ENTERPRISE AND PROSPERITY.
This railroad was projected by the energetic and far-seeing W. H. Gay,
Esq., of Suffolk, as a lumber road, who pushed it rapidly as far south
as Sunsbury, in Gates county, N. C. He soon saw that it was a grand
enterprise, and associated with him several gentlemen of the city of
Baltimore in its construction, who afterwards bought out Mr. Gay's
interest, and have constructed a road that will soon become one of
the leading lines, connecting as it does, by a line of steamboats, the
waters of Albermarle Sound and the Atlantic ocean, and bringing
eastern North Carolina in direct communication with the city of
Baltimore. Under the able management of Mr. H. B. Hubbell, the
efficient vice-president of the company, and R. H. Thompson, Esq., as
general manager, with the assistance of Colonel Harry McCleary, the
road has been brought to its present flourishing condition, and the
Gay Manufacturing Company, under President Camp, is one of its chief
adjuncts. This road now connects with the Norfolk and Western and the
Atlantic and Danville railways, and soon large quantities of freight
will be transferred from it to the above-named roads.
Suffolk is more particularly noted for her schools, colleges and other
institutions of learning, all of which are in a very prosperous
condition. The Suffolk Military Academy, under the direction of Joseph
King, principal, with its professorship, is no doubt the best school
for young men in Tidewater, Virginia. The character and standing of
it, with its location for health, is a recommendation that must tend
greatly to its success.
Another school of high grade is the Suffolk Collegiate Institute,
under the professorship of P. J. Kernodle. It is an institution that
has been established for several years, and has received a liberal
support from its friends. The course at this institution is thorough.
Young ladies are taught the higher branches and are instructed in
music, drawing, &c.
The West End Female Seminary under the direct supervision of Col. W.
H. Darden, formerly of Isle of Wight county, Va., with Miss Novella
Darden as principal, with the assistance of Miss Lizzie J. King, gives
to the school a reputation that must add greatly to its success. Young
ladies at this school are instructed in all the higher branches,
music, painting and drawing. It is eligibly located on College Avenue.
The Suffolk Female Institute, under the direction of the Misses
Finney, is too well known to require a notice. It is the oldest
established school in Suffolk, and enjoys a reputation that is
enviable. It has probably received more favor than any other school
which I have noticed.
The Nansemond Seminary, of which Mrs. Quimby is principal, is a school
that recommends itself. It is limited in the number of its pupils.
This should not be so. Throw open your doors wide and let your motto
be "the greatest good to the greatest number." It has gained quite a
reputation.