Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1909-09-30
The Home as a School OF Good Man
narg

ners.
Not long ago, visited home where
such exceptionally good breeding pre-
vailed and such fine manners were prac-
feed by all the members OF the family,
that it made a great impression upon me.
This home is the most remarkable
school of good manners, refinement, and
culture generally, have ever been in.
The parents are bringing up their children
TO practice their best manners on all oc-
casions. They do not know what COM
pany manners mean.
The boys have been taught to treat
their sisters with as much Difference as
though they were stranger guests. The
politeness, courtesy, and consideration
which the members OF this family show
toward one another are most refreshing
and beautiful. Coarseness, grlIffnesS,
lack of delicacy find no place there.
Both boys and girls have been trained
from infancy to make themselves interest
ing, and to entertain and try to make
others happy.
The entire family made tia rule to dress
before dinner in the evening just as they
would if special company were expected.
Their table manners are especially
marked. AT the table every one is sup
posed to be at his best-not to bring any
crouch, or long or sad face to it, but to
contribute his best thought, his wittieSt
sayings, to the conversation. Every
member OF the family is expected to do
his best TO make the meal really happy
occasion. There is sort OF rivalry to
see who can be the most entertaining, or
contribute the spiciest bits of converse
ton. There is no indication of dyspepsia
in this family because every one is trained
to laugh and be happy generally, and
laughter is fatal enemy OF Indigestion.
The etiquette of the table is also strict
ly observed. Every member Of the FAM
lily tries TO do just the proper thing and
always to be mindful Of others rights.
Kindness seems to be practiced for the
Joy OF it, not for the sake of creating a
good impression on friends or acquain-
tances. There is in this home an air of
peculiar refinement which is very charm
ing. The children are early taught to
greet callers and guests cordially, heartily,
in real Southern, hospitable fashion. and
to make them feel that they are very wei
come. They are taught TO make every
one feel comfortable and at home, so that
there will be no sense of restraint.
As result OF this training the children
have formed habit of good behavior and
are considered an acquisition TO any gath
ering. They are not embarrassed by the
awkward slips and breaks which are so
Notifying to those who only wear their
company manners on special occasions.
A stranger would almost think this home
was school Of good breeding, and it is
real treat TO visit these people. II is true
the parents in this family have the ad-
vantage of generations of fine breeding
and Southern hospitality back of them,
which gives the children a great natural
advantage. There is an atmosphere of
chivalry and cordially in this household
which is really refreshing.
Many persons seem to think that their
children will pick up their good manners
outside of the home, in school, or while
visiting. This is fatal mistake. Every
home should be school OF good manners
and good breeding. The children should
be taught that there is nothing more i'm
portant than the development of an in
teresting personality, and attractive pres
ence, and an ability to entertain with grace
and ease. They should be taught that
the great object of life is 10 develop SUI
perb personality, noble manhood.
There is no art like that of a beautiful
behavior. fine manner, no wealth greater
than that of pleasing personality.