Connecticut western news., 1878-09-05
The Railroad Picn,c at Par Tor R ock


 The second annual picnic of the Hous-
 atomic Railroad employees, was held at Par
 Tor Rock, about elght miles north of Bridge
 port, on Saturday last, and was pronounced
 by the three thousand participants, a. grand
 success. Excursion trains were run from
 PittsfieId and Bridgeport for the benefit oi
 the plcnickers, and were heavily loaded
 The train from Pittsield, on it's arrival al
 this place, consisted of seven cars, we'll filled
 with employees and large number of invit
 ed guests, and was run by Roadmaste Johr
 s. Lane and James Hanlin. On leaving
 here the cars were crowded to an uncom.
 fortable degree, nearly all the available
 standing room being occupied. The ride
 could hardly be called an enjoyable affair,
 on account of the dense crowd, and flying
 dust which covered the passengers from
 head to foot. The interior of the rear car,
 which was small baggage car, and which,
 by it's humping and bouncing, kept the in
 mates bobbing about like corn in hot pop
 per. and presented @ picture we'll wor- thy of an artists pencil, is deserving of casual mention. Those who were forth nate enough to secure a seat near tue side doors, where they might enjoy the pictu- resque scenery of the beautiful HousatonIc valley. were in-dust-riously digging sand from their eyes and ears, while others, com. pelled to stand up in the ends of the Car, were doing homage to Terpsichore, to the music of the clattering wheels; sometimes on the floor, again humping the roof over head every sudden lurch of the car dis closing impressive attractions iu some COT. ner, whither all aocked with more haste than dignity, only to intersperse the sue ceeding ten seconds with such eiaculations as ''Thunder! Keep off my heels p 'Excuse me !" etc,
 No addition to the number of passengers was made at Falls Village, the officials, an. the immense representation from hat place, having started train of six cars | rom there earlier in the day. Arriving at | Kent, another car was attached to the train. | making in all eight cars, with which we ar- ived at Parlor Rock about 10 1-2 a. m., md were welcomed by Fuckers cornet 'and of Falls Village, who. as usual. ac- Iuitted themselves wi.h great credit.
 There being no determinate programme or the day. naueht remained but for the to enjoy themselves to the best of heir ability, privilege of which all availed themselves aud as the place abounds in fa- ilities for enjoyment, it was found no diff cult matter for all so disposed, to gratify heir love and appreciation of the beauties f Nature. On mounting the bank. the first ound that saluted the ear of the newcomer 'as that of the violin, and on advancing to 'ard the source. we came upon the danc- lg pavilion where all might trip the flight lntastic" with the consoling assurance that ,e piper was paid. A few rods to the ,uth of the pavilion is Rocky rarlor, the lief of the natural attractions of the place, Id whence the name is derived. A par. w flight of about 20 stars takes us down s to the Parlor, which is hslf--rouud open } 6 about eight feet in diameter, iL the sol- C
 rock, with floor as level ss any ' Irlor. From the sides trickle tiny a reams of crystal water, giving the place a oh "fsiry grot" look, that one might in c lagination, behold the midnight revelries
 the sylphs and fays. as they held high .. rnlva in thelr Banshee hall, all unmind- t