New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1875-07-17
OPENING OF SEA GROVE.
ORIGIN or TILE vILIAGE-rTs RAPID GROWTH
OCEAN vigws-REIIGroUs SERVICES nrID.


OCEAN viEws-RRIIGIOUs SERVICES nFiD.
fFROx STAFF coRRgsroSDEST or TIKI TRIBusg.I
SEA GROVE, CAPE MAY PoIXr. July 10
Here. extreme southern end vi New Jersey where
the OF Delaware Bay join those OF the Atlantic
Summer resort has sprung mp with rapdty that
rivals the growth VI towns the prairie along newly
opened railroads In the space Of hundred days tract
Of about 800 has been transformed from s prim
tive condition OF saniduncs, Marshes and scrubby
forest into slightly plateau ini"rsected with broad
smooth roads, and dotted with buildings This sudden
change ia all tho moro wonderful because It the
work number OF people attracted here by opportun
ties Of profit in great part Of single man. moved
by desire TO found permanent watering place for
Jealous Christians. that should combine hcaihying IN
Guenccs with opportunities for quiet aud devotion. Thn
man is Mr. Alex Whdin wealthy merchant OF Phila
iephia He owned the land AT the Cape, bat II
eemcd OF Little value that 1t had never been assessed
for taxes, being totally reproductive and 1t never could
have been put aaJ other than that 90 which he has
adapted it, The spot has such peculiar advantages for
bathing resort that It Is strange that the land lay unused
so long There Is water on two sides, which makes tho
chances OF seabrceze two TO onc the beach Is fine
could be wished. and tho thick growth Of va pines
and oaks, from which the place gets its new namo al
though stunted and eyed. better than no tIees
affording and thcu grateful patch Of shade 70
pedes irians passing along the streets.
When Nr. Whiiin c0ncc cd his project OF converting
his desolato domain into model seaside town. no
formed stock company-nOthinS Is done now -adays
without organizing company bat, l believe he took
most OF the stock himself at all events he has been tho
moving spirit the enterprise. and dcscryedly gets tho
credit of its success. The thing to spend.
don't know how many thousands OF dollars In making the
dresry waste habitqbe and attractive. The sand hih
were cut down to III the low places the forest was
cleared away, except such trees were wanted for
shade miles OF hard, Lowell roads constructed;
shallow pond was changed, by contracting its area
~ tlol ola A lIry hat ing
was erected spacious pavilion for religious worship
WAS built and few cottages erected models for
the expected settlers. Then there sale OF lots. or
rather was In the mi LIST OF these preparations The
best building sites speedily TAKEN and the second
third disposed Of that by the time
Sea Grove ready to be opened over 300 lOts had
found purchasers From my window in the hotel. can
count 25 cottages completed nearly soamong them
three large theestOry Structures owned respectively
by Alex. Whdin John Wannamaker and George W.
Hi OF Philadelphia. Tho Others all two stories
HIGH and are. without exception, Of pleasing architec
designs Most Of the owners Of lots will not build
until next the season being too far sd
vanced when they bought the lots, for them TO make
arrangements for putting up their cottages
VIEWS FROM THE GROVE.
The panorama Of the ocean seen from the
beach or from the piazzas Of the hotel ID pecu-
LARRY interesting from the number OF vessels Oh
various kinds always to he seen. All the ships
plain view and do the coasting ships between North
ern and Southern ports. one often count 50 sail In
sight b. sweeping the horizon far up the Day To the
northern limit the vision seward over the roofs or the
great hotels az Cape May, and can distinguish every 90
scrpton OF craft that naygaes blue water Oh ms sac
OF the Atlantic from fishing smacks TO furgged ships
and huge ocean steamers Watching the vessels AZ they
come and 60 Ia an well adapted to the istrss
mood of the dwelers here who have left the ways OF tho
world and its thoughts in their city homes ana nave hos
the gayeties and vocs Of fashionable watering places
to occupy their MINDS.
Church services have novel charms here that attract
not only the pi0us residents but many OF the more
worldly from ncighborng Cape May. The pavilion
where services are held unique structure OF circular
FORM topped by tall tower On one side Is an cosrd
room for of tie minister's but the rest OF the ed
Zee il omen Ia all tne winds that blow. SHELTERED from
The sun by the lofty roof the wOrshpers are constantly
famed by the salt broczes rom tile sea- ami Tue crp OF
birds and the rilstiug OF leaves mingle harmonionsy
with tie sound devotional singing The pulpit is sup
Piled by eminent clergymen ron Philadeipna, Ne"
York and hcr cities 4 though the settlement Is 2
Presbyterian enterprise In its inception there no shns
OF sectaransn noticeable, preachers OF an eNank,,N
denominations being equally welcome Indeed SpecGn
pains are taken many secs represented as poe
sble in the religious work that IS carried on hero
OPENING OF THE GROVE.
About two weeks ago Sea Grove was formally opened
by appropriate dedicatory exercises extending over
three DAYS To make the place better lown 20 The press
Mr. Whilldin brought down yesterday party OF over
100 Journalists and their wives the former REPRESENTING
the principal daily and religious papers Of PhiadephiA
New-York, Wilmington, and Baltimore. The party are
all lodged la the spacious hotel aud VIII remain
to see the yacht Monday Tuesday. and Wednes
day. They suppei company on the evening OF theh
arrival and aftcrwrrd organized a meeting with MT.
Mexican Of The Philadelphia Ledger as Chairman ana
INDUCED in speech making The hotel stands wi'hih
stones throw OF the surf, and offers the unusual
| attraction Of entirely new, and conselnehug
clean furniture and bedding. IL mas no
| billiari-room, but the PRESBYTERIAN aversion 70
games - relaxed far as to tolerate backgaumon
SOard Ina the paror. OF there Is no BAR ana no
VINE list on back OF the bill of fare. Guests who pine
morning bitter must take an omnibus ah 20 70
Cane May two miles distant. 10 crafty utr desire
Fast people not desired at the Grove, ana although
IL il not nut the contract that the visitors snail DO
pious they ART expected to be quiet II Il, ~ i.ct
very quiet place. There no facilities Tor getting w
nm excitement Of any sort. Bathing on week ana
church going sundays the chief occupations 81 is
inhabitants When they weary OF The mono'ony OF VIZ
still life. however, they have only TO drive along inc
beach to Cape May and plunge into the tErnrS. that IA
the great hotels TO find enough ~ fashion and ghyety
one is always the verge Of the great word mere ana
can dip ii they please. or remain IN the seeiisoa
OF SEA Grove.