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Valley Virginian: January 20, 1870 Go To Page : 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 |

A Christian Association for Young Men
(Column 01)

Summary: The author of this article recommends, for the benefit of the young men of Staunton, the immediate construction of a Young Men's Christian Association. First, the article illustrates the many moral benefits of such an association, for example, it will keep energetic young men from going astray. Second, an excerpt from a New York paper, describes in great detail all the many uses for such a building, including moneymaking opportunities that will finance building expenses.

Full Text of Article:

Staunton is evidently growing rapidly. We have daily proofs of this fact, and with its growth and evident improvement, why can't we have those institutions and organizations which characterize a town and add to its moral character. We have Temperance Societies, Building Associations, Moral Lectures sometimes, Masonic Halls, Amusements occasionally and the ladies have of late started a "Circulating Library." Why can't we have a Young Men's Christian Association? In almost every city and town North and South there is an association of this kind. Surely Staunton is large enough and her young men ought to be willing to give their aid in such a work. Look at New York, because the great city of America she ought to a certain extent be an example - her "association" was too small and with the energy of the people they have just now completed a magnificent building on the corner of Twenty Third Street and Fourth Avenue. Surely we will not let the Yankees be ahead of us in good works. We extract the following from the Herald of Nov. 30th:

The objects of the association are, in the first place, to offer safe and attractive resort to the thousands of untried young men who come as strangers to the city, with limited means, who are crowded into uncomfortable, cheerless boarding houses, and exposed to great temptations; second, to amalgamate this great class with those of like age who are residents of the city, so that they may be benefited by each other's acquirements and companionship; and lastly, so educate and elevate all these young men that their force and enthusiasm may be turned into the channels of morality, benevolence and Christian activity. To this end, the association embraces not only church members, but all whom it can reach and the dues and fees, amounting altogether to five dollars a year (adding only ten cents per week to board), are made so moderate that none need be excluded. By confining the direction to men connected with churches, a sufficiently restraining influence is attained. As years pass by, and those who come as poor boys to this city and forming their fellowship and sympathy here, take their places in its prominent trades and business, the true importance of the labors of the association will be appreciated. - The Committee say that "Large expense has been incurred on the erection of this building; but it must be remembered that in securing the objects it has in view it comes into direct competition with the theatres, the gambling house, the barrooms and other places of even worse character, which spare no effort and hesitate at no expenditure in attracting the thousands of young men who find themselves in this great city without homes, family influence or restraints. It is needless to say that the character and training of this very class are of incalculable importance to the well being of the city. If, while their habits are yet unformed, they can be brought under Christian and manly influences, the money is well spent, as the entire cost of the building does not equal that of any of the theatres."

As a matter of course we do not expect in so small a town to begin on a grand scale - or even to approach New York in her Institution, but we do think one might be started here in a small way and, in course of time, rival that of our neighbors. We copy below a general description from the Herald:

"The building occupies a lot of eighty six feet nine inches on Fourth avenue, by one hundred and seventy five feet on East Twenty third street. The main entrance and stairway are in the centre of the Twenty third street front. At the head of the main stone stairs, to the right, is the great hall, with comfortable chairs for 1,500 persons, so arranged that each seat has a direct view of the platform. It is thoroughly ventilated by flues running under the floor, connected with large ventilating shafts heated by steam coils. On the right are three committee and dressing rooms, and on the left a grand organ. - This organ, with a grand piano, have been presented to the association by the musical committee from the proceeds of concerts given under their direction. The hall will be used for lectures on practical and scientific subjects, under the care of the lecture committee, and for popular concerts, as well as for the public religious meetings of the association. When not used by the society it will be rented for various purposes, and supply a great need in this section of the city. On the left of the main stairs is the reception room, to be used as a conversation room, and for the office of the association. Opening from this is the reading room, supplied with all the best newspapers and magazines of this country and Europe. On the same floor are three parlors, to be used for conversation, informal meetings and committee work, and to be made attractive as evening resorts; also a hat and wash room. There is also a room over the entrance hall for the secretary, who is the executive officer of the association. - A short stairway from the reception room leads down to the gymnasium - a large well ventilated room, carefully fitted with the most perfect apparatus, where regular classes for instruction will be established. On the lower floor are comfortable bath rooms, for the use of the large numbers of young men whose boarding houses afford them no convenience of this kind. On the second floor is the library, extending through two stores, enclosed in fire-proof walls, and capable of containing 10,000 volumes. In addition to a careful selection of useful and safely entertaining books, it is intended to add, as soon as means will allow, a complete Biblical library, which will be of great service to Sunday school workers and clergymen. Adjoining is a small lecture room, seating 200 persons for religious meetings, meeting of the Literary Society, musical classes, special lectures and for the larger committees. On the floor are four rooms for the evening classes, viz: Writing, bookkeeping, French, German, Spanish, music, drawing and the natural sciences. The remainder of the upper floor is for the present rented for artists' studies. The stores on the street front and basement are to be rented for business purposes. The income from these is appropriated to the sinking fund and the expenses of the association. The building is most nearly constructed and divided into three sections by fire walls and iron doors, and heated throughout by improved steam apparatus placed under the sidewalk."

In conclusion we trust some of our young and energetic gentlemen will look into this matter and make a start which will redound to the good of old Staunton.

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: B. F. Fifer has been appointed to replace George W. Britt as Staunton flour inspector.
(Names in announcement: B. F. Fifer, George W. Britt)

[No Title]
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Summary: James W. Beard had been appointed to replace Miss Atkinson as postmaster for Mint Spring, Augusta County.
(Names in announcement: James W. Beard, Miss Atkinson)

[No Title]
(Column 01)

Summary: The protracted meeting at the Methodist Episcopal Church South has attracted widespread interest. Ten people have joined the church, and more conversions are expected.

Oh! The Wind
(Column 01)

Summary: This article describes the unfortunate incident in which a former slave, Philip Rossell, lost his house in a sudden windstorm. The author expects that "charitable citizens" will provide funds for Rossell to rebuild, and he strongly recommends that the new house be built on a firmer foundation.
(Names in announcement: Philip Rossell)

Full Text of Article:

A terrible calamity befell Philip Rossell on Friday. Philip is an energetic man, and by industry, and frugality he last winter accomplished a purpose he has had ever since he emerged from a state of bondage, and stepped forth free as air into the glorious privileges of freedom - he built a house. It was not particularly noticeable for its elegance of structure, on the contrary, it was quite an unpretending building. In it Philip and spouse had enjoyed all the blessings of the marriage state up to last Friday, when a Northeastern wind, at one cruel blow, laid it level with the earth. There was, we are happy to say, no one injured by the fall. We have no doubt that Philip will be able to raise among our charitable citizens a sufficient sum to re build; and it is to be hoped, that he will profit by his experience, and lay a better foundation.

Ye Local at Church
(Column 01)

Summary: Representatives of the Valley Virginian attended Staunton's M. E. Church to observe the protracted meeting in progress. The Rev. George Kramer and the Rev. William A. Harris spoke following hymns and prayers. Several people were converted. "These services are solemn and impressive, and we were glad to perceive the recognition of this fact on the part of the congregation in their strict attention to the preacher, and an entire absence of levity, which, alas, is too often observable in promiscuous assemblies, on the occasion of a series of religious meetings."
(Names in announcement: Rev. George Kramer, Rev. William A. Harris)

Slightly Unpleasant
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Summary: This article recounts the events that led to the dissolution of a business owned by two black men in Gallowstown. A fight over the acceptance of mutilated currency escalated until both parties were arrested.
(Names in announcement: Dolphus Dorsey, Robert Truss, John Curtz, Andrew Sheets, Mayor Allen)

Full Text of Article:

It becomes our painful duty this morning to chronicle the dissolution of co-partnership, in a most violent manner, between Dolphus Dorsey and Robt. Truss, who have for a very short time, driven a highly lucrative business in Gallowstown. The presumption is, that the above named colored individuals were endeavoring to effect an equal division of the profits on their sales for the year 1869, when a dispute arose as to who the devil took in "dat dar raged money." Each swore he didn't receive it, and therefore would not accept any portion of it in the present division. Words having failed to convince either of ever having been so foolish as to exchange goods for naught - for that's what the mutilated currency amounted to - both arose up on their feet, and went it heavy on their muscle. This very pleasant entertainment was kept up to the infinite amusement of the bystanders, each doing their best to overcome the other, until Alex Nellon's desire for a termination of the contest overcame his discretion and caused him to draw a knife and undertake to relieve both of the hostile parties of whatever superfluous flesh there might be cleaving unto their bones. At this juncture John Curts and Andrew Sheets put an appearance in upon the scene and brought the affair to a hasty conclusion. All parties were arrested and taken before Mayor Allen who fined them $5 each, made them pay costs, and required a security of $800 for their appearance at the setting of the next Grand Jury to answer an indictment. If the colored troops did fight bravely they certainly paid heavily therefore.

Marriages
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Summary: Mr. J. W. Berry and Miss Molly E. Shultz were married in Greenville at the residence of the bride's father on January 11th by the Rev. William Pinkerton.
(Names in announcement: J. W. Berry, Molly E. Shultz, Rev. William Pinkerton)

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: Thomas E. Gilkeson and Miss Sallie J. Altwaffer, both of Augusta, were married near Parnassus on January 11th by the Rev. J. J. Engle.
(Names in announcement: Thomas E. Gilkeson, Sallie J. Altwaffer, Rev. J. J. Engle)

Marriages
(Column 02)

Summary: C. A. Richardson and Miss Josie Brooks, both of Staunton, were married at the Eutaw House, Baltimore, on January 12th by the Rev. Dr. Bullock.
(Names in announcement: C. A. Richardson, Josie Brooks, Rev. Dr. Bullock)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Mrs. Caroline Bryan, wife of Reuben Bryan, died at her residence in Sangersville on January 6th. She was 52 years old. She was a long-time member of the Presbyterian Church.
(Names in announcement: Caroline Bryan, Reuben Bryan)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Jacob Beard died at the Augusta County residence of his daughter, Mrs. Baylor, on December 30th. He was 85 years old.
(Names in announcement: Jacob Beard, Mrs. Baylor)

Deaths
(Column 02)

Summary: Mr. B. G. Tapescott died in Staunton at the Virginia Hotel on January 15th. He was in poor health when he checked in, but refused medicine. He lingered for six weeks under the care of Dr. C. R. Harris and Capt. Sale, hotel proprietor. The Rev. Kramer of the Methodist Church ministered to him. "These facts we mention for the information of his friends, if he leaves any surviving him, for he came amongst us an entire stranger, and nearly destitute of means, nor has any one visited him from a distance or appeared to take an interest in his fate."
(Names in announcement: B. G. Tapescott, Dr. C. R. Harris, Capt. Sale, Rev. Kramer)