Cincinnati daily press. [volume] (Cincinnati [Ohio]) 1860-1862, 1860-08-01
Residence OF the Late VIM. E. Burton, tn
Comedian.


A writer in New York paper, speaking Of
the suburbs Of that city, says Of Burton's late
residence near Glen Cove:
He was 'jolly old coye,n The former pro-
prietor of this estate, and, though now he is
as deed as poor "Yorick" himself there are
few who eau recall the name of William E..
Burton without smile. Most people knew
him only as an actor-as "Toodlesn or
'Micawber" or "Aminidab Sleek or "Cal-
iban," or "Falstaff,n or Captain Outtle," OF
Mick Bottom, the Weaver" and to them his
only natural place was the boards of his own
or Niblo's Theater. But at Glen Cove was
the home for which he cherished alreal affec-
tion on which he expended years of care
and attention, and where, throwing off the
peculiarities Of his assumed characters with
their clothes, he appeared not as Burton, the
low comedian, but as Burton, the farmer
and horticulturist. For, singular as it may
appear, this man, who passed the greater
part of his existence among the tinsel and
glitter of the stage, had perfect pBssion for
fowers-probably because of their pure and
fragrant contrast to the artificial gew-gaws
and decorations by which he was so fire.
quently surrounded. On the highest point
of his estate is a magnificent glass conserv-
atory-quite a Crystal Palace-of unusual
size, erected in tasteful style of architecture
and containing large collection of valuable
plants and flowers. 1t was built some four
years ago, and was one of the last hobbies of
its owner.
Mr.. Wisp and his friend found no trouble
in obtaining adniittance to the grounds, as
visitors are allowed to stroll through them
on the condition that they walk only in the
paths, and refrain from plueking flowers.
The estate comprises some forty acres and a
more charming site it would be difficult to
find. The grounds lie at an elevation of
some thirty feet above the surface of Long
Island Sound and Glen Bay or Cove, the
water front being skirted with dense grove
Of large old trees, which on the western side
extend quite to the dwelling-house, situated
near the center of the place. The land slopes
rapidly upward to the interior, and at the
highest point is the conservatory before
mentioned, which can be seen from long
distance down the Sound. The dwelling
itself is ofwood, a large struggling building
completely hidden in foliage, and at present
unoccupied. The wide front piazza looks
| through openings In the trees on the Sound,
| and the large fat roof of one of the wings has
been rallied around, offering delightful plat
| form for dancing. On one side of the house
is the dense grove, yet a wild forest, and
directly in front beds OF flowers are laid out
with taste and skill, ..-.f5, ... Il
To the east side of the building is a glass
covered grapery, and near this long arbor,
over which series of grape-yines has been
trained, forming an outrageous walk i'm
pervious to sunshine, and so long that stroll
through it makes the visitor feel like locomo-
tive goingthrough the Hoosac Tunnel, if ever
that work be finished. Romantic couples will
deem this walk quite enchanting especially
as it has floor of boards and is not damp)
while young ladies will be inclined to term
it sweet" '-.l s
There seemed a melancholy sadness about
the place as our young friends strolled through
it, for the grounds already showed the lack
of proper attention. Grass quietly growing
up in the carriage waydwoeds intrndfng upon
the flower beds, and rose bushes with long
untrimmed branches peering over the piazza:
and stretching uneasily against the closed
window-shutters at each breath of wind
Along the stoops were piled up rustic chairs
and iron stands, while at one side of the house
in singular contrast to the almost dismal
dark-colored surroundings, stood number
of small, gilded iron ratings, like those Oh
the front Oft tiers of boxes in theater
At once they recalled the public life of theiI
| fornar oynar