CHAPTER X.
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.