Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1922-09-19
a GREAT CONVENTION.

The eighteenth annual conVention
of the West Virginia Federation OF
Women's Clubs was in session last
week in Shepherdstown. The meet
ing was regarded as the biggest
event in that community in long
time. From every portion OF the
State West Viirginia's representa-
tive women, including leaders in
social, business and club activities,
responded to the call of the con-
vention, and nearly two hundred
were in daily attendance at the
meetings.
The Presidents luncheon on Tues
day was the first gathering Of all
the delegates, and Immediately pre-
ceded the formal opening of the
convention, which was called to
order in the Shepherd College audi
torium Tuesday afternoon. Follow
ing the conclusion of the meal, Mrs.
William Gay Brown, of Kingwood,
the toastmistress of the occasion,
called for attention to number Of
toasts on the program. Mrs. Brown,
who is a member Of the Shepherds
town club, outlined the advancement
of women along different lines
throughout the past year, saying
that 1922 was certainly banner
year for women. Her remarks were
much enjoyed, but even better liked
was the inimitable way in which she
introduced the speakers. With
charming grace and ready wit, she
made the best Introductory speeches
heard in InuU time
Immediately following the con-
clusion of the Presidents luncheon
Tuesday afternoon the formal open
ing of the convention took place in
the college auditorium. The meet
ing was called to order by Mrs.
John B. Garden, president of the
State Federation, and after an in
vocation by Rev. DIR. Charles
Ghiselin, and singing led by Miss
Cora Atchison, of Huntington, words
of welcome were heard from Pro-
fessor w. H. S. White, president of
Shepherd College.
Tuesday evening at o'clock the
convention reassembled, with Mrs.
Garden, president, and Mrs. H. D.
Rummei, vice-president presiding.
The presidents of the various clubs
and the State officers occupied seats
on the platform. After singing, led
by Mrs. Flora Williams, of Wheel
ing, greetings were heard from
honorary presidents and past presi-
dents.
The drive through historic Jeffer-
son county Wednesday afternoon
was a delightful experience to the
members of the convention and the
visitors, many of whom had never
seen the places of beauty and inter
est in this section. More than forty
automobiles containing couple Of
hundred persons left Shepherdstown
promptly at 2 o'clock, going out the
Kearneysville pike, past the fine
farms and country homes, the orch.
ards and the ripened corn, through
Leetown to quaint old Middleway or
toward Charles Town. The first stop
was at famous Hardwood" the
home of Samuel Washington, full
brother of the immortal George, bull
about ITO. Here the visitors were
greeted by Mrs. William Campbell
president of the Charles Town Wo
mans Club, who gave them cordia
welcome to that section Of the coun.
ty and its many places of interest.
From Hardwood they went to "Lo
Gust Hill' the residence of Packette
brothers where Marker No. &c
stands to mark the place of battle
between Gen. Early and Gen. Sheri
dan in August 1864. The house wa.
taken by Sheridan and used as B
fort, which compelled Early tt
shell it, several shells passing
through the house killing great
many of Sheridan's men. War relics
were seen here, also a "chase" which
had belonged to Lord Fairfax
"Claymont Court, the handsome ole
residence built by Bushrod Wash
ington and now owned by Col
Murphy was the next place to visit
Here the visitors were courteously
welcomed by Mrs. and Miss Murphy
and they greatly enjoyed an inspec
ton of the fine old mansion and it.
lovely grounds. From there, part o.
the Club went to Mordington to Sc,
the home of Charles Washington fol
whom Charles Town is named, thef
on to the home of the late Col. Johr
7. Gibson which is built on the sit,
of the John Brown execution. Here
were seen some old relics, among
them-John Browns signature a,
commander-in-chief, commissioning
one VIM. Leeman, as captain. The
Charles Town Inn was next place
visited, where delightful refresh
ments were served to all by the Wo
mans Club. This was another pleas
ant break in the afternoons timer
airy, and, refreshed and pleased By
the hospitality extended, the journey
was resumed towards Harper.
Ferry. As the visitors approached
the Blue Ridge mountains of Vir.
ginia" they were at once impressed
by the wonderful beauty and males.
ty OF the scene outlined before
them, and when the turn in the road
was reached and the great gar
through which flow the waters of the
Potomac and the Shenandoah open.
ed up, they were either strangely
silent or very voluble in their admir-
alton. Down the back road, along
the river, into the ancient town with
its quaint old houses, then up High
street and around to the hills over
looking the Shenandoah-and the
elective of the days journey was
reached at the home of Mr.. and Mrs.
c. B. Newcomer. Here the mem
bers of the live Harper's Ferry Wo-
mans Club, of which Miss Emma
Lynch is president, gave cordial
welcome to their guests. A delicious
supper had been prepared, and this
was served on the lawn to the ap-