Pleasant Memories of Tangier
On Saturday, June 20th, 2 p. m., Charlie McAllistor, Lloyd Edwards and Harry D. Kerst, left Sampson's Wharf, for Tangier Island. The weather was delightfully hot with very little or no wind. We were aboard T. J. Eubanks' 30 foot canoe in which is installed a 6 H.P. Uncle Sam engine, and made the run, a distance of about 25 miles, in considerable less than four hours, at three-fifths speed and without a single stop. By 6 o'clock our boat was tied up and we were quietly (save the jingle of a bowl in a bucket) walking the straight and narrow way on Main Ridge. It was our first visit on Tangier. Soon we recognized several familiar faces, and thenceforth we were guests of Capt. and Mrs. William Spence. Mrs. Spence (who was Miss Redia McAllistor, of Sampson's Wharf,) adheres to the same true hospitality as before leaving us where she was always a favorite among hosts of acquaintances. We were treated with the utmost kindness during out stay. They occupy their elegantly furnished house on Main Ridge, a very desirable site on the Island. Capt. Spence recently sold his house on the Western Ridge and will have it torn down and moved. We were also cordially entertained by Capt. Dick Spence, Messrs. Thomas and Marshall and others, and were made to feel free, easy and at home. Several of us were barred from accepting invitations to visit two of the prettiest girls on the Island on account of a recent visit to a barber, who did us up shamefully while taking a nap. But the girls are not fading, while our hair is growing vigorously.
There are about fifteen hundred people on the Island, the fairer sex being in majority (and children in proportion). Eight or nine stores, a bank, barber shop, soda fountains, etc., all doing a flourishing business, and many families enjoy the private telephone.
Crab scraping is at its height, and some are clearing $40 per week.
The large four story high or graded school is a commodious building and decidedly handsome, while the M.E. church, "Swain's Memorial," is a magnificent frame structure, with handsome steeple and bell and was built at a cost of $10,000. The Auditorium will comfortably seat 900 or more. The class rooms, etc., are divided off by sliding or roller partitions. The benches are concave and built of solid oak, with natural finish and present a beautiful appearance. The pastor, Rev. M. S. Nutter, from West Virginia, is a fine preacher and a man of pleasing address. We attended preaching in the morning, which began at 9 o'clock. About 20 babies were christened. Sunday school was opened at 2 p. m. and largely attended, about 500 pupils being on the roll. An old gentleman in his talk to the school stated he had been a member for fifty eight years and each time he attended learned something new and for his betterment. Children's Day service was observed at 6:30 p. m. and lasted until about 10 o'clock. The program consisted of recitations, dialogues, music by the choir and children and did great credit to the performance. The charming manner in which it was rendered, and the charming lady, as well, who planned it in such a novel manner well deserved applause.
If asked for what is Tangier noted we would unhesitatingly answer, cordiality and pretty girls.
After a delightful visit we left Tangier at 9:30 and arrived at Sampson's Wharf five minutes past one o'clock. Miss Birdsell McAllistor returned with us from spending two weeks with her sister, Mrs. Spence.
H,. K. D., Brouns Store, Va.