New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1873-07-07
TIE SEASON At WATCB HILL.

THE GROWTH OF TWENTY FIVE YEARS 49, SEVEN
WEIL-KFPT HoTELS-PROMINEST ARRIVALS.
PROM TIE SPECIAL CORRESPONDENT OF THE TRIBUNE'l
WATCH HILL, r. l., July 3.-About twenty
five wears ago. good people OF the country hereaoout
used TO drive down the long neck that connects Wach
Hill with the mainland, and feast themselves upon s
lobster aud pudding at the only house here them
upon the present site of the WatchHiu House Ine
Mace was only thought Of pleasant picnic ground
few wears later some gentlemen discovered that 1t
WAS an excellent bathing-paee; then the beauty
and extent of the view was found out
or rather first appreciated; and advantage after
advantage was brought out until about ten years ago.
il developed itself fulblown watering place Now
there are seven hotels which unable, during the
Summer exodus to accommodate all who come. Watch
Hill is supposed to derive it's name from huge hill OF
sand covered with stiff sharp-p0inted grass. which
stands close by the beach, and which was used as an
observatory for indefinite purpose. IL IS on an
irregular point which stretches, like hook from the
corner OF Rhode Island Formerly the only
10 reach il by tedious ride over the sandy ROADS
from Westerly Now steamers run regularly from
stonipgton about three miles distant, and from West
erly and Norwich. These give frequent cOmmunica-
ton aud allow guests to and go with every facility
IL is very pleasant sail from SOnington ana any one
who enjoys that than steamboat riding can easily
get Jimmie Pendeton his father TO take them across
In Their miniature yachts The place is IN its youth yet
! has not reached the wide fame Of Newport or Long
Branch but may in lime deserve much As either
THE SURROUNDINGS OF WATCH HILL.
The seven hotels all well kept The view is more
extensive other resort To the east the SURF
can I've breaking upon the shore as far as Point
Judith % miles away. Then. moving the eyes toward
the west nothing but the with fleets OF vessels,
is seen until they rest upon Block Island about Is miles
TO the SOUTH In fine weather the houses can be
seen there Montauk Point comes next in view Then,
looking the point, on which Is the Watch Hl hght
a view straight down Long Island Sound is obtained
Still turning like the hand Of clock, NewLOndon light,
Fishers island ana Sound StoniDgOn and StoningtOn
Bav md the Neck with groves are seen succession
TheI bathing lie excellent. IL one likes Long Branch
bathing he has only try the surf on the south side
where he will find small cObblesOnes deep guey and
most turbulent and noisy surf But it is considered
rather dangerous there, and especially since the Nets
disaster directly opposite when some idea OF what the
waves could do was obtained, people have been afraid
10 venture 1t is splendid place TO stroll, however, and
is rich in treasures Of moses and shells The regular
bathing beach is 70 the west of the hotels, in slight
cove sheltered by the lighthouse point from the too
rough advances OF the Ii is considered capital
beach, aud worthy OF "a rank equal 70 Cape May. No
holes, stones, grass, undertow, and no acct
dents are the catalogue OF negative advantages. Then
il has smooth steady incline ana good bathing houses
The hours ~ 10 u in the morning This morning
the surf very light and about dozen people donned
their bathng-clothes and went in. II was rather cool
stoningtoD, il Stouington Bay, separated from the
Sound by long sandy point Here the water IS always
smooth Consequently il is great resort for sailing
parties though point is easily rounded If the pleas
ure sailors desire rougher fun.
THE EASY OF HOTELS.
Fishpg is good. Bass and blue fish abound In the
season. short distance from the shore Is the great
of pOrgie which supplies the New York market
Tautog can he caught in number, within quarter OF
mile OF hotels 10 satisfy tie largest appetite. The
drives caunot spoken OF with any commentator for.
beside the dusty, sandy road TO Westerly there
none. Walking is chiefly confined 10 the sea shore
Watch Hill is merry sOciabe place with little OF the
stn formal life OF pretentiOus watering places.
The hotels all together within hop. skip and jump
Of each other, and tine guests OF each quickly get
uuanted. In the course Of years, those OF different
social qualities have naturally drrted together and
chosen certain hotels their regular abiding places
The Watch Hill House and the Larkn House, sometimes
dgufed as the Sinners Home" attract most Of the
Jolly funloying people. while the Ocean House has
ouired the title Of SAINTS Rest" from the number Of
sobel-nnded persons who resort there. Croquet
grounds and swings afford some amusement during the
day IN addition to the bathing sailing, and fishing. In
the evening private tleatricals, dancing music, and
social games in order; those who do not like such
pleasures watch the vessels passing in the wake OF
the moon OF the scntillatons OF the thirteen light
house, or even indulge IN improving conversation.
At the hotels the prices are lower than most other
places and, they give good fare and accommodations,
this is one secret Of the here. The Watcn Hill
House kept by Major A. r. Hale, is the oldest house,
and affords finest view OF any. During the Winter
an extensive addition has been made giving large
dining room and nearly doubling the number OF
Other improvements have been made which render IL
second TO 1t opened yesterday with about
half It's rooms engaged About 20 people now here
among them Frank Vincent jr, and j. :. Bovine OF New
York and John Ssly OF Brooklyn One Of Major Hales
attractions last year pair OF pet owls they have
gone but couple OF eagles will be just fascinating
this year The Larkin House. under the superinend-
ence of Capt Larkn shares with the Watch Hin House
the reputation OF a sociable and easy life
ARRIVALS CHANGES.
An addition Of a rooms has been built upon the south
end Of the hotel. and gas introduced The house
opened ON July one with about thirty engaged.
g c. Churchill p. W. Field and W. II. Merritt of New
YORK with their families, Mrs. Peter Csgger and w. ~
Strong OF Albany and Judge Bullock Of Louisville
among the expected guests. About fifteen people are
already here; among them the Hon. VIM. 7. Hubbard
of Wheeling, Mrs. RsinsfOrd and the Misses Dean OF
New-York, Mrs William Cassidy and family OF Albany,
and d. X ODey Of southbrdge fine band has been
engaged Tor the season The Ocean House opened on
June 30 and has about two thirds " its rooms engaged
obleny by people from Albany Springfield. ana Hart
ford. j. o. 1owner and wife OF Albany and Miss l.. c.
baladay OF Brooklyn are here, and Robert II
Prime and family OF Albany are expected soon.
The other hotels-tbe Atlantic House the Bay View
House, the EarragaDsett House, and the PlymptOn
HOuse are All open and ready for their share CUSTOM
Escb hRt JoVEs enEaRed ahead but no russp N yet