The New York herald., 1879-09-07
Mountain and Lake Scenery
at Watkins Glen.
PRIMITIVE LONG ISLAND VILLAGES
Habits and Customs OF the
Past Century.
The GTAY-LAHES Az NAVEOINK HIGHLANDS.
WATKINS GLEN.

WATKINS GLEN.
WATKINS GLEN. Sept 4. 1879.
Song and story have yet failed to do justice to
the lovely spot from which pen these lines Had
Tom Moore. Byron or the staid Sir Walter Scott
caught glimpse Of this wonderful gorge perchance
little verse from any Of them would have made 1t
more famous place than it is. At all events the
grandeur Of the scenery which unfolds itself in
amazing variety continues to attract countless thou
sands from. all parts of the country. True. the
hotel registers show that New Workers else
where, Baltimoreans ana Philadelphians being
the main contributors to the prosperity OF
the summer hotels which. by the way, merit word
of communication. It is clear, however, that some
day people fond Of European travel will realize the
fact that there is beautiful scenery this side
of the Atlantic than anything ''the old country"
boast of. Take for instance the ride from Bath
to Hammondsport-in full view toward the end of
the journey Of thousands Of acres of wine growing
district-and the spectacle hardly be surpassed
on either continent. the enchanting valleys Of tho
Rhine not excepted. The beauty of Lake
Keuka at once commands attention, and to q
person of sportive turn of mind naturally
suggests that owing to its everlasting placidity-
barring the winter season. when the wine companies
haul in their large chunks of ice-it would be the
very best place in the world for oarsmen like Ham
Ian and Courtney to measure their strength. The
Glen Mountain House here has been handsomely
patronized all summer. though most of the guests
transient. only remaining few days to view the
charming surroundings and then speeding to Ham,
mondsport, route to their homes. And by the
way. Hammondsport is beginning to loom up as an
attractive summer resort. Most assuredy it pos
sesses all the elements Of success, tar an in
land spot may attract any tourist traveller for the
summer months.
1t is good twenty-tive-nile ride from Hammonds-
port to Watkins Glen. ana on A. this road-one well
you can see many New Yorker in full blast. For
instance, there was Mr.. William Harney Of can
caster water fame, just returned from Canada with
spanking pair Of bays. He conveyed jovial
party yesterday to the Glen. He is
very athletic gent.emsn, and l understand that
he covered the ground in less time than any per-
son who has visited this place. In other words,
MIR. Harncy conducted his friends from the top to
the bottom-"go as you please''-instead OF adopt
ing the usually artistic method OF ascending and be
pleased as you go. .'rhats the best in the world"
he would say with his thumb his left sho uder,
meaning to call the attention OF his followers to
some piece Of scenery from which he was fleeing ut
So much has been written about the Glen and its
be idle recall to mind the attractions of the gori
GUS place. There are many. moreover, who think
that the lovely glen in the vicinity OF Hammonds-
port destitute OF course. OF artificial adornments,
II not inferior in somc parts to the world renowned
Watkins Glen itself. Thus great many people
nually throng the bright and cheerful valley, as
pleasantly situated as any under the And since
Captain Fairchild, an old army officer. opened a
hotel additional convenience has been assured to
visitors Excursion parties pour i'll from all
quarters. aud from morn till dusk the lake
echoes with harmonious sounds. The Fairchild
House, substantial and we'll planned structure, is
crowded day after day with visitors from all sections
OF the country. Drives of tho most enchanting
character abound in all directions and 1t il safe
say that the beauties OF Western New York are un-
rivalled in any part OF the State
good number OF Now York people havo passed
through Hammondsport this summer their way
to Watkins Glen
journng at the Fairchild House during the summer
Keuka The General left some days ago but intends
returning before the end of the month.
Something similar to the well known grape cure
practised In Prussia will be trod by Captain Fair
child in the fall, an idea being entertained that
indulgence in the delicious berry viii remedy all
complaints from gout to Brights disease OF the
kidneys.
Quite an exciting little brush occurred yesterday
between Lieutenant Colonel Rose. formerly of the
One Hundred and Seventh Volunteers. and "Ancas-
ter Harvey. rs the latter gentleman is termed.
Their two teams were speeding toward the Glen.
OF course their blood was up, and for first place
Harney was behind. With a characteristics whoop
he called upon his team and in a second they were
abreast with Colonel Roses we'll known pair. There
was little crowding DONE but finally the Colonel
managed to keep the lead. which he maintained for
over ten miles.
Hon. John Sweitzer, who is running for the Office
of sheriff OF Seuben county. has been entertaining
. number of his New York friends. He is said to be
one OF the best in the State. $50 as you
please
on the road between Bath and Hammondsport
might easily be recognized the rafting little OF
Major Gardiner United States Army. His exertions
have by no means been fruitless in taking care of
the vast interests of the wine region in this part OF
the country. Mrs. Gardiner. who presides over
charming little mansion, has given a number of re-
ceptions during the past month. She has been as
sisted by her amiable sister-in-aw. Mrs. Wheeler.
who has done much to contribute to the pleasure of
the season.
The bright and charming daughter OF Lieutenant
Colonel Hubert Rose entertained number of young
ladies from Bath yesterday afternoon. The occasion
several local guests who to honor tho birthday
Of the young hostess. Professor Robert Butler OF
New York. who has boen sojourning here tor some
time took care of the musical arrangements, which
gave great satisfaction.
Tho Fairchild cottage facing Lake Keuka, was the
scene Of great rejoicing here last night when Major
Lowe, OF Emira. gave quite an interesting enter
tainment to number Of his army and navy friends.
Though this affair was informal more delightful
event has not taken place III Steubon county for
many a day.
Dr. McMahon, member of Parliament from Onta-
rio, Canada, paid hurried visit To Watkins Glen
to-day. He Is splendid specimen OF humanity. and
though stranger, has won attention every hand.
He declined to discuss politics, but took kindly to
the mineral springs. asserting after hearty
draught, that the Ancestor water Mt Dundas which
place he represents, had made more good citizens
than any fluid In the world.
Mrs. Hubert Rose has been visit here from
Hammo ndsport. whore she has oiiciated largo
hearted hostess during the season. She was kindly
received by her numerous friends, who de-
lighted to have the pleasure OF her company. Mrs.
Rose Is considered the most charitable and amiabe
lady In Hammondsport.
THE HAMPTON VILLAGES.
AMAeASsErr. L. l.. August %. 1879.
There Is charm about the villages at the eastern