Wilmington daily commercial., 1875-07-12

oEa bhOfE, ". osI OuiN II.
II there is one condition under which thun-
der storm s especially agreeable it is while cross
ing the sandy plains OF jersey. At least 30
thought the editorial excursonsts who yester-
day came down to this place, as they were re-
lieved from the dust and cinders of travel by the
deluging shower which accompanied them part
Of the distance. The arid air, warm and en-
feebling with tho heat which was impaired it as
it swept over the scorchng sands, was also
cooled, and by the time the train sped beyond
storm area, ocean breezes waited their fresh
and invigorating influences to the advancing
party. They, therefore, arrived in good spirits
and well prepared for that which was to follow.
THE EDITORIAL PARTY
was composed wholly OF the representatives Of
the daily press, who, with their ladies', numbered
about one hundred. Philadephians largely pre-
dominated but there were several persons from
New York. Baltimore, Wilmington and other ci-
ties Tomorrow much larger delegation of
New York journalists will arrive, comprising the
more prominent members of the bar in that ci-
ty. The company are the guests Of Alexander
Whilldn Esq, the President of the Association
which is developing this enterprise who has
been unremitting in his attentions, and who, as
sisted by Mr.. VIM. b. Crooke, well-known to
the profession, has rendered the 'stay unusually
pleasant thus far. Last evening a handsome
collation. was spread in the dining hall of the
Sea Grove House, where the guests were well
coined by Mr. Villain, and song OF welcome
ganization was effected with VIM. v. Me-
Kean, of the Philadelphia Ledger, at the head,
and several impromptu speeches were made.
Later a concert was given in honor OF the guests
by the Hayes Quartette.
sEA GRovE-ITs LOCATION.
Sea Grove ia located on the Atlantic coast,
about mile and half below Cape May City,
and comprises 260 acres lying about tho prom
ontory around which the waters of the Delaware
Bay and Atlantic Ocean commingle. In other
words, Sea Grove ID located upon the head-land
called Cape May. IL is just south of Cape May
light, and the portion now built up lies immedi-
ately on the line between that beacon and Hem
lopen light on the opposite shore. Until the
opening of the present spring, the locality was
a wild and undeveloped waste, with high bluffs
ranging around the shore, and back Of these
trees OF pine and oak struggled through dens-
er underground of whorteberry and briars.
Travellers between Cape May and the steamboat
landing will remember the little wood near the
latter. 1t is within this, and extending from the
turnpike to the ocean, that the foundation has
been laid for city which promises at an early
day to become the rival of its older sister fur
ther up the shore
PRESENT DEVELOPMENTS.
The growth of Sea Grove has been wonderful.
Already it has many Of the attractions of older
sea side resorts, and before the opening of the
present building season not a nail had been
driven in any building now standing. In fact
the Association which has founded the place did
not become possessed OF the land until Febru-
ary, and since that time the grading and all else
that beautiiies and adorns the place has been
performed. One might think, looking upon
present accomplishments, that the supposed
hidden treasures of Capt. Kidd which tradition
place upon these shores had been found, or that
an active and general effort to dig them up had
been extended throughout the settlement The
place is really what its name denotes. The
thick brush and under grow II. which covered
the ground has been carefully removed, and the
best and most promising Of tho trees been per-
mitted to remain. This will admit more vigor-
GUS growth in future years, and from their pres
entssgn It'll expected that the trees will
DEVELOP INTO TALL AND STATELY OAKS.
When that day shall arrive, the new city will
stand amid magnificent grove, the possibilities
OF which it is not now difficult to comprehend.
Through this grove graded and graveied drives
have been made, forming the streets of the new
city. In the very centre of the ground rises tho
pavilion, lofty and imposing, and with seating
capacity of $4,000 persons. Extending around
this ina circle is magnificent drive, from which
radiate other drives to the Atlantic and Delaware
Bay beaches. along which are splendid graded
roads, and to the turnpike on the North. These
are largely availed of by Cape May residents,
who frequently quit their own handsome boule-
yard along the ocean foe this more variegated
scenery. Thirty cottages are already completed
or in an advanced state of progress, and about
twenty others are under contract. Those Of
Alex. Whillden and John Wanamaker are the
principal ones, and in size and architectural
beauty are the successful rivals of the best at
Cape May. All the cottages are large and taste
full in their design, though there is great uni-
formty in plan.
THE PREVAILING STYLE
is two story, with four gables, or built in the
style of transverse houses. Another prevailing
style is with tho end to the street, with bay
windows in the side. Immediately back OF the
hotel is row of five cottages of this style. Sew
eral business houses are also in course of erec-
ton, and Sea Grove is already assuming much
the air of Il considerable town.
But that which is probably greater wonder
than all else by reason of its rapid completion
is the
SEA GROVE HOUSE,
which is under the management of II. p. Hill
dreth. Begun only about one hundred days ago
it is already completed, having been we'll built,
and was occupied July LIST. The building is
quite large. 1t is four stories in height, lG0
feet front, and will accommodate $50 guests. In
architecture it is not unlike the Cape May ho-
tells, while many of its arrangements are very
much the same. The rooms are all very COM
fortably furnished with new chamber suits, and
the meals such as are found at hrst class no.
tells Already the Sea Grove House has found
many patrons, and bids fair to become popular
under its present good management not only to
Presbyterians but to Christians generally. The
hotel is not without sea view, for in front and
to the east end stretches the ocean, and on the
West end and in the rear lies the Delaware Bay
constant sea breeze is thus obtained, and even
when the residents OF Cape Nav are sweltering
under the land breezes, a cool and refreshing
atmosphere prevails here.
Rising above the pavilion is an observatory,
from which magnificent view of sea and land
may be had. Here as far as the eye can reach
towards three points of the compass lies an un-
bounded marine view, and towards the other
stretches way the table land of South Jersey.
Cape May Court House is in fine view, and the
light sandy banks at Henlopen are plainly dis
cernable. A more comprehensive idea Of the
beauty of Sea Grove is also obtainable, for from
this point one looks down directly on the drives,
and also upon the CLASSY surface Of Lilly Lake.
pretty little body of water three-quarters of d
mile long, in the grove. This has become a
favorite spot for boating parties.
SEA GROVE ASSOCIATION,
The owner of this new seaside resort, is joint
stock corporation. with Alexander Whildin at
its head. 1t started out with capital Of
S75, 900, all Of which has been expended in the
development of the place. In addition to this,
considerable monies derived from the sale of
lots has been laid out in the same manner.
There has already been rapid enhancement in
the value of lots, as some which were sold by
the Association at the outset, for S400, have
been resod at..5S00. 1t was not the intention to
permit speculation but the Association finds it.
self powerless to prevent this altogether
The beach along tho front is firm and hard, and
those who have tried it pronounce the bathing
excellent The street railway to Cape May, via
the turnpike, is under contract for completion