The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-05-15

Notes from the White Sulphur Springs.
There has been so much written and spoken
about. the White Sulphur Springs, that u
would seem almost superfluous, particularly
in this portion of Virginia, to make more than
an informal allusion to this summer resort.
Yet it is impossible to visit the place, With
out feeling the inspiration OF the beauti1ul
in nature, supplemented by the aaofl-
ments Of taste, combining in their attrac-
lions to command the admiration and en-
slave the imagination. There is no spot
on the continent where nature and art nave
so blended their charms, and the very Soul 50
stirred in drinking in the beauty Whlcn
floods over the picturesque scene, as at TINS
celebrated watering place. Smiling swards
spread out in emerald loveliness; gnarled
oaks, which have raised their huge forms to
the storms of centuries, and in whose way
ing branches forest songsters triH their
matin prisons; serpentine promenades and
terraced grounds, hedged in by coy cot
tages-and all nestled in beautiful valley,
and guarded on every side By towering
mountains, whose crests Of variegated
spring-time beauty and verdure, bathed in
the morning sun light or the mellow ra-
dance of the closing day, present pic
ture of loneliness surprising the creations OF
poets fancy or artists pencil.
The preparations for the springs season
are rapidly going on under the immediate su-
pervision of the proprietor, Mr.. Geo. L.
Peyton, the Bismarck of springs managers.
On every side and in all directions busy
hands are engaged in repairing defects in
buildings, re-arranging the walks, cleaning
off the sward, and giving an air of fresh
ness and attraction to the charming sur
roundings, which Nature, in one of her
friendliest and most lavish moods, has fash
Toned in such picturesque and variegated
beauty. The main building, located in the
centre Of the valley Sweep. appropriated to
receiving rooms, dining room, ball room par
lors, lodging, &c., covering an acre OF
ground, is in process of exterior and inte-
rior transformation under the skiliful appli-
cation of workmen, and the cottage build
ings for families, ranged upon the rising
grounds and encircling the springs, are I'M
dergoing the touches Of paint and white
wash brushes, blending their elastic fresh
ness with the verdant spring-time garni-
ture with which Nature has clothed the
spreading branches of the giant oaks that
stand sentinel over the sylvan scene, and
the emerald carpet that spreads its rich
folds over the reviving earth. 1t is lovely
picture to stand upon the eastern elevation
and take in the entire sweep of the gently
rolling and falling grounds appropri-
ated to the appointments and accommo-
dations Of the Springs-the intersecting
promenades, the refreshing shades-the cozy
cottages, neatly dressed in white, and the
distant mountains, mantled in azure blue
and smiling in the bright sunlight whose
shimmering rays play upon the alternating
and enchanting panorama.
The Bath House is being subjected to
thorough remodelling and renovation, hay
ing reference particularly to hygienic re-
forms, and the premises, throughout, I'M
dergoing such improvements as past expo
rience suggests, for the accommodation and
comfort of those who may attend the
springs this season.
The historic s'Lover's Walk is to be ell
larged and amplified; spacious drives
through the intervening woods, which
stand above Towards Creek, are to thread
about 'sLovers Leaps where, as the legend
goes,a beautiful Indian princess, fleeing from
her wrathful father, embraced death rather
than encounter his fierce anger, and where,
too, her atfianced plunged to his doom, that
the twain might pass to the happy hunting
ground in that unity of spirit. which the
cruel decree of the relentless chief had for
hidden here. Whether the lovers had been
reading Romeo and Juliet or not, has not
come down in tradition, but not even the
great poet of Nature has woven a more
touching romance than that which fills up
the story Of Lovers Leap" and lends
mystic interest to the frowning precipice
where congenial souls sought refuge in
death rather than suffer separation by the
command of a relentless savage.
The accommodations Of the White, this
season have been enlarged to embrace the
Dry Creek Hotel, some half mile distant,
but connected by a comfortable walk and
pleasant drive, and where ample accommo-
dations for a hundred svisitors, at reduced
I1l,a I, ,o
| now open to visitors, the apartments all
neatly furnished and the building remed-
eled, with every convenience and comfort
that the most eXacting could desire. This
arrangement has been effected by Mr.. Pey-
| ton to meet the wishes of those who may
seek the benefits of the Springs, but who
| would prefer to be out of the busy whirl
and more pretentious display of the Springs
grounds proper, and where they may enjoy
all the essential privileges and benefits of
the old establishment, at less expense and
more to their taste and habits. 1t is an adj
mirable arrangement, and enables the pro-
prietor to offer accommodations, in every
respect comfortable, in advance Of the reg
ular opening of the main hotel at the White.
Already number have availed themselves
of the opportunity, and still others will seek
the invigora.ing and health-giving air and
waters of this famous summer resort, when
| they become acquainted with the new de-
sign.
The promise is flattering for an unusually
large attendance at the White this season.
There is no unusual present home or foreign
sensation or attraction to draw people away
from genuine mountain pleasure and health
seeking, and with admirable channels Of
communication and speedy transit, not only
| will the White, but the entire district Of
summer resorts, may expect afull company.
| Col. Peyton is gathering in his corps of ex-
cellent assistants, and assigning them to
duty. Maj. Eakle, so well and favorably
known, in connection with the Springs and
Richmond hotels is. already on hand; Maj.
| Webb, whose genial face, and generous