The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1854-07-26
THE SUMMER RETREATS.

HEATH Housz, July a. 1854.
summer Life on Sehooieys Mounfd'n-Cdpt.
hilbert Degroofs Ho,ef-7ne Attractions Of
the Place-Guests, .fmusenents, &C., &c.
have Just arrived upon Schooleys Mountain,
am now breathing their cool, vivifying air, and
according TO my promise, when left home,
hasten to give you my impressions of the place
pro bono pta6lieo. This may now be set down
among the chief summer resorts in the Northern
States, and the crowds of visiters, now here
indicate that it is well appreciated by the ira
yelling public. 1t is retreat of many years
standing, but not till this season has become
especially noted and thronged by the !" fair and
brave. " This reputation has been given it by
Capt. Albert Degroot, late proprietor Of the
Prescott, New York. and now of the Heath
House, the main hotel here. Early in the
year the Captain leased these premises, and
at once set himself to work to add to its at
fractions and its comforts, to prepare it for the
entertainment of the fashion and beauty Of the
Union. His name, associated with the place,
was " a tower of strength" and long before the
house opened the greater portion Of it was en-
gagged.
There are here at present representations
from every quarter--from the North, East,
South and West-but the main representation is
from New York and Philadelphia. This spot is
within few hours ride from both these cities
from the former, via the Morris and Essex Rail-
ROAD, now in successful operation under its gen
tlemanly superintendent Mr.. Beach Wander
pool. The route is the Philadelphia road from
Jersey City 10 Newark, then by the Morris ani
Hssex to Hackettstown, about two miles dis
taDt from the Heath House, with which there
is stage communication This mammoth hot 4
ia capable of accommodating several hundred
guests, is situated on the summit of the highest
land in the Schooley range, between 700 and
1000 feet above the level Of the sea. It's
grounds extend over forty-two acres, tastefully
laid out in lawns, walks, groves, &C., cool, rural
and romantic, through which bellies and beaus by
moonlight love to wander and mutually "pour
soft nonsense into willing ears Hard by the
house, is mineral spriug, said to have great
medicinal qualities, gushing from the bosom Of
solid rock, as il some second Moses had touch
ed it with his waad. The scenery, for miles
around, is very fine, through which, even to the
most dull ride is replete with interest and
to the student of nature unfolds new beauties
constantly, full OF poetry and inspiration.
The amusements of the place are various
Those Of steady habits, who have sown their
"w wild oats" and gone into the sere and yell
low" leaf OF life, recline beneath the inviting
shade, sleep, read, and among themselves dis
euss the rise and fall of stocks, as the spirit
may move them. The fast men (of this class
there are very few present, which just now
gives the place rather serious and quiet tone)
bowl, play billiards, ride, gun, smoke, prone
nade and enjoy their cocktails to any extent
within the bounds Of propriety and good fell
lowship, bt yond which Capt. Degroot, mindful
Of che reputation and comforts Of his guests,
will allow none to CO. The bellies sew, knit
lace, play whist, Dress dance, firt with the
gallants, while anxious mammas devote most
Of their time in keeping watch upon their
daughters, to see that the g little dears" are
sufficiently reserved, not too encouraging to
the ogling Romeos, and otherwise conform to all
the rules and regulations of fashion and pro-
priety, Every night after tea. the company
have 'shop" in the ball room. the band per-
forming till all have drunk their fill of pleasure,
and retire to sleep and dream.
The Rev. Spencer II. Cone. of New York, is
here, and delivered an eloquent sermon yester-
day, the church being we'll filed with the
guests Of the place. In the company here are
Gov. J. J. Herrick and family. Rev. ID. HMght,
of Trinity church, New York; Judge Este, of
Gin; Senator Wright of New Jersey: Messrs.
George Peckbam, Andrew Jackson Decatur.
DR.. lothian Post, Mr.. Robert lie Roy and lady:
the book publishers, Harpers and Appletons;
Mr.. J. w Smith and his lovely daughters Mr.. and
Mrs J. G. Stone. T. A. Fowler and family, John
Howard, formerly of the Irving House; c. Fl.
Penniman j. L. Jackson, and others of New
York city. or the Philadelphians here, are
Mr. Tingley and family, the author, George H.
Baker and lady, Mr. l.. L. Penniman and family,
Miss Ada Thompson, sister Of the Senator Mr.
and Mrs. Vim. Bray and lady. Hon. M. G. Read.
Geo W. Gregory, and others VIM. Toler and
family, of Paterson Hon. J. G. Allen from
Mississippi !; and Gov. Coles and family of
Pennsylvania. There arc some pretty girls
here the Miss Wheatons, of Philadelphia Miss
Marshall and Miss Mount, of New York the
lovely and fascinating Miss King, of Philadel-
phia here with Mr.. Tingly and family, and who
is beyond doubt the belle Of the entire COM
pany
The thermometer here. understand, has not
been above eighty degrees, even in the hottest
weather Of this summer. How different this
temperature with the cool breezes that arc al
WAYS tanning these mountain SUBMITS. from
that Of home, with the mercury reaching up to
ooe hundred, and every breath of air shut out
by the towering streets Of brick and mortar,
stone and granite. In conclusion, Schooleys
Mountain Is great place for enjoyment and
especially on week days. Sunday has passed
away very quietly, but am told that it is i'm
possible to fully judge OF the place on the Sab
bath Whether remain here long depends al
together upon the week day attractions. which
have not, / suppose, wholly discovered yet,
n, at the close of this week day. Mon
day) I discover in the place any addi-
tionai charms, and conclude to remain q while
ionger, then you shall hear again from the +,
u. VS. in the OLD COLONY.
Red Sweet sulphur Springs.
Rgp SWEET SPRINGs. ALLEGASY Co, VA,
July 10, 1854.
c.s.u-.. - n akL.. q 81.