New-York tribune., 1883-06-03
The CHARMS OF RIVERSIDE PARK.

CLAREMONT MANOR AND ITS sToRY-oNCE THE
HOME OF FUGITIVE KING 1T BECOMES A
PUBLIC-HoUsE.
The strip of land to which the name
Riverside Park has been appropriately given. lies
along the east bank Of the Hudson River and occupies
rregularly shaped piece OF ground about l1s acres
in area, extending from Seventy-second to One-hun-
Observation-Disclosures IL averages 800 feet In width
and is bounded on the by Rverside-ase and the
west by tho Hudson The ground slopes gradually to
the waters edge, is naturally weldisposed aud oilers
an excellent opportunity the landscape gardener for
tho display of his skill and taste Nothing has been ac-
complshed in this particular however. aud, so far as
ARTIFICIAL beauties concerned the adornmeuts Of
Riverside Park exist only in the Imagination. Along
the western side of Riversde-ave. and following Its
meanderngs asubstantal wall OF masonry has been built
and between it and the roadway lies broad walk which
IA continuous witt the throughout Its entire ex-
tent Flights OF stone steps. at convenient Intervals
break continuity OF this parapet aud afford an easy
access the park below which, however, In Its present
unfinished condition, is not much resored TO. Indeed
at the present time, visit to Riverside Park is limited
10 "a close adherence TO the caTrageroad which bears
its name and Is its only highway. This smooth aud
gently undulang avenue, 1t winds itself among the
hllocks and hoows describes a series OF graceful
curves aud at every turn presents new and attractive
objects of natural beauty to the eye The brilliant YER
dure the park the pleasant residences dottnS the ec
mating the scenc furnish changing panorama OF
interest The drive has yet been accounted fash
ionabe one and the presence OF gay equpages Is sui
the exception At times sound heard except be
trunde OF an occasional train along the causeway below"
or the swiftly revolving paddles OF some passing steam
boat The contrast between this place aud the neigh
borng city is striking and It difficult to realize that
half An hours ride can completely transport one from
the regions OF trade those scenes OF serenity aud
quiet
The river views along the avenue are striking and
grand The line OF the Jersey shore Is marked by tho
Palisades till they melt away In the hazy distance On
the New York side low lying promonory OF Jereys
Hook ,s out into the river and forms conspicuous
feature in the prospect beyond In Revolutionary times
tbs poin was occupied by American redoubt which,
ia November 1876 simultaneously with Fort Washington
nnon tue heights behind IT, fell into the hands OF the
British. .
onrisins the park and ntercepts view In the
d,rccon OF the river These bluffs continue with vary
ing height as far as One e-hundred-and-twehty'sA'n
At where they slope down, with tho 'i"aso VI
Mauhattanyille at thor base 1his poh' 'harAs 'no
termination Of the park the avenue by snaP ao'"nr
and r.pidy descending grade. seeking tho lower isvei
ornv,nc 81 nrominent position nc this upper extremity
Glands the famous Clarcmont Manor its history mas
hoon n varied ono Once the homo OF nobility,
H. degenerated IN Its latter days tD -, noIso h ~
uhc an rtapment and now reinains oue .io suao"
PenV, ,ar aeIfdismantled and awaiting demolition
pro@ rS its commanding position II enjoyed amagnincene
rosnect mn and down the river for miles More IMAM
pevoppty wears ago the house was occupied by me
Courenay afterward the Earl OF Devon ON
Nscou.M ~ Scandal Affecting his reputation he left Eng
nJ and resided here until the outbreak OF the warot
iaIa when he returned to his native land leaving lis
effects plate To be sold at public auction
Lossng says that Joseph b0naPa.e' .,
at Bordentown In after years the mansion was oecu,
MED by the Post family but It is principally rememDeo
Sew-Yorkers favorite resort for those frequent
1s tSe Bloomngdale road which before Central fark
cane into existence the fashionable drive An nour
could he agreeably spent watching from its broad
sas the busy upon the river below and enjoying
heantIful lawn and tine shade trees which aaorheu
the grounds the vicinity Upon one OF these tpees 81
near the perched at the blfurcatlon Oh "a
the lower limbs, grotesque bust OF Louis Nv tnat hau
been brought to this country by vessel, on "nicn"
was used as hgurehead roors tha
Upon these grounds were located Tor many yea,s
buildings OF the Hoboken Turtle Club whose memoos
met here at stated timos and discussed the merits Oh
,urtle steaks and turtle soup long wooden rcS. ot
open at the sides and filed with tables ana o
primitive design permitted them to dine almost ~ ,Ssn
no moro agreeable spot could have peen seeI se banS
under the shade OF the grand, oiu trees sn" VIZ VIZ
OF this beautiful river