Centre Democrat. [volume] (Bellefonte, Pa.) 1848-1989, 1880-07-22
Letter from the Sea Shore.
ATLANTIC CITY, July 10, 1886

ATLANTIC CITY, July 10, 1880.
EDS. DEMOCRAT Probably no where
along the Atlantic coast is there a resort
containing more natural attractiveness
than Atlantic City. 1t lays like a gem
washed up by the tide strangely, beauti-
fully picturesque, and although compara-
lively new place has q permanent popu-
lation of over 5000. 1t covers so much
ground that it might justly share the title
of the ''city. of magnificent distances. I"
The cottages for the entertainment of visi-
tors and tourists are charmingly cosy,
standing back in little gardens tastefully
arranged with bordered beds of shells and
mounds in such prodigal profusion only
found among marine surroundings. There
are other private cottages and residences
nesting in shrubbery and breathing such
an atmosphere of elegance and comfort
one could linger here forever. Mr.. Quay
has lovely home on the beach close by
stands a Gothic structure Zone of the relics
of the Centenniall from the Michigan
Department, handsomely furnished and
complete in every respect. 1t is valued at
$4,000.
The buildings are all frame the churches
are plain and unpretentious. There is a
round tower or light house here, l67 feet
high. 1t stands like an old landmark
and saw the little city grow up around it
and season after season bring the throng
of idlers that crowd upon its beach. 1t
has a powerful lens and throws its beacon
light out into the darkness far over the
deep waters and cheers the weary, sea-sick
mariner like the voice of loved one.
Twice day the bathers go in for a
swim. Some of their costumes are grotesque
in the extreme; it would not take much
of a stretch of fancy to believe it was the
Fourth of July and the whole town had
turned out as fantasies their "charms
are all under total eclipse" To be seen
thus quite exhausts the theory that "beau-
ty unadorned is adorned the most"
There is always a delightful breeze here
and not many mosquitoes, but flies-great
immense hies--hew out to welcome us a
half hours ride before we reached our des-
tination. They are called "green heads, "
II wish they were as harmless rs the Green
back party, and sting like bee. They
are constantly alighting on one as though
they would question our right of preemp-
tion, "squatter's sovereignty" taking the
lead.
the city is the Inlet here great vessels,
schooners, tugs and sail boats are all an
chored. There are beautiful drives about
the city and quiet, little islands near by,
where one can 60 in II boat, excellent
bands Of music and all the excitements
that make such place brilliant and at
tractive.
Yesterday sad accident occurred that
threw a shadow over the ripple Of society.
A bright little boy was gathering shells,
and venturing too far was swept away by
the resistless current. At the same time a
brave negro stemmed the tide and made a
noble effort TO save him, but the angry
waters rose high and wild, and the white
crested waves dashed swiftly and nightly
rs they closed over their victims. Their
sad tones reached us ever telling the "old,
old story and we believed they knew
and appreciated their own destructiveness.
MARTH