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Look Back: Wave riding with Marion Sullivan

It was perhaps a scene similar to the one shown above, showing parts of Belpre, Neal’s Island and “the Point” at Parkersburg, all seen from the vantage point of Fort Boreman hill that Ms. Sullivan describes in her 1847 story of “Wave Riding.” (Photo Provided)

“WAVE RIDING” by Marion D. Sullivan

“Wave Riding is the title on the first page [of this paper.] Many of our readers will recognize, in the authoress, an old acquaintance — a quondam denizen of our town. We are pleased to find her a contributor to Godey’s Lady’s Book, and trust she may frequently enliven the pages of that sterling monthly.

The Editor, The Parkersburg Gazette, October 7, 1847

***

“WAVE RIDING,” by Marion D. Sullivan. This is the first of a three-part series.

“There is a lovely scene on the Ohio, at its junction with the Little Kanawha — a scene of fairy beauty, which shall yet glow upon the canvas, and awaken many a burst of admiration from those whose hearts are alive to nature’s loveliness.

“The best view is from the middle of the river, a position easily attained, as there are plenty of skiffs and obliging boatmen, or good-natured school boys on each side. The former will row you over for a fip. The latter take you for nothing, but linger to ride the steamboat waves, or, in default of them, to rock the skiff in a manner which, to the unaccustomed, appears exceedingly perilous.

“Here, then, we are in the river [returning to Parkersburg from Belpre], not quite in the middle, but a little towards the Virginia shore, to avoid the strong current, with just oar enough to keep her from falling downstream. Look at that water-snake carrying his head so high — the ugliest of all ugly things. There is another following him. How malicious this one looks, as if he were mediating a sly bite. Strike at him with the oar! They have disappeared.

“It is between high and low water. We are at a distance of a quarter of a mile from the Virginia shore, and about a third from the opposite. Just nine o’clock in the morning. The sun is shining bright, the mist has vanished, and there is not a cloud in the sky. Upstream lies what seems a tuft of beautiful trees and gay flowers, with feathery green vines hanging to the water’s edge. It is Neal’s Island.

“Farther up, it shows a nice substantial farm, with comfortable buildings and cheerful inhabitants, whose bright prospect of sky and water is never to be shut out by long piles of brick and stone masonry.

“Southward, on the Virginia shore, upon two broad terraces, with a background of hill and forest, a lovely little city is rising, whose snow-white dwellings, luxuriant gardens, and flowering trees form a beautiful landscape in our panoramic view. Is it not a lovely little city? Are you seeking for a home where there are elegance, good feeling, hospitality, and intelligence? This is the place. Throw out your anchor.”

To be continued …

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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical Society. Would you like to help preserve our past for future generations? The society offers informative monthly meetings and an interesting, 20-page quarterly newsletter. Dues are just $20/year. Send to: WCHPS, P.O. Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.

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