Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1875-07-20
A NEW ENGLAND SEASIDE RESORT.
OLD ORCHAED BEACH, Me-. July 10, 1875.
lCOTrespon ierlce Of The NarI

(COrrespon ie'lce Of The SarI
DEAR STAR: Accidentally, my attention
was attracted to this seaside retreat, which.
although not so well known as it should be,
is yet so worthy of notice that brief de-
scription of the place may interest some of
your many readers.
THE PLACE.
Old Orchard Beach is situated on the Maine
coast, just between the Saco and SrarbOro
rivers. The line OF beach proper, as thus de
fined, is fully ten miles ia length and
averages no less than twenty rods in width;
thus afiording perhaps the most mSgnifi-
cent drive upon the Atlantic coast. At low
tide, one would imagine that two or three of
orr grand avenues had been placed side BY
side, so great is the width ana so perfectly
smooth the surface of the beach.
L was somewhat at a loss to divine the
origin of the name "Old Orchard" as applied
in this case, until our landlord explained
that in the memory of the oldest Inhabitants
there had once existed an orchard here. Sure
enough, in taking ramble yesterday, |
came across some venerable and ragged APP
pie trees looking strangely out of place
sprung quite suddenly into existence as
popular resort. One of the youngest, il. is
rapidly becoming one of the most desirable
bathing places in New England.
THE BEACH.
Surf bathing is, here, perfectly free from
danger, and bathers can safely venture out
10 surprising distance, Drawing without
fear the white breakers as they come rolling
in upon the shore. In short, one never hears
of accidents from the much dreaded under
town, so fatal in other places Just at
present, the water is somewhat cooler in
this latitude than one could wish; but within
a week, at the latest, bathing will be splendid
sport for those who are neither 100 lazy nor
too fashionable to try its qualities.
THE HOTELS.
There are some twelve hotels scattered
along the shore, and within easy reach of the
water. To each of these is attached bath
house, with all bathing appliances. About
az eighth OF a mile distant from the beach,
and perched upon commanding eminence,
are the two largest hotels of the place-the
ocean" and "Old Orchard" houses. The
former OF these WAS built in 1870. but its cree
ton so far crippled the proprietor thai the
properly passed rom his possession into
other hands, at half the original cost. This
house is well kept, has a superb bah and
dining-room, which during the gay season
are made merry by the presence of six hun
GTcd guests. The "Oid Orchari' house was
the original house of the place, and has
grown rom insignificarce 10 good proper
tons. To those who would enjoy the Iuli
benefits of sea air and bathing, The Central
Hotel; offers the greatest inducements, SO far
AT least as location * concerned. Here one
lies awake at night, listening 20 the musical
winds ss they go signing through the pine
groves, while
. Loud frqm its rocky caYcrns, the deep voiced
"Spesksaul, N sccer IS disconsoiate, answers the
wall OF the forest
THE VISITORS.
The thTong of visitors Will not arrive until
q few days hence. Theu. tourists will come
pouring in from Montreal and Quebec, from
the various New England states and some
few from the west and south. Travellers
from the mountain regions will pause here
10 shake oil the dust OF their jOurneyings,
and take sniff Of inVigOrdting sea air before
plunging again into the heated, Oisome at
mosphere OF crowded cities.
METHODIST CAMP GROUND.
About thousand feet distant from the
present water line is quite a step bank,
which once formed the ocean wall. During
long years past The sea has been gradually,
yet surely, drifting from its mooriugs. This
bank extends backward into the country for
vast extent, and is crowned with groves OF
the evergreen pine. 1t is in such a spot as
this that the Cnterprislng Nett OiistS have
pitched their camp. Bsr cath the forest
shadow, aud in striking contrast with its
color, are spread many snowy tents which
command roy al view Of the ocean. Then.
there are hundreds OF cottages, III on some of
which even now can he heard IL sound OF
hammers, These houses are small build
ings, 12X-0 feet, with a little back kitchen
cisht feet square Tney contain five rooms,
are built Of spruce, aud can be pat up in from
eight 20 ten days, at a cost Of less than three
hun dred dollars. Next August this camp in
The wilderness will be d,nsely crowded. AMI
the ar made vocal by thirty thousand Meth
odist voices.
Already.
Immediately adjoining the camp ground
is one Of the most lovely forest parks imagin-
able. It's winding paths lead the rambler on,
ever enticing him To some new object OF adj
nlratOn and wonder. Beneath your feet are
uSI'tato 4SihH anu wiz LO"CrS5 OVtlnedl,
the murmuring pines. At every turn one
sees appropriate cOuplets fastened to the
trees, 10 embOdy in poetry the sentiment of
the moment, and thus assist memory in
after days to recall the charming scene.
| StrOlled along the beach at shutdown yes
terday. Far Off in the distance sails were
Hitting TO and fro across the horizon line
while skiGa schooner lay at anchor, Iazily
rocking TO the music OF the water. That pc
culiarly beautiful tint with which the latest
sunbealns pant everything had shaded the
clouds with pearl gray, or the more decided
/ each color, quite in contrast with tle Shift
Ing ocean hue. And when daylight had
merged into starlight, the last lines OF Long
fellow S new poem came to mind
- nd a. the evening twilight fades away,
The sky lie filed with stars invisible by day
MEMO.