Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1884-02-25
COASTING TO DEATH.

NoNdQa Oulcil, IO Dlack HAWK, VIA
Central City, there was one main
road, four miles long, in nearly a
straight line with one sharp curve,
and the pitches were steep, with level
stretches between. By holiday times
the road, which was constantly used,
had become firmly packed with snow,
which was as smooth and CLASSY as
it was possible to make it. The ores
from the mines above were hauled on
sleds, and this had beaten down the
tracks until the grooves worn by the
runners were like the polished steel
that formed them. Once started in
them at Nevada, a sled unchecked
would fly to Black Hawk without
giving one time to say ''good-day''
to any acquaintance he might pass
at Central. It was like being shot
out of catapult or dropped down an
elevator shaft. One of the favorite
pastimes, moonlight nights, in winter,
was coasting, and the course lay ov-
er the road, or street. Some, too
timid to take long journeys, would
pre- empt sections of half mile or
so, which gave them all the amuse-
ment they needed. Others, more
daring, would risk their necks and
limbs on longer stretches, while still
others were fool hardy enough to
make the entire decent from Nevada
to Black Hawk. 1t was just after
New Years in this winter-1S65-6-
that a party was made up to ride ov-
er this course. The nights were re-
splendent then with the light of q full
moon, and the great mountains on
either side of the gulch lowered far
above, coldly magnificent in their i'm
maculate coverings. The night cho-
sen for the great party was very cold,
the thermometer showing registry
of about zero, but this gave q crisp
ness to the snow and lent an eXhila
ration to the light air that sent the
blood dancing through the veins.
The managers of the coasting party
the event had been looked forward
to with a great deal of interest-had
arranged with teamsters and others
to have the road cleared about II
O'Clock that night, which was easily
accomplished, there being but little
traffic at that hour. An immense
sspung'' had been secured-a rough
sleigh, or runners rather, about
twelve feet long, which it was calcu-
lated would hold fully twenty-five
people. For the purpose of directing
the course of this sleigh steering
contrivance was placed in the rear,
and this it was believed would enable
the occupants to turn the angle IN
the road, in Central, where the stretch
to Black Hawk began. 1t was not
found difficult to secure enough to
make up the party, and five ladies,
even bravely if not foolhardily, in
sisted upon being counted in. At
the time agreed upon all had congre-
gated at Nevada, and were soon
crowded upon the pung, and stout
fellow at the tiller, the send off was
given. The first half mile was q
comparatively light grade, the sleigh
: sped along at speedy rate, and all
on board were joyous in the prospect
: of successful run to the bottom of
: the hill The sleigh soon showed
; signs of increasing speed as the grade
: increased. and those who were at all
inclined to manifest timidity earn
: estly grasped the side of the pung OF
clung to one another. There being
danger of too great speed, a lever
like brake had been provided. Ii
reached under the pung, and was
: easily worked. With this to check
: the mad career of the sleigh, it was
5 believed that no danger could arise
D that could not be promptly met.
Y Down the hill they flew. Once, as
Y Central was neared, collision with
a belated miners team seemed immi-
nent, but vociferous warnings enabled
1 them to pass in safety. Down, down,
! they flew, and Centrals man street
f was entered. This thoroughfare
9 scarcely wide enough for two teams
to pass each other, and which, il
daytime, presented busy scene
: was deserted by vehicles, but the
sidewalks were thronged with people
who had congregated to witness the
great event of the season. AS the
> sleigh rushed down in its wild course
loud, long shout went up in which
the pleasure party joined. By this
: time the sleigh was sweeping on at
/ terrific rate, which fairly took away
/ the breath of those who stood by
gazing at the strange spectacle. L
seemed as though the sleigh had NJ
. sooner appeared on the scene than j
. had shot out of sight and into space
= it was one sudden dash and thel
gone.
AS the bend in the road was reach
II ed, those who had the management
If of the sleigh bent all their energies t.
@ the evolution that was to carry then
2, past all obstacles. The slightes
i miscalculation might prove fatal;
It moments delay might jeopardiz
e their lives; failure of their brak
y or steering apparatus might sen'
s them all to heaven.
e. One of the participants of tha
f. awful ride said afterward that non
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