The independent press. (Abbeville C.H., S.C.) 1853-1860, 1858-07-30
Our Visit to williamston.


For slrc sake of relieving the monotony o
every day life. snufiing The fresh brcczes, and
imbibng the pure water of the mineral region
We made flying visit to Williamson on last
Friday. Quite large party had gone up from
Abbeville on the day before The announce.
mcnt of the performance of several populn.
plays by the Thespian Corps, and the libcrality
Of tho G. Il c. Railroad in granting excursion
tickets, presented additional inducements to
the usual attractions the Williamson Springs
and increased the number of visitors on Fri
oay, 10 Mt least 23O persons, at the New Hotel
Our trip OH the railroad presented no Incl
ueht OF special interest. We were safely de-
posted Mt Hodges Depot, ut the usual hour, in
time for the upper train which COON came in
sight with three we'll filled passenger cars nt
taclied. I'VE had the good fortune TO sec urc n
seat. on the shady side ofrhc car, and were soon
scudding away, through pleasant country
diVers'hed with hill aud dale, woodland and
cultivated heids. Passing sncccssivcly tn,
stations nt Donaldsvillc, fionea Path, and Bel
ton, we reached Willamsion, about 4 o'.lo.E
/. ~, and Were greeted with our first clim,sc
OF the sllcndidncw Hotel, whilst our ears were
sa'uted with some delicious music from the
line Eand from Charleston The platform
presented view of many familiar faces. whilst
the pnzzas of the Hotel in the distance were
thronged with spectators, who had come out
to witness the arrival Of the cars. With the
assistance of Col. T. a. IIoke, the gcntlemanly
Superintendent Of the New Hotel. we were
soon prov id,d with comfortable quarters, and
by The proper use of our eyes and oars managed
to spend II very pleasant and profitable evening
AT might We hnd the pleasure Of attending
very fine representation Of The Lady of Lyons"
and the fr'ce "Trying it On" by the Thespians
of Abbcvillc. The performances were in the
spacious Ball room Of the Hotel and to n
crowded audience. The characters were ali
we'll sustained and reflected the highest credit
upon the performers. The interest in tho cxer-
cises was maintained to the close, and they we're
greeted with frequent applause. The Thrspinns
we think have good reason TO congratulate
themselves upon the success of their trip. On
both nights they drew crowded houses, and
performed to the satisfaction of all present.
AS we prolonged eur stay in W!lia,nston
until the following Monday, we had fine
oppo'tu4ity Pfinspcctiny the New Hotel in its
interior and external arrangements, and survey
ing its beantu! environs 1t is pleasantly 81, uat-
cd near the Railroad, and presents to the view OF
the passing traveller lis bold and imposing front
Fourteen massive columns supporting two
spacious piazzas, here extend in length n
distance oftwo hundred and thirty feet. whilst,
to the rear pro- jec: two cuormous els enclosing
an extensive The Hotel is ono of the largest
the best ventilated. and most csmmodious ia all
oi its arrangements, that We have ever seem 1t
Is a massive three story structure, with three
flights of stairs, (besides private stnirways)
extending from the buse to the attic, and
atfording access from every quarter. The
domito'ies nrc all arranged with view to
ventilation, and are handsomely furnished The
Ball and Drawing room arc spacious AMI
Pleasantly situated, and the dining room is an
immense affair capable Of accommodating 400
guests at table. In connection with it is the
Kitchen into which one of the proprietors hal
the kindness to introduce us, and which is one OF
most complete in its arrangements. Here presidcs
an ebony disciple of Epicurus, from Charleston
whose very smile is suggestive Of bccfstakc and
and turtle soup
The tablets supplied with choice variety OF
the best that the city and country can afford
the proprietors and superintendent are accom-
modating, and the servants polite and attentive C.
pleasant company from various portions OF
the State isnow sojourning here: and all spenk
in the highest terms Of the tome properties ul
the waters.