Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-10
Letter from Martha's Vineyard,
[coRREsPoNDENcE OF THE srY.l
OAK BLUFFS,
YAK DLUFFS,
MARTHA's VINEYARD, Aug.

MARTHAS VINEYARD, Aug, 3, 1871. J
One last, long lingering look upon this de-
lightful Summer City in the Sea-" and we
waved our adieus mot final we hOpe) to our
friends, and steamed away amid a drenching
rain for New Bedford en- route for Worcester.
WELL what are your impressions of the Vine
yard~ is almost the first question asked.
will tell some of them briefly. A stranger, on
approaching the vineyard, particularly at Oak
Bluffs landing, is forciby struck by the holiday
appearance Of the place. 1t is not unusual for
two or three thousand people to be on and
around the wharf on the arrival of the boat,
and the crowd is sometimes SO great that
the gates are shut and closely guarded, and
the new corners find their ingress to the grounds
through a long avenue of lookers-on, all of
whom are apparently straining their eyes to
recognize familiar face. 1t is a Jolly time.
Running or walking the gauntlet of such a
crowd, although not perhaps pleasant to many,
is preferable to the annoying and importunate
demands of hack and omnibus drivers at some
places, and particularly on the arrival of the
boat at New Bedford. In justice to the drivers
at Oak Bluffs, we are glad to say they are more
civilized in this respect than their companions
on the mainland. Strangers, after arriving and
getting into their quarters, almost invariably
stroll on the bluffs, where there is fine view of
old ocean and the beach, and where they can
enjoy a delightful walk of about
mile on a wide and well made plank
walk, with seats running the entire
distance, where they can rest and ruminate, or
walk and cogitate, as they may feel inclined.
This is favorite resort in the evening, when
beaus and bellies Ego blufflng," and not until
near midnight is it entirely deserted. The cot
tages are generally models of beauty, unique in
architectural respects, charming in exterior or
namentation and general contour of construc-
ton. There is not probably seaside resort in
the country where can be found such variety
and fine taste displayed as at Oak Bluffs. An
unusual number of private cottages have been
erected since last season, the most prominent of
which, both in beauty of location and construc-
ton, is Mr.. c. B. Metcalfs. A large number o.
new cottages are going up, one of which, 'front.'
ing the beach, quite elaborate in design, and
nearly finished, will probably be occupied the
remainder of the season by Gov. Clafiin.
Improvements are continually going on under
the supervision of the Oak Bluff company.
Prominent among these is union chapel which
will cost, when fully completed, about $4,000.
Its style of architecture is strikingly beautiful
and said to be Scandinavian. 1t is circular in
form, with numerous turrets, the whole sur
mounted by an elegant spire, which can be
seen, and its bell heard from all parts of the
island. In addition to the floor accommoda-
CralIa aNyte >
with the desk and choir seats. 1t is expected to
be ready for dedication next Sunday, or early
in the week, when, it is rumored that Henry
Ward Beecher and other eminent divines will
be present. A large and elegant hotel is in con-
temptation, which will add very much to the at
tractiveness of the place. affording facilities for
the comfort of visitors, which, with the present
accommodations, is not all that could be de
sired.
Another project which is being agtated, is a car
rage road beside the beach, extending from Oak
Bluffs to the village of Edgartown. This will be
one of the most charming drives in the country,
and gentlemen of leisure and wealth will inuo-
duce their fast teams and tunouts, and then
Newport will have to look out for her laurels.
Superb bathing facilities, fine fishing grounds.
with good boats and gentlemanly captains,
walks of unsurpassing loveliness, and the social
nature which every one almost imperceptibly
imbibes and cherishes on coming within the
charmed circle, serve to render the Bluffs so at
tractiye that every one stays as long as possible,
and only leaves with fixed determination to
60 again. Our sketch has been rather ram
bling, and we might still go on in further en-
comiums of the fair land of Martha's inheritance,
but we must forbear before your patience, Mr..
Editor, and that of your readers is entirely ex-
hausted.