he gaz-d in rap
turC al the beautiful expansc of country
beneath his feet. thrilled with admiration
and delight boy the sublmely marvellous
scene. he christened a celestial land with
a heavenly name, he called il "Shenan-
doah" Daughter Of the Stars. And one
can well appreciate the appropriateness
/ of this suggestive appellation when he be
holds the wonders of natures triumphant
reyels in Yirginia's garden spot.
From many viewing places. easy Of ac-
cess, the sublimity and grandeur Of the
view fH the rapturous soul with a deep
sense Of the awful majesty of Jehovah,
the King Of Kings, and draws one nearer
to his Creator as he beholds in speechless
ecstasy the indescribable handiwork Of
natures God. impeiling him to bow his
head in humble reverence to Him who
created heaven and earth. feeling that the
hand of God has beautifed some parts Of
this world as a reminder Of the fairer
realm beneath "A ClOudless sky.
People Of the cities find nothing so re-
freshing or elevating as a glimpse of this
wonderful panorama painted by Nature
Standing on the mountain side one sees
the Shenandoah River as ii rolls along its
serpentine course through the valley,
while on the other side its fertile fields,
verdant hills. and its blooming dales
bring forth their abundance of fruit,
grain and vegetation. The summer eli
mate is delightful Few hot days are ex-
perienced, and the nights are invariably
cool and comfortable The healthfulness
Of the valley is attestad by all authority.
Historically it is Of surprising interest.
1t was at Woodstock that Muhlenberg
preached hts famous sermon: There is
a time for all things &c There is a
time to fight, and that time has now
come, &c. Throwing of his ministerial
robe he stood before his congregation in
full uniform. Calling for volunteers to
strike for their country's honor and their
country's freedom. he marched down
through the aisle Of the church, followed
by a band of patriots inspired by the
holy cause Of liberty. The immortal band
led by Muhlenberg formed the nucleus o.
the immortal army that won the nation s
independence The church still stands
here. and there is to be found also the
identical Bible that Muhlenberg used, as
well rs his playerbook
or course the days O: the COS, when the
martial strains Of Yankee Doodle and
Dixie were interm.nglcd. when the con
tending hosts met in deadly combat on
the celebrated battlefelds, are still fresh
in mind. To visit the valley or 10 speak
OF the valley is 10 recall Stonewall Jack
son and his men, Phil Sheridan and his
famous ride MOsby. and Others whose
fame is eternal There are battlenelds
within easy driving distance The famous
battled Of Newmarket was fought only
short distance from the town. Twelve
miles from Woodstock occurred the battle
OF Cedar Greek.
To-day evidences of peace and tran
qullity are to be seen throughout the
length and breadth of the valley which
forty years ago lay bleeding and crushed
beneath the feet of tramping armies. The
Goddess of Peace has suppanted the God
OF Battle.
The Luray Caverns are within driving
distance of both Woodstock and New
market. Indeed the opportunities for
pleasurable sightseeing incident 10 vaca-
ton are innumeFable.
The valley is we'll known for the good
horses it produces. The roads are fine
There is a good hotel in each of these
towns-handsome brick structures with
large and comfortable rooms. The tables