Northampton Celebration - 1894
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| From the Jackson,, NC website: http://www.historicjacksonnc.com/jackson_nc_history.php |
Jackson, the county seat of Northampton County, NC, got its
first railroad in 1894. It served Northampton and Hertford Counties. The formal
opening of the new rail line took place in Jackson on January 18 of that year. The
following is an that occasion.
The Banquet
At six o'clock a banquet was served at the Burgwyn Hotel, which
is a model country inn kept by Mr. James Scull. The banquet hall had been
beautifully decorated with evergreen and bunting, and banners with appropriate
inscriptions and monograms adorned the walls. Among these was a German flag
displayed in honor of Manager Kell who is a native of that country. The tables
were covered with snow-white linen and groaned beneath the load of good things
thereon. I did not hear the tables groan and do not know why they should have
done so, but I use the regulation phrase to be in fashion. I will remark,
however, that I slept in the room that night with some of those who feasted at
the banquet and I heard them groan in their sleep, and I knew why.
The menu consisted of Lynnhaven oysters, salads, cold meats,
escalloped oysters, ice cream, cake, fruits, nuts, and raisins, together with a
delicious article of champagne. The decorations, the arrangements, and the menu
were the work of the ladies and their work was simply perfect. These ladies
were Mesdames M. M. Randolph, R. A. Weaver, W. P. Moore, John E. Moore, J. A.
Buxton, S. N. Buxton, B. S. Gay, James Scull, H. W. Lewis, and Misses S. E.
Peebles and Pattie Peele.”
The
Toasts
Mr. John Burgwyn MacRae was toastmaster and very gracefully and
intelligently did he preside. The toasts and responses were as follows:
Our Guests; response by Mayor C.G. Peebles; the Northampton and
Hertford Railroad; response by Dr. H. W. Lewis. The Ladies; response by Mr. J.
Burgwyn MacRae, Gumberry; response by Captain R. B. Peebles; the Press;
response by Mr. H. B. Hardy of the North Carolinian and Mr. W. S. Copeland of
the State. President Clark. Superintendent Whisnant of the Seaboard Air Line,
and Mr. T. J. Anderson, general passenger agent of the same line, were also
called for and gracefully responded. Everything went off without a hitch and
the management was admirable. The committee in charge were Messrs. H. W. Lewis,
J. A. Buxton, J. B. MacRae, W. W. Peebles, B. S. Gay, G. P. Burgwyn, W. P.
Moore, J. S. Grant, S. J. Calvert, R. A. Weaver and D. A. Jordan.
Borjes orchestra from Norfolk furnished delightful music for the
occasion.
The
Ball
After the banquet, a grand dress ball was given at the hotel and
the belles and beaux of Northampton and adjoining counties were seen in all
their glory. Mr. George S. Urquhart, who was, until Mr. Kell came, the “King of
Gumberry” (if Captain Peebles is authority) was master of ceremonies and those
who knew him needed not to be told that his management was superb. He was well
assisted by Mr. E. J. Peebles, who has always been a general favorite with the
young folks. Captain R. B. Peebles and his handsome wife and his charming
daughter also contributed their full share to the enjoyment of the dance.
Among the ladies present were Mrs. Dr. Moore, in lilac china
silk; Mrs. R. B. Peebles, black silken train; Mrs. J. W. Weaver, white
bengaline silk, pearl trimming; Mrs. J. T. G. Gooch, terra cotta silk; Miss
Kate Prescott, old rose silk, cream lace; Miss Eliza Grant, cream cloth; Miss
Nita Selden, blue and white crepon lace; Mrs. Charles Gay, cream cloth; Miss
Wingfield of Portsmouth, cream crepon cloth; Miss Wilson, of Portsmouth, pink
cashmere; Miss Mabel Picard, pink cashmere, lace, pearls; Miss Sallie Peebles,
cream cashmere and ribbon; Miss Sue Urquhart, cream cashmere and ribbon; Miss
Dancy, pale green crepon; Miss H. Peebles, cloth and fur; Miss Annie Sancell,
pink crepon, lace; Mrs. F. Kell, black silk; Mrs. Phil Meisel, black silk; Mrs.
A. L. Bundy, cream silk; Miss Bena Gay, figured organdy, lace; Miss Mamie Lee,
rose colored silk; Miss Hazeldine, steel silk; Miss Kittie Hazeldine, black
silk; Miss Drewett, steel silk; Mrs. R. F. Keeling, brown henrietta and velvet;
Mrs. B. H. Mock, black silk; Miss Lillie Grant, blue silk; Miss Annie Peebles,
becoming dress of black.
Mr. George P. Burgwyn, Mr. S. J. Calvert, Mr. B. S. Gay, Mr.
Faison Calvert, Dr. Rob Stancell, Mr. William Barrow, and other citizens
exerted themselves to the utmost to give everybody a good time, while Mr. R. A.
Weaver of J. P. Yancy & Co., and Dr. W. P. Moore fairly outdid themselves in
acts of generous hospitality.
Mr. J. W. Zeaver, Rich Square, was present with his bride, who
was one of the prettiest women in the company.
Mr. Kenneth Barrow, an old Jackson boy, but now with the Norfolk
and Carolina railroad, was on hand and received the cordial greetings of his
friends.
Mr. J. S. Grant, proprietor of the Cleveland Hotel conducts the
“Administration House,” which is as popular as its namesake.
Exactly forty years later on January 18, 1934 the current
manager, H. O. Carlton, announced the intended abandonment of the Northampton
and Hertford Railroad.
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