Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1885-09-30
A SUMMER AT GENEVA, N. Y.

Correspondence Of the Alexandria GAzErrE.l
The enjoyment of a summers sojourn in
one of the beautiful villages in western New
York, in which, at my instance, some Alex
andria friends have been participants, in-
duces me to give, with your permission, in
the columns of the GAZETTE, q brief and i'm
perfect expression of the pleasure which
our happy experience has made "a joy for
ever"
Geneva, at the foot of Seneca Lake, one
of the cluster of beautiful inland waters that
have made the region famous for its pictur
esaue loveliness was the scene of our tempo
rary abode. Seneca Lake is claimed to be
the gem of the cluster. No wonder that
the famous red men of the "Six Nations"
deemed themselves the favored children of
the "Great Spirit" who had planted them
in these happy hunting grounds and made
them the "lords of all they surveyed" The
glimpse we have been permitted to have of
this lovely country has so enraptured my
mind and heart that cannot find words to
fully express my admiration of this earthly
Eden, whose loveliness is perhaps hardly
realized by those who are accustomed to
view it from day to day. It bursts upon the
strangers view as revelation OF beauty
which captivates the sense of admiration,
and leaves the most delightful remembrance
to cheer the lonely hours of after thought.
The lovely lake, whose surface, changing its
hues with every passing breeze and cloud,
affords scene whose wondlous beauty can
find no pen to adequately tell.
The village of Geneva, we would call it a
city, for it has some seven or eight thousand
ipb re hoe aloip to
make it worthy of its enchanting location.
At the foot and toward the north of the
lake. it affords a level and ample scope, ad-
mirably adopted to its expanding business,
while on the elevated region toward the
south, nature has provided au avenue of
some two miles in length, said to be with
out compeer for its picturesque location,
lined with charming homes, where, as in
the other portions of this beautiful town,
dwell people who seem to be worthy of
the attractive scenery with which nature
has surrounded them. Geneva is noted for
its cultivated and refined society, while its
institutions of religion, charity and learning
affix crowning honor to its people. It's
numerous and beautiful churches admirable
schools-public and private-with lis noted
college, founded by Bishop Hobart, and
bearing his honored name. where ten young
men from South Carolina have just now en-
tered its classes; and then, to me. almost
above all, that charming 'home" of the
church for aged and dependent women,
provided with all the care and attention
of private family. All theEe attractions commend
Geneva to my admiration, and at the same time
teach me long and abiding lessons Of gratitude to
the Giver of all Good who has put into the hearts
of its people to honor Him in caring for His hclp
less and aged poor.
The streets of Geneva express to all beholdcrs
the tasre and which is bestowed upon the
grounds that border on them-a beautiful terrace
on the public ground overlooking the lake with
its tasteful flower and other improvements
of like character, planted and cared for by COM
mttee of ladies are most becoming addition to
the natural beauty of Geneva.
My pen is poweriess to express my deep sense
of the cordial hospitality which has made the SO.
journ of our Alexandria party in Geneva SO de.
lightful. Our experience convinces me that if
the people OF the two sections, North and South,
would more freely mingle together we should
fully recognize the force of our national motto,
"E Pluribus Unum" ]. F. B.
GENEVA, n. Y, Sept. 2S, 1885.