Local News
surprise
party. -- The
house of Mr. Hiram Woolley of Charlotteville was lately the scene
of one of those interesting incidents that are worth much and cost
little.
About 200 of his friends
came last Thursday afternoon, 12 Aug 1880, to show their respect
for one who with his family stands deservedly high in the esteem
of all who know him.
It was a genuine surprise
to Mr. Woolley.
During the early part of
the day he was lured away from home on some business of very great
importance which had to be attended to instantly or great loss
would come to him or some one -- it was not very clear whom.
On his return about 5
o'clock he found his home in possession of many "fair
deceivers" and his lawn occupied by many scores of young and
old seeking amusement in various ways, as if it was a matter of
course what such things should be.
Some were there who knew
Mr. Woolley from his childhood, and remembered when they were boys
and girls together.
Many whose acquaintance was
much more recent, but whose respect and love for him were equal to
those who knew him longest.
The time passed pleasantly
and swiftly away in talk about then and now. Soon after six
o'clock tables were spread on the lawn, from the well-filled
basket brought by the ladies and all were invited to sit down to a
magnificent supper.
Mr. and Mrs. Woolley were
the guests of the evening, and right royally were they treated,
bringing, no doubt, to their remembrance the days of "Auld
lang syne," when they set at the wedding dinner with vows
newly made upon them.
It was plainly evident that
Dr. Tanner had no disciples at that surprise party.
After supper an impromptu
meeting was organized, the Rev. D. L. Brethour taking the chair.
Short and appropriate addresses were delivered by Messrs. Gilbert,
Lymburner, Sterling, Chapman, Daniel Woolley and the chairman.
Mr. Woolley, in a few well
chosen words expressed his deep sense of the honor he had received
at the hands of his friends so unexpectedly.
A verse of the hymn
"Shall we gather at the river?" was sung, prayer was
offered by the chairman, and the outdoor meeting came to a close.
Many remained until
later on in the evening, giving themselves to music and song and
chat and social enjoyment generally. Everyone said it was one of
the pleasantest parties that could be.
