The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1858-07-18
OUR WATERING PLACES.
SHARON SPRINGS.
SHARON SPRINGS, July Is, 1858,

-0Q8WrU Bc0ut<S OF Sn0ron-FfOsPeets " INC Seo'
sow-Locoi Iuprocements-NeW Free Church
Signs Of the Malensum-More SabbafGrian
Tioubles-Am,ussments &C., sc.
If there is one spot more than another which re-
vsi, with pleasure, it is Sharon. 1t possesses fea-
lures which the corupting influence of fashionable
associations can never destroy, and which will ever
render il favorite haunt with those who love ma
ture for her own sake and not for that of the art
fetal attractions with which it is sought to invest
her. Let land owners and hotel keepers do what
they will to pander to city tastes, their works must
be ever subordinate to those natural creations which
impart to this beautiful mountain retreat the charms
that render it preeminent amongst our Ame-
rican watering places. No where in the world
can finer scenery, a purer atmosphere, or
more lovely drives be found. With the val
ley of the Mohawk outstretched beneath us on
one side and range of verdure clad hills com nand
ing equally extensive views, on the other, no one
who has really taste for the calm enjoyments oil
country life can fail 20 find here resources sufhcien'
TO fill up his time and thoughts.
For the last few DAYS the weather has been rather
unsettled, heavy rains arriving opportuneiy 10 re-
fresh the parched earth During last night, and up
to twelve o'clock this morning, an immense amount
of rain has fallen, and yet at the hour at which
am writing 1.-TWO o'clock) almost all traces Of it
have disappeared This shows how much the soil
must have been in need of MOISTURE fact of which
we were already made aware of by the loud com.
plants of the farmers.
As w the season here wears rather languid
appearance The number of guests at the hotels,
il is true exceeds that of the corresponding period
last year. but il must be remembered that last year
was unusually hard one, and that to compensate
for its shortcomings the improvement should be q
marked one. AS yet, can see no evidences OF this,
but the hotel keepers do not seem at all discouraged
appearing TO think, the contrary, that the arri
walls Of the present week will decide favorably the
character of the season.
There is certainly no place of summer resort
which leaving out ofquestion its natural attractions,
deserves more encouragement than this. The pro-
prietors of the public establishments seem to be in
fluenced by proper sense of their duties towards
their guests and not only maintain tables which
unsurpassed for their excellence, but keep down
their prices to the lowest limit compatible with
fair profit Thus at Sharon, for your dollar and
half or two dollars day, you can live as well and
enjoy as much comfort as at any oil the nrst hotels
In the country. There is, OF course, fashionable
house in the village where you pay higher rates; but
although it is admirably kept, II in no way surpasses
in the quality of its cuisine in its other arrange
ments, the other establishments.
There is one thing that helps to keep up the
character of Sharon one OF the most progressive
Of the watering places. All the leading hotels
are in the hands of the members OF two or three
families, who have intermarried with each other
and have therefore common interest in pulling to-
gcther. As there is no motive for unfair compet-
tion their efforts to be directed TO elevate the
general character of the place, instead of endeavor
lug 10 each other down, is the case elsewhere
The result OF this wise policy Is OF course highly ad
vantageous TO all, and every year that come here its
fruits become more manifest Not only are the DIFF
ferent establishments continually adding 70 their ac
commodations and accessory features, but the vii
lage itself is exhibiting fresh evidences OF gene
rous and proviaent attention 10 the convenience Of
the public.
Since was here last season the grounds surround
ing the principal springs have been tastefuy plant
ed and laid out aud understand that II is c0ntem
plated to extend the and attention 70 the
beautiful openings in the woods which crown the
eminence above them. II this design be carried
into execution, the effect from the road will be
charming, and will form an appropriate pendant to
the opposite hill, with its many coumned pavilion
its picturesque church and the nrst of projected row
Of villa structures recently built by Dr. Fonda
Apropos of this church. must not omit 70 notice
as proof Of the good taste and good sense Of The
people who direct the affairs of this place that IL
has been built for the use OF scots OF all denonina
tions who may happen to have pastors soJurning in
the village. These gentlemen will be alternately in
yited 10 celebrate divine worship or TO preach ac-
cordng the religions necessities Of the residents
that is to say, where the service may not DC accept
able TO the majority sermon viii be substituted.
Curious 10 ascertain 10 what extent this universal
federation is 10 be carried, inquired whether If
Roman tathOllc clergyman Hdppeueu 10 DC lu tHe
village he would be allowed the church. Certainly,
was the reply, "if his own scruples do not prevent
him using H." This, taken in connection with Abdul
Medjids recent banquet 20 the heads Of the Moslem
i,e Christian and Jewish religions at Constantnople
would lead to the belief that We are rapidly ap-
preaching the millennium.
There has been nothing in the shape OF public
amusements here since the commencement OF the
season. On Thursday last the FIRST hop came on az
the Pavilion; but u was rather lame a1air, as IN
deed the opening nights generally are az most OF
.r.Ioa It IA Fbat fha yan4l 0unn
are tinid or the young ladies bashtul. A New York
education excludes In regard 10 most Of them, such
a supposition as that The truth is that the social
positions Of the majority are not AS yet definitely
ascertained. Each desires 70 be satisfied that he
she viii not be compromised by associations beneath
the level OF their notions II is not question Of
family pride with them. for most % them would DE
ashamed 70 trace their pedgfees generation back.
IL Is simply question whe ther dry goods VIII mix
with drugs, or the Fifth avenue with ST. Marks
place. In other words. IL resolves itself into the
convenient bat indefinite issue OF respectabty.
that cloak for conventional pretensiohs Of every
kind, that wet blanket which extngnishes all
kindly and social impulses aud generous feelings.
As Douglas Jerr0ld ed 10 say, u hate the very
word respectability a. Falstan hated lime t has
carried It's whitewash into every corner of tho land,
and has made weak and insipid the wine Of life"
circumstance has Just occurred AZ one Of the
hotels which illustrates the serious character OF the
struggle % winch the spread OF foreign notions in
regard TO the latitude Of enjoyment claimed for the
sabbath day is likely 10 lead. party Of Germans
began 70 play at cards in one Of the public sitting
rooms and when demonstrated with by the propre-
tor on the ground Of its being offensive 70 the no
tons Of some Of the persons In the house, they man
iested their resentment by leaving the establish
ment and going in q body tahout fifteen in alb TO
another house. Now. whilst disposed 20 concede
80 every the privilege Of passing bis Sunday
he pleases, do not think that the conduct Of the
persons in questions IL 20 be justified any ground
They had no right 20 compromise the interests Of
the hotel by making this public display Of practice
which 10y most persons in this country Is considered
an Questionable II not an immoral one. They
had the alternative Of retiring TO their rooms 30
NAV their game, when they found that IL led
20 complaint aud they were unreasonable in visit
inc up0u the establishment the consequences Of their
indscreton. IL Is my belief however that these
persons would not have been bold enough TO run so