Morning journal and courier., 1880-01-21
The Waters of the sound.

The Floating P@laces-The Extension
 and Enlargement of the Steamer
 John Hs Starin-Large Increase of
 AccOmmOdatiOns-T FireightinE of
 New Haven-Nevv Contract with the
 Derby RaflrOAd-PleasuFeR Resorts i'm
 Coming Summers-Oaher Improve.
 memtss
 The fine steamer John H. Starin, Captain McAlister, 8 name which in few years has become as familiar as household word in this part of Connecticut. steamed into our harbor again early yesterday Morning, hand somer than ever and a muehIarger boat than when she left here for New York quite num- Der of weeks ago. Despite umbrella weather quite large number of people took trip down to the Starin dock to take look at the boat, her increased size and new dress and &C., communications. Many more would have taken the opportunity had the arrival of the boat been generally known. The boat is now longer by 27 feet than she was, and consider ably increased in carrying power. Thirty six new and fine berths have been added, and eight more new staterooms grace the beauti- full saloon. In all there are now ffty-four staterooms and sixty berths. The entire boat looks like new boat, and everywhere the eye sees artistic work and beautiful additions. The ornamentation of the saloon and grand promenade is particularly fine, and the selec- ton of colors and taste displayed in the work, together with the regilding, at once commend themselves to the fancy. The saloon i, much larger than formerly, and with very fine car pets is completely refitted. It will afford room for the exercise in the light fantastic by quite a large assembly, and doubtless the coming summer many pleasure parties will enjoy the pastime upon the Starin while 1t is running along upon the Sounds broad waters. The boat has ample room for carrying five hundred more excursionists than heretofore. A fine oil portrait of the Hon. John IF: Starin adorns the saloon over the main central stairway. The entire improvement cost about $20, 900. The boat was heightened and reftted at Com munipaw, where Mir. Starin has an immense yard with machine shops and every facility, and where two hundred men are employed all the year around in the work required in keeping in order or inn proving the fifteen or more steamboats of MT. Starin and his eighty or more barges, canal boats and steam tugs which ply in New York waters. The Starin is provided with single and double stateroons, and the berths are all newly equipped. The lines new and first class freight houses, extended dock and other accommodations, including the deepening of the channel all the way to the end of Sheffield dock, were made at an outlay of about $10,- 900. These improvements with the enlarge ment of the Starin, were rendered necessary
 by the increase of the lines business.
 The line has just completed through Mr.
 Edgerton, the general superintendent, new
 five years contract with the Derby railroad for the sole carrying of all freights to or from the road passing through the Sound be- tween this city and New York. The line has been a very important feeder to the Derby. The new contract takes effect on the first of February, at which time the existing contract of five years terminates. MT. for the above purpose, in connection with other matters of importance to the line. MT. John Fl. Starin's improvement of Glen Island, the island of New Rochelle purchased by
 him last year, is going forward. Already $50, 900 have been expended in beautifyins this beautiful and romantic spot of earth, which covers about fifty acres. Over $15O, 900 were expended for the same object by the previous owners. It is to be converted into 8 beautiful sea shore resort, a second Rocky Point, for multitudes to hie to during the heat of summer.
 
 building were laid. It will be three stories high and in size large enough to accommodate several thousand visitors. It will have 6 canopy roof, and from an ample veranda of from the second story thousands of pleasure seekers the coming summer will enjoy the sea breezes and the beautiful scenery which the situation commands. There Is already an ample residence on the island, with stone buildings in the vicinity, which were included | in the purchase. There are several outlying neighboring islands, which will be connected
 with the main island by bridges. One ! of the principal of these islands is
 thus connected, the bridge having been | just completed and being several
 hundred feet long. There is fine building l also on the island, which was removed there | by water in one night from one of MT. Star. l in's public pleasure groves up the Hudson.
 It was formerly used by the New York Yacht Club and first stood at Stapleton, Staten Island, where it was removed to the grove on | the Hudson. It is located on big rock and I is slightly object. The people of New Rochelle were astonished one morning to see l the new object moored at the island as if hay | ing arisen there by magic during the night.