Daily Republican. [volume] ([Wilmington, Del.]) 1874-1890, 1884-08-16

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SpecIal Lister TO the RnPUMrcAH.
MArAwAx, N. j.. Aug. IL, 1Sst.-New
Jersey IL noted for nne sof md numerous
places and during the summer
visitors flock 70 the various re-
sorts and inland towns from almost every |
part Of the country. Az nearly every |
person IL more or less familiar with the |
various wateriag places, your correspon-
dent, resident OF Whining ton, but now
visiting at Matawsn, N. j.. his former
home, will co fine his letter tn few
points In reference TO this ancient town
aud it. surroundings, which will no doubt
be read with interest BY the thousands
of readers Of the Daily REPUBLICAN,.
Matawan IL 1oufishing town Of about
$500 Inhabitants, situated aosnt 30 miles
from New York, In the county OF Mon
mouth, the finest farming section Of the
State. 1t is az miles from Raritsn Bay,
rs mllrs from Long Brapch and IS miles
from Ocean drove, all OF which are easily
reached by the various railroads which
are like network IN this section. The
town is also about II miles from Free
hold, near where the battle of Monmouth
wac fought, which figures 30 conspicuous
In the State's history. Matawan is = very
old town, being formerly known - Mid
dlctown Point. For many years the only
means Of getting TO New York was BY
boat from Keyport, ~ miles distant, on
Raritan Bay. Later on stock company
was formed and the New York and Long
Branch Railroad was put into operation,
the Central Railroad Of New Jersey leas-
ing It and continued to operate 1t until
within the past two years, when the Penn
sylvapia Railroad began to run over 1t,
and ut the present time both the Phila-
ielplri& and Reading and Pennsylvania
X. X. use it. To give an idea Of the
enormous extent OF the growth OF the
road, between 80 and 100 trains pass this
point daily, all ofwhich stop here, with
the exception of Ave or six, IS q rail
junction forms one of the important fea-
lures of Matawan In addition to being
quite railroad centre, this ancient place
boasts of some thirty stores, some Of
which are quite large; bank, steam,
saw and grist mill !; q. j. Bucklin Il Co.'S
canning Establishment, which Is q large
affair; two potteries of stone-ware and one
yellow and Rockingham sash and blind
factory, basket factory, etc. The place
also has town hall, Methodist, Presby-
terrain, Baptist, Episcopalian and Catho-
lie churches, three public schools, two
fire companies, Post-ofice, land other
buildings of Lesser importance, while the
usual number Of physicians and under
takers may be found In and about the
place. A steam propeller runs between
this place and New York. A most impor-
tant feature, not often observed In towns
of like size, ia the daily sprfnkling of the
streets, which is kept up all through the
summer.
1t was here that Philip Freneau, the
most distinguished poet Of revolutionary
times, lived during the latter part of his
life. He was educated at Princeton
Freneau, during his life, enjoyed the
friendship OF Adams, Franklin, Jefferson,
Madison and Monros, and was in constant
correspondence with the three last named.
His patriotic songs and ballsds, which
were superior to any composition Of the
kind then written In this country, were
everywhere sung with enthusiasm. He
was man of naturally fine feelings, but
an infidel in sentiment, and late in liz
Der Is, 1882, In his 8Oth year.
The farmers, who contribute mainly u
the business support of the town, ART
seen daily, particularly towards night
Icarting their produce to the boats, which
make the streets lively with wagons
Lovers of fresh vegetables can get then
here in abundance. tits little early 70
prime jersey MELONS, although fev
have been sent to market.
great many fine houses, with ground
laid out win superior taste, is notice
able fra ur.., many men doing business II
New i.ik and residing here. The tow
support, one fine large hotel and NUN
Der ~ private boarding houses. There
also fine school here, known as Glen
wood Institute, which Is a very large an
tiourishing institution. 1t can accommo
date two hundred boarders. The primo
pal is Charles Jacobus, who Is know
among croquet players as one Of tn
champions. 1t 10 at this Institute tina
the young man from Philadelphia (wh
rescued SO many persons from drownin
one Sunday In Philadelphia) is attendin
school
: AT 2.40 o'clock on Sunday afternoo
the shock of an earthquake was distinct
, Is felt and considerable anxiety was e1
perienced. No similar shock has been e,
, perienced here for 30 years, at which tim
the people were excited more than the
were at the recent shock. At that time
. was severe one, china and glassware !
!, dwellings was broken, the houses wei
badly shaken, while numberless chimney
a tops fell crashing 10 the ground. TIL
former shock occurred about 10 o'cloc
!. at night, which made the event more e,
= citing.
= The weather is delightful, and we al
having good time. Yours tor the sun
:, mer, "DicK" (but notl /" DEADEYB."