Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1934-10-25
"reminiscences OF The
County Are Recalled
CONTINUED from page II

NCOHIiuueu HIOm page tt
be used in building school for the
Jamestown community. This bequest
was read aloud on Sunday morning to
the congregation and great was the
rejoicing for now that the church was
built, we had been hoping the way
would be opened for US to have good
school. This ambition was to be real
lied.
cat that time we had small paro.
ochial school which was held in the
basement of the church. Our first
teacher in this school was a Mr.. Burr,
who had one assistant. Miss Mary
Cooke, my aunt, acted as assistant at
one time.
AS soon as our new building was
ready, with great rejoicing our young
sters moved in. This school which was
known as the "Andrew Small Acad-
envy" exerted a fine influence and
from it's halls have passed many emin
ent men and women. 1t was both a
boarding and day school.
"At one time young japanese,
who often visited US was numbered
among the boarders. Some years later
a member of our family, while in
Japan, was a guest in his home. Upon
her return to America, as a mark of
respect, he boarded another vessel
and accompanied her some distance on
her journey. He sent gifts to each of
us as tokens of his continued friend
ship.
"In fact, looking back over the
years, I cannot imagine what our
community would have been without
our church and school we certainly
owe debt of gratitude to those fine
men and women who, by their inter-
est, brought these two gifts to
Jamestown.
"In speaking Of those who did much
for the community, must not fail to
mention one who came to Jamestown
at later perid but whose influence
will not be soon forgotten, James S.
Windsor. His wise management of the
church finances increased the original
endowment far beyond our expecta-
tions. His death was a great loss to
the church.
"But dear me, 1 do run on so. she
said. Tell me about yourself what did
you do at Seneca this afternoon after
dining at Riverside Imp"
"We spent part of our time wander
ing around the old stone quarry"
replied. "By the way, what is the his
tory of the old quarry, and why was
it abandoned?" l asked.
"The stone quarry was in operation
before 1 was married and some years
after" she replied.
"They worked about 100 men and at
one time took out the stone used in
the old part of the Smithsonian at
Washington. I have heard the stone
proved to be too soft for use in very
large buildings and that was one rea-
son the quarry was abandoned.
"After my marriage, my husband,
who was the physician of this and
neighboring communities, attended the
workmen when they were sick and in
jured. He received $4,000 per
month";. The men were taxed $1.00
per month whether sick or well, for
his services.
"At the quarry there was constant
blasting, set off by powder, which re-
suited in many accidents"
"When the stone was ready for
shipment, it was sent down the canal
on large open barges.
"For many years after the quarry
was abandoned the site was used by
picnicers. Back of the building was a
race where men and boys went bath
ing.
"Across the heavy beams of the
building one finds today carved the
initials of many young folks who have
loitered there since in its friendly
shade on hot summer afternoon.
"You smile? Perhaps now you too
are remembering" she said, teasing
ly.
And indeed was, for it was not my
first visit to Seneca. But I saw my
friend was ready to resume her story,
so 1 pigeon-holed my own thoughts
for a later period and prepared with
my usual interest for what was to
come.
Speaking of the Packet Boat
about which l was telling you some
time ago, she remarked; you know !
forgot to tell you then of several
things.
"Why not tell me now" suggested.
"Are you sure / shan't bore your" Of
course not-who ever heard of being
bored by you," replied.