The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1884-08-29


We thought some of the MONIToR's read
ers might be interested in brief account of
well known in western Massachusetts.
across the Connecticut river from 'Iolyoke"
Of more note. But Holyoke, of late. mainly
from extortionate charges is stepping
down and out, and Tom is coming to the
forefront, and furnished us all of mountain
we could ask. We had ride of eleven
miles to reach there, up and down hills and
by such beautiful understanding too
rare in our fiat Jersey-rippling down
through the stones and moss. alongside of
the dainticst of ferns, and sometimes over
arched by bushes: altogether, looking like
a bit of fairy land.
Our route lay through Easthampton, the
residence of the late Hon. Samuel Williston,
where he built his numerous factories, and
founded and endowed the seminary bearing
his name. at an expense of $500, 900, and
second to none for acquiring thorough
classical education. When young man,
he was as poor as any of his neighbors;
for, when he began manufacturing buttons,
the work was given out to women, and
poor woman came back with her work,
looking tired and weak, and he asked his
wife: Cant you give her some crackers
or something to eat?a And she replied
that she really had nothing i'll the house.
But, by prudent and careful attention to
business, he amassed large amount of
property, the major part of which he de-
voted at his death to charitable and Christ
ian purposes, although leaving handsome
legacy to the five children he had adopted
in place of five of his own that he had lost.
As we drove through the gateway at the
foot of the mountain. the sign-board read:
Zone mile to the top The road was very
steep, so that the horses had to stop and
rest every few minutcs-for Mt. Tom still
depends upon the safer carriage road. while
IIolyoke has an inclined railway to the sum
nit. A part of the way up, there was
lovely little picnic ground, with swings,
pavilions. and all the modern amusements
for picnic.
On reaching the summit, there are mount
aims as faras the eyecan reach, and hills and
church spires are seen in every direction
for miles around. | cannot begin to tell tie
number of places seen through the tele-
scope at the hotel. The Connecticut river
looks like ribbon winding its way along,
and Just below, towards Northampton,
bending in the form of an ''Ox-bow. and
known by that name. The part enclosed
is very level, and has the appearance of
piece of patchwork. for all the little rect
angular fields are of different shades and
colors of vegetation. and there are no
fences to separate them.
The hotel is ON the very summit, and is
commodious and capable of accommodating
a good many guests. most of whom are
transient visitors for the day. The propri-
etor, Mr. Street, docs not look like par
ticularly brilliant man, but conducts his
house with rare business tact. Although a
bachelor. he has planned for every eonve-
nence and comfort and pleasure for his
guests. There is a large ceiled ballroom
with piano and parts of the day an or
chestra for dances. There is a geological
garden on a small scale. consisting of three
monkeys, rattle snake, a fox and a roost-
err. There are elevated plank walks, built
on level with the second story of the
house, extending out long distance i'll
three directions, making pleasant and
unique promenade. They are 90 feet
above the level of the sea, and such viewl
Those not accustomed to such views might
say with the little city girl ON seeing the
ocean for the first time: Il never saw
enough of anything at wunst before.
Mt Tom station is at the foot of the
mountain. and carriage for passengers is
in waiting at every train. On our return
we passed Il mammoth saw-mill and fac
tories without number, and soon came to
Northampton, which Jenny Lind thought
the most beautiful place in America; and
chose Round Hill, the most picturesque
part of it. for her temporary residence.
The hotel where She stayed is now di-
NGSttu Vi lhpSl va 4ts hoiiiSi SAe'Ss wa
years ago the extreme end of it was partly
bumed. This same building was famous
for its schools established by Bancroft the
historian. and Cogswell, of the Aston Ii
brary. which were considered models of in
struction and discipline in those carly days
of 1928. When Lafayette visited North
ampton in 1926 he was escorted there.
Some years after water-cure was estab-
lished in part of the building. After
that it was used as hotel.
We walked through the grounds of
Smith College. founded by Miss Sophia
Smith. of Hatfield, Mass. who left $500, 900
for the purpose Had we made our circuit
little more extended we might have
taken in Mt Iolyoke Female Seminary,
with which Mary Lyons name will always
be connected, Amherst College. and the
Massachusetts Agricultural College. (for
we were in the centre of this group Of first
class institutions and one could easily do"
them all in a single day if he will only take
view of. but not climb, the mountains.