Daily Davenport Democrat. [volume] (Davenport, Iowa) 1864-1874, 1867-11-23

residences. They are tho pride Of our city |
aud the admiration Of its visitors-none |
moe so than the elegant mt. Ida Piscs,'
which has been reconstsuctsl during the |
pest season By Aessrs. John L. Swits and |
James Armstong. Nj. Ida, in the eastern
part Of the city, is one Of our most delight
full residence tracts. commanding as it does
the broAdes. and most picturesque views to
be obtained from any point of the noble
raass Of blufs that skirt our beautiful
town. On the most favorable point in that
direction, was erected several years ago
massive pile Of brick and mortar, known as
Ms. Ida College, of which, as literary in
s,i,ution, nothing need be said. Every ene
admired the vide, sweeping prospect, bu'
the unfinished, and unsghtly edihce was
Disgrace to the position j. occupied, and for
years our people were very skept:esl ss 10
its value or future usefulness.
Las. spring it was purchased, together
with the full block which it occupied, By the
above named gentlemen, who determined to
suliec. il to . we'll devised system cfreoon-
.truction. To that end plans we're furnish
ed by ". L. Carroll, architect, aud WILDER &
bisir, master mechanics, were set at work
The entire building, 40 by 60 feet, was dis
mantied, the outer walls FURNISHED up with
patent "tucking" and mastic, 80 as to pre-
sent front not exoeled in the use Of the
best Philadclphia pressed brick, two story
rear extension built, spacious balconies
thrown out on three sides, new roof sur
mounted with q commolious observatory,
and supported at the caves with massive
brackets, was put on. the windows renod-
dclled and re glazed with French plate glass
in shors the outward appearance is go
changed that even the most intimate nc
quaintances of the original unsightly old
pile would fail to trace any resemblance in
the reconstructed domicilc.
Snll more complete was tho netAncr
phosis of the interior, which 10 now divided
into two spacious dwellings, de-
scripton Of one Of which will stand for
both. The basement comprises four apart
ments--a large dining room. kitcheo, SER
wants room, store room, etc.. with pantry.
numerous cupbca,ds, closets, etc. The
second, or main floor, comprises a suite Of
double parlors, between which 10 smaller
room with double folding doors, . private
sitting room, spacious hall and vestibule,
all of which are superbly decorated in deli
catsly tinted and rich gold hangings. From
the deep French windows or the balconies a
broad view Of river, island and bluff scenery
is obtained, which is unequalled even in
this city Of magnificent prospects. Mount
ing winding staircase with massive black
walnut hanisters, you pass to tho second
| story which comprises four spacious apart
rnen,s, elegantly finished, from the windows
Of which still more extensive views are OBJ
tanned. The Mird hoor contains the same
number Of rooms fitted up in like good
taste. Mounting still higher you pass into
the observatory. 1t is an observatory, and
nothing else. Castsyour eyes to the west,
| and fo. miles and miles away the Father OF
| Waters rolls on through magnificent seen
| ery; to the south, and the Island lies before
you in all its splendor, the city Of Rock Is
aud the grand bluffs and rich rolling coun
try that lies beyond to the east, and the
upper Mississippi grsets your gaze for iif
teen miles away; to tie north, and thou
sands of ceres Of the finest country scenery
in the world-thousands Of acres OF ouI
best cultivated farn,s'are spread before you
In fact this observatory ccmnsnds the mos
extensive sud most delightful views tia
ON be obtained in our city - view
upon which thu behclder might fea.
eternally and be enrap'ured still. =
IT, its construction, ev ry care has beel
taken that proper ventilation n ght be Sc
cured. and tia. the windows might com
mand the best views. Though the mair
rocms are supplied with elegant marbl,
maui'es the main heating apparatus con
sst4 CT large furnace, CLawson's best
whic', occupies a portion o! the kitchen
snd sends heat through registers into eveTJ
room.
Inc grounds are carefully laid cut, will
mncaaamized carriage ways and ioct-walks
all of which is enclosed with an elegant arr
substantial ornamental fenca, and deco.at,
with shade trees and shruhhery. Cornmc
dious oat-houses are supplied, an also sta
bles and carriAge housein fact, 60 cx.ens
has been spar ed to make it one Of tile mos
! desirable homes il the city. Nature he
been lavish in its gifts, and so have tee
the propric.ora Of this elesau, mansion i,
} THEFT expenditures.
: Ii Its construction, Mcssrs. N,ber !
Blair have exercised grea. taste and skill.
the heating apparatus and tin work va
furnished By Washbufn Il Hendes.; IL
brick work and plastering was executed b,
n. NJ. Rambc; tse magnificent decorative
haneings were from c. G. plummers, .
this city, and McGrsth's Of Chicago, AM
, put up by Frank II. Shepherd of Davsn
port; the stables and fence were done b!
!. Messrs Frank Kirk and j. II. Muckla, ant
the grading and landscape gardening by i
, w. Baker.
Il Il Is . perfect whcle, an hoaof 70 th
city, and . lasting monument TO the pro
prietoss. The west half Of il is owned an
occupied by James Armstrong, Esq, an
the east half is owned by Jno. l.. Swits
Esq, who now offers it for sale Al reason
able figure, either for cash or part cash On
. part Scott county real estate. in which b
has strong aud abiding faith.
PERsoxAL.-Dr. j. G. Holland, the vsrit
able Timothy Titcomb, has arrived in tn
city, and is the guest Of our fellow-citizer
r. B. Hill.
Cur friend r. 8. Starks, Of the new dru
firm Of Harrison 4 Starks, returned hon
, this morning from New York, where he b
, been puychasing one Of the finest stocks
> drugs and fancy goods that ever graced Il
. inner walls OF an Iowa drug store. Dick sa,
L ~ - t. L. n