The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1845-07-11
The Fourth.

The citizens Of this place adopted no general
plan for C, celebrating the late anniversary Of our
national independence. The matter had been
suffered to rest entirely until within week of
the fourth, when the Bachelors Club took it in
hand, and determined whatever the old people
might say or do, the young folks ,couH have a
spree Of some sort enyaour, on this great nation
al Sabbath day. So all the rules OF the club that
might prove inconvenient, were suspended until
the 9Th, it was agreed to invite the young ladies
to Join with the bachelors in Picnic pariy to
Deer Park and Starved Rock, and the most excel
lent bailf of the Club was commissioned, with
the assistance Of the ladies', to provide suitable
freshmcnts. Preparations went on g!oriousy
and on the morning Of the fourth sixteen to eigh-
teen couple, in barouches, carriages, and bugges
left the spent up streets and crowded mart" "a
slight poetic lcense) of Ottawa, 10 enjoy the free
air and magnificent scenery along the southern
bluff Of our Incompatible Illinois.
! The party arrived at Deer Park after two
hours drive. This is ten or twelve miles below
Ottawa, near the entrance OF the Vermiicn river
ihto the Illinois. tits ravine probably mile
long, and so feet wide, solid rock on either side,
rs to 100 fee, high perpendicular. The upper
end Of il is shaped like half bell, narrow over
head. In the beautiful cove thus formed, there
are several fine springs, from whose cool and re-
ireshin5 waters the party, parchcd by their long
| ride. par,ook with grateful relish. The ravinc
has lis name from the fact that deer often dri-
ven into il at the mouth, and when once in, can
ne, get out, but are confined, as in park. Ithas
NJ other resemblance To park.
The party remained at the park about an hour
after which they wen, to Starved Rock, which il
about three miles this side. This is an immeus,
rock, 10 the form Of pyramid, rising out Of til,
river to the hesh. OF 100 feet. On the summit
there is probably an acre, covered with grass un,
iine shade trees. To this, there is an ascent, b,
a sort Of natural stairway, on the south side.
has the appearance Of once having been an isIapd
though the river now washes only the northern
and part Of the eastern side oft. 1t has ITS nam
from the circumstance thai, some $50 or 200 year
ago, nccOIulnS 10 luulnn Uauitioh, IaIse parry
Indians, who took refuge on this rock were be
sicged by relentless foe, until they starved t
! death.
When the party arrived at the summit of III
rock, they found several couple there from Gran
: v,lo who had been Invited to join them, WAITING
for them. The greeting over and having It'll
time for rest and an agreeable chit chat, the Who'll
company Sc, down to sumptuous repas, that ha
been prepared by our friend "sim," bailill, &c, j
obedience TO his high commission. for the fathft
!, and truly admirable performance of which tn
club at its next meeting should vote him silv,
pitchef.
After remaining here few hours, passing IL
time in so beautiful and romantic place,
asrccably that oil were 10th to leave, the lengll
= ened shadows Of the trees admonishel them lh
! the day was spent, and the party returned 10 the
home where they arrived obout s o'clock. N
! n single accident or occurrence took place to mi
the good feeling Of the day, and we shall long r
! member il as one Of the happcst days we cv
spent