The Republican. [volume] (Oakland, Md.) 1877-current, 1883-02-03
MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK.
Its Progress and its Prospects.

MOUNTAIN LAKE PARK.
Its Progress and its Prospects.
From the Wheeling Intelligencer, Jan. 29.]
One would scarcely believe it pos
sible that only year ago Mountain
Lake Park. which now presents all
the aspects of an attractive summer
resort, was nothing but wilderness
of underbrush where the cattle wan
dered at will and sportsmen hunted
unlimited amid the dense forests and
oaks. Since then the change certainly
has been remarkable and speaks we'll
indeed for the great energy and en-
terprise of some of the best citizens of
Wheeling and vicinity, as well as
others interested in this worthy I'M
dertaklng which can not fail to COM
mand the commentator and admir-
alton Of all interested in religious
summer resorts. The originators of
Ocean Grove, Chautauqua and other
similar enterprises look with wonder
at this "Babe in the woods" as we'll
they may.
Its first year saw the founding of
the place, the building of a beautiful
settlement of fine cottage homes, an
auditorium capable of accommodating
hundreds of hearers and a hotel, depot,
postoffice and other necessaries for
public comfort and pleasure, such as
should please the most particular.
The first season was as successful in
every respect as the most sanguine
could reasonably anticipate, and far
more so than expected.
The Sunday School Assembly with
its able force of lecturers attracted the
attention of all who were engaged
and interested in this line of work
throughout the country, and showed
the character of this resort to be not
only thoroughly religious. but re-
fined and cultured in its purchase and
development.
1t is proposed for the coming season
of 1888 to continue the same course of
management and greatly to increase
its attractions.
The Board of Directors held meet
ing on the grounds on the first Tues
day of December. They inspected
the Park in large sleigh drawn by
Mr.. VanMeter's spirited horses. A
turkey dinner and a venslon supper
at the Park Hotel fully sustained the
reputation of this fine house. A large
amount of business was transacted,
and the interests of the Association
were found to be in excellent condi-
ton.
Several fine new cottages were in
the course of erection, two of the most
beautiful being one near to Doctor
Logan's on the knoll west Ofthe Park
Hotel, owned by Mrs. Beacham, of
Baltimore, and another east of the
hotel and near TO Mr.. Lists, and be.
longing to Mr.. Anderson, of Wheel
ing.
The lake, which also Is due alone
to Wheeling enter prise, was well un-
der way, though it will probably not
be entirely completed before spring,
and a fine crop of first class ice has
been secured for the coming summer,
which will doubtless be a source OF
great comfort to many.
Some additional ditching has been
done to improve the drainage of the
Park front, and more has been order
ed, and it is proposed to put under
cultivation the meadow fronting up
on the line of the railroad. so as to
subdue wild vegetable growth and
make 1t smooth lawn, which can be
done by this means in the course Of
three seasons.
AS soon as the weather will permit
work will begin upon the drives
leading from the depot, past the no.
tel, to the auditorium, also from the
Deer Park and Oakland drive, past
the List cottage and hotel, directly
to the camp ground, and several prin-
cipal streets.
1t is proposed to light the paths
and improve them as far as practical
before the next season opens, continu'
ing the plank walk from the depot