Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1921-04-28
ohephedown Jefferson County West Virginia. Thursday April 2s 1921

ity all its own, and while it is busy and
progressive, 1t Is at the same time
quaint and interesting. The ruins of an
olo Spanish mission a mile or two from
the town was fascinating. as one spec,
ulated what It's history might be. Its
main walls still stand and show at
glance that master workmen construct
ed them and that an architect of genius
planned them. That the site of New
Smyrna was favorite dwelling place
for the prehistoric inhabitants is in
dicated by the great mounds of oyster
and clam shells that are found along
the river shore. 1t must have taken
thousands of years Of oyster feaStine
to have accumulated these huge piles
OF shells. II is a prosaic fact that ir'
this modern day the shells are being
quarried and used for road making
Many curious relics and implements OF
pottery and bone are found in them.
New Smyrna is in the belt that
produces the famous Indian river
oranges, than which none better arc
grown. Its packing house shipped
nearly 100000 boxes of oranges an
grape fruit last year. 1t is also ir
rich trucking section and lust now
IS ambitious to raise sugar cane ant
feature in sugar production. The
Dixie highway runs through the towr
and other good reads give it outlets
north, south and west. The streets
as in all other of these progressive
towns, are of improved concrete. There
are ample railroad facilities. the town
being on the main line Of the Florida
East Coast Railway and a junction for
two branch roads. The Indian river
is water highway, besides being a
sort oS paradise for fishermen.
The people of New Smyrna planned
to entertain the editors properly-and
they did it. One of the principal
squares Of the town had been r6ped Of
and swept IS clean as a new floor and
here tables were spread for the "four
hundred" for supper. 1t was a de.
licious meal, the piece de resistancc
being fish freshly caught and cooked
and served in the most appetizing stvlc
along with other good things, oranges
and all. The ladies of the town serve I,
the supper and everybody was mos.
cordial to- the guests. We can hard'j
imagine more agreeable or unioui
entertainment than was provided her
in its setting of tropical BEAUTY
Overhead the live oak trees smade ?
lovely canopy from which hung in
graceful festoons the curiors Spanist,
moss. lovely flowers and foliage bor,
dered the scene and adorned the tables
and in the gentle breeze from the r;v
er and ocean and in the soft southern
evening air the feast was simplv de-
liehtful. mixed as it was with kindt
ness and real hosoitalitv From =
stand that had been erected an orchee,
ira dispensed sweet music. and the
mavor OF the city and other dignitarif
made addresses OF welcome. whic'i
were httinglv responded to by mem
bers OF the editorial partv
A word about that orchestra and IFS
talented leader, Miss Connell II was
composed of pupils Of the public
schools some of its members being
not more than eight or ten wears old.
Mi"S Connell, who is a teacher in the
school, had trained these youngste-,
N the most remarkable style. and wit
vlolins and horns and flutes and w
rious other instruments they made the
sweetest music under the direction O,
their bright and capable leader. The
editors were captivated by Miss Con.
nell and her work with her orchestra
and 1t was plain to be seen that she
was an appreciated treasure in Ne,
Smyrna. The people do we'll to give
support and encouragement to sucf
talented and attractive young lady.
The entertainment at this place wa
so acceptable and so greatly ap-
preciated, and the singular beauty and
attractiveness so marked. that the edi-
tors fingered until the shades of even.
ing gathered and the light of the full
moon made the scene more like fairy
land than ever. Then myriads of bril-
liant fireflies twin&led among the
palms and flowers like elfn lanterns,
the soft note of mockingbird uttered
Aute-like goodnight, and almost awed
by the enhancing sweetness of what
seemed wonderful dream the party
ended and the guests dispersed-somr
to get last view Of heavenly beauty
as they gazed across the shining river
in which the rising moon left a path
of radian glory pointing toward the
nto