The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1867-08-09
T'.AE DREW TNEOLOeIOAL SEMINARY.
LETTER FROM MADLSOM N u


20 be Erectsd-PreparatiOn for the
inception OF students-Danisl Drew,
Esa., the Founder, and the Dinerent
Professors.
EVENING TE1EeRAPH SPECIAL CORRESPONDENCE
MADISON, M.
August 8, 1867.
Proceeding to Newark by the regular route, 1
there took the Morris and Essex train, and,
,fter ride of seventeen miles through one of
ahe finest and most attractive sections OF the
Eastern States found myself IN the village of
Madison. This place is situated directly on the
Hne of the Morris and Essex Railroad, and
being but twenty-eight miles distant from New
York CITY, is within easy reach OF that great
Bedlam and Pandemonium combined. IL ls one
of those struggling, rambling, dlslocated little
towns which stretch through mile and half
in one direction, with an indefinite and greatly
vorving breadth. The inhabitants are mix
ture of the genuine, old-fashioned, simple
minded country folk and the smart, new
fashioned, aristocratic people who glory in the
fact that their manners and ways of life are
tainted with the leaven of the city. The houses
partake of the character of those that dwell
within them. Some are models OF rustic jersey
simplicity, while Others are ornate without and
metropolitan within. Little patches OF garden
and little clumps of trees lend their charms to
the place; and, taken altogether, it is just one
OF those delightful inland villages which possess
enough of the country air to afford repose,
while they SAVIOR too much Of the city 70 permit
the soiourner to sink into Incidence and ennui.
Passing out of the town by the continuation
of one of the main streets, at the distance OF
half mile or so your attention Is attracte1 by
stout stone wall, such as is often encountered IN
the Old World, but seldom found In the New.
yuoI1 ie nhOut thrpp-Quartprs of mile
length, of massive proportions, though some
what the worse Tor want OF care, andts probably
unequalled in extent by anything OF the kind in
New Jersey. About midway OF It's length there
is an opening which is provided with
large and elaborate iron gates, and hanked on
either side by porter's lodge, built of stone,
and quite concealed by tangled growth OF
climbing vines. Turning into the enclosure
through the open gateway, you find yourself in
a grove which, without exception, is the most
extensive IN all that section of country. 1t en-
braces full sixty acres, and many OF the trees are
OF such dimensions that they are evidently
part oil the original primeval forest. If there is
any fault to be found with them, it is that they
are too thickly panted and in some places
neglect to clear away the underbrush, and the
young shoots which have sprung up on all sides,
imparts to the grove gloom which oppresses one
with q melancholy sense of isolation from the
world.
Leading up from the gateway is broad
avenue completely shaded by the huge trees on
either side, ard at the end OF this stands large
mansion, built of brick and coated with white
paint. 1t has o frontage of sixty-fve feet, is
almost as spacious in depth, and at the rear
wing Is extended in each direction, making the
entire length of this portion of the building
over one hundred feet. Extending the entire
length Of the front is piazza about fifteen feet
IN width, the floor of which is laid with blocks
of black and white marble in alienation. The
main roof projects over this spacious portlco,
and is supported by massive huted pillars. At
the rear is another wide piazza extending nearly
Aka 90 Ahn haral1 fnw onH oh h06n hx
a cluster of vines and the branches of the
forest trees. The mansion is two stories
in height exclusive of the basement,
which is high, and thoroughly ventilated and
drained. The interior is divided into forty dit
terent apartments, all of which are large and
airy. One of the parlors, in particular, is of
magnificent proportions and very elaborate
finish, while the dlning-room at the rear
Of the man hall is even more spacious and
elegant With the exception of the large parlor,
the entire establishment is furnished in the most
costly style, the articles being generally OF a
heavy pattern, in strict harmony with the man
sion and its surroundings.
Scattered through the grove about this pala.
tial residence are the numberless buildings
which were the necessary accessories OF such an
extensive establishment. In addition TO large,
plain wooden farmhouse, a laundry, with a
dwelling Tor the laundress near at hand, and
other structures devoted to household and farm
ing purposes, there are two buildings which are
in keeping with the great mansion around
which they are grouped. One of these Is al
elegant stone structure of tasteful architecture
which was erected just before the war, at cos
of five thousand dollars, and intended for the
permanent residence of an old Irish servant o
the family. When finished, the faithful nurs
took possession, but renamed there only da.
or two, when she was suddenly taken ILL., an
removed to the great house to die in the pre-
sence of her lifelong friends and patrons. Th
other is q brick stable, fifty by ninety feet i
dimensions, and two stories in height This ha
been, in its day, one of the most complete in tn
whole country, and for some years was tenante
by the famous trotter who was the Fashion
in sporting circles as well as in name.
The view from the front does not detract froI
the interest created by the extent and romant
character of the place. The grove surroundin
the mansion stands on elevated ground, Ii
slope continuing for some distance, when til
land again begins to rise, and in the distanC
breaks into series of verdure-covered hill
which are an offshoot of the Blue Mountains.
Surrounding the grove is tract OF one hui
dIed and eighty acres, unencumbered by tree
One hundred acres of this has been under cult
walton, and is now in good condition. III
remaining eighty acres Is thrown into sing
field, and for many years past the ploughshaI
has not turned its soil. The whole estate
known by the appropriate name of eth
Forest y and until within few weeks past wa
the property of the Gibbons family. The frE
proprietor of that name died In December, 1885.
He was the owner of Fashion, and erecte
the noble mansion, about thirty years ago, a
of cultivated tastes, ,iof luxurious habits, and of
genial, hospltable nature, he purchased thi
extensive domain, and adorned 1t in tn
manner have attempted to describe, for tn
use of himself and his friends. The name an
the number OF the latter was legion, and at tn
country seat of Mr.. Gibbons they we're sure of
hearty welcome and princely entertainment
NJ tHa Grok i,Ao