The New York herald. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1840-1920, 1869-08-08
OUR SUMMER RESORTS.

The Season mt Santiago Park--Bnil ut the
IIolsman House--EashionabIe Throng and
Brilliant Scene--The Grounds and How
they Looked-Gioem and Grand Reflection.
The Passaic river nows gently past one or the most
charming spots within a radius OF nifty miles OF the
city. In TACT the quiet stream moves IN harmony
with the place, leisurely, pleasantly and with
out ripple. A more delightful shade never
so successfully dened the burning rays of sultry
sum- and the cool and refreshing breeze which ever
rustles through the luXuriant foliage OF Santiago
Park adds much peace and contentment 10 those
who chance 10 stroll That way, Just flve and twenty
years ago the foundation OF splendid mansion was
laid on beautiful and picturesque eminence In
this locality. The builder, Mr.. liolsman, did not
live to see his work completed; but the family
which he left to mourn him long enjoy that which
his taste, judgment and lavish expenditure mad
tributed To raise Full twenty years rolled by when
the son OF the deceased jumped sprlghtly into man.
hood, and at Twenty-Five Daniel Holslnan was
Speaker IN the Legislature OF New Jersey. The
mansion was disposed of for S72.ooe but the
purchaser being a man of real estate propen-
stes found q noble Cuban who owned 1t, having
pumped down with his natural determination just
double the sum his predecessor had PAID for 1t.
VaInly did the sweet scented roses diruse their deli
ctOuS odors the grand old trees AFFORD their delicious
shade, the Norway pine hemock, nard old hickory,
spruce and Wide spreading branches OF the great oak
coax host OF heath seekers. For long five years the
mansion was deserted save by the birds that were
wont to MARBLE over ats aspiring roof IL was a
Healthy place. to be sure, but still the thick cluster
of the hid 1t from the yultures of real estate.
OF course the good old waters OF the Passaic flowed
usual, needless oil CARE OF time, or health or
brokerage, wealth or suburban happiness.
The Hosman Mansion is now good hotel. In
unison with the growth of the widely extending
branches wings have been added to the mansion,
and Santiago Park Is now adorned and beautihed
with q handsome rural palace. Captain Isaac Her.
bert Is a gentleman who seems in some measure to
appreciate the poetry OF nature, which, by the
way has done more for the place than either
art or science. The natural beauties OF the park
have, however been appropriately augmented, and
throughout the entire range OF 200 acres surround
are everywhere displayed. Facing the hand-
some piazza OF the hotel charming walks have
combination OF native gems sprout up most charm
ngly. Down, down the tnickly wooded hill and then
we have the placid river Moving at its ease, intent
q lovely fleet Of pleasure boats are poored
convenient to the banks. The surrounding scenery
is truly beautiful; perhaps not picturesque, but
pleasing and romantic. A hundred guests are quar-
tered at the mansion, whose rest Is almost recrea-
ton, so pure and bracng Is the air, and whose
drives extend around the Park where every after
noon spanking teams trot merrlly along. The chill
dren gambol IN the charming grounds the live long
day. aud now and then their elders enjoy an nvlgor-
atng plunge into the stream or strengthen
their muscles by a strenuous pull. In fine,
he park mas us own ne f a.eHoms enirey
the Holsman Mansion Its dimensions have
been largely increased by Captain Herbert,
VINO has not failed TO display considerable
amount OF taste, discrimination and experience
in the manner in when the interior fittings
and arrangements OF the establishment have
at Santiago Is very enjoyable locality, aording
wide range for the romantic, 4 lovely solitude for
the faJlgued and charming and eXhliarating resort
for the community at large.
Thursday night was truly gala one at the Hosman
Mansion. Though only the first season at this resort
the Beauties advantages and comforts OF the estab
lishment have been largely appreciated Since June
the guests chiefly from New YORK and brookiyn nave
rapidly congregated together. Moreover, being as
senbed for mutual enjoyment, a ball was gotte n
up--the very first since the hotel was opened. IL
was brilliant success In every respect u was q
most creditable and enjoyable affair and reflected
great credit on the arrangements under which II was
conducted.
The attendance was exceedingly numerous and
fashionable, and the harmonious affair passed on
remarkably Wei. The spacious parors were bril-
lantly lighted, and an excellent band beng
IN Attendance Inc terpsichorean propensitles
were thoroughly aroused, and a well Sc
fully ana continued with ygor. The rich
forest surrounding the hotel brilliantly umi.
mated by myriads OF the most variegated Chinese
lamps, which, moved by gentle wind, swayed to
and fro like so many penduuns IL was q pictur-
esque and pretty sight, and added not little TO the
grand effect OF the entire display. The toilets OF
the ladies were very tasteful, and 1t is
almost needless to add that elegance and beauty
were among the prominent characteristics OF the
ball. There were present, among others, Mrs. Still
well and Miss Stillweli, Mrs. II. Manning, Mr.. Bell
and Mrs. Bell Miss Emmorel, Mrs Hlman Miss
Anthony, Mrs. Robbins, Miss Herbert, Mrs. Cobb
Mrs. Charles Burwell, Miss WISE Mrs. Rucker Miss
Wallace and others, while the executive committee
consisted Of Messrs. j. Anthony, Jr., j. c. Emmons
@. X. Hill, A. +. Robbins, W. ). Wallace; the floor
committee, G. X Bell, q. ii. Haight, G. d. Burwell,
Cobb, j. S. Hilman. Captain Isaac Herbert and G. b.
Chapman.
At midnight the company adjourned to supper
after which the festivities were renewed aud ear
nestly maintained TIL an advanced hour Alto
gether the first bail ut the Hosman mansion was a
complete success