Delaware gazette. [volume] (Delaware, Ohio) 1855-1886, 1858-09-10

largest, Blackberry Island, is chiefly cefe-
brated Tor the abundance of the berries, from
which it derives its name The other, called
Petrea, from its rugged, rocky surface, Is a
very beautiful island, nearly circular, and
coniaining several acres. II is a favorite
resort for picnics and parties. But ;he n"ble
coast around the Lake aboundsin convenient
places for landing as we'll as romantic walks,
when once you are ashore. A small Island,
containing less than an acre, originally CALI
ed "Beauty,'' was some years since desPoiled
of its attractions by FIRE kindled by pic
mic party, and which spread in the soil sever
al days before it was discovered. 1t was
soon a scorehed and SCARED mass. Vegeta-
ton is again beginning 10 appear, but it will
be many years ere it will regain its original
loVeiness.
Sail boats, generally the private property
of visitors, are gliding over the water, while
a legion OF row boats interpersed, add variety
TO the sceae. When my friend Wheeler
srst came here, twenty-five years ago, there
was only one small house in this vicinity, and
he was its first visitor. The ,use consist
ed of enc story and an attic A. ladder led
up to The attic, which was drawn up after
them, by those ascending il, for security
The morning a5olutiuns were performed in
The Lake After while, wash stand was
procured, but unfortunately it had only three
legs-however, by placing it against the
W ii it stood very well. Few persons had
been either on or in the Lake. Its waters
had rarely been disturbed since the canoe OF
the red man had sped over its surface-since
the last of the Mahopacs went to the laLd
of the Good Spirit.
Now how changed! Fashion here holds
her high earn ivaI and wields the sceptre of
a mos; exacting and despotlc sovereign. Dres-
sing on the part OF the ladies is carried to near
lr as great an extent as at Saratoga. One
lady who was here month appeared in a
different dress every day. The conversation
of some of these young ladies' Is largely
spiced with adjectiVes aud hyperbole. In the
language of Timothy Titcomb, 'sa pretty
dress is perfectly splendid, and dsagreea-
Bile person perfectly hateful A young
man OF respectable parts and manly bearing
such magnificent fellow" Neither are
the little oat,s OF 30. mercy "my-- gra-
cious," 'smy goodness other kim
dred expressions. wanting in the conversation
OF these refined and mest aristecratic females.
On Saturday night the Young America
ripes from The city and are welcomed by the
belle. Each year brings forth sopae new to-
ken OF badge ot this seet--the most prevailing
insignia OF the present year seems to be
straw hat wiki o light blue ribbon round it.
The most approved are those Who have the
most hair on their faces, and ii to this can be
added somewhat broken aeees ut Indicating
foreign origin, SO much the better
The Lake holds eut its sweetest attractions
at curly dawns but all this class are then
locked in siun4her. En- fact the most fash
ioeable ladies are rarely seen at all except at
evening, when they come out on the Puzza
for their evening promenade.
OF course there 10 a large class of indie
pendent minds. both male aud female. who
are not controlled by external Influences.
To such no place could be more delightful as
a sunn.er resort. Tie largest liberty is al
lowed to such, ami lhey 60 not fail TO avail
themselves Oh it.
Mrs. Snooks and the baby are OF the wa
Ter alst as Gluch as circumstances will PER
init, ID the little iace OF The latter Is ta!r!y
tanned with exposure 10 The weather. Baby
Saooks has little regard for dress, and is will
ling to go-out in any attire that may be most
convenient. Nor is she any more pariicu-
lar about the time, for she is ready at all
hours for cruise. a kind friend who has
one o! Francis Metallic Life Boats, has
generously placed it at our disposal during
The period OF our stay, and a very beautiful
affair it is, not only the most beautiful boat
here, bu. the most beautiful have ever seen.
Il is cushioned and carpeted in style of
great luxuriance, while an awning stretched
overhead protects Us from the rays of the
sun An American filg floats TO the breeze
at one extremity, and streaner bearing the
name oi the boat, at the o.her.
more comfortable or happier party is
seldom seen here lor anywhere else) than
Mrs. Snooks, the baby, the nurse and myself,
as we bound over the waters in this elegant
boat. The baby has great admiration of
the American flag that floats over US, but
whether it arises from love of country or
love OF bright colors, 1 cannot say, but as it
is fair to Sut the best construction on every
thing, we viii conclude it to be the former.
The air has a very soporitic effect on the
baby, for pretty soon Eer big blue eyes begin
to wink, and inally they close altogether,
not to open again for another hour; SO we
will take her back to the hotel.
Just before dinner it has been my habit
10 row off to distant part of the Lake,
where fine beach offers great inducements
for bathing. Here on warm day it is both
delightful and refreshing to luxuriate in the
clear blue waters.
A few evenings since we were to have
/.
laying of the Atlantic Gable. All day the
young people were busy preparing. and they
went into the work with d zest that did them
much credit.
Boat loads of evergreens and holly were
broaght in, from which wrea.hs and stars and
other decorations were manufactured in guam
titles. On one long sheet of canvass was
curiously worked by sewing on laurel leaves
the words CYRUS w. FIELD, and On another
VICTORIA. These were put on the oppo-
site walls of the large dinng-room. while on
every side were evergreens beautifully fes-
tooned on the walls. a messenger was dis
patched 10 the city for the fireworks. Then
there was to be hop inside and thefreworks
without. But as evening came on it was evil
| dent that on account OF an approaching storm
the display of the latter would have to be
postponed. The hop came off to the satis-
faction of all engaged in it, (Mrs. Shook and
| were not), while natural fireworks, far
more grand and brilliant than those brought
from New York, illuminated the heavens
We had storm of fearful grandeur, wind
and rain, thunder and lightning, all conspired
each on the grandest scale, to make the night
one long to be remembered. But through
1t all the dance went on till the
''wee short hour ayont the twal. a.
when peace and quiet was restored and the
weared dancers sought Fepose.
One of the draw backs of sojourn here
is the absence of the Sabbath privileges en-