The Jamestown Ter-Centennial Exposition
| On the shores of Hampton Roads, where the mighty James pours its
waters into the broad Chesapeake Bay, with the Atlantic Ocean off in the
distance between the Virginia capes, stands the great "Jamestown Exposition"
where the people of our whole country are celebrating in fitting manner the
three hundredth anniversary of the birth of the nation. Wonderful in its
conception, beautiful in its execution, the "Colonial City" has risen like
magic among the Southern pines and flowers; and here Virginians, with true
Virginia hospitality, are giving a hearty, gladsome welcome to all who come.
With its buildings of brick, and the great white columns that marked the
architecture of the Georgian period, the Exposition itself is a thing of
beauty and a joy forever. But vieing with it in attractiveness is the wide
expanse of the waters of Hampton Roads, where the battle-ships of the world
have gathered in fraternal meeting. They do not look like dogs of war in
their gay attire; covered with flags of many colors, and at night with myriads
of lights, they tell the tale of peace and good will among all peoples. Beautiful
women, and men of many nations, promenade the decks, while the small boats
ply between the ships as the officers, in bright uniforms, visit one another,
and everywhere is heard the soft ripple of laughter and the voice of merriment.
Truly the scene is wonderful, whether we look upon the land or upon the
sea. |
| And the reason of its being adds to the interest of it all. Three
hundred years ago, a hardy band of English adventurers passed over the waters
of Hampton Roads, and up the broad Powhatan, as the Indians called it, to
Jamestown, where they established the first permanent English settlement
on the American Continent. Many were its early vicissitudes, but it was guided
in its infancy by the strong hand of the brave and wonderfully resourceful
Captain John Smith, while for its guardian angel, there was the beautiful
and gracious Indian maiden--Pocahontas of happy memory. Of Jamestown, nothing
now remains save the lonely ruins of the old church tower; but from that
little settlement this great nation sprung, and it seems but right and proper
that the world should come en masse to its birthday party, and share in the
joys and festivities of the happy holiday. |
| From April 26th to November 30th, 1907, Virginia, "The mother
of states and of statesman" is "at home" in the Colonial City. |
| There is no other land so fair |
 As Old Virginia, |
| So Full of song, so free from care, |
| As old Virginia, |
| And I am sure that happy land |
| The Lord prepared for mortal man, |
| Is built exactly on the plan |
| Of Old Virginia. |
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