Martinsburg independent. [volume] (Martinsburg, W. Va.) 1875-1900, 1885-06-27
A DAY ALONG THE RIvER-Poro-

| MAC lSLE--A RIDE IN JUNE.-The
complimentary excursion given by the
gentlemanly management of "The Fall
ing Waters Steamboat Excursion Com
pany," last Thursday, was one OF the
most enjoyable affairs of the season.
Private invitations had been extended
to the lawyers, doctors, preachers, edi-
tors. and few business men, to pay a
visit to the favorite picnic resort-Po-
tomac Isle. The following persons from
this city, in conjunction with "a citi
zens of Chambersburg and Hagerstown,
composed the picnic: Revs. Hank,
Pitt, Woods and Andrews, DIR. Boak,
President of the company; Mr.. f. d.
Staley and wife, w. l.. Jones, little
Ruth. his daughter. mother aud aunt,
Mr.. Austin Rodrick, Alex. Hughes,
Esq, Mr.. Frank Emmert, and We local
editor. The ride was short from Mar
tinsburg to Falling Waters. There
Capt. Samuel Maxwell, ever obliging
and assuring, met the picnicers and pc.
litely escorted them aboard the Lizzie
May" tug. Then commenced ride
down the beautiful Potomac. With a
swan-like movement the boat glided
over the water, imparting its restless
ness to the riders. What grand scene
ryl What solemnity! What an exqui-
site delight Here thick woodlands
skirt the river, rustling with the pass
ing wind; there the bald headed cliffs
jut out far overhead ! The oaks and
cedars in full summer dress rustic and
toss on the river side; along the banks
the king fisher and snipe swiftly run in
| and out of the water, while far up in
the heavens the swallows sweep round
and round against an almost cloudless
sky. The river runs smoothly, some
places the stream grows swift. Shoals
OF minnows sport in the three or four
inches of clear water that covers the
shining sands. Indeed everything is
beautiful and inspiring. Nature, with
a lavish hand has painted the surround
ings with all that pleases the eye and
animates the soul. The ride down the
river occupied about an hour, and then,
like an oasis in the midst Of the desert
sands, Potomac Isle was seen Nesting
calmly and serenely in the bosom Of the
great waters. Graceful trees were in.
viting.
We landed with delightful anticipa-
lions. Then scattered. Some brought
forth the fishing tackle; others captured
the small boats and the balance secured
the Island in every direction. The
company has everything in line shape.
Nice swings, dancing pavillions and
eating establishment, boats and many
other conveniences are In abundance.
The Island is perfectly safe to those
who may attend picnics there. The
company is having q strong wire fence
placed around it, making accidents al
most impossible. Then it is 30 nice and
cool. The fresh river breezes fan the
face in every turn. just across the
river is rather extensive cave, whose
cool depths must be entered to be ap-
preciated. The day was certainly de-
lightfully passed. At noon splendid
repast was furnished gratuitously, to
which seventy -five persons sat down.
You would have been surprised had you
been there to have noticed the eating
capacity of the average Martinsburger.
Friend Alex. and Brothers Pitt and
Andrew did some fine rowing in the
morning. At least we suspected as
much from the sad havoc made at their
table. There was sense of generosity
Neutrality-suspicious. gentleman lost his
pocket book The was not an editor) and
gave the finder one cent as reward for
bis honesty in returning same. Short
ness of time prevents more extended
review of the trip of this jolly and hap
py crowds suffice it to say, merrier or
more pleasant company of ladies and
gentlemen we have not met for years.
We bid adiew to the beautiful Island in
the afternoon and headed up the stream
for home. The ride homeward was
even more pleasant than that of the
morning. The scenery was more varied
and the impressions more lasting. To
one who has never been to Potomac Isle
we simply say go-you will never regret
it. To fishing parties all the special
arrangements are handy and Of much
value. We return thanks to all con-
cerned for courtesies extended, and
hope to be frequent visitor to the Is
land during the summer. Also desire
90 say that friend Fleming is the boss
pilot. Many improvements have been
made recently by the Island Company.
Resolutions Of thanks to the Falling
l VVo fnpu1 c1~r~ r.