The Richmond Virginian. (Richmond, Va.) 1910-1920, 1911-07-25

tramp, tramp of soldiers. nremen and
civilians was something these former
Lurayttes had never before seen.
The staid old farmer citizens had
often in years gone been heard to
say they never wanted to see the
town desecrated with these unhoIy
modern things. They wanted to see
Luray as 1t appeared when Tom. Dick
and Harry were boys, when the town
cow roamed at will. They yearned
forthe old greasy coal-ofl lamps
erected on cedar posts.
They vainly sighed for only a
glimpse OF the old wooden bridge
that spanned the HaSkshiIi. where
the tottering structure osciilated in
da rigorous fashion when an intrepid
canine dared to trot across. They
would give visible signs OF former
glory when mere mention WAS made
OF the TIME when one policeman did
all things necessary to maintain the
peace and dignity OF the hamlet. This
was the time when his duties in this
direction did not consume one-twelfth
of the twenty hours.
They dreamed OF time when court
days and John Robinson's circus were
the only things that ever drew Il
crowd, They fondly remembered and
again ioneed to see the village post
office. where letter boxes were made
10y crossing and rcrossing dry goods
boxes until detached portions OF the
hsayy boards that were Msea rs tops
for these boxes.
In fancy, they saw the time when
they were boys. where country folk
slaked their thirst from water buck
cts allied with brandy and occupying
the counter In every store. These
adjuncts we're used by merchants as
bats to customers. The effect was
always the desired one--a general
loosening OF, tongues and purse
strings
In vain they searched for the old
town pumps that lined the streets
and gave gushing streams OF spark
ling purity from the most delicate
touch OF their then boyish hands
Again they climbed in fancy the step
and rugged streets to the towns EN-
inence, where in former days they
waited patiently for the one. twice
and thrice a week old fashioned mail
coach. bringing often some missive of
sadness or gladness from some dis
tant friend. They would strain their
ears for the crack, crack OF the
whip that gave enduring admiration
to the driver. who sat on top OF the
rickety old vehicle and welded the
lash.
They were unprepared for the sight
that caught their eye when they
aliGhted from some Norfolk and
Western fast flyer. They had de-
parted In vehicles Flooding three and
four miles an hour and returned in
a clip ten and a dozen times their
outgoing gait.
They never dreamed Of water pow
or for the town second to none in
the country. OF automobiles whisk-
rubber tire runabouts, chAsirr and
ing and dArtins between taxicabs and
being chased by each other in a mad
rush to unbdrden themselves. Steam
whistles. smokestacks vomiting col
umns Of blackness skyward. they had
never dared to believe they would
ever witness in the once former moss
grown town.
Where once the old town pumps
gave to the thirsty folk volumes OF
limpid purity are found mode
equipments for combating the fire
fiiend.
On every hand everything modern
has replaced the former state OF
things.
Despite this change which brought
a pang of sadness to those returning
home. they have all, nevertheless. been
happy In renewing old acquaintance.
o6ms of those who returned clasped
glad hands with those whom they
never more expected to see To
witness the meetings Of these who
for years have been separated was
pathetic. Sons clasping in one long
and loving embrace gray haired faith
ers and mothers, daughters coming
home. made scenes that will never
be forgotten by those who partici-
spated in homecoming week.