USA > Maryland > Montgomery County > Sandy Spring > Annals of Sandy Spring history of a rural community in Maryland, Volume 1 > Part 9
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love of God and man has so ennobled. Sincerity is the word which expresses their religious quality and describes their dealings with mankind. You may stay among these Quakers for months, subject them to the severest test of constant companionship, and yet you will never hear a basty, an angry, or an impatient word from their lips, or see a mean action, be it ever so insignificant. They are moral, without seeming to wear upon or about them a look of reproach and warning to others. 'They are thrifty, without being mean and stingy. They are benevolent without ostentation. They are intelligent, refined and wise, without being didactic; they are careful, judicious and thoughtful, without being suspicious. The location of this newly discovered Eden is perfect." After a good deal more in the same strain, which I have scarce the nerve to quote, bringing as it does the color to the cheek, the writer finishes up with describing the homesteads and the children. Instead of expanding upon the beauty and perfection of the latter, where he might have showered praises that would still fail to "come up to the parents' wish," he merely says: "their number I do not contract to calculate, being almost as bad as Ginx," &c., &c. We are informed that the writer of the above sketch (whose name is Ramsdel) expects to become a resident to some extent of the neighborhood so extravagantly eulogized. I hope that he will carry out the scheme; and then we would like so much to hear from him again, say, three or four years hence. In the meantime would it not be nice if we were to become all that his fancy has pictured us ? I commenced copying the gentleman's description with the idea of turning it into burlesque, as was probably more than half intended by the writer. But as I proceeded other thoughts came. I remembered a child who was
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praised for merits that he could but partially claim, and the effect was so decidedly favorable as actually to stimu- late him to deserve the commendation. Now there are points in the delineation just read to you which strike me with great force as suggestions for practical improvement. For what else are people made but to improve ? " Heart- less compliments," "gaudy dress," "gloomy outside re- ligion," " hasty words," " selfish actions," since he acquits us of all these, it may really be that we are so far clear that it would be practicable to become still more so. " Sincerity " is the crowning virtue which he emphatically awards us: let us hope that he had some ground for this tribute (and I honestly think there is a claim for it); on that substantial basis we may build up still more.
An institution of this neighborhood, not referred to in these pages hitherto, is the taking of summer boarders. This practice is one not to be slighted, for its influence has been considerable. It goes back also into old times. Ac- cording to my impressions, the practice as at present car- ried on was fairly instituted about forty years ago, begin- ning at the oldest homestead in this region of country, the original " Charley Forrest." Since that day, how many and what various sorts of people have sought our "classic shades" to rest under "the big trees," and recruit in the heats of summer, sometimes lingering after those heats had passed ! The institution now forms an important fea- ture in the arrangements of a number of families. It thus becomes an interesting question for the historian to inves- tigate the influences for good or for evil exerted in this way upon the neighborhood. Having been placed in cir- cuinstances favorable for observation, and having also heard the opinions of several old residents, I have been led to speculate considerably on the subject, with the follow-
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ing results : The injurious tendencies brought to my notice might be summed up in the words of caution and reproof (quite familiar to our young people), in regard to the danger of adopting city customs, frivolous fashions and amusements, "heartless compliments," gaudy dress, and the rest of those follies from which we are said to have been hitherto exempt. So far as such adoption extends to the introduction of town ways, which are, from the nature of things, wholly unsuited to rational country life-for example, the turning day into night, and vice versa-not to speak of the street-sweeping trains, whose worst effect has been to render walking among the ladies an almost
antiquated exercise-so far the influence of summer board- ers is, of course, unfavorable. But when we take a wider view of the subject and consider the actual normal rela- tions of town and country toward each other, we shall find many important quickening influences producing decided benefits to the latter. The fault of country people is in being too slow; city folks are sometimes "fast"; at any rate intercourse between the two has the effect to enliven the faculties. The mingling together of opposite qualities is often a mutual advantage. The fact is, town and country are so constituted that each is necessary to the other. In fine, there does not remain a doubt that the advantages which this neighborhood has received from its large and free intercourse with persons from the city during the past forty years greatly preponderate over the evils before men- tioned, which are essentially transient and superficial. Our minds have been animated and liberalized, our resources, in a pecuniary point of view, have been increased, and our morals have not probably been impaired.
Assuredly the past year shows no indications of dimin- ished activity, either in a material, mental or social view.
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The best criterion of the degree of real civilization and progress in a community has been said, on high authority, to be found in their power of combining together to accon- plish beneficial purposes,-the "clubbing faculty," we may term it. Estimated by this test, the year now being re- corded compares favorably with any previous one ; perhaps it stands in the fore-front.
As these associations are such an important feature of our neighborhood, it is well to make out a list of them, giving the date of their origin and the number of persons composing the body, so far as has been ascertained. They are here put down in the order of their formation, not of their present importance-of course not:
1. The Library Company, organized 1842.
2. The Farmers' Club, composed of 16 members, organ- ized 1844.
3. Ladies' Association for Mutnal Improvement, 15 members, organized 1857.
4. Horticultural Society (20 to 30 members), organized 1863.
5. Club Junior (now Enterprise Club), 15 members, organized 1865.
6. The Sociable, 33 members, organized 1869.
7. The Home Interests, 24 members, organized 1870.
8. Montgomery Club (No. 3), 15 members, organized 1872.
9. The Innocents, 14 members, organized 1872.
Total number of members composing the eight associa- tions (omitting the Library Company), is 154. Of these, some are members of more than one association. Proba- bly there are now 125 separate individuals that occupy a place in one or the other society.
The importance of these exhibits, in taking a right view
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of the present and future character of our neighborhood, can hardly be overestimated. Man is a weak creature of himself. The interesting partnership with a woman more than doubles his worth and power. The family relation is the germ of all that is of high value in society. Still there is, so far, too much of selfishness in the combining principle. There must be a motive of wider reach to that principle before it can produce its whole effects in elevating society. Joint action for a common beneficial purpose is the crowning operation of the grand associative princi- ple. Our Mutual Fire Insurance Company (which has not yet received in these Annals the notice to which its importance and success entitle it), and the Savings Institu- tion, are further illustrations of that operating power in our neighborhood. Both are business, not social, institu- tions; yet the difficulties of originating such would never have been successfully met and overcome by a commu- nity which had taken no lessons in the science of com- bined action. We have now learned some of these first lessons, but I am sure that we do not claim to have attained anything like perfection in the science. We have partly acquired the indispensable qualification to agree, but in respect of the more advanced attainment, that of agreeing to differ, there is mmuch to learn yet. Joint action is the body, of which harmony of feeling is the soul.
It would no doubt be gratifying to give some further particulars in regard to the operations during the year of these interesting associations; especially of two or three youngest ones, their constitution, objects, &c .; but these points have scarcely developed as yet. Taking the very youngest, they (as I am informed) have no special pur- pose, ignoring those prosy subjects of potato culture, pickles and preserves, moral and mental culture, gnano,
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peonies, begonias, and such like; in short, meeting " to have a good time " (don't we old folks envy them!) yet guaranteed by their very name, the "Innocents," from aught unworthy the character of the neighborhood of which they constitute an interesting part. The Club, designated as No. 3, though it has had more names than is the case with "anybody's darling" that I am acquainted with, has started out with some new features which give the promise of usefulness and permanence desired by all.
The Sociable was organized this year with the interest- ing addition of a Debating Society. The younger portion of this community who feel a desire to sustain and elevate its character, really ought not to suffer this institution to languish and die away. There is surely enough capacity here to maintain respectably these mingled social and literary reunions, which afford, just so long as the spirit is kept up, and no longer, a pleasant means of improve- ment. The form in which the Association appears this winter is a variation of the old-time Reading Circle; and will go on, I trust, to receive from year to year, new adaptations to the spirit of the times as suggested by the inventive geniuses constantly bursting into bloom. But "the Sociable" cannot be let go without referring to a compliment paid them in these pages two years since, ou account of their " dispensing with all entertainments not of an intellectual kind": again in last year it was con- ceded that they had still stuck to their resolution. Now I am informed they have ceased to stick ; having yielded to the essential conditions for success and permanence in all institutions gotten up at Sandy Spring. This grave historical fact, showing our weakness on a minor point, received another illustration this winter, in the meetings held at the Lyceum for the benevolent purpose of making
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garments to clothe the red brethren in or near the Rocky Mountains. Forty-two garments were made at the last meeting! The question was started whether this hand- some report could have been rendered without the in- genious addition of a supper. It is no use to struggle against nature: it is better, by complying, to march on to new triumphs of association ! The Insurance Direc- tors have their feed, and are very punctual in attending to their duties. The bank only has failed to come into it yet; perhaps the sight and touch of tempting morsels may prove too strong for their ascetic self-denial.
In the department of material improvements we note first, in regard to the two turnpikes, that the hope- ful predictions made a year ago are precisely fulfilled. The "Norwood Branch " is at least so nearly completed that a very few days of the open weather, for which it has been so long waiting, will add the last smoothing touch. The Ashton road has been pushed through its most diffi- cult points by those " not-to-be-appalled men," heretofore spoken of.
The traveller at this end has of late experienced a similar impression to that felt by the shipwrecked voyager told us by Dean Swift, who, being cast ashore on an unknown island, and coming upon a gallows with a man hanging to it, " thanked God for this evidence that he had got into a civilized country "! A new tollgate is at first regarded as a similar evidence of civilization. I am not aware that it has really inconvenienced any parties, unless it was some of the youths having a nocturnal call in that direc- tion, who found themselves scarec of pennies. Looking round the whole situation it would appear that the said tollgate is judiciously located. Your historian now feels the reward for his abstaining from allusions to the sub-
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ject of railroads. For, just at the present time a fresh interest is awakened on that subject, and very fresh news is handed round to raise our hopes to the highest pitch. The charter for a new road to run from Washington City on the meridian line, as far as it can get, having been obtained, steps are now being taken to organize, "and commence taking in the money." But this is not the exciting news. Most probably there will be plenty of time to tell of the progress of "the Washington and Pennsyl- vania Line" railroad in our future annals; the other-the long-talked-of "Laurel Cut-off" -- is to be spoken of only once more in next year's sketch, and then as being a finished work. The steam-whistle is to be the shrill accompaniment to the president's address at the next annual meeting, and perhaps scare your horses as they come and return. I relate this very fresh news as it was told me. It was further confidently asserted that "the road will be in running order by next Christmas "; but I would not like to be held strictly responsible for the entire accuracy of the reports. My faith however is great, being exceeded only by that of a lady friend.
That index of advancing civilization, the postoffice. reports 21,450 letters sent from Sandy Spring in 1861, and eighty different publications taken, with 244 sub- scribers.
The Savings Institution shows a fair amount of work for the year, a total of $26,774 being saved away (but, says the merchant, withdrawn from active circulation here) --- the gain for the year in deposits $5364-with 388 de- positors.
The central literary institution, the Lyceum, without: accomplishing anything remarkably brilliant this past season, has been sustained fairly well. There has been no
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falling off' in the attendance, nor any apparent lack of interest. The audience has been decidedly respectable and respectful. At the annual election a year ago it was urged by one of the old standard members that the Board of Directors should be filled chiefly with young men. The president bears testimony that every member of the board constituted in accordance with this idea was in attend- ance at the called meetings-a thing believed to be hitherto unprecedented, at least for some years back. The success of this effort at infusing young blood indi- cates the propriety of carrying it further in the choice of officers. Why not try the infusion of another congenial element? It need scarcely be said what is referred to among such admirers of the sex.
(Your president of the past two years takes this oppor- tunity to make his last farewell bow with many thanks for your attention and frequent expressions of satisfaction with the Annals.)
The fair held in last 9th month. under the auspices of the Horticultural Society, assisted by the two Farmers' Clubs, was considered a complete success, attracting many strangers, whose presence added much to the interest of the affair. A new feature was introduced by the exhibi- tion of stock; some disposition being manifested to look forward to a time when an Agricultural Fair based on sound principles may spring out of this flourishing begin- ning.
One of our citizens having added to his brickmaking establishment preparatory machines for manufacturing drain-tiles, it would seem now to be a worthy subject to call the attention of our Farmers' Clubs to the project. The enterprise is in its infancy, and the same may be said of draining in our neighborhood-in old, rather raw,
1
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though somewhat conceited infancy, at present stands our unscientific art of draining.
Now we turn with pleasure from these material worldly concerns to a more interesting portion of the year's pro- ceedings. It was mentioned, "in our last," that a marri- age gale was blowing over the land with more than usual intensity. Neither did it stop with the year by any means, but rather continued to prevail with increasing force. The history must do itself the honor of a more particular record than usual, being indebted for this to the lady historienne. Married in the year 1871: 4th month 6th, Arthur Stabler and Annie McFarland; 9th month 12th, Alban G. Thomas and Susan HI. Leggett; 9th month 14th, Roger Brooke and Louisa Thomas; 10th month 26th, William 3. Brooke and Mary P. Coffin. And then came a lull in the gale; probably temporary.
There will be more of this sort of interesting perform- ances, and what is to be done about it? A puzzling ques- tion arose in my mind, on the evening of a day which I had spent very pleasantly in visiting certain of the happy homes, called into existence by the life-partnerships formed within the past two years. The question took this shape: How ever are the good folks of our neighborhood to go the rounds of visiting each other's houses if they keep on multiplying (the houses, I mean) at this rate? It can't be done in the way and manner of the last hundred years ; with all the good social feeling in the world, there are limits to its exercise. Note this fact: our young peo- ple don't emigrate, the tracks all point toward, not from Sandy Spring! Must our people then resolve into sepa- rate circles -- the associations visiting only among them- selves? This would be bad-cliques the probable result.
Yet there is a way by which the unity of the neighbor.
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hood can be preserved ; let some one having " a genius for society," devise a scheme by which everybody shall come to see everybody in a social, hospitable way, at one or more central points-this Lyceum for one. I can only throw out a hint now, leaving it to be developed in the future. As an example, the three Farmers' Clubs might (and ought to) have a system for combining their wisdom, and for co-operating in making important experiments. They should hold a general meeting at least once in every year .*
Our friend, Hadassah Moore, who has kindly consented to render valuable assistance in furnishing information of the statistical sort, sends the record of births-five during the year. I am not minded to give names in this case, as in the marriages. For while no one ever objects to hav- ing the year of her wedding placed on a public record, it might some years hereafter be different in the other case. The Family Bible sometimes tells its tales with inconve- nient precision. Delay it as we may, that other solemn record cannot be omitted or concealed. No well-trained mind, with right feelings, can desire to leave that part blank in the simple annals of a united neighborhood. No other part is so suggestive of holy emotions.
" The flowers of love and hope we gather here Shall yet bloom for us in the realm of God ; They shed not their last fragrance on our bier, 'They lie not withered on the cold grave sod."
Death came early into our midst.
Fourth month, 7th, '41, Rachel G. Gilpin died, after a lingering illness, leaving several children, all of whom
* Out of the preceding Quixote scheme for holling social meet- ings grew up the very popular .. Farmers' Convention," which col- leets some time in January of each year an agricultural band of one or two hundred men.
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were married and settled, except one. Although well advanced in years, she never seemed at all like an old person. She was one of a lovely class, who are fully appreciated only by those who have lived in the house with them. Having enjoyed that experience, it is with a mournful satisfaction I join in a tribute of love and praise to her memory.
Fifth month, 30th, again, " in the unfolding of human events, death was to read our people another impressive lesson ; to come again into our midst and take from us a bright and loved young friend." William Thomas died in Philadelphia, where he had gone for the benefit of his health. His remains were interred here, followed to their last resting-place by a very large and solemn train. It has been my solemn duty several times in these pages, to express the common sorrow over the loss to the neighbor- hood, of young men and women who had given promise of future usefulness. I have never felt a stronger sense of such loss than in the present case.
To the clearest and brightest intellect, our loved Willie joined a high moral principle, a conscience almost too sen- sitive-if such can be. These high qualities gave promise of a career which not even his great modesty could have prevented from being a very shining one. His Creator had decided to call him thus early, and we can only be recon- ciled.
Ninth month, 17th, at the home of her childhood, Mary Ellen Sione died, after an illness of several months : hastened, if not produced, by her indefatigable energy in the worthy pursuit of teaching school, in which she had already, though so young, gained the approbation of many judicious friends. So young ! My eyes often turn to her childhood's home across the way, but where is she ?
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Second month, 10th, '72, Catharine Chandlee, one of the oldest members of our meeting, departed this life. She had long been frail in appearance, and rather delicate in health for several years. Not very often seen away from home, her kind and hospitable feelings were familiar to all who went to see her there.
Thus there have been this year four marriages, five births, four deaths, amongst us ; a remarkable approach to cquality in these three great events of human life.
We close this chapter in noting one more incident, the revival of the First-day school. An interesting group of scholars and teachers devote a portion of the afternoon, with perseverance, to education in its best sense, not limited to scholastic attainments. We know that our children are endowed with emotional as well as intellectual faculties; with a heart and soul, as well as a mind. Thus may their way be opened to right and true culture !
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CHAPTER X.
FROM FOURTH MONTH, 1st, 1872, TO FOURTH MONTH, 7th, 1873.
Progress of the History --- The " Dry Season " attended with some good crops -- The "Epizootie " -" How does farming pay ?" Cautions to young farmers-The Labor Question -Quota- tions of value -- On " polish " - On wild "tame beasts" - Severe remarks on railroads- Extent of the " Association Principle " -- Diminished interest toward the Lyceum -- Dramatic entertainments -- Summary of ten years' statistics- The Historian's Farewell.
It is stated on the first page of this book that " at a meet- ing of the Lyceum Company, held the 6th of the 4th month, 1863, an order was passed appointing a Historian, whose duty
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it should be to make a record of neighborhood events, and read it at the following annual meeting." This duty having fallen upon me, it has appeared to be the proper thing to keep up the custom for a full decade ; and now, for various reasons, it is my desire to be released from a duty which has been hitherto a pleasure, because of the tokens of ap- parent interest and expressions of kindly approval which my efforts have received from you. I am very sensible of the imperfection of these sketches, considered as a record of events, and am conscious whatever merits they possess in this respect must be divided with the Lady Ilis- toriennes, who have furnished reports of remarkable accu- racy. My own contributions appear to consist largely of moral reflections, and effusion of sentiments "wise and otherwise "; but you always listened patiently, so as to leave the impression on my mind that, in these annual assem- blages, we were having rather a good time in looking at ourselves and pretending we are thus to appear in His- tory. I must venture to trespass on that patience still further this evening, and indeed put it to a harder proof than it has yet sustained. The pictures of the neighbor- hood presented in the previous pages, drawn by the hands of talented and disinterested parties though they were. are a little rose-colored, are they not ? Mainly just and true, perhaps ; certainly very comfortable and encouraging. yet rather one-sided; the lights being employed in the picture more conspicuously than the shades. Now we know very well that all true pictures of things earthly must have their shades too. .
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