Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1871-10-06
NaToN VT, FRIDAY MORNING, OCTOBER g. 1871

LOVERS on JAY COOKIES ISLAND About half
mile from Put-in-Bsy is an Island of solid
limestone rock, with shallow. rich surface Of
earth, covered with forest and other trees, con-
tanning five scres of land, known as Gibralter
Islsnd. |. was purchased in 1866 for S3,00l, +,
| by Jay Cooke, ESQ.,. who has constructed on its
eastern end very handsome rough stone ccun-
try house. with high tower and suitable out
houses 1t is solid and elegant, bu; unosten;s-
tious To the east Of the house is the most
elevated point Of the island, which is jutting,
rocky altitude Of forty-two feet above the lake,
and is the point from which Perry kept his vigi-
liant lockout for Barclay and his British fleet,
and from this historic circumstance it is called
'Perry's Lookout On the top, which is broad
and spacious, ar seats which command beauti-
ful and extended views of the bay sDd,lake On
the island are grazing. cattle and horses, and
chickens and other domestic fowis sre to be seen.
Mr. Cooke had deer, but he io1cG il impossible
10 keep then, as they we're sure to swim TO the
adjoining islands and stray away. He has a
complete boat house, filed with every de3crip-
ton Of water craft thst is known on the lake.
Many of them are beautifully painted and deco
rated with f4cs He has a genuine Indian
canoe obout twenty feet long, weighs only 100
pounds, Of exquisite workmanship, and brought
from thu upper lakes. HIS dairy is complete in
all lis arrangements. The island iS Oblong in
its shape, and slopes gradually towards its west
ern eud TO the waters edge There is evidently
a studied ende,yor oc Nj Cookies part TO make
his islsnd appear as natural as possible; hence,
he has 10 fnery, no landscape gardening, no
flower beds, in fact he has only called in the
hand Of man to build his dwelling, bOat-house,
dairy, few rustic bowers and one or two walks.
As one rows round the rocky shores Of this beau
tiful island he goes in and out various little
hooks and recesses, where the water Is deep, but
SO clear as to make the pebbles and rocks plainly
perceptible One is called the Lovers Retreat
and is, as a lovers retreat should be, very much
retired and ohscured from vieE. The oargman
remarked that be hsd witnessed some queer
sights IN the retreat Ito which We were then
going), and that he would run the boAt swiftly
and suddenly around a corner in order tc sur
prise any chance party that might happen TO be
there. With the cunning Lsnd and unerring
skill Of the weather beaten and experienced
osrsmau, &c accordingly shot the boat around
the projecting ledge Of rock; and sure enough, /
upon the back seat Of boat, which was in the
furthest recesses Of the retrest, eat a young
man OF nineteen or twenty summers and young
dsmscl Of nearly the same age. Looking upanl .
seeing us, they drew their heads apar;, unlocked I
their arms snd sat in great confusion, as red as
Strawberries. The atmosphere in that grotto .
was cool ard inyigorsting, but the youth was
perspiring great drops, which stood oat Ike in .
mense beads on his forehead.
On this island, had almost fJrgot,en to say, /
Mr.. Cooke spends a part Of the summer and .
autumn. Here be brings his biz friends from .
Washington, New York and Liverpool, and .
gives them fne dinners, and fine yachtiug.
During the entire year the house is toierably .
liei with clersymen, who sre too poor them .
.eiyes TO afford the expense Of recreation. IS +
passed the house glanced IN at the window Of .
the room containing his rare and extensive col
lection Of bocks. and tnere saw two old gray
heads, two mild, soit couutcnsnces Of two cler-
eymcu engaged IN the YerusSl, no doubt, Of .
holy and coiiy works. The siion ami soil
t1de @; the isisnd, and the elegance Of the room,
presented a picture Of luxury and peace such SIS
! had never before seen.-L9usrii,e Lc3Jsr,