Wheeling Sunday register. [volume] (Wheeling, W. Va.) 1882-1934, 1883-08-26
SIX SWIMMING BELLIES.
Bsa. tiful Water Nymphs Contend
ing for Prizes.
Description of the Costumes Worn-A
Sketch Of the Race--A Lively
time-The Gentlemen
Spectators.
Nr York Worlds Nerark Special.

Nw York Worlds Nerark Special.
Six cOmely water nymphs, who are
very ell-knOwn on the Passaic river as
expert swimmers and Oarswomen, took
part in a swimming match at an early
hour this morning. Only relatives and
personal friends of the fair contestants
were invited, and one of the most pic
turesque and secluded parts of the river
was selected in order that outsiders
might not crowd to the place. 1t was
not far above the quaint village OF Belle
willie, where the river runs clear and
smooth. No better selection could have
been made, aud the lady guests were
delighted.
Twenty minutes after arriving on the
river bank the guests saw
Mysterious Party
emerge from a farm house and come
toward them. Six of this party had on
dark water proof cloaks that covered
their whole bodies. They were the six
Young ladies who were to swim for
prizes contributed by their gentlemen
friends, the match having been made
at hSbury Park about ten days ago.
Mis- ,,Bently, twenty years old, u tall,
acknowledgements blonde, had on a
loose bathing dress of light gray cloth,
with high gray stockings aud Il red cap.
When the others threw aside their
clOass a picturesque scene was present.
ed. All five had on what may be APP
prOpriately. called Jersey bathing
suits" for they fitted like gloves, The
suits were armleSS, and came down only
TO the knees, where they were fasteund
with knots of ribbon, leaving
The white Limbs
uncovered below. Miss Garner, elgh-
ten years old, a charming little blonde,
wore q light-blue suit. Miss Flood, u
plump, brown haired maid of eighteen
summers, looked picturesque in a zebra
suit of yellow aud black trunks, and
Miss Freel, a petite and slender semi
blonde, eighteen and a half years old,
was captivating in a suit of light blue.
The most attractive suit vas the red and
black costume of Miss Anderson,
twenty years old, a semi brunette with
tall, athletic figure. She was looked
upon as q sure winner.
While the contestants were chatting
with their friends, Will Camp and Mr..
Fred Hart rowed out to the middle Of
tie river to be ready to 60 out To the
rescue in case any of the swimmers
needed assistance.
When Mr.. INFLOW clapped his hands
the six dived together into the clear
water and swan into position. Mr..
INFLOW clapped his hands again aud
they went off in a bunch.
At the start Miss Bently got a slight
lead, but she lost her advantage at the
thirty yards point, her
Loose Bathing Suit
rogging to her limbs and impeding her
d II les. she struggled bravely on as
Miss Flood and Miss Marley, swimming
on their sides, Joined her, while the
Others crept up slowly but surely until
they LETT her behind. She gave up at
the one hundred yards line, where little
Miss Garner, and Miss Freel bad passed
Miss Marley and Miss Flood had taken
tie lead. But when they reached the
80 yard line, Miss Anderson, swim
ming gracefully but strongly, reached
d em, and u fine race was then witness.
ed between the three. Miss Anderson
forged ahead as Miss Freel fell U OF
the front rank. Little Miss Garner
made q fine squirt ten yards from the
finish and passed Miss Anderson, who
was too sure of victory, and WOO the
race amid hearty applause from her
friends on the river bank.
Miss Anderson was only two yards
behind aud Miss Flood was five years
behind her. Miss Marley came in d
few yards ahead Of Miss Freel who had
been
Pushed Too Hard
in the effort to keep Miss Anderson
from the lead. As the party reached
the shore, II was noticed that Miss An
derson hesltated about quitting the
water. Miss Garner called to her to
come out, as she might get y cramp.
"Why, l can't come out while the
gentlemen are on the bank" was the
reply, rs she blushed and smiled.
Then the gentlemen aud the swim
mers put on their long eloaks and went
back to the farmhouse.
There they dressed and where o in
fine spirits. Miss Garner was given the
inst prize, q gold-lIned silver fruit dish.
Miss Anderson got q silver cup, Miss
Flood q bathing suit and the other
three q big tin water-dipper each, which
Oeeasioned much merriment These
ladies have rowed races on the PSsssic,
and they talk of holding 3 regatta near
North Bellville in q few weeks.
Later in the day they appeared wear
ing red jerseys At the amateur reg Alta
on the Passaic in three row-boats,
and pulled along outside Of the course.