Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1871-08-19
[coRREsPoNDENcE OF THE sPY.l

| [CoRREsPoNDENCE OF The SPY.
| NEWPORT, r. l., Aug. II.
For a few days of summer vacation, unat
tended with large expense for travelling, few
points can be selected that combine more at
tractive elements for the pleasure-seekers OF
Rhode Island and central Massachusetts than
the shore resorts along Narragansett bay. Be-
ginning with the smaller resorts near Provi-
dence, the bay is dotted, on both sides, with
Springs" Palaces" "Rocks," "Groves,"
''Views," Beaches" and almost numberless
other places with equally euphonious names.
To person unacquainted with these places, a
statement of the number of daily visitors is
almost incredible. At Rocky Point, the largest
and most popular of these resorts, the dining
hall for excursionists will accommodate about
fifteen hundred people around the tables, and ii
is considered dull and quiet day at the Point
when the tables are not twice filled at the hours
for "opening the bake;" and the other places
mentioned do like amount of business in pro-
portion to their size and popularity.
Newport, just now, is crowded with the
wealthy and the fashionable, -and, it may be
added with emphasis, with some of the snob-
sh,-of the larger cities of the country. For a
perfect panorama of magnificent carriages, gor-
geous harnesses, and other evidences of fashion
and wealth on wheels, not emitting the brass
buttoned and white dickeyed coachey, fOotman
and tiger, Bellevue avenue presents an unri-
not vailed scene. 0nemammoth concern, looking
unlike stylish hearse, passes down the avenue
frequently, carrying several fashionably dressed
people, while on either side is an unusually large
hound; these animals, marching along in a
stately manner, appear not altogether unlike
pail bearers. One fashion among the young
dandies excites no little ridcule and remark: On
one side of the hat is worn q gayly colored
feather; and load of five or six ofthese deyotees
of fashion, riding down the avenue with gro
tesquely shaped hats decorated with these
feathers, suggests an amateur dramatic com
pany taking an airing in costume. Several
prominent gentlemen Of Worcester have been
seen bowling along the avenue in good style,
this week, but, so far as observed the ridiculous
feather disease has not affected them. This
afternoon, dirty looking lad, driving rickety
team, rode deliberately along the avenue in COM
pany with the fashionable carriages, wearing a
broad peacock's feather stuck in a well worn
felt hat. Of course "that horwid bawy" re-
ceived no thanks from those whom he had been
sent to ridicule, but sensible people who saw the
affair appreciated the joke.
A number of literary people here have formed
a picnic club" for mutual enjoyment. The
programme at the meetings consists of the read
ing of humorous productions by the different
members of the club, no prescribed rule being
made for the length or frequency of the articles.
Thus, while some of the well known writers and
lecturers of the country are resting in this city
by the sea, they add to each Others enjoyment
in this original and social style. Some of the
productions read are well worthy of being
placed before larger numbers of the friends of
the authors, and few may find their way into
print next winter.
The visitors here denominate the residents the
"townspeople," and, in some cases, seem to
have an impression that Rhode Islanders are a
special creation to serve the wants of the out
side world, and to be wonderstruck by the inery
and wealth of their visitors. But the
residents get accustomed to this sort
of thing, readily discriminate between the
different classes of visitors, and quietly "make
hay while the sun Shines" One gentleman who
appreciates the condition of affairs, and who
knows how to meet the crowds of visitors in
such q manner as to make them feel that, in
the elements of true good breeding, he stands
on Level with them, is the famous colored caterer,
Mr.. Downing. While dealing out his fruits,
nd no TO &c
may ask the privilege, on the condition of ma
tional affairs, the political prospects, etc., in
manner that at once commands attention and
respect, and shows much knowledge of the sub
jects on which he speaks. Mr.. Downing s
daughters are said to be among the best edu-
Gated and most accomplished ladies in the city,
and his restaurant is patronized by the most
wealthy and fashionable among Newports WISH
tors.
The Ocean house, the largest hotel in the city
is this season the headquarters of the more
wealthy corners, though large number are
quartered at the Atlantic house, formerly the
United States naval academy building. Smaller
hotels and boarding houses are almost innumer-
able; in all parts of the city houses are seen
bearing the signs: Boarding House," "Lodg.
lngS' etc. Many people suppose that Newport
visitors are all from the wealthy classes; this,
however, is great mistake, as may be learned
| by days visiting among the small boarding
houses. Irish laboring men and women, from
all parts Of New England and the middle states
make yearly pilgrimages to this city, and on the
savings of their wages enjoy week or two by
the seaside. Germans, from different parts o.
the country, with no professions to wealth, an
nually sojourn here for while. ColOred people
inlarge numbers congregate here. The exist
ence of these people, however, is lost sight of il
the dazzling accompaniment of the habitues o
the Ocean house and the Atlantic. But thei
apparent Obscurity does not prevent them from
entering,-wit zest the more hearty from tn,
fact that this is in truth to them season o
recreation,-into the enjoyments of the city ant
its surroundings.
These people lose their identity most effect
ually, and mingle with the most freedom witt
the moneyed aristocracy, at the beach, TIN
surging waves of the Atlantic, as they roll il
ON the long smooth surface of the sand, ar
mighty Jewelers. in more senses than one: nom
but intimate friends can recognize the crow,
who issue from the bathing houses in grotesou
dresses and roll and tumble promiscuously il
the surf. 1t some how rObs ones thoughts q
some of their romance to see Higginson, i
tapping garments, ducked by the same wav
! that rolls over a luckess coachman or a ha
| drowned chambermaid; or to see some famou
artist, with dress like Patagonian, f1ounde
ing and tumbling almost in helplessness with
bootblack and an Irish gentleman who, when
home, is best known for his proficiency in carr.
: ing ahod Truly, the beach is the most tho