Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1912-12-24
STAUNTON NOW READY
TO GREET GOV. WILSON
President to-Be to Occupy
Same Room in Which He Was
Born December %, 1856.

STAUNTON, Va. December 24.-Staun-
ton is on the qui vive for the Wilson
Homecoming celebration which takes
place here Saturday. To say that Staun-
ton will acquit herself with honor and
create for herself place in history is
not overstating things in the least. No
wheel or cog is allowed to drag, but the
whole machinery of preparation is run
ming smoothly toward a creditable con-
summation of the plans as originally
mapped out.
While here Mr. Wilson will occupy the
same room in which he was born Decem-
Der Is 1856, at the Presbyterian manse
when his father was pastor of the local
Presbyterian church. Although Gov. VIII
sons father remained here only two or
three years after the birth of his son.
Thomas Woodrow, the latter has kept in
touch with Staunton, and was educated
In the Virginia University at Charlottes-
ville only forty miles east of this city.
Kept in Touch With City.
He often made visits to the place of
his birth during his college days, and
could. no doubt, relate some interesting
incidents of romance when as young
man he divided his attentions between
his books at the University of Virginia
and certain members of the faix sex at
the Mary Baldwin Seminary in this city
The seminary, however, has no memory
for any other than pleasant associations
with the youthful President-to-be, and
will take an important part in his. enter
tainment during his sojourn in stanton
1t is in the halls of this dignitied lnstltu-
ton that the big public reception will
fal r,la Sat a ...rl
O'Clock and it is before its massive colo
NAL columns that Rev. DR.. a. NJ. Fraser
will deliver the address in which he Will
formally welcome Gov. Wilson to the city
of his nativity.
In this connection it is recalled that
the only building of all the seminary's
five structures, which, by the way,
cover nearly a block in the heart of the
city. that stands as originally con-
structed in the days when Staunton
was raising presidential timber and
fine, old Presbyterian stock. is the
chapel in which over half century
ago newborn babe was baptized and
christened Thomas Woodrow " ilson.
This is an old brick edifice which was
formerly the house of worship OF
Staunton Presbyterians.
Now the Seminary Chapel.
Now, however, 1T is used as the
seminary chapel. and fine church edi-
five stands opposite it on East Fred
erick street, where successors of Rev.
DR.. Wilson have long been warming
the Maynard to flee from the wrath TO
come" Nor is this old chapel the only
thing historic that will figure in MI
Wilson's home coming.
The Stonewall Brigade Band which
was organized before the unpleasant
ness of 1916. and which made itself
famous as a part of Stonewal Jack
sons immortal legions. will be in the
forefront Of the festivities. and Will en-
trance the listening ears of thousands
Of Staunton's guests with patriotic airs
Added to the program. as ALREADY
given out for Wilson day, Will be an
old-time Virginia dinner, served Satur-
day evening, at which typical VIZ
ginia ham of Smithfield variety, coffee,
corn pone, sweet potatoes. turkey. etc,
will be served in "ole plantation style.