The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1907-06-27
FISH FRY AT "ROMEY'S."
An Interesting Letter from Mrs. Nettie
o. Speaks.

o. Speaks.
The following letter from Mrs. Net
tie Ogilvie Speaks was published in
last weeks Hampton Guardian. It
is so good that we reproduce it,
knowing that our readers will ap-
preciate it:
The dull season is upon us, mer-
chants are closing stores at 6:30 p m,
and we weary workers are having a
little rest and recreation.
Fish fries are now the order of the
day. The Edisto, a large and bold
stream, is only three miles distant
and it's waters abound in fine fish,
Scarcely a day passes without party
having a fry or stew on it's banks.
My other half put a red breast
perch on the scales not long since,
and it weighed a full pound after it
had been scaled and eviscerated! l
remarked that beats the Coosa-
whatchie and Salkehatchie fish," He
reluctantly admitted that it did, but
in his steadfast loyalty to his old
home went on to observe that the
Edisto as river was neither larger
or prettier than the Salkehatchie.
Near Cannon's bridge, about five
miles from Bamberg, there lives on
the bank of the Edisto an old "befo
de wah" darkey, Romeo Goyan, call
ed "Romey" for short. He is a
famous cook, and his cabin, a frame
structure, clean as soap and water
can make it, with yard neatly swept,
is an inviting place.
Parties from here and other Sec
tions visit him almost daily during
the fish season, and partake of his
delicious stews and fries and red
horse bread" Many an interesting
tale does Rooney" relate Of the ex-
governors, judges, and other distin-
guished men who have been his guests
whose tips have enabled him to
purchase the home and surrounding
acres where he lives.
With Mr.. L. C. Price as leader, a
party of US paid Rooney" a visit
last week. While he was getting
ready the repast we took a ride on
the river in a gasoline launch which
sharpened our appetites for the feast
which we found in readiness on our
return. Yegods and little fishes! what
catfish stew, and fried trout and
perch, and "red horse bread'' and
coffee! This was a new bread to the
writer, and so delicious, that I beg
lovers of the finny tribe to try some.
It is made by simply mixing cornmeal
with water, salt and egg, and drop
ped by spoonfuls in the hot lard in
which fish have been fried.
While waiting on the table our
dus.ky host entertained us in his mimi
table way with stories of his some
time guests.
DR.. Black of this town he said
never picked out bones. but put fish
in at one side of his mouth and the
bones rolled out at the other.
Sheriff Hunter (who is a man of
large build and jovial disposition, re-
minding us of our beloved Sheriff
Ruth of Hampton county, Rooney
declares 'ain't nebber yet been filled
on fish fry'-was at his house one
day and after eating about eight
pounds of fish at one sitting, and
leaving the table last, said THANK
God for this little snack!'
We called on our host for toast,
but he could not recall one, and said
"yunner nebber bring anything wild
you to help a man 'member!" A sly
fling at the temperance principles
dominating our party. :.
We said goodbye at ten P. M. and
drove home through the delightful
GOODNESS of the star-lighted night,
voting 'Romey'' the prince Of cooks,
and Mr.. Price, who planned and car
ried out the programme, prince OF
good fellows.
The Carlisle Fitting School and the
Graded School have closed for the
session, after brilliant commence
ment exercises at each.
The boys and girls who have been
away at other colleges have returned,
and the streets are filled in the late
afternoons with young people Of both
sexes whose Mecca is the soda fount-
aims and ice cream parlors. By the
way, the latter article sold here is
exceptionally good being the product
of the celebrated caterers Hahn, of
Charleston and Conida, of Savannah.
The beaux of the town are wearing
ribbon armlets and bows like the
girls. My other half declares that he
MAY wear the big legged trousers,
out he draws the line at ribbon arm
lets!
We have all been too much en-
crossed with business affairs to visit
our old home which we had hoped
and intended to do ere this, Our
thoughts constantly revert to the
friends we bade good bye four months