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Augusta County : Daily Life

Arts/Entertainment/Leisure | Civic Groups/Fraternal Organizations | Health | Crime | Education

Note: When you select an article from the list below you will be taken to the appropriate page of the newspaper. You may need to scroll down in order to find the particular article you are interested in reading.


Arts/Entertainment/Leisure

Republican Vindicator, October 6, 1865, p. 2, c. 2: "Tournament at New Hope."
The paper reports on a medieval tournament held at New Hope.

Republican Vindicator, October 6, 1865, p. 3, c. 1
The paper announces the results of a tournament at the Madisonian Academy. Such events "seem to be exceedingly popular in these peaceful times," the editors remark.

Valley Virginian, March 28, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "Native Genius."
The paper reports that William Donovan, a member of the Staunton Artillery, fashioned a plaster bust of Stonewall Jackson.

Valley Virginian, April 11, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "Southern Travel to the Virginia Springs."
The paper publishes a letter from a man in Alabama inquiring about the feasibility of vacationing at the Virginia Springs. The editors stress the importance of advertising to attract tourists to the Staunton area.

Valley Virginian, July 4, 1866, p. 3, c. 2: "The Fourth."
The paper discusses observations of the Fourth of July in the Valley. The editors state that only failure distinguished the Confederate cause from the American Revolution.

Republican Vindicator, July 27, 1866, p. 2, c. 2
"Dixi" offers an account of a grand barbeque given by the people of Greenville, which included addresses, music, a near-gun battle, and a large dinner in which "colored persons" were "invited to participate after the whites were served."

Republican Vindicator, July 27, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
A picnic was recently held at Dr. Isaac Hall's Schoolhouse, and is reported to have been "a pleasant affair."

Staunton Spectator, January 1, 1867, p. 3, c. 2
Praises a recent concert at the Augusta Female Seminary where the young ladies "sang like nightingales and acted their part to perfection."

Staunton Spectator, January 22, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--'Philomathesian Society.'"
The young men of the county have organized a new debating club, entitled the Philomathesian Society.

Staunton Spectator, January 29, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Staunton Musical Association."
The Staunton Musical Association was organized last week with the election of officers and scheduling of meetings.

Staunton Spectator, February 5, 1867, p. 3, c. 3: "To the Members of the Lewisburg Thespian Society."
The "Staunton Thespians" decline a challenge made by the Lewisburg Thespian Society.

Staunton Spectator, February 19, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Local News--Concert at the Presbyterian Church."
An account of last Friday's concert at the Presbyterian Church, reported to be a "great success."

Staunton Spectator, April 30, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Staunton Musical Association."
Reports that the Staunton Musical Association will give their first performance on May 10 and encourages readers to become honorary members.

Staunton Spectator, July 2, 1867, p. 2, c. 1: "Augusta County Fair."
Reports that the County Court last week chose ten citizens to be Directors of the Augusta County Fair, which the article predicts will become "a matter of interest, pride and profit to the whole community."

Staunton Spectator, July 9, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--The Fourth of July."
An account of the local festivities on July 4th.

Valley Virginian, July 10, 1867, p. 3, c. 4: "The Fourth--Firemen's Excursion to Goshen."
This article describes a Fourth of July excursion to Goshen led by the Augusta Fire Company.

Staunton Spectator, October 29, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Local News--Staunton Lyceum."
The Staunton Lyceum met on Monday, October 21 for the annual election of officers. Col. Jno. Baldwin was elected president and Y. Howe Peyton delivered the anniversary address.

Civic Groups/Fraternal Organizations

Valley Virginian, April 4, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The Proceedings of the Grand Lodge of Virginia, in relation to the Death of Grand Master, Wm. H. Harman."
The paper prints the proceedings of the Masonic Lodge commemorating the death of Grand Master William H. Harman.

Republican Vindicator, May 11, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
The Fire Company of Staunton paraded by torch light last Saturday evening in Staunton and the editor praises their "services and labor" and urges "the ladies of Staunton to hold a fair for the purpose of uniforming them."

Staunton Spectator, February 19, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Building Association."
The local Building Association was organized with the election of officers on Monday night.

Valley Virginian, May 8, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "A Mechanic's Association. Shall We Have One?"
This editorial calls for formation of a Mechanics Association in Staunton, not to agitate for higher wages, but to create a united and educated manufacturing work force. It holds up an association formed in Danville as an example. If this goal is reached, Virginia can become the leading manufacturing state in the nation.

Staunton Spectator, July 16, 1867, p. 3, c. 1
Praises the organization of the local Friends of Temperance, whose members selected officers at a meeting last week.

Staunton Spectator, September 17, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Local News--Tribute of Respect."
A copy of the preamble and resolutions produced at the local Masonic Hall on September 13, mourning the loss of Thomas Blackburn.

Health

Valley Virginian, February 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 3: "The Western Lunatic Asylum."
This article discusses the history and present conditions of Staunton's "Western Lunatic Asylum." Special emphasis is placed on the Director's Report for fiscal years 1863, 1864, and 1865, including a discussion of an encounter with Sheridan's troops.

Crime

Republican Vindicator, September 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 1: "Local Items."
The paper relates how a Staunton resident was swindled out of $325 in an elaborate scam.

Republican Vindicator, December 8, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
Warns that new counterfeit ten dollar "greenbacks" have recently been put in circulation and describes how to identify them.

Republican Vindicator, December 15, 1865, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
G. W. Dudley "was attacked by two negroes" while returning home from Staunton on December 4. The author warns readers to beware "such fellows and try the effect of a little powder and lead on them."

Republican Vindicator, February 9, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items--A Smart Thief."
A thief deceived a freedman in the employ of Col. Skinner into helping him steal a set of horse wagon springs.

Republican Vindicator, March 16, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
Reports on a recent dispute between Jas. Chandler and the clerk of the American Hotel which was resolved by the local Freedmen's Bureau officer.

Republican Vindicator, March 16, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
A. M. Pierce's store was broken in to last Saturday, and the culprit left with bacon, flour and eggs worth about $50.

Republican Vindicator, June 1, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
Reports that the Spring House of John Engleman was broken open and robbed of various food items and opines that "such thefts are getting too common in these times and should be put a stop to, even if it is necessary to resort to shooting."

Staunton Spectator, June 11, 1867, p. 2, c. 5: "Mutual Protection Company."
Announces the formation of a mutual protection society to respond to the frequency of horse theft in the area. The members will aid in the pursuit and capture of any one who steals a horse from another member and will offer a reward of 150 dollars for the arrest and conviction of a horse thief.

Staunton Spectator, August 6, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News-Burglaries."
Reports that the stores of John Engleman and John Evans were the sites of attempted burglaries and suggests that if such conduct continues, "Staunton will soon become as bad as Harrisonburg for burglary and robbery."

Staunton Spectator, December 24, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Local News."
Announces the formation of an "association for protecting the citizens against horse-thieves" in the Churchville area.

Education

Republican Vindicator, September 1, 1865, p. 2, c. 1
The paper advocates the importance of education in postwar society.

Valley Virginian, January 24, 1866, p. 2, c. 5: "The Virginia Female Institute."
The paper prints a traveler's description of Staunton's Virginia Female Institute.

Valley Virginian, March 21, 1866, p. 2, c. 2: "The Institution for the Deaf, Dumb and the Blind, at Staunton."
The article gives the history of Staunton's Institute for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind from its founding through the end of the war.

Republican Vindicator, May 11, 1866, p. 2, c. 3
"Teacher" calls for a statewide conference of teachers to adopt a uniform system of textbooks for the state. The author calls for all books to be published in the state, so that both teachers and students will be "independent of all New England and New England influence."

Republican Vindicator, June 22, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
The closing exercises of the Augusta Female Seminary were held in the Presbyterian Church last Tuesday night, where Dr. W. H. McGuffy delivered the closing address.

Republican Vindicator, July 6, 1866, p. 2, c. 1
Reports that a the Trustees of Randolph Macon College will hold a meeting on July 11 in Richmond and may soon move the college. The editor encourages the Trustees to consider Staunton as a new location, noting its easy accessibility and healthy climate. If the Trustees select Staunton, he argues, "we think the day of its prosperity is but dawning."

Republican Vindicator, July 6, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local Items."
The annual examination of students at the Deaf and Dumb and Blind Institution took place on June 28, where "the Hall was crowded with spectators who gazed with wonder and admiration on the acquirements of the unfortunate pupils."

Valley Virginian, December 12, 1866, p. 3, c. 3: "Death of Prof. W. C. Graham."
The Institute for the Deaf, Dumb, and Blind mourns the loss of the late Prof. Graham.

Staunton Spectator, December 18, 1866, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Free Schools in Staunton."
Reports that there are currently three free schools in the county, two of them for "colored pupils," and that "some of the colored pupils are progressing in their studies remarkably well."

Valley Virginian, March 20, 1867, p. 1, c. 5: "To the Parents and the Public of Virginia."
A Committee appointed by the "Educational Association of Virginia" publish a letter providing guidelines for the proper rearing of children. They especially encourage parents to support and work with teachers to impart a proper education upon their children.

Staunton Spectator, April 30, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News."
Four local teachers will be creating a new institution "where young men may qualify themselves for the various business pursuits of life."

Staunton Spectator, June 18, 1867, p. 3, c. 1: "Local News--Augusta Female Seminary."
Offers an account of the closing ceremonies at the Augusta Female Seminary and lists graduates from the seminary's various schools.

Staunton Spectator, July 2, 1867, p. 3, c. 2: "Local News--Wesleyan Female Institute."
Offers an account of the closing exercises at the Wesleyan Female Institute and a list of those who received certificates of graduation.

Valley Virginian, September 4, 1867, p. 2, c. 2: "Mossy Creek Academy."
The paper applauds plans to rebuild Mossy Creek Academy which burned down during the war. Its reinstitution will serve as a memorial to the alumni who fought and died during the war, and serve as an example of past civilization, before public schools and the education of African Americans lowered academic standards.