Look Back: Bits and pieces from Smith’s Index, Oct. 2, 1882
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WANTED. -- A good woman to do general house work in a small family, to whom liberal wages will be given. Certain duties she will under no circumstances be required to perform, and they are hereby enumerated. The kitchen fire will be built, and after her bangs are in order and her cosmetics used, for which ample time will be given, she will prepare breakfast. Water and coal will be brought, the washing and ironing done out, only one fire is she expected to build, and that in the parlor, which she will keep in order. She is to cook dinner and supper, but someone else will set the table and wash the dishes, as well as emptying the ashes. This good woman will be allowed to have the family carriage six evenings in the week as our wife wants it on Thursdays, but rather than fail to secure this valuable person, the editor of the [Smith's] Index is willing to make farther liberal concessions.
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The Swan House has been renovated, refitted and refurnished throughout, and is now complete in every respect. It is under the management of Thos. G. Gordon, who will do all in his power to make guests comfortable. The Swann with its new furniture, carpets, etc., commodious sample rooms and convenient location, will be a most desirable resting place for the commercial tourist as well as the transient guest. Free bus to and from all trains. Terms moderate. See ad. [The Swann House was one of Parkersburg's earliest and finest hotels. In the early years of the Civil War the Swann House was where many western Virginia's elite met, laying the groundwork for the ultimate creation of West Virginia. It was situated very near the Point, at the intersection of Ann and First streets.]
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*** Goods. -- Our country friends will read the advertisement of Strouss & Adair, who will open a store in the brick block on Market street, near the free bridge, where they will have a complete line of dry goods, notions, boots, shoes, fancy and staple goods, &c., &c., which they will offer at the very lowest rates. Mr. Strouss was lately a partner of J. W. Dils & Co., and having a large country acquaintance, they will, of course, call and see him. J. T. Adair was formerly with the B. & O. Road, and his friends will call on Strouss & Adair where they can procure goods cheap. These gentlemen are East, purchasing a large stock which will be open next week, and the goods will be entirely new. See ad.
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Chas. Curtis, of Little Hocking, is one of the most expert oarsmen for his age in the river. He is perfectly at home in a skiff, and his trips on the water are not only good exercise, but it affords him a great deal of pleasure also.
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Bachelor Dinner. -- R.L. Mitchell, H.H. Pennybacker, J.R. Butcher, P.F. Phillips and Whitten Wells attended a Bachelor's dinner at the residence of Mrs. Elizabeth Wells, near Belleville, Miss Kate Wells presiding. The feast was a very enjoyable one, everything being gotten up in a style of which that family is famous.
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Skating. -- Miss Lola Saunders carried off the silver metal at the rink on the 11th inst. because she was the most graceful lady skater. The contestants were Misses Betie Paxton, Julia Jones, Lola Saunders, Emma Als, Lou Hannon, Mary Van Winkle, Mollie Coleman and Mrs. Will Ogden.
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BIRTHS: KNOWLES -- In Torch, O., Jan. 1st 1883 [?], a boy to Mr. and Mrs. A.H. Knowles; BUTCHER - In Parkersburg, W. Va., Dec. 6th 1882, a girl to Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Butcher.
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Married. CARTER -- TARY, in Parkersburg, West Va., M. L. Carter and Miss Ida M. Tary. Rev. W. E. Powell officiating.
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Bob Enoch is president of the Wood County Historical and Preservation Society. If you have comments or questions about Look Back items, please contact him at: roberteenoch@gmail.com, or by mail at WCHPS, PO Box 565, Parkersburg, WV 26102.