The evening telegraph. [volume] (Philadelphia [Pa.]) 1864-1918, 1869-06-22
IN TIE SuRuRBS.

MERCHANTvmLE, N. j. June 21.-First of
ALL how does one get here (? Merchantvile is
situated seven miles from Camden, the thriving
city in embryo which is destined some day to
become a second Brooklyn, and In the course OF
Its extension to practically absorb Merchantvine
and many other villages. The new railroad
known as the Camden and Burlington County
Road runs directly through the place. the station
being just at one end of the string of houses
which are at present embraced in the town. To
take the cars of this road, the passenger crosses
the Delaware at the upper Market street ferry,
and then finds himself at the depot
of the company. In going the seven miles
by rail, about eleven minutes are consumed, and
no more, so that the entire distance of this place
from the State House in Philadelphia, as mea-
sured by time, is about twenty minutesl That
is certainly equal to West Philadelphia, and
better than Germantown. In truth, this subur-
ban village is as accessible as the outer portions
of the great city ITSELF and yet is in the heart of
most charming country district Moreover,
the common high road joining it to Camden is
an excellent turnpike and those who desire can
substitute for the eleven minutes ride in the
cars delightful drive, regulated by their own
ideas of horse-hesh.
And now, as to the place ITSELF To begin
with it is built upon land fully one hundred and
river, which certainly goes far towards render
ing it place of great attractions for persons
who are not in the enjoyment of the best of
health. The town is laid out in wide and regu-
lar streets, in naming which the familiar nomen-
elature of Philadelphia has been largely drawn
upon. Each and every one of the streets is sixty
feet in width Mt all points, and by a regulation
of the place, all the houses that have been built
or may be built hereafter, are required to stand
back from the line of the street distance Of
fifty feet, making total distance of one hun
dred and sixty feet between the houses on the
OF poste sides. But, even now, this grand tho
roughfare on the main avenue can boast of
sesomething more than mere width. Each side of
the roadway, for distance of three-fOurhs of
a mile, is lined with delightful shade trees,
making the sidewalks a long and attractive
promenade, of which the population en- masse
are accustomed to avail themselves in the sum-
mer evenings A prominent feature of this
promenade is the brilliancy Of the lawns and
gardens which follow in such quick succession
There has been ample space at command in lay
ing them out, and all the appliances of nature
and art have been resorted to that they may be
as attractive as possible. Many of them are
perfect gems in their way, and the general effect
upon the stranger is exceedingly favorable and
impressive.
AS to the houses already erected in the town.
there are about forty which are completed, and
these are all specimens of elegant and elaborate
suburban architecture. But not with the view
to consult comfort alone, but to attract the eye
of taste, they present, both without and within,
all the features of the modern country mansion,
with the additional luXuries of gas and water,
which are available for every new conner.
Among the gentlemen who have already cast
their lot in this new and thriving settlement are
the Hon. Alexander G. Cattell one of the United
States Senators from New Jersey; Elijah Cattell
ESQ., his brother, and like him member of the
well-known firm of A G. Cattell 81 Co.; George
Crump, Esq, the acting British Consul at Phila-
delphia; E. s. Hall, Esq., President of the
Seventh National Bank, d. s. Stetson, Esq, and
a number of others who are prominent in bust
ness and financial circles in the city.
New accessions to the population are con-
stantly being made, and new buildings always in
course of erection. Stone, sand, and gravel,
suitable for building purposes, are found near
the town. thus diminishing the ordinary ex-
penses of building. At present large and at
tractive building is in the course of erection for
seminary PURPOSES The Rev Thomas w. Cat
tell is to preside over the institution, which has
already secured the promise of sufficient patron
age to insure its success. The best facilities for
the education of children will be presented by
il, those who reside at a distance boarding in
the seminary building, while those who live in
the town itself will be under the parental eye
day after day. There is neat Methodist church
in the village, and churches of all other denomi-
nations scattered among the country towns sur
rounding At different places in the viii
lage, whole squares have been reserved for
public parks; and at some future time,
when the place has grown as it promises to,
these will add greatly to its attractiveness.
There is also in the immediate vicinity of the
town an elegant grove for the use of picnic par
ties which frequently avail themselves of its
attractions. The surrounding country is eX-
ceedingly fertile and highly cultivated, present.
ing a varied and beautiful aspect, which com
pletes the attractions of the place.
Merchantyille, a few years ago,W was unknown.
1t has been built up and made beautiful through
the energy and enterprise of Senator A. g. Cat
tell and his brother and business partner, who
have spared neither time nor money in their
efforts to render the village one of the most de-
liehtful in the vicinity of Philadelphia. And
they have succeeded. Ten years from now
Merchantville will rival all its competitors. 1t
is intended to be collection of summer resi-
dences for merchants and business men in Phila-
delphia who are obliged to devote close atten-
ton to their affairs and can, only by residing at
such convenient place, secure a combination
of the comforts and convcniences of both city
and country life 1t is just near enough to the
city to be readily and rapidly accessible, and
far enough removed to be out of its turmoil and
dust The taxes are remarkably low, and a new
and powerful incentive is in this respect added
to the inducements presented to those who are
contemplating permanent retirement from the