The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1876-08-05
LETTER FROM SEA GROVE.
SEA GROVE, August 2nd. 1916

bEA NhoNE, august ina, 1910.
DEAR WHIG:-Nothing can be more de-
lightful than life at the sea shore, free
from the rigid and exactng proprieties
which generally accompany one thither.
When you are forced to dress at certain
hours and in certain styles, or forfeit the
good graces of your associates, and conform
generally to fixed and unalterable rule of
living, you are deprived of the enjoyment
and freedom one should have when they 90
away for healthful recreation. Here at
Sea Grove, while we have
CULTURED AND DELIGHTFUL SOCIETY,
we are free from the exacting demands of
Cape May, or Long Branch. There are
some people, who usually spend part of
every Summer at the seaside, who would
be wretched here, because we have little of
that fictitious life which they have been
accustomed to live at the fashionable re-
sorts; yet there are very many sensible
people who desire nothing more than what
they can find at Sea Grove OF entertain
ments there is no lack. Every night since
my arrival, there has been an entertain
ment at one or other of the three hotels.
We have had tableaux, concerts, readings,
trained birds, and any amount of impro-
vised entertainments. Cape May is so near
that one wishing the excitement of the
hop can have that whenever they choose
to ride over. BY the way, our crack Fifth
Maryland have been having grand time
at the Cape, with their reception hops, &C.,
and they have been greatly admired.
A few nights ago, we were greatly sur
prised and delighted by the arrival of
PARTY OF SEVEN FROM ELKToN.
There are now fourteen from our town,
and we make jolly crowd when gathered
on the beach in our gaily trimmed suits.
We hear that more are coming. Although
there are good many here, yet there is
always room for more. People are con-
stantly going and coming.
An early or late walk to Cape May, along
the beach, is delightful pastime and
wonderful appetizer; and sail over to the
fish banks-eighteen miles out to sea-to
fish for swapping mackerel, weighing eight
and nine pounds, will throw the most slug
gish soul into ecstasies of delight; l might
say, into indescribable attitudes and con-
tortions. A very general pastime is hunt
ing the beach at low water for the celebrated
CAPE MAY DIAMONDS.
They can be found here in great numbers.
Some very fine specimens have been picked
up. have gathered forty or fifty, and
among them are some which would cut
very handsomely. l have stud which
was presented to me, of Cape May dia-
mond, set in solid setting, which would
deceive any but connoisseur. At "Dia-
mond Beech" five miles up the bay, am
told, they can be found in great numbers.
The beech at the point is strewed with the
most beautiful collection of pebbles it has
ever been my lot to see. They are OF all
colors and shapes, and when gathered and
kept in water, make a beautiful display.
We have nightly views of the sun set
ting in the water, over the bay side of Sea
Grove, and it is truly grand and beauti-
full sight.
A visit to the top of Cape May light
house tested my muscles this morning, but
l was amply repaid for my exerton. The
view was simply magnificent. This is one
of the finest lights on our coast, and can
be seen thirty miles at sea. 1t is what is
known as a
"TLAsH LIGHT"
and cost twenty five thousand dollars. 1t
is run by vast clock machinery, and is a
most beautiful piece of mechanism.
| need not attempt to relate the many
ludicrous scenes and accidents in the surf
at bathing hour; they are too numerous
and funny to describe. Every one knows
of the grotesque figures, whom you can
hardly recognize, frolicking and dancing
through the water, making mud pies, dig
cling holes in the sand, being knocked over
by huge, unexpected breakers, and ali the
funny things which one sees at the bath
ing hour. Well we have all these and
more that | cannot name. Oh! the glori-
GUS surf There is tonic in the saline
baths and breezes which makes the blood
course through your veins in new and
quickened force. If you would feel this
tonic, come here and fight these grand old
waves. Yours truly, w. w. Ii.