Shepherdstown Register

For the Register.

DUFFIELDS, JEFF. CO.,
May 20th, 1872.

Mr. Editor—Being a constant reader of your interesting paper, I observe that your correspondents "Timothy and "Templar" keep you well informed as to affairs in their immediate vicinities—of their success both individually and collectively—their vices and moralities, with now and then comments and suggestions for the improvement of their fellow men, and whilst perusing "Timothy's" letter of your last issue the thought struck me, why should not Duffields say something for itself occasionally. Duffields, as you are well aware, is a thriving little village situated on the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad, midway between you and "Timothy," beautifully laid off, and possessing advantages second to none in the County. As you are a stranger, perhaps, not editorially, but personally, tarry a moment with me, and I will "show you round." Coming in from a northerly direction, through "Aspen Avenue," we find ourselves at the head of the business portion of Main Street. Here stands the large mercantile House of R. L. Wyson & Co., doing an extensive business and commanding a powerful patronage. "Bob" is a first-rate fellow, Mr. Editor, runs the depot and keeps guano for sale. Adjoining this House is the "Duffield's Hotel," kept by the enterprising proprietor, Mr. Daniel Reynolds. Mr. R. always has a well furnished table, but tells a marvelous tale of Bob's eating propensities. Immediately over the house of Wyson & Co., is the Sons' of Temperance Hall, built and owned by them. This organization is in a prosperous condition, and has done wonders in the way of building up the morals of our community. May she go on in her good work, till the "curse of mankind" is forever banished from our land and America's national evil a thing of the past.

Although Duffield's does not claim a "Whisky Saloon," yet there is a Mr. Pence here who silently deals out the "distilled damnation" to those who love it.

Passing down Main street we next come to the large Boot and Shoe Manufactory of Hagely & Co, who does splendid work and always keeps a fine assortment on hand. Next is the fine confectionery store of Hill & Co. Passing on we now find the large sawing and blacksmithing establishment of Hendricks, Barnhart & Co. This firm is also doing a prosperous business. While just across the Railroad is a fine planing mill under process of erection, by Mr. Joseph Hess, and at the end of Main street, is another boot and shoe emporium, under the management of Mr. T. Wintermoyer. Mr. W. makes the best fit in the country.

Now we will take a refreshing draught at this large spring near us and then retrace our steps. I feel better now, don't you, Mr. Editor?

Here at the corner of Main and Church street is the new firm of Lucas & Bro. This firm is performing miracles in the mercantile world, having on hand the best selected stock of goods ever brought to a Duffieldian market. This, Mr. Editor, is the centre of the village. Opposite this is a fine building erected recently by Mr. J. S. Melvin, upon a lot purchased from Mr. Harman at the rate of $2,000 per acre.

I have been informed that Mr. H. has sold several lots extending to the Church on which the purchasers propose erecting buildings immediately.

Passing up Church street, the next building of importance is the Presbyterian Church, a massive structure and whose pastor in charge is the Rev. Dr. Scott, an able minister, and a zealous advocate of the cause of Christ. His congregation is a large one, having within its fold the majority of our noblest and best citizens. Its Sabbath School also is in a healthy state. Beyond this is the Duffield's Academy, presided over by the able and efficient teacher, Prof. McMurran, who I believe is a resident of your city. I suppose you recollect when this Institution was founded, if you remember rightly some of the orators for the occasion confined themselves more to politics than education. One expression from a speaker on that day struck me rather forcibly. It was this, "Every mother should instill in the bosom of her offspring, eternal hatred to radicalism." It was entirely an educational enterprise, Mr. Editor, and of course a discussion of the political questions of the day was inappropriate.

We now pass up Blackoak street, here is the office of Dr. Alexander, our residing physician without whom I don't know what we would do. And next is the extensive Dry Goods establishment of Melvin & Co. Mr. M. is doing business on a grand scale and is buying up all the wool in the country, "African excepted." The Post Office is at this house, Mr. William Snyder is the Postmaster proper, but the office is under the efficient management of Mr. Taylor Link, the chief salesman of Mr. Melvin's establishment. Now, Mr. Editor, step inside the corporation and consequently beyond the Parsonage and we are out in the country. Here I will bid you adieu, and if this finds a place among your columns you may ere long again hear from,

Yours forever,

"MARY BEAN."