The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-10-20

deal Of work in preserving and marking
historical spots. The handsome tablet
TO the pallbearers Of Cen Washington.
recently placed in Christ Church yes
tibule, is an evidence Of their activity,
while old Pohick Church owns it's re-
Mobilization largely TO their efforts
The gala day Of Alexandria is Febru-
airy p If one wants TO see the old town
socially at its best. they should visit il
at that time. Usually a very creditabIe
parade is given. "Old Friendship" fire
engine is wreathed with flowers. ana is
surrounded by an admiring throng, who
love to recall the characteristic incident
which is recorded Of how upon one oc-
casion, while Gen. Washington was
walking down King street, the fire bells
rang. The engine, drawn by half dozen
lads, was almost stalled I'm the mud
Gen Washington turned toward a group
OF friends standing near and said: Cen
tiemen, 1 think it's time for us to take
a hand" As he spoke the words he hur-
ried into the street and caught hold OF
the ropes, and soon the old engine was
on its way to the fire, drawn by the
Father OF His Country" assisted by
every man Of the town who could find
any place to catch hold. Such was the
magic In that touch that from that time
on AleXandria's fire company became the
most aristocEatic organization in the
community, and even to this day old
Friendship is the most honored guest at
all the big fire company parades i'm the
United States.
Most of the prominent citizens keep
open house on February %, and buffet
luncheons are served throughout the
day TO all callers Everybody spends the
day upon the streets, greeting the Wis
itors. Indeed. the 22d takes the place
OF the New Year reception OF other
cities
The Daughters OF Confederacy form an
other prominent organization. Largely
due to their activities the building de-
voted to the use OF old vets is made
attractive and comfortable. This is a
large, old-fashoned house with delight
full sitting and reading rooms and large
assembly halls. where reunions and in
teresting and touching services are held
concentrating the Lost Cause" This
is the only mans club in Alexandria
with the exception OF the Bachelor Club,
which is n small organiZa ton, composed
mainly OF young men.
The recently completed Elks Hall
promises to be a great addition to the
social life. Already they are planning
for ladies' day each week. The splen-
did auditorium and assembly hall will
give to Alexandria that which II has
long mcclellan attractive place in which
to hold it's public functions.
The most characteristic feature OF the
domestic and social life OF Alexandria is
its freedom from commercialism. Money
IIays but small part I'm any of it's
phases. There is not a millionaire In the
city, and the families that are above the
average in point OF wealth, instead of
the case, are but little in evidence
Most families have either inherited or
amassed modest incomes, and their So
cial position is so assured that they do
not feel the need of bidding for social
favors by extreme display. Indeed il
is delightful to feel that in this COM
mercial age there are, somewhere, people
in moderate circumstances, and even
those who need 20 add to their income
by labor find that IL Is no disadvantage
to them from a social standpoint Some
of the leading bellies Of Alexandria have
sometimes been obliged to take COM
mercial positions, but instead OF debar-
ring them from any of the social pleas
ures they have been more eagerly sought
because Of the fact that they have shown
their character in being able to rise
above circumstances.
Here l believe, are cherished some OF
the best traditions which have made our
American society unique but healthy
nurturlng the gifts and graces and the
qualities Of heart and head which stand
for all that is best in our national life.