The Bamberg herald. [volume] (Bamberg, S.C.) 1891-1972, 1912-03-28
Letter from "Old Timer.

through red clay mixed into a sticky
mass, rain falling all the while.
taking away much of the charm
naturally coming to a low country
man unaccustomed to hills, rocks.
clay, and up-country scenes, was
reached Central, not TAR from the IA
nous Blue Ridge mountains, but now
hidden from view by the rain, mist,
end lowering clouds. Here was found
little city of a thousand souls, who
were a clever, kind, and Whole-sou.-
ed people, the town we'll built, dl-
vided by the railroad, branch OF
| the Southern. On entering barber
shop where a fine faced young man
babe US welcome with bright smiles
lighting his face, on the walls were
many choice verses of scripture and
notices in them, also announce
ments of the Y. NJ. G. A. and all the
churches, made an old mans heart
turn to the young barber and his
place, his the first of it's kind to be
| found from the Atlantic to the Pa
cific, and the town raised in an old
mans mind by this his first find.
Soon home for the night was
found, supper over and a most cor
dial invitation given to go out to
the graded school building, said to
be third best in South Carolina, now
not doubted by the visitors. So in
company of other guests soon found
the mecca of all that evening". Tall
marble pillars support the front, the
building a good one, and the interior
handsomely finished with neat and
handy class rooms.
On the stage sat eight boys, and
just in front piano, violin, and bass
violin were placed, which was a well
come sight to one old man in the au-
dience, and back of these sat dozen
young ladies and girls who later
thrilled the house with choice music
and song. Not long did that bright
faced audience have to wait, when
one of the boys was introduced and
in an off hand way, not even notes
were used, gave verbatim one of
Daniel Webster's best speeches, until
all were introduced, each giving a
speech made by John G. Calhoun or
some other statesman of his day,
song and music by the young ladies
to cheer and enlighten all. Nobly
did those their part, and some day
cne of their number may make the
walls of our capitol ring with his
oratory.
Only one thing was lacking in that
song and music-not an old song was
used. All of the pieces were exc
cuted in perfect harmony, still the
melody of the old songs was absent.
What song l.; sw weeter than Annie
Laurie?" if is author lost her and
she married another chap; then
midnight Hour" SO full of waking
thoughts anG melody; and "Wait
for the Wagon" and host of others.
Sad to say that our time does not
call for Lilly Dale" loft in the
Silly Night" and many more filled
with pathos and heart lifting melody,
for ragtime is the hit now. Change
is everywhere, and must needs be in
music, perhaps, too. Once sentiment
ruled, now a strenuous life and dol
lars are the rage. Guess it is all
right if men can hold on to the right
track as they speed.
Excuse an old mans fancy as he
digresses, for in his mind the man
that cares not for children, song of
birds and flowers, is spot on ma
ture, to say nothing about me lady
in song or music. But back to the
entertainment in an up-country
town. The last piece was solo rem
dered by slip of a girl, who for
quick movement and precision will
be hard to find, and she certainly has
mastered the violin and piano to
bring such quick but soft tones from
them. Thus an evening was spent
and all were charmed, or one was at
least.
Next morning the sun was brightly
shining and the scene was revela-
ton. For miles was the scene un-
broken, away to the North and East
stretched the blue mountains, mist
seemed to hover over and around
them, with flecks of clouds beyond,
made a panorama of exceeding beau
ty. Soon the scene faded as we sped
toward the low country and home,
and as we rush along the thought
comes. Morn amid the mountains,
lost in solitude, rushing streams and
falls, God alone is good.
| NID TIMED