The New era. [volume] ([Portsmouth, Va.]) 1845-1847, 1846-06-04
THE OLD POINT nYGEIA HOTEL.


This far. famed, and excellent summer resort,
since it has passed into the hands Of James S.
French, Esq, has undergone very extensive i'm
provements, and now presents most imposing
and pleasing spectacle to the eye. The whole
southern public are deeply indebted to the enter
prise and public spirit of Mr.. French who has
enlarged his buildings SO as to accommodate from
600 TO 1000 persons, permanently, during the
summer, and we may safely insure those who
pay Old Point a visit, tina, they will not be dis
appointed in finding accommodations.
We had understood that the gentlemanly pro.
prie'or was making many Improvements and add
diiions TO his establishment, but had no concep-
tion of their extent and beauty, till we paid a
visit to the spot. The old building is entirely
hidden from view by lofty and splendid Grecian
building, erected in pure architectural taste,
composed of stately centre building, 60
feet square, the ground floor, the whole sizs, is
designed for ball room, the ceiling supported by
lofty columns, and will be tastefully furnished
and adorned Above this the second floor, which
is reached by an easy flight of steps, is separated
into convenient parlors and sleeping apartments.
The roof of this magnificent structure is reached
by the same staircase, when one of the most
gorgeous panoramas is presented that the eye
ever rested on, of sea, forts rivers, farms, gar
dens and country seats. From this centre ex.
tends north and south two wings, protected, front
and rear, from sun and rain, by broad and com
modious porches, making continuous promenade
on the west front of $50 feet the east front nearly
the same.
10 -. i
in every part, and will be lighted throughout,
with Crutchetl's Sular Oxygen Gas, and furnish
ed with entire new furniture.
1t is indeed the TEMPLE OF HEALTH, and
will be The RESORT of thousands seeking that
inestimabe boon, and of other thousands, who
annually escape from the heated and suffocating
atmosphere of the sullry interior.
Apart from the various improvements which
have been made for lodging his visiters, Mr..
French has fitted up his Bathing Houses in a
superior style of neatness and elegance, while
the Beach has been prepared for those who prefer
Surf Bathing. Of his Table nothing need be
said, as he and will command every luxury
that can be found in the Baltimore, Richmond
and Norfolk Markets, while our waters contain
every variety of shell and other fish, not for
getting the luscious and delicate " sheep head'
and hog which, the present season, promise
to be in great abundance.
Again, for the amusement Of his visirers, the
enterprising and gentlemanly proprietor of this
4" Temple Of Health," and place of exquisite en-
joyment. has decided on having fleet of swift
and beautiful boats, with which to form the
Regatta, or to transport them to the surrounding
country, and wherever inclination and pleasure
may direct.
Being "staunch teetoaler" we cannot say
any thing of the Bar, but from the cargo of ice
which we saw at the wharf, we should imagine
that any amount of cooling ice creams, sherbets
lemonade, &C., would DO furnished to the multi
tudes who will visit our friend French, this sum-
mer. to admire his Improvements, and enjoy the
invgoratng sea-breezes from that delightful
PoIYT. We refer our readers to the advertise
ment which has been published for some time in
this paper.