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Archiver > OHCARROL > 1999-10 > 0941421969
From: "Kevin Borland" <>
Subject: [OHCARROL] Carroll County in the mid 1800s: Essay by Margaret E. (Morrison) Price: Part 7
Date: Sun, 31 Oct 1999 21:06:09 -0500
There were a few outstanding days in the village, and one of the most
important was that on which the closing exercises of the Academy took place.
There were no commencements in those days, no baccalaurate sermons, no
alumni banquets, but I am free to confess that, then as now, there was a
freshening up of costumes; and the ever old and new question of "What shall
I wear?" These occasions were called Exhibitions, whether because of the
new gowns exhibited or the learning they had gleaned during the year; but at
all events, they were memorable occasions, and did give room to the friends
to congratulate themselves when orations, essays, declamations, debates, and
music, were rendered by those chosen for the occasion. And these were
comparable to those given today. On one occasion a young lady prepared and
read an essay in Latin, something not often done in these days. Sometimes
these occasions were held on the lawn in the rear of the Academy building.
A large platform would be erected, and there would be seated the notables,
the teachers, members of the Board, and performers. Rough board seats would
be placed on the ground for the accommodation of the spectators, of whom
there were many.
Other times they were held in the church, which gave a better chance for
decoration. Days before, some of the boys would go on the train several
miles where could be found pine trees. These would be brought in, and then
what a jolly time both boys and girls would have making wreaths of the pine
boughs and festooning the walls of the church. An added decoration was made
by using red oil calico and white muslin which had been cut into narrow
strips, then raveled out, until only a few threads remained, when they were
twisted together and formed into beautiful trimmings for the dandeliers.
That was before the advent of electric light, gas, and even oil, and
home-made tallow dips furnished the illuminating power. (Think of it,
twentieth century boys and girls!) Abundance of home grown and wild flowers
graced the place until the old church became a bower of beauty.
Early on the morning of the appointed day, groups of people came--all roads
leading to the church. Old students came by the score, and it was a truly
gala day; and how important and anxious were those chosen to perform; also
the feeling of pride in the friends! It was the time for renewing old
friendships and the making of new ones, and many romances had their origin
there. "Aunt Hannah" would have on sale some of her favorite ginger-cakes,
and here and there you would see walking or standing by, groups of old and
young people, who still evidently enjoyed these delicacies. The people were
rather conservative in those days and inclined to favor the old order of
things rather than change to any new-fangled ideas. The little girl
remembers of hearing of a former student who after leaving there, went to a
higher institution and came back on one of those occasions a full-fledged
doctor. That was innovation number one, and in itself was sufficient; but
when she appeared on the scene dressed in bloomers, imagine, if you can, the
consternation. The good old ladies who had known her in earlier days were
nonplussed and scarcely knew what to do or to say. Many ominous shakes of
the head were made and such sentences as these were heard: "I always liked
Becky and thought she was a good, sensible girl--but--I do not know." "Did
you ever!" "I wonder what next." And so on. And some were even afraid to
speak to her, lest they should seem to be countenancing such deviations from
the conventional.
Then, too, butchering day was a wonderful time! Verly on this morning, if
on no other, all were astir. A huge fire was built and stones piled in it;
a large kettle filled with water was near; and when the stones were
thoroughly heated, they were thrown into it to boil up; and after the
skillful marksman had used his rifle, the reverbations of which sounded like
thunder in the youngster's ears, the body of the animal was plunged into the
kettle and the work proceeded, until its finish, when the women had rendered
the lard, and the men had cut up the animals and part of the meat had been
run through the sausage grinder which turned out the sausage that, later
with real buckwheat cakes, made a breadfast fit for a king, or any one else
for that matter. The rest being cut up and salted down, made the meat for
the coming year.
Thrashing was another important event. Although living in a village, the
surrounding farms came close to the edge, and many had near friends on the
farms, and would be invited to come and see the thrashing being done. The
huge, lumbering machine would pull up, giving such a thrill as not even the
sight of a railroad train would in those days, or the huge, fast-going
automobile of today does. All the men and boys of the neighberhood were
there, and there seemed to be something for each one to do. The smoke would
belch forth from the engine, the feeders would pour in the sheaves at one
place, and at another would come, the clean grain and chaff. The grain
would be stored in bags and hauled away, and where in the morning was seen
the huge stack of grain, nothing remained but straw. And the
dinner!--neighbors were there to help, and the tables running the length of
the kitchen groaned under the abundance of good things to eat.
Another day stands out distinctly; during the heated campaign for Governor
between John Brough and C.L. Vallandingham, when there was so many political
meetings held throughout the State. On the occasion to which I refer, one
of these was arranged to be held in Carrollton, our county seat, about
twelve miles away. The political leaders had been busy for several days
working up a demonstration, and early in the morning of the great day a hay
wagon, comfortably fitted up and drawn by thirty-six of the finest horses in
the community, decked with fine trappings, and each one with a rider, drove
into the village. Soon the wagon was filled with thirty-six of the
brightest and fairest of the young ladies of the community, among them one
of the sisters of the little girl. They were all dressed in white, with the
national colors as decorations, and made a fine appearance. Of course,
there were flags and music, and such a demonstration could not fail to bring
out the curious and interested from all the parties, and so amid much
hilarity and excitement they were off to enjoy a glorious day.
After reading some things in the foregoing, one might infer that the
village was not altogether dry. It was not. It must be remembered that
this was a long time before the era of prohibition and in the days of the
open saloon. While this village did not have a saloon, one a mile away from
it had, and then, as now, those badly wanting strong drink could get it.
The majority were strict teetotalers, and when the Women's Crusade was on
good mothers of the town lent their aid, prayed, sang, and plead with the
saloon keepers, and succeeded in having the liquor destroyed.
The little girl, grown to maturity then, has a very vivid recollection of
having stood on picket duty one night; and with what fear it was done.
There are many other pleasant personal recollections which would be
interesting; but as al can not be given, none will be undertaken. The
self-imposed task of the little girl is done. It has been a labor of
love--done, I must confess, from a selfish motive--to revive old, old
associations and friendships, and leave to her children some idea of the
days of yore.
Mrs. Margaret E. Price
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