Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1875-07-23
Letter from the Springs.

Correspondence of the Alexandria Gazette. |
JORDAN ALUM SPRINGS, RoCKBRIDGE, Co.,
VA: July 2l.-A trip up the great valley Of
Virginia at any time pleasant one, is doubly
so when We leave the dust and heat of the city
behind US and take the cars Of the Manassas
Branch and enter the cool, pure air OF the
country. We left Alexandria for run into
the country a few days since at 4:30 p. N. and
soon lost sight OF the cities heat and dust.
The crops along the line Of this road after pass
ing Manassas begin to look we'll. heard every
where that the wheat crop is much better than
was anticipated, and although the farmer is
cheated IL straw yet he is we'll repaid by a iu
head of good wheat. Corn looks we'll and
full crop is confidently looked forward TO- but
until got into Rock bridge county had seen
no grass. Here am glad to say The iuxurient
meadows show no signs Of thirst that exist else
where. 1hls county raises large amount of
wheat and corn averaging fifteen bushels OF the
former to the acre. This year it is thought it
is grown in the county. Apples are the princi-
pal fruit, but the crop this year is failure,
owing to the late cold snap in April Rock
bridge is noted for its mineral deposits Some
fine furnaces are being worked and others have
In oIdeu times paid we'll have been here too
short time to be thoroughly up in the ad-
vantages of the county, but such as have, send
| thee Aside from its many other advantages
it is noted, and deservedly so, for its mineral
springs, but of these can at this :me only tell
you OF one, the one from which write. Some
time during the summer will tell you Of others,
and also OF Lexington and the Natural Bridge,
both OF which, as you know, are IN this county;
The Jordan Alum Springs are situated 10 the
northeast part OF the county and adjoin the
Rockbrldge Alum Springs. 1t is comparative
ly new place, but being under the control OF
Mr.. w. w. Flanagan, the energetic Charlott-
esvllc banker, it may be said now to give to
the seeker after pleasure or health more real
enjoyments and luxurles than any place OF sum-
mer resort in the mountains. 1t Is modern 10
all its departments. The Grand Hotel is four
stories high lighted by gas; has hot and cold
water on every floor, with also complete fire
apparatus on each; the rooms are neatly fur
nlshed with cottage sets, hair or woven wire
mattresses add greatly to the enjoyment OF
sleeping, and electricbells summon accommodate
ing servants at will The cottages and the old
hotel are furnished 10 similar style except gas.
The table is one of the finest ever sat down
to, having all the deicacies of the season that
are so abundant in the mountain Businesses.
Good bread, the chief aim Of seekers after
health, and good eating, is here to be had The
bygeuist can diet himself on Geo. Hills break.
fast wheat II be so DESIRES as it is always on the
bill OF fare. Added to comfort and ease good
table and the usual watering place amusenents
we have an opportunity Of deer aud turkey
hunting, trout fishing, and visiting the numer-
GUS places of resort 10 this and the adjoining
counties. Maj. John B. Tinsley, jr., the mana
ger, deserves as he receives from all here, the
thanks and praise of all. He cannot be ex-
celled as a'caterer and manager. Many im.