The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1884-03-07
Atlantic City in Mid winter.
A HAVEN OF REST.

[Recent Letter in N. Y. Home Journal
A mid.winter respite of few weeks
from the distractions of social life or the
cares of business has come to be, in this
eager, pushing life of modern times, al
most a necessity. If we will not or cannot
"take it easy" on the way, we must halt
and make special business of resting, and
this method is perhaps more in accordance
with the American temperament.
Doubtless no pleasanter place can be
found within easy reach for the enjoyment
OF this mid-winter respite than Atlantic
City, so generously has it been endowed by
nature, and so happily has man combined
in this favored spot all the comforts, con-
veniences and luxuries of life. Atlantic
City, which now numbers some seven
thousand inhabitants, is situated on an is
land bounded on the south and east by the
ocean, and on the other sides by an arm of
the sea. Its main exposure is southern,
and the welcome rays of the winter sun
bathe in flood Of soft and mellow light
The surrounding waters are open during
the year, aud only in the coolest snaps
does ice form on the inlet. The winds as
well as the waves favor this fortunate spot
From the north, south, northwest, and
southwest the winds travel for miles over
arid and porous sands on which snow
never lies, ard become dried and warmed
in their passage. The southern and east
ern winds come in from the sea laden with
the heated vapor of the Gulf Stream, to
tone down the temperature to a delightful
degree. We are told by meteorologists
that the Gulf Stream, IN consequence of its
proximity to the coast, affects the tempera-
ture more powerfully here than at any
other part of the Atlantic coast Just op-
posite Atlantic City the stream sweeps in
landward to within forty-fve miles of the
shore, and the heated waters of the tropics
serve as natural radiator, tempering the
harshness of this northern latitude. With
all these advantages of site it is not sur
prising that the thermometer conducts it.
self with charming propriety at Atlantic
City. AS winters go, 1t rarely drops below
thirty-two degrees, and trustworthy obser.
vations show that a fair average for its
MONDAY reading in mid-winter is forty
five or fifty degrees. The average rainfall
is comparatively light, and the record of
fair days is a smiling contrast to the gloomy
showing of inland cities or less favored
points on the coast.
Atlantic City is city in fact as well as
completely equipped city, laid out in
straight avenues, without stint as to width,
paved, bordered with trees, and adorned
with handsome hotels and artistic villas.
Electric lights, line of street cars, and oc-
casionally the blne uniform of policeman,
attest its matured municipality. The av-
enues and the beautiful beach afford excel
lent drives, and the visitor has wide field
for choice among the large assortment of
vehicles that await his call
OF hotels there is an unlimited supply.
There are rich apartments for the wealthy,
comfortable quarters for the independent t,
humble lodgi Dgs for the poor. Many OF
the first-class hotels remain open through.
out the year. With this view they are
adapted to use as winter homes, and are as
comfortable in mid d.winter as they are
agreeable in the heat of the dog-days They
are heated by steam, and made costly at
tractive by open CRATES. Several of them,
notably the Brig hton, Sea Side, Waverly
Berkeley and Victoria, have been thorough
ly refitte since the close of the summer
season. Many of them have lighthouses
where one can indulge the luxury of a
saltwater bath and well-arranged sun.
parlors, where invalids or others may basls
in the bright sunlight without encounter
ing the outer air These parlors are glass.
inclosed porticos, aifording excellent in.
door promenades. The tables of the hotels
are admirable maintained as easy acces-
sibility to all markets places the fiat of the
land" within the grasp of the hotel proprie.
tors.
In matters of health Atlantic City has an
enviable record. No epidemic has ever
had the hardihoood to attack its people
The sanitary measures enforced by the au-
thorites as to cleanliness and drainage are
an effectual safeguard against such attacks
n rIN yIENfF NTr A..ls -.
seashore trouble, is brought in, fresh ant
pure from the mainland. As a! sanitarium
for invaids suffering from those subtle
diseases OF the throat and lungs, and fol-
convalescents whose energies are waste(
by protracted Illness, Atlantic City is high
ly esteemed by the medical faculty. Phy-
sicians from many parts of the country
have sent thousands of patients her,
ailing, to have them return hale anC
hearty
Yet to those who are not invalids tn,
place has charm Of its own. They COM
for rest and quiet they get this. and wha
Is better, renewed strength. During Feb
ruary and March represent atives of thu
best society gather here in the hostelrie
and cottages, seeking respite from the dis
fractions OF society life. They lounge il
the cosy parlors, walk or ride on the beach
acquire healthy appetites, eat with relish
enjoy music, song and dance, sleep tn
sweet refreshing sleep of health, and g
back to take up the routine of life re-creal
ed in mind and body.
A remarkable feature of this climate /
the standing invitation it holds forth to ex
ercise. Its mildness is not mild enough (
produce languor or laziness. Bracing an
inspiring in its effect, it awakens a desir,
for free outdoor life, a love of actv
diversion. And for this there is certainl
abundance of scope and plenty of incen
tive. Rare sport is to be had in the oxce
lent fishing afforded by the surroundin
waters. Shooting, too, is good on tn
| meadows and the arms of the sea.
A ride of an hour and three-uuarter
from Philadelphia by the West Jersey, G
Camden and Atlantic Railroads. brings III
visitor to this delightful city by the set
Arrived here, let him dispose himself as h
may, he will meet warm welcome an
find hearty cheer.
Il