The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1849-05-05
Our Willow Grove Correspondence.
Willow GROVE, near Philadelphia,
Nav 1 1910

have been residing in this pretty little village
for several days; and more delightful spot,
milder climate, more salubrious atmosphere,
more beautiful budding landscape, have never
seen on this side Of the Atlantic. This region of
the country is indeed regarded as one of the
healthest in the neighborhood of Philadelphia.
The village, Willow Grove, received its name
from little cump of willow trees growing on the
margin of a small and limpid brook that runs
through the valley, meeting other. streams, ana
making several acquaintance on It's way, uli II
reaches the Delaware 1t Is what is called roll
ing country of height and hollow, hill and dale,
streamet and brook, all intenmlngIed together IN
most interesting order and disorder | have said
that this region is extremely healthy, and IT. so;
for in the morning when you take walk, the
balmy breathings of the vernal air which come
down from the rising ground, and across the fra
grant meadows, and through the clumps OF trees
all covered with the opening buds, are SO healthtul
and refreshing that even the most debilltated
frame must be inspired with new life and vigor.,
Willow Grove is about midway between the
city of Philadelphia and the Delaware, on the
highest ridge, and about fourteen miles from the
former place, on the old turnpike road, over which
century age, and during the revolution, the mail
was conveyed in three days between New York
and Philadelphia This road is one of the finest
in the nelghborhood of the city, and affords truly
numbers of beautiful country residences, belonging
to the quality, old families and aristocracy of
Philadelphia One of these places, about six or
seven miles from the city, and on the left hand in
Butler 1t is an ancient family mansion, in which
his uncle believe, resided for many years; and
it and the grounds are altogether in the old Eng
lish style. There are fine parks around the dwell
rows in the fine old English stye-all looking so
different and so picturesque when compared with
the usual careless and slovenly manner in which
many of the country residences OF the gentry OF
III tln.tx
a hurry, and were intended to last only half a ge-
neration. 1t was here, believe, that Mrs. Butler
resided long and so up happily with her husband,
before their final separation. Mr.. Butler lived In
the old mansion near the road, and Mrs Butler
occupied little farm house at some distance from
it, at the other end of the park. Other residences
of more or less beauty line the road both sides;
and at this season OF the year, as the trees and
shrubbery begin to put forth their buds, which are
swelling into leaves, look very charming and agree
able.
The only annoyance which have experienced
in these drives, has resulted from the overcharges
which the toll keepers on this road exact from
strangers. There no less than five SIX toll
gates on these fourteen miles of the road, and thus
the annoyance becomes somewhat provoking 1t
seems to be the practice OF these toll Keepers to
charge strangers double the usual rates should
think it would be of some interest to the manager
and secretary Of the road-whose name forget,
But who resides in Philadelphia-to correct those
charges of his keepers, and make them adhere to
the legal rate, not exactng double toll from any
poor stranger who chances TO pass over the road.
But must not forget Willow Grove, and the
scenery around that delightful village 1t contains
three hotels-all very comfortable and good looking
houses, with very tolerable cuisine, and other ar
ranqements for the accommodation of visitors.
One of these hotels has the proprietorship of a
mineral spring at a short distance from the build
ing. at which baths and other conveniences have
been fitted up, for the accommodation of visiers
in the extreme heat of summer There is also a
charming promenade through the old woods, and
along the willow groves by the brook. Here, too,
You are shown pleasant, secluded. shady spot un-
der the tree y here they get up dance occasion