Peninsula Enterprise, August 15, 1896
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Architecture -- Jails
Eight prisoners, and among them Bocaly, the Frenchman, who robbed Capt. Costin of the Virginia Oyster Navy, of several hundred dollars several weeks ago, escaped from jail at Accomac C. H., last Thursday night, by filing into with a case knife the bars of their cells and letting themselves down from the upper room with blankets. They left a note behind thanking the jailer for his kind treatment, and stating that the knife was an old one picked up by them outside the jail.
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Tourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Boat racing
A young man, named Tapman, formerly of Maryland, but of late a resident of Saxis was drowned at that place last Saturday. In a boat race on that day he jumped from the boat in which he was to lighten it, and in some way his clothes were so disarranged as to cause him to lose the use of his feet, and he sank before help could be given him. He was an excellent young man and well thought of by everyone in the community in which the distressing accident occurred.
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Other
Lizzie Wise, colored, was prostrated by the heat at Onancock last Tuesday, and died from the effects of the same in a few minutes.
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Weather -- Heat wave
The present torrid weather, length of time considered, beats any in the memory of our oldest inhabitants.
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Moral -- Other violent crime
William Teague, colored, shot and stabbed Sam Bell, another colored man last Tuesday, at his home near Keller inflicting wounds severe, but not fatal. Teague was brought to jail Wednesday by Constable Joseph Wescott.
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Infrastructure -- Public - Government : Postal serviceTourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Resorts
Assawaman.
Petitions are being circulated in this section for signatures asking the postoffice department to establish a mail route from Chincoteague via Wishart Point to connect with the railroad at Oak Hall station. By this route the citizens on the Island will get their southern mail sooner, and it will be a great convenience to the traveling public.
Wallop's Beach is rapidly becoming a great summer resort. More people visited there this season than ever before. A large building will be erected there next spring for the accommodation of visitors.
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Tourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Excursions
Atlantic.
Beach parties seem to be the rage with the young people of this vicinity.
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Infrastructure -- Commercial - Residential constructionSea -- Finfish - Catch : Bluefish
Chincoteague.
Our building boom continues: New dwellings have just been finished by Capt. Joseph T. Hill, James E. Tarr and George Watson and James Jones will soon have one in course of erection.
Fish never more plentiful in our waters. Sea fishing good and the bays, channels and creeks full of them. William C. Bunting caught one day this week 20,000 and his catch of blue fish on another day sold for $160.
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Infrastructure -- Public : Camp meetingsAfrican-Americans -- Race relations
Parksley.
Our camp meeting grounds have been thoroughly cleaned and everything put in good order for the meeting which begins to-day.
Thomas Custis, a worthy and respectable colored man near Parksley, received a stroke of paralysis in his tongue, last Saturday.
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Transportation -- Water - FreightTransportation -- Railroad - Rates and faresMoral -- AlcoholInfrastructure -- Public : Churches
Wachapreague.
The schooner Maggie Davis, Capt. D. Whealton has been loading sweets this week for Providence.
Our farmers are very much gratified at the late reduction in freight rates over the railroad. The committee who secured the reduction have deserved and will retain the gratitude of our people.
The festival held near Quinby in the Neck for the benefit of the new Methodist Church on Wednesday was largely attended, and in every way a most enjoyable occasion. The supper was bountiful and the refreshments all that could be deserved. Mr. William T. Bundick the great temperance orator delivered a most eloquent prohibition speech, as one of the interesting features of the occasion. The new church is being raised and the Rev. Mr. Smith is indefatigable in his efforts of complete it.
Farmers' Meeting at Keller.
Farmers -- Farmers' organizations
A large and enthusiastic meeting of the citizens of Accomac and Northampton was held at Keller Station last Saturday, 8th inst., to devise plans to protect the farmers from the ruinous prices being received for their crops at this time. The meeting was organized with Dr. John T. Wilkins chairman and Mr. Edward S. Wise secretary, and in response to calls, speeches were made by Dr. George W. LeCato, Captain O. A. Browne, Mr. R. A. King and others. Dr. LeCato, after prefacing his remarks with information as to the reduction of freight rates to New York, Philadelphia and Wilmington, proceeded to give some reasons for the low prices and principal among them, the indifferent packing of our produce for market. He said, that for cooking purposes our sweet potatoes were better than those grown in New Jersey and when sold in bulk years ago always brought more than any others in the market, but had brought less since the crop had been marketed in barrels, because of the tendency of some of our farmers to slip into the barrel strings, and in some cases vines and nail kegs -- which the speaker characterized as a fraud which must cease -- and the evil could and would be remedied by an act of the Legislature if in no other way.
Captain Browne, the next speaker, emphasized the correctness of Dr. LeCato's remarks, by saying, that he had been in the out-markets of New York and Pennsylvania for the purpose of selling his own crops and that he found few reputable dealers willing to handle what was known as Baltimore stock -- none cared for it, when anything better could be had, and he could only get his stock handled, by assuring dealers that he never faced up potatoes by putting good ones on top, that they were the same from top to bottom, and if they were not first-class, that they could have them for nothing -- in this way he placed his stock with good men and realized more money than others. He said, that he had favored a distribution of crops from the commencement of the season and as long ago as 1878 he had made tours of Western markets, but the plan was never supported by the producers and it went down. He showed from circulars, estimates and letters how the business was conducted in the West. That in Arkansas and the Indian Territory were large producers of round potatoes and though they have been growing the crop but a few years, at some station only one year, yet there was a business organization, and none but good sound, marketable potatoes were allowed to be loaded on the cars. That out of 3,350 carloads of potatoes from this new section all were inspected and the result was, that these potatoes gave satisfaction in all markets that he found them, and had the preference of Eastern Shore stock. Capt. Browne exhibited a book of rates to all points East. He further said, there was no doubt but that the farmers could greatly benefit themselves if they would organize, that was the first thing and the second was to stay organized, that it was a good, long, hard work and would require resolution and courage to stand by the organization -- farmers were proverbial, for lack of unity in action, and many persons had given it up as a hopeless job the get them to co-operate, but the times were pressing them so hard, that he was willing to try it once more, and that now was the time to commence, that we could not wait for the Legislature, but should act at once, and for that purpose he would close by offering the following paper:
Resolved, That the chairman of this meeting appoint a committee of five persons, who should retire and report what steps, in its judgement should be taken for immediate action to organize the farmers. The motion prevailed.
The Chair appointed Capt. O. A. Browne and Dr. G. Fred Floyd from Northampton, and Dr. George W. LeCato, Dr. John E. Mapp and Mr. George W. Jacob from Accomac.
The following is the report of the committee:
Mr. Chairman: -- Your committee have retired and consulted with the limited amount of time at their command, and are of the opinion that steps to band the farmers together for mutual protection and benefit should be commenced at once, and to this end recommend that all the farmers in the two counties should be joined in one organization, and submit for your consideration the preliminary report at this time:
1st, The name of the organization shall be the Truckers' Association of the Eastern Shore of Virginia.
2d, All persons engaged in farming shall be eligible to membership.
3rd, That a committee of five persons be appointed by the Chair to draft a constitution and by-laws for the government of this association and to report at the next meeting of the body one week from to day, (15th), at Parksley.
4th, We recommend that Capt. O. A. Browne be appointed a committee of one to give notice of this movement of the farmers of the two counties.
5th, That when the meeting adjourns to-day, that it do so to meet at Parksley, on arrival of north bound train.
6th, That books be opened to day for membership at an admission fee of twenty five cents.
7th, That Mr. B. W. Mears be made treasurer.
Respectfully submitted, Orris A. Browne, G. Fred Floyd, George W. LeCato, John E. Mapp, George W. Jacobs.
The report was received, accepted and adopted.
The Chair appointed the same committee named above to prepare the constitution and by-laws, and to report on Saturday.
Addresses were also made by Mr. R. A. King, Dr. Wilson and others, and letters read condemning the acts of some of the drummers for produce at the stations and the methods of some of the commission merchants of Baltimore. Mr. King in his speech illustrated by drawings how the consumers paid big prices for potatoes and the producers got nothing -- his illustrations showing that freight and other expenses excepted, the middleman got nearly all.
Dr. Wilson, of the Kickapoo Indian Show, in his speech said that he was a Virginian, sympathized with the farmers of his native State, and wanted them to organize and work together better than they had done in the past for their interests. He showed his sympathy by contributing five dollars in cash to help meet the expenses of an organization.
Resolutions introduced thanking the Baltimore, Chesapeake and Atlantic Railway Co., and the railroad authorities of the Pennsylvania system and N.Y.P.&N.R.R. Co., for reduction of freight rates, and Mr. S. R Nelson, Dr. George W. LeCato and Dr. Charles Smith, who were instrumental in causing the reduction by the railroad companies, were passed by an unanimous vote.
The books were opened for membership in the Truckers' Association, eighty-two members were enrolled and paid their fees. The association adjourned to meet to-day at Parksley.
Attention, Farmers.
Farmers -- Farmers' organizations
Come to Parksley, August 15th. On arrival of northbound train, work to complete the organization of the Truckers' Association of the Eastern Shore of Virginia, will be taken up. The object of the Association is to protect the interests of the farmers, and to prevent the sacrifice of the potato crop. Immediate action is required. The work was commenced at Keller, by farmers from Accomac and Northampton, on the 8th of August, and the meeting adjourned to Parksley, on the 15th, and this call is made by the order of the Truckers' Association.
REDUCED RATES TO PARKSLEY.
EDITOR ENTERPRISE:
Mr. R. B. Cooke, appreciating the efforts of the farmers to improve their condition, will give those in attending the Farmers' meeting at Parksley, on the 15th of August, reduced rates. It is hoped, that it will be the pleasure of the farmers to put in a strong attendance.
ORRIS A. BROWNE, Committee.
Cape Charles, Va., Aug. 11, '96.
Eastern Shore Agricultural Fair.
Tourists and sportsmen -- Other recreation - Fairs
The nineteenth annual fair of the Eastern Shore Agricultural Association will commence on Tuesday, the 25th day of August, at their Fair Grounds, near Keller Station, and continue four days.
I don't think there is anything I need to say to increase your zeal in this cause, or make you do your duty better than you have done it in the past. Your record last season shows the interest you take in this home enterprise, instituted and maintained solely in the interests of the agricultural community, and is a sufficient guarantee that you will be with us this year in increased numbers. I think about all I need to say, is to tell you of the arrangements being made for your comfort and amusement, and assure you, that the Board of Directors have been, and is now at work. They intend to give you value received for every dime you spend with us. They do not expect you to attend the Fair, season after season, and allow you to witness the same exhibition. Recognizing the fact, that justice to you demands a change of programme, new features have been added, but I will not attempt to tell you of all the good things we have in store for you. Suffice it to say: Our Board of Directors are "wide awake" and "up to date" people.
I cannot refrain, however, from calling you attention to "Cyrene." Now, the question naturally arises: Who is Cyrene? I will tell you, Cyrene is a Cuban girl, under the management of Mr. J. W. Randolph, of New York. We have engaged her for the entire Fair, at a heavy expense. She is creating a great sensation in this, and foreign countries. Read what is being said of her, then be the judge, as to whether you can afford to miss seeing her at the Fair, or not. Mr. Higgins, the secretary of the Easton Fair, says: "Cyrene is a great attraction, she did more to fill our grand stand last season than any attraction we ever had." She is endorsed by such well known people as Labouchere, Editor of London Truth, Eduard du Jardin of the Paris Figaro and the recognized greatest terpsichorean authority in Europe, etc. She is described as being very pretty, and graceful. One writer says, if Cyrene could, at will, bestow on the ladies who see her, her poetry of movement, she could soon bankrupt the whole feminine family.
The racing, judging from present appearances, will be much better than usual. Already more stables have been engaged by the owners of "flyers" than ever before, this early in the season. Ham Disston, the horse owned by Mr. A. S. Kellam, Basil, owned by Mr. Hezzie James, and Gray Eagle, owned by Mr. Levin T. Parker, will come together in the stallion race, the first day of the Fair, and from all accounts, will materially lower our track record.
The Kickapoo Indian show will be with us. They will engage several more artists in their profession, for the Fair week, thus making their already famous show the best ever given in the county. Dr. Wilson will give some wonderful exhibitions of tooth pulling.
There will be many other features of amusement which I cannot mention at this writing, perhaps will give you later on, but let me assure you right now, you cannot afford to miss the first day of the Fair. There will be several features, any one of which, will be well worth the price of admission into the Fair.
Don't forget to bring something to put on exhibition. A fair without exhibits with like the old man said after his wife had pounded him with her slipper: "There may be fun in that, but I cannot see it." No my friends, we may make all sorts of arrangements, and get a large attendance, but if you fail to carry out your part of the programme by neglecting to fill the several departments with exhibits, there will be no fun in it for the managers -- we will consider the Fair a failure.
Now, I want to give you all a cordial invitation to attend your Fair, and make it what it deserves to be, the best county Fair in the State of Virginia. I promise, with your assistance to maintain the good order that has always characterized the Eastern Shore Agricultural Fair. I promise that no game of chance, that has the semblance of gambling, shall be licensed by me. I promise you good time in every particular. Courteous gentlemen have been selected to act as officers. Everything has been done with the one object in view, that of making the Fair a grand success. Shall we succeed? Most assuredly!
Yours very respectfully, A. M. NOTTINGHAM, Sec'y.
Onancock, Va., Aug. 10, '96.
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Farmers -- Farmers' organizations
The farmers of the Eastern Shore meet at Parksley to-day, and the necessity, which brings them together, ought to insure action of some kind for the betterment of their condition. With their staple crop now being vended in the markets of the country at prices ruinous to them, it will be folly worse than madness, of they do not go there, not only prepared to act, but to stand by the plans which may be adopted for disposing of their sweet potatoes and other crops to the best advantage. It is foolish to say, that nothing can be done, and it is to be hoped, that the old croakers, who can see nothing but evil in any movement out of the ordinary way will not be there, but that every other farmer in the two counties, who can attend the meeting, will do so. With poverty staring many of our farmers in the face, in the present condition of things, something must be done, and be done quickly. What that something shall be, it will be for those composing the meeting in their wisdom and experience to determine. Experience, however, has taught all of our farmers some things so well, that there will be no division of sentiment as to these things in their body when it meets. Common sense teaches all of us, whether farmers or not, that if we would dispose of our potatoes or any other produce to advantage, that somebody must want them, and that they are more likely to want them, if they are of good quality and put up in attractive shape. That our sweet potatoes are of the best quality no one questions, but that they are handled by many of our farmers so miserably as to deprive them of much of their merit is equally true. If correct in our views in this respect, then the first problem to be solved by our farmers when they meet will be, how can they be handled so as to be made desirable that consumers will want them and the answer to it, in our opinion, is not a difficult one. The key to the problem seems to be furnished by putting up our potatoes in standard barrels properly inspected and correctly marked -- and concert of action on the part of our farmers is only necessary to secure these ends. Steps having been taken for the proper handling of our potatoes, two other things seem to be necessary to be considered by the meeting, viz: How they can be distributed among the consumers in the markets of the country without having to pass through the hands of too many middlemen, and how shipments can be prevented to markets already over burdened with them. Nothing of course, along any of these lines, as has been taught us by experience, can be accomplished without concert of action of the part of our farmers. Will they so act at the meeting, as to make it possible for them to profit by these or any other suggestions which may be presented to the meeting? One thing seems to be certain that they will be driven later to take steps for the handling of their produce differently from the way in which it now is, and the present price of sweet potatoes and the exercise of a little common sense should teach us, that now is the time for us to begin.