USA > Maryland > Montgomery County > Sandy Spring > Annals of Sandy Spring history of a rural community in Maryland, Volume 1 > Part 8
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sidered for various good reasons a more convenient period than midwinter ; and the festive scason of Christmas is not clouded by thoughts of having to provide the next week for certain pecuniary arrangements which the farmer has not yet had time to meet. My purpose now in bringing these considerations forward is merely to demon- strate that we happened to fall upon the true and natural period for commencing our historical year, with the special purpose of taking a simple, sensible, serious re- view of the one just closed. It is surely the part of wis- dom to do so. I know it has been said " Let the dead past bury its dead !" Very good. We bury the past as we last week buried the seeds of grass, grain and garden, to come up again. " There's the rub," and the good of it: they won't stay buried; they will come up. Besides, we know well that if we want clover and oats and sweet corn, we must not scatter garlic and daisy and chickweed.
"Sown in darkness, or sown in light, Sown in weakness, or sown in might, Sown in meekness, or sown in wrath, In the broad world-field or the shadowy path, Sure will the harvest be ! "
Your historian is not accustomed to be so poetical and moralistic at the commencement of his review. Forgive him! The extraordinary fervor must surely be suggested by the extraordinary progress and early luxuriance of the present season. We have had in many respects au ex- traordinary year. The most marked feature was an un- usual regularity in the advance of the successive seasons. Last spring was not an carly one; but when it did fairly commence, it went on with scarcely any of those back- sets so common in our climate. No " winter lingering in the lap of May " last year. The summer,-well, the sum-
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mer went on regularly too, until it attained a high steady temperature, which was of such intensity as probably not to have passed altogether out of your recollection. Then came the autumn, one of the most beautiful that any of us has known : its calm lovely days by no means " the saddest of the year," followed one another in a remarkable succes- sion of gradually reduced temperature overlapping far into December, and putting off the actual advent of winter until all might be supposed ready for his coming. Fresh roses in bloom were plucked from the gardens late into December. At length, winter came just as we like to see it, "short, sharp and decisive"; and withal dry, but cs- pecially short. From roses in December 26th to hya- cinths in March 17th, both in bloom in the open air, was a rapid move. Indeed, March seems to have missed his usual place in the calendar. His absence caused no grief.
We have now made the circuit of the year : yet another matter in regard to the weather remains to be referred to. Your historian undertook, in the review of last year, to make something like a prophecy for the next. How is it as to the fulfilment ? Was there, or was there not, a drought in the year 1870? If this question was pro- pounded in many large sections of this country, and also in Europe, there would come a decided answer in the affirmative. I collected various newspaper extracts, which prove the existence of a severe and extensive drought ; but it is not necessary to read them. You, farmers, who are so fortunate as to have potatoes to sell, know well enough why the price that you realize is so unexpectedly high. The low waters and dry wells and ice-ponds offered proof of the same fact. There was a considerable drought in the year 1870. But, on the other hand, when we recall the painful recollection of copious and continued rains
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last June, by which our wheat crop was so greatly injured; added to which that no single crop with us suffered seriously from want of moisture, it must be acknowledged that your historian was justly taunted with having his prediction cast up to him, and is very willing to admit that it would be safer to confine himself hereafter to his proper province of the past. And yet, the practical point which he meant to make was borne out in one important particular, namely, that he who should put in his potato crop in moist land and tend it properly would profit by the predicted drought. I venture to ask you to remember this in 1886.
My reason for dwelling somewhat on the preceding sub- ject will be apparent to you all ; and, as many weather predictions are just now coming into vogue, you will excuse the long-drawn specimen of this sort of prophecy : but it is time that we change the theme.
Whatsoever other events of joy or sorrow the year just ended has brought to us, it has taken none of us away. Of the three hundred and twenty-eight persons now in- cluded in "our neighborhood," all still live-all of us, with several more added. It has been a year for taking the census in more cases than one. The Friends had it taken of the members of their own Society. The figures show a fair increase during the last ten years. Then, one hundred and eighty-one members of Sandy Spring Monthly Meeting were enumerated; now the number is two hun- dred and cighieen, an increase of full twenty per cent. The State of Maryland has made an increase of only 13 per cent. in the same period.
The national consus furnished some facts in regard to the agricultural productions of our neighborhood which are worth recording here. Your historian having held
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the office of Census-taker in both the years of 1850 and 1870, is enabled to compare the products of nine farms at those two several periods. The estimate is given in the moneyed value at present prices.
Total value of productions in 1850, $10,365. In 1870, $36,320. Average per farm in 1850, $1151; in 1870, $1035, which shows an increase on the same land over 3} fold.
This augmented production in the last twenty years will scarcely surprise you: a more important question just now is whether the improvement still goes on in the same ratio from year to year. I think it does. From the best observation that I can make during the present year, there appears to be no falling off in the energetic prose- cution of the labors of agriculture among our people. I think that, as an instance of industry well applied, there has been a greater show of large stones taken up in plowed fields than has been usually the case in one year. 'The plowman who is careful to remove these obstructions is not likely to fail in other measures for ameliorating the poil.
Also there is now going on in the neighborhood a more than usual number of buildings, and these of the best sort for farmers; all this in spite of the alleged " hard times." It may be that the work of improvement is shown more in the number of new houses than in new barns, which would not be considered a favorable indi- cation in some districts. It is, however, in accordance with the spirit of Sandy Spring, which, though appre- ciating fine stock at their full value, has always preferred, and it is to be hoped always will prefer, to provide thist for the comfort and welfare of human beings.
Next in importance to improvements of the farm, so far
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as the substantial material interests of the people are con- cerned, comes the subject of roads. It was mentioned in the last chapter that vigorous efforts were being made to construct a turnpike from Ashton to the district line, a large subscription, which was a surprise to many, having been obtained. During the year several miles of the work have been done ; difficulties remain to be overcome before it is completed, yet none that can stop such men as have undertaken to finish the work.
The year is noted for another enterprise in the line of a turnpike; one to connect Sandy Spring more directly with the main stem from Brookeville to Washington. This enterprise, which may be said almost to have sprung into being full grown, like Minerva from the brain of Jupiter, has also met with drawbacks in the exe- cution, but is now proceeding with steady, deliberate pro- gress. Impelled by an energy "that knows no such word as fail," and backed up by the strong corporation of the main stem, it is sure to be set down in my next record among the finished labors.
After the discussion of turnpikes you will naturally expect some reference to an interesting subject that has had a place in all the preceding annals. But, if it is only for variety I must disappoint you this time, passing on to other topics, scarcely saying the word "railroad." We shall none the less " keep a great thinking about it"; and doubtless have a great deal to say next year!
So much for material progress. How is it with things social, intellectual and spiritual ?
The incidents of the year, so far as they have been re- ferred to, show no want of life in these respecte, but rather the contrary. The various associations which are becom- ing the chief characteristics of our neighborhood are
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flourishing and increasing in numbers. A new society was formed during last summer, with the interesting and promising title of " Home Interests." Its peculiar feature appears to be that it is composed exclusively of young mar- ried folks. If there is not much known about this society outside its own circle, this is no cause for wonder or blame, since the important and interesting class of which it is composed are always sure to find no lack of subjects with- in, and concerning themselves alone. This freemasonry will doubtless expand and receive accessions of new mem- bers.
The older "Ladies' Association " (using the term only in reference to the date of its formation) pursues the even tenor of its way, neither straying aside on the one hand to urge disturbing political theories, nor on the other to oppose them, but devoting itself to "moral and social improve- ment"; ready to aid all proper benevolent enterprises in feeding and clothing the destitute at home or in the far West.
The Farmers' Club at one of its meetings last year threw off in a very decided manner any imputation that might be started, of its beginning to feel "the infirmities of age," on the occasion of a suggestion from one of the members that "the time might come" when the winter meetings could be dispensed with. The proposition met with no favor. On the contrary, it was agreed by a num- ber of the members to undertake at once a regular series of useful farm experiments, which implies an energy almost youthful in its character. It is not in my power to say whether the younger Farmers' Club is doing its whole duty in that way. If it shrinks from any duty that merely requires a little trouble, the time may come when it will be distinguished from its senior confrere as being
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the club which meets of moonlight evenings. However, some of its members are engaged in an experiment which I am disposed to regard with great interest: namely, the application of oyster-shell lime. The period has arrived, at least on some of our farms, when concentrated ammo- niacal and phosphated fertilizers will no longer suffice to restore to the soil the vast amount of material carried to town in the form of hay.
The Horticultural Society, once deemed exclusive, but really the least so of all, embracing as it does all ages and both sexes, proved its importance last year both by what it did and what it omitted. I refer only to the latter charge. It was concluded, though with reluctance on the part of a portion of the members, to omit the September Fair, and concentrate efforts on the County Fair soon to take place in Rockville. The motive was good, but the result, in its effects, was of doubtful advantage. County Agricultural Fairs, the larger the better, are good things, but horse races are bad things ; and this neighborhood will be untrue, not merely to its religious professions, but to the moral character which its people have certainly claimed, if it fails to distinguish between innocent amuse- menis, and those which, if not essentially immoral, are at least hurtful in immediate or remote influence. Perhaps no question of more importance to the future welfare of the neighborhood has loomed up during the year than that which relates to the subject of amusements.
But I assure you, before going further into this question, that I do not mean to forget that a history is not a sermon. That is to sav. not directly such; and yet history were never worth the writing, if it does not indirectly preach the truth to us. It is the saying of some old sage, "Tell me a people's amusements, and I will tell you their character ";
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and in accordance with this principle they have always been considered within the province of the historian.
In order to perform this part of my task, it is now the proper time to refer to one of the neighborhood associations, hitherto passed by. If any doubt was expressed in regard to the new institution, called the "Sociable," whether the · members were likely to "stick," the customary provision for feed being left out of the plan of the society, the experi- ence of the present year has served to banish that doubt. The Sociable has been the most popular thing of the sea- son ; its plan seems to have worked well every way. The system of giving attention to elementary principles of edu- cation, and calling all the members to bear a part, both with tongue and pen, is calculated to be highly improving. The written essays have possessed real merit, and there are several young writers thus developed by learning their own powers, who, after acquiring by practice the grand attainments of compression and brevity, will be able to sus- tain and increase the literary reputation of the neigh- borhood.
Others have talked about establishing a paper at Sandy Spring; but these young people of ours have got it up, and very creditably too. Possibly it may be the germ of a larger enterprise of this sort. Were it only as easy to support a paper pecuniarily as to fill its columns with good reading matter, the thing were very practicable here.
The juveniles of the Sociable naturally took up the sub- ject of amusements for discussion. Youth and amuse- ments have a natural connection. They seem to have carried on the discussion with the freedom that belongs to the times, yet with the apparent desire to bring the ques- tions involved to the test of reason and truth. The day has passed when these or any other questions can be
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settled by tradition or authority. Let the young people freely examine and test for themselves! It has become a very interesting problem at this time, in which the old as well as the young are concerned, and in which the views peculiar to both are entitled to consideration, to determine the nature and limits of rational recreation. Your histo- rian will now only observe, in his effort to impress the lessons of history touching the subject, that all amusements should be brought to these tests : Do they tend to pro- mote health or endanger it? to refine the feelings, or to render them more coarse? to produce respect to what is really worthy of reverence, or to produce the reverse ? In a word, does the individual in practicing the sport feel as if he was higher up in the scale of being, or does he feel a little lower down, after it is over ? Years hence, the stand- ing of this neighborhood will show the influence of hav- ing adopted the one or the other sort of amusement.
We have now discussed the various societies. What shall be said of "Society," technically so called ? Accord- ing to the newspapers, the idea of society at the Capital seems to consist in descriptions of the dresses worn by ladies at parties. Although it must be admitted that the fashion of dress should have a place in history, the present writer feels wholly inadequate to that part of his task. Nor does he receive any help on this point in turning to the valuable information furnished him by the lady who has consented to render some assistance in this portion of the annals. Since she says not a word about changes in the style of attire, from bonnet to slipper, we must continue our sin of omission. It is due, however, to the importance of the subject, to say a word in regard to social usages, for they certainly rise to the dignity of history. In these pro- miscuous details it may be proper to remark that, accord-
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ing to my observation, there have been fewer parties this past year than in some previous seasons ; and this has ap- peared to be a creditable circumstance, as evincing, in a proper way, the appreciation felt by the lovers of social pleasures, of the rather hard times, and the difficulties experienced by some to fulfil all their obligations with accustomed punctuality.
It is also well deserving of mention, while referring to the subject of social usages, that a manly effort was made this year (which scarcely met a womanly seconding) to check the growing evil of " late hours." It is very much to be hoped that an evil so indisputable among country people will resist the influence of city example. There is, in this matter, a positive discordance between the pro- prieties of town and country. There is conclusive evi- dence that the "hard times," so often unjustly complained of, is this year not wholly a myth; the operations of the "Sandy Spring Savings Institution " serve to show the correctness of the complaint. The amount received from depositors in the present year is only $9715, being $6300 less than the preceding. The amount now invested is $21,409.94, which must be regarded as a decided indication of a prosperous and useful institution.
Among the most interesting phenomena of the year whose events have passed into history, was one which impressed the country everywhere, so far as our acquaint- ance extends-a pleasant gale, if we may term it so, which reached our neighborhood in the autumn, and blew for a time with much impetuosity; nor has it ceased yet to agitate the throbbing belles. I refer, of course, to the " marriage gale," whose results (as thus far ascertained ) may be summed up in the actual solemnization of three weddings, very near together, so beautiful that none more
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beautiful have ever been recorded in these pages. The recollection of such events is peculiarly pleasant, even in withered bosoms. Thanksgiving Day of 1870, how inex- pressibly bright and sweet and balmy! And yet there was another side to the picture; for the influence of these exciting events served to diminish the interest felt in open- ing the lecture course of the Lyceum. And being strongly
impressed with the conviction that literary culture and the mental activity thereby promoted are immediately con- nected with keeping up, in a worthy and respectable man- ner, the exercises for which this hall was built, the least indication of a want of interest in them seems to me a subject for regret. Looking back, however, over the whole winter's course, so far as it has gone, I cannot see anything like failure. The lectures and other literary entertain- ments have not, in my judgment, fallen below par; in several instances they were considerably above that stand- ard. Thus much can fairly be said of the lecturers. A more important question relates to the audience. Their attendance and deportment, their degree of interest in what is being said, is a far more important matter for the permanent and assured success of such an institution, than the occasional success or failure of a speaker. As was said at the inauguration of the Lyceum twelve years ago, "Furnish us with the rightaudience, and we will insure lecturers fairly satisfactory." Being bound simply to record such facts as he remembers, your historian takes pleasure in referring, in this connection, to the very last lecture, wherein the audience performed their part quite as well as the speaker did his, and that was highly satisfactory to all.
In the annals of things spiritual, it would be an omission to forget the visit of friend Caroline Talbott during the winter. The thronged attendance on her ministrations
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proved the depth and earnestness of the interest felt by our people in the high themes of which she discoursed, ac- ceptably to most of her auditors, though not to all.
The number of births in the year was 7, of which 4" were boys and 3 girls.
The marriages, as before stated, were 3, but these are imperfectly alluded to without the names of the parties. That blank is thus filled :
On the 10th day of November, 1870, Philip T. Sta- bler to Cornelia Nichols.
On the 24th day of November, Walter H. Brooke to Caroline H. Leggett.
On the 1st day of December, James P. Stabler to Alice Brooke.
Deaths-None.
CHAPTER IX.
FROM FOURTH MONTH, 3d, 1871, TO FOURTH MONTH, 1st, 1872.
Influence and variations of weather - More compliments from Mr. Ramsdel-Summer boarders-Combined action - Birth of the various Associations-" Agreeing to differ" -The " Inno- cents" - Debating Society -The use of "supper" - The turnpikes nearly finished - On toll-gates- Fresh news of rail- roads - Postoffice reports -The Lyceum fairly active- Hor- ticultural increases in favor - Tile manufacture -The many marriages increase visiting - Origin of the " Farmers' Conven- tion " - First-day school revives.
In commencing this, the ninth Chapter of these Neigh- borhood Annals, the writer desires to express an intention (if life is spared so long) of making one more addition to the historical sketches of the present volume. Ten years will then stand recorded,
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Your meteorologist has frequently and very justly called our attention to the degree of general similarity which one season bears to another. At the outset of my present sketch, I am impressed with the fact of the differ- ence sometimes observed. I find in looking over last year's record, that a poetical effusion at the beginning was attributed to the genial influence of the balmy at- mosphere we were then enjoying. " March," it was said, "seemed to have been left out of the calendar." How about it this year? Was there ever a more genuine March month? You will have no poetry this time in- spired by the winds prevailing as I write.
While on the subject of the weather of last year, it may be noted down by way of supplement to the full report you have just had, that the three spring months of '/1 were the hottest on record for eighty-two years ; average temperature being 5778°. On April 8th the thermometer rose to 88° (in the shade of course). The young people present can remember the alliteration by the repetition of eights. It will probably be long before they have such another experience. Wheat harvest commenced June 10th, ripe oats were cut in the last part of the same month. Rainfall at the Smithsonian for the year now expiring was 323 inches, to 37 inches for the preceding year; with an average of 40 inches for six years. The dry wells so numerous this season are thus accounted for.
The year just passed away has not been marked by any very extraordinary events. No occurrence of an especially sensational character is now remembered, unless, indeed, it consist in the notoriety which we may have acquired through the appearance of a remarkable description of our neighborhood, published in several newspapers of the county. I have already quoted in former Annals what
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appeared to me worthy and sincere tributes to the past and present character of the community of Sandy Spring, from men well qualified to form a correct and sober judg- ment. The sketch to which I now refer is painted in much livelier colors. It came to us half a year ago, in the hot months. Let us take a look at it in these cool days (if we can do so without blushing), and see whether we can recognize our own lineaments.
The writer, after saying some capital things about the fashionable watering-places, gets right up on his high horse and speaks thus :
"Let me tell you of Sandy Spring. It is in Montgomery County, Maryland, 16 or 18 miles north of Washington, on high ground where mosquitoes never come, and where big bills, hotel discomforts, plotting mammas, willing girls, heartless compliments, fashionable languor, gaudy dress and indigestion are never known. Instead, you have a locality where sincerity is the ruling feature, where health is an established law, and where enjoyment seeks incentive in one's own nature. Sandy Spring is a com- munity of Quakers ; not the sort that are always theeing and thouing you, always turning down the corners of their mouth and looking grave at the sight of enjoyment, and smiling only in their sleep: but the kind that the love of God has made happy; the kind in whose nature selfish- ness has given way to fairness ; the kind who believe that God has not made men after his own image to groan and weep and lament the wickedness of the world, but rather to read sermons in nature, gratitude in the happiness which every neighbor's family feels, and enjoyment which harinless pleasure brings ; where laughter is not a crime, and where music is not regarded as too worldly for the elect. . . I do not believe there is a place on earth which the 5
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