Mary Baldwin College - Bluestocking Yearbook (Staunton, VA)

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The Book Party. N lieu of its usual musical and literary program, the Mary Baldwin Literary Society, on the evening of Fehiuary twelfth, held a book party in the Gymnasium, to which all the members of the faculty were invited. These guests were entertained by the Reception Committee until time for the grand march. In the meantime, the other members of the Society, dressed in costume to represent some book or notable character in the same, assem- bled in a room across the hall. When all was ready, at a given signal, they marched into the Gymnasium to the inspiring strains of a march, played by one of the young ladies. The line was led by two young ladies, draned in red, white and blue, holding, crossed above them, two United States flags, to represent, Under Two Flags. After marching around the Gymnasium a number of times, to give the faculty a chance to guess what books or characters were represented refreshments were served, a feature of the evening especially enjoyed by every one. An informal dance followed, and altogether the evening Was a most pleasant one. Some of the books and characters represented were as follows : Night and Morning was especially striking. Night was attired in a gown of black, covered with silver stars, and wore a silver crown on her head; while Morning, n bed in pink, healing a golden crown on her head, truly resembled the blush of dawn. The Princess was well represented by one ol the young ladies, handsomely gowned, with hair braided and a crown of pearls resting upon her head Maude Muller appeared in gingham dress, with the sleeves rolled up, a large handkerchief around her neck and a sun-bonnet on her arm. She carried r. rake with a lonely twig of grass in it- Sairey Gamp, the nurse, wore an old-time dress and a large sun-bonnet and carried an old broken umbrella together with a great many bottles. In Darkest Africa was cleverly represented by one of the young ladies, who had so effectually smutted herself that it was hard to tell whether she was really a native of Africa or a student at the Mary Baldwin Seminary. A Lady of Quality was attired in handsome pink silk and was further adorned with appropriate ornaments. The role of Helen ' s Babies was taken by two of the younger girls, dressed in long white garments, wearing dainty white bonnets on their heads. Wee Wifie was attired in full bridal costume. Looking Backwards was most ludicrous. She wore a dress fastened up the back, a collar on backwards, her hair over her face, a mask on the back of her head, and a hat on back- wards also. She met with much applause. Miss America wore a costume of red, white and blue. • Quo Vadis was represented by one of the young ladies, dressed in full travelling suit, with a large interrogation point on the front of her frock. She carried a large valise. Many other interesting books and characters were also repre- sented, but it would take too much time and space to mention each one in detail. After a more or less exhaustive strain on our gray matter, in trying to determine what book or character each member present represented, we weie inclined to answer the question, What ' s in a name, by saying that the knowledge of even the titles of our great books up to date would be a possession of which any one might be most proud. Rosa F. Watkins.

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Short Sketch of Mr. John Smyth, Commandant of the Corps of Night Watchman, with Rank of Brigadier General, Chief Superintendent of the Steam Heating Depart- ment, Head Horticulturist, etc., etc., of the Mary Baldwin Seminary. N attempting to treat a subject or ' so vast importance in the briel space allowed us, we wish to inform our readers that we can only place l efore them :i very superficial account of the life of this famous personage For a mote thorough study and philosophical consideration of his works and adventures. we refer them to Hon. Blarney O ' Shandy ' s Irish Heroes, ' ' Wilton Waggle- way ' s ' Men of the Day, Andy McDooley ' s Interesting Reminu Distinguished Individuals, also several recent articles in the leading maga- zines and periodicals ol the time. The land of Mr. Smyth ' s nativity is clearly revealed bj the sweet, musical mi dulatioii of his voice and its pleasing intonations, peculiar to the inhabitants of the Emerald Isle. He was horn near Granard, County Longford, Ire. land, in the year 1865. He passed the days ol boyhood and youth upon the paternal estate, engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. His young mind was strongly impressed by soul-stirring legends of Bogies and Spooks, in which the county abounded. These legends worked upon his restless, adventurous spiiit. They made him j earn to leave the protection ol his father ' s Kof and seek his fortune in foreign land.-.. At the age of twenty-three, following the example of another illustrious weater of the same title— Captain John Smyth, of Pocahontas fame— he em barked for America. After a stormy voyage, fraught with many perils, John Slllvth at last bade Uncle Sam good morning and landed ill New York. A well known building contractor succeeded in securing hi:- services. In a short while, however. Mr. Smyth tired of this employment, and found more congenial work in a 1 ope- walk. When this occupation became, in turn, monot- onous, he applied for a position to the General Superintendent of the gigantic steamship line plying between New Ytrk and New Haven. He was imme- diately engaged as a deck hand. But some great force, some irresistible magnetism, was drawing John Sm th southward. He came to Staunton and enteltd the serviced the late

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Stonewall Brigade Band Concert. (f , S HE tenth of last February the teachers and ■DKS W2 E ' tne Mary Baldwin Seminar ' I » spent a nn »t enjoyable evening in the A . . W i ) chapel, where they were the quests of S V f , ]} ' the ' ' Sto,,ewa11 Brigade Band. Un- i j) I ( der the direction of their efficient leader, V ' M ( ' Mr. J. M Brereton, those well trained tT J fJ T- - - , ' ' ' alentcd musicians rendered the fol- = fc. ex lowing program with such skill and verve that the feelings of their enthusiastic audience were swayed in turn by martial, merry and patriotic impulses or melted into tin- quiet and repose of a meditative mood : i, March- ' Bride-Elect Sousa j. Waltzes — Nordica Tourgee 3 Overture — Pique Dame S ' upp, I a ' Sweetest Storv liver Told Stultz 4- Songs j , ■ A n re . 1M1 Bartlett 5. Fantasia— ' A Hunting Scene Bucalossi , fa At a Georgia Camp-Meeting Wills t ' Stars and Stripes Forever Sousa 7. Selection The Princess Bonnie Sprm 1 8. Medley Plantation Melodies Ccmterno While the Bride Elect and Nordica waltzes were being played, many feet were keeping time to the music, and some heads were moving unconsciously in accord with the baton, as the thoughts of many were transferred to scenes where they had enjoyed a good two step or a dreamy, delicious waltz ! The Sweetest Story liver Told was played very effectively, producing such varied impressions upon the feelings of those present as would he difficult to describe or even enumerate here Tin- Hunting Scene received most hearty applause, and a repetition of it was given. The acting during this performance was is g 1 as the music, which made the scene very vivid t o those who had enjoyed such sport. The old favorites, At a Georgia Camp-Meeting and Stars and Stripes Forever, weie enthusiastically received, and the last two selections, ' Princess Bonnie and Plantation Melodies. were exceptionally well performed and followed by a storm of applause. After having entertained us so delightfully, the Band was ushered into the dining-hall, where its members were the guests of the Seminary at a substantial banquet. We extend to the Stonewall Brigade Band our sincerest thanks and a-surc them that the evening of February tenth will always be remembered bj US as one of the happiest and most pleasant of this school year. Rtjfie Pauline White