Raspberry Festival

It has been the custom for a number of years past of Gen. Finnell to give an informal party at his elegant residence near Visalia, on the K. C. [Kentucky Central] railroad. Last Saturday, some twenty-five of his friends boarded the magnificent Director's car, on the 2:10 train, and were landed in good order at the platform on the General's place, which now is at the height of its summer glory.  The numerous beautiful shade trees are in full leaf, the fruit trees beginning to show that with favorable weather an abundant harvest will be had of apples, plums, and other fruit.  The guests were received by Mrs. General Finnell with her well-known generous manner, and were soon making themselves at home over the finely improved grounds. 

About an hour after their arrival, refreshments, consisting of ice cream and raspberries, alderney cream, milk, buttermilk, cakes, ices, and other delicacies were served on tables spread under the trees.  Mrs. Finnell was assisted in receiving and attending to the wants of the guests by Mrs. Gray, Miss Sherrer, of New Orleans, Miss Lucy Madeira, of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and Miss Nellie Finnell.  It is needless to say that the well-served guests did ample justice to the feast before them, but were specially charmed by the beauty and the grace of the attendants.

The guests were Messrs. Wm. Ernst, John D. Hearne, G. R. McKee, N. B. Stephens, John W. Menzies, D. C. Collins, Robert Simmons, W. W. Mackoy, C. B. Simrall, W. W. Cleary, W. E. Arthur, Major Wilcox, H. C. White, R. DE. Handy, V. T. Chambers, D. A. Glenn, J. R. Ledyard, R. A. Athey. J. L. Bristow, Sam Cochran, Finnell Madeira, C. Cambron, and a Commonwealth representative.  Dr. Stephens, of the neighborhood, and Rev. Dr. Felix also graced the occasion by their presence.

After refreshments archery was indulged in, but owing to the carelessness of the tally clerk, no score was preserved of the remarkable shots of that occasion.  Coffee was served half and hour before train time, and at 6 o'clock, all were safely on board again, and soon whirled back to the city, heavier, and we hope better men. 

from Covington's The Daily Commonwealth, June 21, 1880.