The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1868-07-26
SUMMER RESORTS.
L9XG BRANCH.


R'srst Ian Oi the season NJ 5IessOns-
Lone BRANCH, July 26, 1853.
MARRIED only by a most Indictment night the hrs'
grand hop Of the season at the Stetson House came
or Last evening. surrounded by all the circumstances
that could possibly contribute to its success; nor,
although numerous visitors were deferred from
being present, the salient points OF the affair we're
judciously managed, resulting in the entire satslac-
ton Of every one in attendance. 1t was expected.
and with good reason that the spacious dining room,
which was quickly fitted for the occasion, would
have been densely crowded, not only by the 6itte
of Long Branch, but by many fash0nables from New
1t need scarcely be observed It has been long and
anxiOusly looked for. The rain, however, the fierce
and wicked torrents that came pouring down lust
at the very time when the guests thought OF getting
ready kept at home at least threefOurths OF the as
semblage that undoubtedly would have been present.
1t was indeed terrible night, and one which would
deter the most enthusiastic from venturing forth.
1t had been delightful evening, but as darkness
spread around ntiai gusts Of vino %nssed 0mno@s
Then opened the suices and down came the torrents
with o vengeance, reboumding from the earth with
tuOus roar OF the broad Atlantic. upon the
surface OF which the white foam boiled and
danced as II in merriment. Long Branch was
soaked through, and the scene along the shore
was truly desOlate. What pleasing recolections OF
good Old city life arose in the minds OF many as they
peered furiyely through the closely fastened win
dOwspeered into the darkness OF night and tried to
watch the contest OF the elements or the roaring
DFtdkcTS dS Cloy OildS60 edCn OIQer nABn upon ZIG
beach. Such was last night-not' one certainly for
patent feathers or muslin. Scarcely soul was out
or doors, and the most appropriate thing that under
such circumstances could naturally suggest itself
to retire to ones chamber and, snugly Mapped,
TO chuckle at the storm and dOze over to the music
of the deep. But there are strong hearts in Long
Branch. Loud above the din was heard the rolling
of many carriages. Amphibious drivers ratified
through the gravel walks at slashing pace, convey
ing their tender freight to the grand entrance
OF the Stetson House. Never venture, never
win. The numerous guests Of the hotel were
ten O'Clock the interior OF the building assumed
the usual Hurried appearance preparatory TO the
event. Few rooms on Long Branch are more suit
able for first class ball than the dining saloon OF
the SetsOn House, account OF its length, breadth
and excellent ventilation. 1t brilliantly lighted
the floor was as smooth as glass and an excellent
band from Selwyns theatre, Boston, was in attend
ance. In fine, the tout ensemble was all that could
be wished for by the most fastidious. The long cor
ridors and waiting rooms were now filled with beauty
and fashion. Mendelss0hn's immortal "Wedding
March" burst from the orchestra and sounded
through the building with fine effect. IL was ire
sistbe and streams or ladies fair and cavaliers gay
slowly wended their way to the ballroom, where the
grand promenade was commenced. me scene was
beautiful and picturesque. Under SUCH circumstances
could it have been otherwise? The toilets or
the ladies superb costly and highly attractive,
nor need it he added that they were gotten up in
manner that displayed alike taste judgment and
appropriateness. What contrast was there Sepa-
rated by thin panes OF glass from the moving storm
which rOared and CRASHED its teeth as If III rage at the
beautiful panorama that moved around to the grand
strains from the orchestra, couple followed couple
WIN easy anu elaSLlc tTedu I'LL tHt ulppdut souuu
OF sparkling galOp quickly awakened the terps-
chOrean prOclvites Of those present. and round and
round the couples whirled In the may dance, snll-
ing cheerful and happy, while the petng rain kept
Deppering in despair and the pillows spent their fury
on the sand. The ballroom was not Overcrowded,
the guests numbering little over four hundred; the
atmosphere was refreshngly cool, and nothing was
wanting to render the event worthy the occasion.
The dancing was excellent, and not a few
young bellies distinguished themselves though 1t
would be almost invdiOus to mention names. The
programme wa judiciously limited to twelve dances;
for It must be observed that hops follow here in
rapid succession and the useless prolOngaion ofone
acts harmfully on its successor UnquestiOnably q
few hours quite sufficient at watering place, nor
should damses finger at the infatuating waltz till
Sol warns them to depart. We should go to Long
Branch to be invigorsted and refreshed, not to be-
come wan and carewOrn. The ball at StetsOns was
therefore, highly cOmmendabe, and must have given
great satisfaction to every one who attended 1t.
Dance followed dance at due intervals. Nearly all
took part In them, and certainly none were seated
when the sparkling airs from the. Duchess" rang
merrily through the hall. The bess Of good humor
prevailed pleasant faces radiant with bewitch-
ing smiles and truly all went merry as q marriage
bell. Altogether the ball, though not one Of daZ-
zing splendor. was nevertheless characterized by a
sOcability, friendship and harmony that were far
more preferable than cold grandeur or stern mag
nihcence. The guests separated shortly before one