USA > Maryland > Montgomery County > Sandy Spring > Annals of Sandy Spring history of a rural community in Maryland, Volume 1 > Part 12
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" The kindliest of all human natures, He joined to courage strong, And love, that reached to all earth's creatures, With sturdy hate of wrong."
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He was a man that had no use for outward profession ; "no tithe took he of mint or anise or cummin "; but in the weightier matters of the law, kindness and justice and truth, there lives no man nor woman who can bear witness against him. Exposed in his wanderings to temptations, which, fortunately, few of us know anything about, he walked clear and pure in the reality, while caring too little, indeed, for the appearance of wrong. Unhappily for himself, he formed none of the closest ties, the nearest and dearest; yet his death has left a blank with some that will never be filled. After his long wanderings his remains rest in yonder grave, among his kindred.
There is another department in the three divisions of our record of family statistics which must be left vacant this year, for the second time only since the record began. Of marriages (within the year) none.
Happily for us, in the gloom we are not left without some rays of light. The dark cloud, as we may term it, has both a silver and a golden lining. Although weddings are admitted by all the world to be very interesting affairs on the occasion of their first occurrence, it may be seriously claimed that their solemnization, after long years of "truth- tried wedded love," is something still more impressive and interesting. The year 1873 has been thrice honored in this way.
The Golden Wedding of Edward and Ann R. Stabler was celebrated on Christmas Eve, the 50th anniversary of the marriage and the home-bringing of the bride to the house which has been her dwelling ever since. There was but one opinion among the numerous guests in regard to the interest and beauty of the celebration, a full account of which is preserved in the neat little pamphlet dedicated to it. The Silver Wedding of Warwick P. and Mary M. Mil-
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ler was celebrated the 9th of May. Shining with milder lustre, it gave a delightful evening to a large circle of friends. Another deeply interesting affair of a similar kind took place on the 23d of April. Though occurring outside the limits of our neighborhood, the large number of our people so intimately connected with the celebration ren- ders it quite proper to speak of the golden wedding of Robert HI. and Anna Miller. The peculiar circumstances attending this celebration will long keep it in the pleasant memories of hundreds of closely interested persons. On the 10th of March following, the husband (father and grandfather) passed from earth.
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CHAPTER XII.
FROM FOURTH MONTH, 6TH, 1874, TO FOURTH MONTH, 5TH, 1875.
" The bright side, the true side" - Progress always - Yet named a " dry year" -Sandy Spring less affected by drought -- Low price of hay some advantage-The Colorado Bug makes its appearance - Encouraging views- A co-operative laundry suggested - The Horticultural Society furnishes a fine di -- play-The 3d Annual Convention of Farmers' Clubs highly successful-The Grange flourishing - Also all the other Societies- False charges against the Lyceum, where eleven lectures were delivered in the year - The fiery element shows abatement - Deposits increase in the "Savings"-Lines bor- rowed from the sea -- Voyage to Europe -Telegraph with- drawn - Interesting statistics- An "Old Folks Party" at Stanmore.
In casting thoughts backward over the year just trans- pired, we cannot say that the experience of Sandy Spring contradicts materially the general impressions in other places, that it has not been one of the prosperous years to
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farmers. Since the bright points are not very numer- ous or striking, it may require more than the usual effort on the part of your historian to discover and describe what few there be. It is certainly not worth while to dwell upon the opposite sort. It would not pay you in any shape or fashion to come here and listen to a recital of troubles, failures, disappointments and such-Oh, no ! let me be excused from that. We do not propose to waste your time and spoil an evening, which has many bright and pleasant reminiscences in the past-now getting to be a long past.
It is my serious conviction, formed in early life, and confirmed both by its sad and its happy experiences, that the bright side of human life and things is the true side ; and history means (if it has any sensible meaning at all) the record of human progress along the meandering, but ever on-flowing current of the way. Although there is often a seeming retrogressiou, it is like the bends of the Mississippi river in going to New Orleans: the great flood in its windings only seems to go back ; while all the time it is making its resistless way on-on to the great deep which is to swallow it at last. So with the river of Time.
It goes on progressively to its destined end and aim, and nothing can divert its course; evolving perpetually new and higher forms of being. It is only by believing in and actively co-operating with this grand scheme of progress that we can truly obey and really experience the fruits of obedience.
Last summer I visited the "Jardin des Plantes" in Paris, and saw there the most famous sun-dial in the world. Placed on the summit of a high circular mound, it bears the memorable inscription-" Horas non numero,
ยท
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nisi serenas"-or, "I take no account of any but the calm, sunshiny hours." This motto I propose for my history, and stick by it so far as human weakness will allow; not wholly to exclude the serious troubles and misfortunes, that may not be entirely ignored, and which rightly viewed must be essential elements and causes of progress
The reports of my associates, upon which I have greatly relied, are very satisfactory, as far as they go, but are unfortunately rather brief. Especially is this the case with the report of the junior member of the historical firm, who gives us this year only a taste of the valuable material which she is so well qualified and so well situated to accumulate. Her opening sentence is "Noth- ing of vital importance seems to have transpired." We make this our first note then-a dry year ! Our meteoro- logists will no doubt dilate at proper length upon the weather; they will show, I presume, that it has been in several respects quite remarkable. The temperature at the close of last April was unusually low, destroying the fruit in many places, though not universally. The drought of the summer is an incident too common of Lu .. years to be considered remarkable, but its continuane. through the autumn, especially the absolute rainlessness of October and part of November, is without precedent in my recollection. The winter of '74-5 has become histori- cal, not so much by extremes of low temperature, as by persistent cold. Happy are we not to live where whole farms are covered many feet thick with blocks of ier. which cannot prove a desirable top-dressing.
We find in regard to the first subject we touch. that the year has had about it something quite "remarkabk." As we go on, perhaps we shall find it exhibit other
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features of characteristic importance and interest. Time is like other things in this : its degree of impressiveness depends very much upon the way we examine it. Only put on the right glasses, and there does not exist an object in nature that fails to offer wonders of structure and beauty. Surely, then, twelve months can never roll around a numerous, active, intelligent, diversified, but united body of men, women and children, without chang- ing, marking, and leaving traces of the mark as they pass by.
Still keeping in view the idea that our paramount con- cern is with the reviving features of the year, we note that the favoring spring and early summer brought us full crops of grass and wheat; while the other one of the trio of most important productions, Indian corn, en- dured the drought and came out with us a fuller crop decidedly than was the case in the country generally. I think it is an established fact that we suffer less in seasons of deficient moisture than do most other fertile sections of neighboring counties. The higher price of corn has helped out bravely; though it has scarcely suf- ficed to compensate for the diminished price of wheat and hay. It is the opinion of some of our judicious farmers, that a price of hay, too low to tempt such large exporta- tions as we have all indulged in of late years, might be no real disadvantage; and that a better return would come of using grass in certain other forms.
The constitutional tendency of which farmers are ac- cused, to croak and grumble, found this year a strong justification for venting itself, in the advent of a most un- welcome visitor, the Colorado bug. This was, indeed, a. new experience. It came upon us without preparation. We had heard much about the animal, but there is a
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great difference between the sympathy felt for a misfor- tune experienced by our fellow-laborers across the Missis- sippi, and the shock of its sudden arrival at our own doors. It appeared as if the ugly animal had made a quick jump across the Alleghany Mountains, and lit down on every potato patch throughout the land around us. In this there was a striking resemblance to the epizootic among the horses in a preceding year. I think the bug was first seen by the farmers on the first day of June, '74, keeping on with increasing numbers till about the middle of August.
One of our potato-growers estimated that he caught at least thirty gallons of the bugs in a ten-acre lot, and the vines, though cleared of the pests one day, were found covered with them the following morning. So far a- 1 can gather the results of this first year's experience, it would seem to show that diligent picking with the fingers will effectually prevail against their ravages : box so much labor is required as to render this favorite pour. duction in many parts of our neighborhood a doulaful crop to depend upon, while the enemy stays with 1, -. Our club designs to plant forty-nine acres this year against the eighty-nine planted last year. The efficacy of Paris green appears to have been tried successfully : the fears of its infecting the tuber with its poison may be regarded as groundless. In parts of Germany, potatis are raised in soils containing a far larger quantity of arsenic than is in the Paris green. Well, we shall ha:c something to look forward to: perhaps the freezing of the. ground to an unwanted depth last winter may have a. stroyed the embryo of the nasty little beast. Inches had better plant the tubers, if not quite in the usual quantity.
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Whatever may be said in regard to the pecuniary results of farming operations in our neighborhood, it cannot be alleged that there has been any falling off in diligent effort. "Our old men have doubtless their usual visions " (of better days long ago) "and our young men dreamed dreams" (of better days to come), but neither dream nor visiou has weakened the busy hand nor dulled the active mind. While the spirit survives with fraternal feeling, Sandy Spring is safe, whether money be plenty or " tight"; perhaps all the safer when it is a little tight. The apprehension that we cannot make a living here, out of the ground, in some honest way, is simply preposterous. While the earth endureth, and men crowd the cities, grain, hay, roots, meat, butter, cream, fruit, one or the other, all or a few, are sure to be in demand, and to supply all the real wants of the best sort of living.
There has been a considerable manifestation this year of a spirit of inquiry and experiment among the younger farmers, and this is a very good tlfing. Also some show of an effort to economize expenses. One of the valuable associations, yclept the "Home Interests," has the merit of starting the bold project of a " co-operation laundry," irhich claims to introduce economy into an important and troublesome department of the household; not only economy of expenses, but the saving of the hardest part of woman's work, by making steam and machinery perform it. I believe this is only a project as yet, " the sinews of war " not having been fully provided.
Other indications are not wanting to show there is a full measure of interest and spirit connected with things relating to our great business of life. The Horticultural Society was kept up with unflagging zeal through the
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season ; and with the ready assistance of others outside its necessarily restricted membership, presented to the sur- rounding community in September a highly successful exhibition of vegetables, fruits and flowers. My asso- ciate also notes an increased interest in our County Fair, evinced by a creditable display from this vicinity. In the same connection we record the Third Annual Con- vention of the Farmers' Clubs of Montgomery county, having been so interesting and popular as to merit being considered an established institution. The design was first shadowed in this little book. In the record made three years ago it is remarked: " The Farmers' Clubs might (and ought to) have a system for combining their wisdom and for co-operating in making important experiments; they ought to hold a general meeting at least once a year "; and the Lyceum was named as the proper place. Now since the idea thus thrown out has borne such fine fruit, it may be as well to remind you where it originated. People are always willing to own a child after he becomes in any way distinguished !
Next after the sketch of the progress of agriculture among us, generally come remarks upon social institu- tions and the general condition of the neighborhood. Between these two, and as being closely connected with both, properly comes a notice of the recent institution of the Grange. It is, however, impracticable from the very nature of the Order to give any definite description of operations from which the outside world is of course excluded. As a subject in which many of our people are directly interested, it is proper to note in this Record :1 ... election of a fine building at Olney, for the acconten. ... tion of the Order, also affording a spacious lecture room, where several excellent and instructive public address
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have been already delivered. The construction of the building was distinguished by the strict carrying out of the principle of "punctuality in all our dealings," which is so often impressed on our own peculiar people. Indeed, it is no more than fair to claim that the commendable characteristics of Sandy Spring have been impressed in considerable degree upon the new Order, contributing to its solid prosperity.
The Grange not being a special institution of our neighborhood, these local annals do not need to dwell upon the subject: the less so because, unfortunately, . there is a difference of sentiment in regard to it, while the satisfaction, the very life of this record depends upon its referring to subjects and events in which all of us can feel a common interest, and which all may recognize as a sort of common property. I pass the subject with this remark -coming from one who knows whereof he speaks-no permanent trouble is to be apprehended where there is no real ground for a difference, because both parties are seeking the same end, and by almost the same means, namely-co-operative action and. "unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace."
Other institutions which may be characterized as the Agricultural-Social, Moral-Social, Home-domestic-Social, and the Literary-Social, still live and flourish. What a social people we must be ! Although predictions have been made of extinction by absorption of several of these associations, there is a spirit prevailing amongst them that seems to refuse to perish. As this spirit is, within itself, probably the best trait we have to boast of, may it continue to wave ! if only it does not quite use up some of the young people who are animated by it beyond reason and moderation at the expense of sound sleep and rest.
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In reviewing the operations of the Lyceum proper I discover that it has been slandered by some of us. It was reported as being in a languishing condition-thus, "lec- tures not well attended "-"the people satiated with them," and other similar accusations of failing interest in this literary centre.
Now we find that there have been eleven lectures de- livered in this ball during the present year. When were there ever more? Look at the variety of subjects! " Poetry of the Bible," "Sketch of the Colorado Country," " Afternoon of the 19th Century," "The Dairy," "The Dignity of Labor," " Local Option," " Visit to Aston Row- ant," "Spain and Palestine," "Pictures of Rocky Mountain Scenery," "Sinai." Naturally some of these were better attended than others, and no doubt better merited at- tendance; but all were instructive. Rev. Mr. Ware's lec- ture combined merit and interest in a high degree ; and as he was at last favored with a beautiful evening, the audi- ence was as large as any in Lyceum's best days. Again, the Magic Lantern brought a crowd that showed how the youthful fondness for pictures survives among us all. Appeals to the eye are more attractive than to the car, which known fact may be explained in this way: When we are children we are apt not to understand the subject clearly, or may be repelled by excess of advice; and when we are grown up our self-love revolts from the idea that "the fellow can teach us anything." Perhaps we are satiated with lectures of quite another sort. We love to look at pictures-they do not offer insults in any way. Popular lectures should always have something to show, if practicable. Still, when we come to think seriously, there are not many of us who would hesitate to acknowledge that we might learn a great deal more
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from sound, rational lectures without adventitious aids. "Were men to live coeval with the sun, the patriarch pupil would be learning still." If those lines could be truly said in the times of Young's "Night Thoughts," how much more forcibly might they be uttered now !
The two solid institutions doing business at the Insur- ance Building, corner of two neighborhood Turnpikes, present in their recent annual statements a favorable con- dition of affairs in both companies. The fiery element, so prevalent for several preceding years, showed a decided abatement in '74 (though it makes a lively start in '75). The increase of deposits in the Savings Bank is steady: a trifle less than the increase was last year, making over $45,000 now, and giving promise that the eighth year will show savings to an amount exceeding $50,000 if all goes well. Of the investments there are a little more than $3500 loaned to individuals properly secured ; a cir- cumstance which indicates that the bank is widening its sphere of usefulness without any diminution of safety. No security is so safe as land. * * Thus we see the ship moves on -- ship that holds our common destiny. Watchman, what of the night? Where is she now? Any breakers in sight? How are the engines working ? Is there still proper depth ? Above all, how is she steering ? and whither? All secure, master ! plenty of steam from the boiler-breakers wellnigh passed. She is steering calmly on-the only gale to be feared has, it is hoped, subsided. Breezes will of course arise, but only such as disturb the surface ; for,
" Though winds are raging o'er the upper ocean, And billows wild contend with angry roar, We know, far down beneath the wild commotion, That peaceful stillness reigneth evermore."
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And while the social depths are kept sweet and calm and pure by the salt. of religious principle, to which this neighborhood owes what it has of most valuc, there will ever arise from those depths an influence powerful to calm the surface, though ruffled by transient gales.
The foregoing figure of speech savors plainly of the sea ; which was for a time during the past year the abode of several of your fellow-citizens of Sandy Spring. There were at least seven who tried the Atlantic waves, although only three of us reached the European shores. Four of the seven made a shorter trip along the American coast ; one of whom, Charles F. Brooke, has since tried a more extensive journey to the Far West, and his reports of the land nearly resemble mine of the sea. No brother or sister of our neighborhood is likely to be deluded into a passionate love, either of the ocean or of Colorado, by the relation of his experiences or mine. The European party had, on the whole, "a good time"; one of my associates is pleased to write: "September 24th brought the return home of our European party in renewed health, and with a host of pleasant recollections, which they have shared with some of us who were not so fortunate." That party can never forget another composed of fifty friends, who came one bright moonlight evening, the 28th of June. to bid farewell to the travellers ; nor the kind greeting that welcomed the return.
I regret to wind up remarks upon the travellers of this year with an observation from the notes of one of my assistants, rather severe, but doubtless just. runni: : thus: "June: numerous husbands off on trips, wins their self-denying wives attend to home matters." Who is hit ?
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Among the losses of the year we have to note the with- drawal of the Olney telegraph. It was a short-lived benefaction, but while it existed a great advantage in several instances; the loss is much to be lamented. The deprivation in this instance does not seem to be charge- able to a want of enterprise on our part, but to circum- stances beyond our control. The failure or disappoint- ment is not properly a reflection upon our neighborhood. It is undeniable that, for telegraphs and railroads, we are obliged to depend upon others. The enterprises and per- formances within our own power, which we accomplish, are the only sort to find proper mention here. As to the question now of some interest, whether the road, when it comes, shall start from Laurel or Hanover, and shall begin in this year or some other future year, that is the concern of John W. Garrett. We can do nothing to hasten or retard. The historian of Sandy Spring regards it as a want of proper dignity to dwell upon this matter any further, particularly as he has no recent information to communicate.
We proceed to a conclusion with a record of affairs which are peculiarly our own; the three most im- portant concerns of human beings, the subjects which arouse the most powerful and deepest emotions of joy and grief.
For the ten years recorded on previous pages there was an average of 21 marriages amongst us per year (though it may be considered by fair young maidens as almost an outrage to treat weddings as questions of average, and to speak of half marriages too !) This year we are favored with three weddings, which is of course " too many by half."
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On 9th month, 24th, married, Joseph T. McDowell to Annie Stone. The bride was taken away from the quiet country to the great metropolitan city.
10th month, 6th, Gerard Hopkins and Emily Snowden. Whether we are to lose finally the happy pair in the bay region of Virginia, or to rejoice in their return, time will make manifest.
11th month, 5th, Edward C. Dickinson and Fannie I. Lea. Again the bride is taken away from among us to Northern Pennsylvania. Doubtless in each case our loss is their gain.
It is hoped that in another year we shall be making gains at the expense of some other neighborhood, so as not to keep on losing. So far as the mere question of population is concerned our gains are nearly triple our losses.
In the blooming month of May, the extreme south- western verge of our neighborhood, the dwelling of Roger B. Farquhar was gladdened by the arrival of a boy. In the following month, a daughter brightened the opposite extremity ; and a boy, her first cousin, was born near midsummer. Autumn afforded another boy, Then in early February a little girl came to keep company with its sister near the well-travelled turnpike. March arrived, and before its close three children, a girl and two boys, joined the procession. My associate, who takes special care of this department, was confessedly unable to keep her record fully up. It stands thus : Eight births this year-five boys and three girls.
Under date 10th month, 30th, my associate writes: "Truly our neighborhood has been blessed with Beth . the past year, which should be a cause of gratitude and thankfulness to the Good Father. There has not been a
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funeral at our meeting house since this day a year ago, when Isaac Briggs was buried."
Though very healthy still, the neighborhood has not altogether escaped the visits of the king of terrors. 5th month, 22d, the remains of William D. Stabler were brought from Frankford, Penn., and buried in the ceme- tery. He was a very good young man, with mind excep- tionally bright, till overcome by mental disease. The wanderer is freed and at rest.
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