The Washington herald. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1906-1939, 1910-10-20
THE HOME AND SOCIAL LIFE
OF ALEXANDRIA
Zmn
BY KATE WALLER BARRETT; M. d., D. S. c.

Alexandria is a city Of homes. "Moy-
ing Day" is practically unknown. and a
loaded furniture van in the street is an
object Of curiosity
Many OF it's oldest residents have spent
their entire lives under the same roof
tree. In this way tradition and memory
have maintained a strong hold upon the
life OF the present generation
The plat Of Alexandria was surveyed
by Gen. Washington, and the buildings
follow the plan Of English towns o. that
date. Tho homes mostly brick, arc
built opening directly on the sidewalk.
The large porches and grounds are al
most always 20 the side or rear and
often hidden from view by forbidding
brick walls. This was to give the pri-
vacy so dear 60 an Enelishman's heart.
But the present generation has out
grown this feeling, and the front steps,
and even the sidewalks, during the
summer season are commonly used as
a gathering place for the bellies and
beauN
Many of it's residences date from the
colonial period, are associated with
historical events, and have sheltered
from time to time most OF the dstin-
guishcd personages who had a part in
making the history OF the country. The
house furnishings are Ia keeping with
that period. Rare old furniture silver,
and paintings are common.
No financial stress would be sufficient
20 make the owners part with them, and
they are jealousy guarded. to be passed
on 10 generations yet unborn.
Because or the home atmosphere and
the quiet dlEnifed conservatism OF its
social life and it's excellent educational
advantages Alexandria Is an ideal place
20 rear children. For this reason many
persons have bought homes here in re-
cent years as the rapid growth OF its
beautiful and modern suburbs attest.
Although Alexandria cannot claim TO
practice the typical Southern hospitality
so famous i'm the literature OF the South,
its social life IS generous ana varied.
The churches and their activities, as I'm
most sman places are important fac
tors. 1t is particularly so In a locality
where people inherit their brand OF re-
ligious thought as they do their politics.
Families have sat In the same church
pews for century, and a change OF de-
nomination is almost unknown.
The churches are wen attended. and
the parade out Washington street after
the Sunday morning services is as dear
to the true Alcxandrian as the Fifth
avenue Sunday morning promenade is
&c the New Yorker.
Although the social life of Alexandria
centers around the home. a number OF
social organizations add variety and in
terest Among the younger set the Ger
man Club in winter AMI the Boat Club
in summer are important factors. The
German club during the season gives
number Of entertainments. which are
attended by distinguished visitors from
many nearby cities. The Potomac
Boat Club has well equipped building
with a feet Of pleasure craft. It's broad
piazzas are "A favorite resort in the sum
mer evenings for those who do not care
TO participate in the more strenuous
pleasures Of boating or sailing
Alexandria is noted for the number OF
pretty girls which year after year fill
the ranks OF its debutantes. Because of
the number Of these who marry into the
different branches Of the service. il Is
fast becoming the headquarters for
army and navy widows who spend
here among their girlhood associations
the time their husbands are on cruises
or foreign service.
a distinguishing feature, and one
which has added zest TO the life of the
debutantcs for many seasons. is the CO.
who hold positions Of Importance i'm the
State, and who are eligible parties, but
seem TO be satisfied with slipping the
sweets from many flowers rather than
bear matrimonial responsibilities.