MAY DAY AT RALEIGH ACADEMY, 1821.
We were much gratified on Tuesday, to witness the celebration of May day by the Young Ladies of our Academy. It is delightful to recall, by such scenes, the pleasures of our Spring of Life, and to observe in others the same buoyancy of spirit, the same happy susceptibility to pleasurable emotion, and ardor in the persuit of objects, which we ourselves have known, but which seem to us now as the shadowy beauties of a dream—the cherished recollections of "auld lang syne."
The scene which was chosen for this Fete harmonized admirably with its rural ceremonies. A circular space was cleared in the midst of a grove of venerable oaks, which sheltered the joyous votaries of Spring and the numerous spectators. On an elevated platform stood the Throne, which "redolent of sweets" seemed Flora's Bower: above, a wreath mingled with every flower which woos the smile of May, was suspended in festoons from tree to tree. The chosen Queen was conducted to her seat of honor by her school mates, who presented her with a crown, "which," in the language of a pretty and appropriate address delivered on the occasion, "boasted no ornament more brilliant than the dewdrop of the morning, but which was of more value to an affectionate heart than those of Princes, being the gift of affection, sanctioned by the sword of judgment."
A profusion of refreshments distributed by our young entertainers, and music from a band of amateurs concluded the scene. The venerable Bishop Moore honored the Fete by his presence, and appeared to take a benevolent pleasure in investing the effusions of youthful gaity.
—Raleigh Register, May 4, 1821.
MAY DAY, 1825.
------------------------------------ "Returning May
"Borne on the balmy zephyr's fragrant wing,
"Like a young beauteous bride from the orient bowers,
"Sparkling with dewy gems and crown's with flowers,
"Hastes to the favorite land and round her pours,
"In rich profusion nature's boundless stores."
The Annual Feast of Flowers was observed by the Female Students of our Academy, as usual, on Monday last. The Queen of the day was Miss Frances G. Marshall, of Halifax County, & the Address on behalf of the fair suffragants to their mimic Sovereign, was delivered by Miss Sophia G. Forney, of Lincoln County. It was written with taste and elegance, and delivered with more than usual grace and expression. This celebration of the first of May is not confined to country or climate. In the oriental vale of Cashmere—in the midst of French luxury, of English Sobriety, and of Scotch simplicity.
"The spirit of fragrance is up with the day" to cull the sweetest and the fairest flowers, to celebrate the reign of Flora.
—Raleigh Register, May 6, 1825.
MAY DAY IN 1826,
The vallies, hills and woods, in rich array,
Welcome the coming of the longM for May,
Now all things smile.
The month of May is justly deemed the youthful and lovely time of the year. It is at that period, when Nature appears inexpressibly charming, her lap filled with flowers—her ample bosom swelling with the nourishment of the world. The genial sun, "from the lucid chambers of the South, looks out and smiles," and the animation it creates, is universal, extending throughout all the elements and classes of being. It is the season when our liveliest feelings are enkindled—when we catch, as it were, new life from the surrounding objects of creation which are bursting forth into beauty, and our affections like the opening rivers just freed from their icy chains, are flowing in a thousand channels.
It is pleasing to see these customs which are sanctioned by time and approved by all as not only innocent in their character, but useful in their tendency, kept up at the present day. Among the observations of this kind, is the celebration of the First of May. Its return was observed yesterday, as usual, by the Female Students of our Academy, who present annually on the first of May, the first fruits of nature's kindly providence, as an offering to Flora. Miss Adelaide Hunter was selected by her associates, as the Rural Queen, and a numerous company assembled to witness the coronation of the mimic sovereign. A profusion of good cheer and a band of Music contributed to the enjoyment of those present.
—Raleigh Register, May 2, 1826.
MAY DAY, 1827.
The Anniversary of Floral Birth-Day was celebrated by the young ladies of our Academy, on the 1st inst. in their usual manner. Miss Pherebee Seawell was the Rural Queen, and a numerous company assembled on the occasion. The weather was more March like, than was agreeable, but what with beauty, music and refreshments, the entertainment went off very well.
—Raleigh Register, May 4, 1827.
(Source: North Carolina Schools and Academies, 1790-1840, By Charles L. Coon 1914)
