The aegis & intelligencer. [volume] (Bel Air, Md.) 1864-1923, 1885-08-14
The Egis & Intelligencer
Bel Air, Md, August IA, 1885.
LETTER FROM LONG ISLAND.
ssKOaIYn.,,


Rosyn is situated at the head of Hampstead
Harbor and is in the embrace-as it were-of the
thickly wooded hills, the highest on the Island.
Harbor Hill is an elevation some 800 feet above
the level OF the sea, and from Its summit one can
geta perfect birds eye Wow OF the surrounding
country, bays. sound, and even the far away
waters of the blue Atlantic. The water facilities
of this little town of about 1900 inhabitants are
remarkably good. as abundant streams gush from
the foot of these hills, and flow with rapidity to-
wards Long Island Sound, thence to mingle event.
ually in the big Pond" The people are indus
ae ana here be Which, are
silk and paper mills. 1t is a matter of history
that George Washington once visited this town
and was guest at the old house now occupied
by prominent physician, DR.. Bogart. Tradition
relates that the father of our country was much
interested in the (then new paper mandatory
and to prove his interest made sheet of paper.
This little town has an envable position for COM
merce, as its fine harbor and railway advantages
claimed to be the "ife of trade" To fully realize
the beautiful scenery of Roslyn, one must drive
through g long and ana
But Is 1t only this that the natives so Justly
proud of, and that brings the traveller within its
limits? Not So it is "Cedarmere' that is the chief
attraction of the place, one of the homes of the
late William Cullen Bryant, the renowned poet
and journalist.
The Bryant residence was built by a Quaker,
Richard Kirk, in l7S7, and was owned for ten
years by Joseph W. Moultop. whose contribu,
great value Mr.. Moulton was one of the first
New York business men who settled here and he
S0lQ the place, tnen containing 4U acres, 10 Mr.
Bryant in 1896 who materially changed. modified
and improved upon the original structure. The
Bryant farm now covers 200 acres and has one
great popularity in its numerous stiles scattered
over the farm.
Two remarkable trees are on this property, an
immense black walnut, said to be the largest on
the Island. 1t about ITO years of age, it Is "a feet
in circumference and casts shade of 100 feet be-
tween perpendiculars. The second tree, red
maple, measures fourteen feet six inches girth,
twenty six inches from the ground, and possesses
large spreading branches dropping beautifully.
The original builder constructed an embank-
ment which forms the artificial lake which is
surrounded by rare and beautiful trees and
shrubbery, from many regions included In
these are the native cedars, and from them and
the lovely lake was derived the appropriate name
"Cedarmere'
Mr. Bryant's son-in-la Parke Goodwin, the
journalist and historian, resides in beautiful
mansion across the way In 1878 company was
formed which was afterward chartered as the
Bryant Circulating Library Association MI.
Bryant erected the hall and 1t was according to
his plans that the company was founded. The
site and hall were decided as free gift to said
ISOLATION by Miss Julia Bryant, in obedience to
her fathers request. $4,000 is the value of the
gift. The editice is divided into apartments for
library and reading room, public hall and a res
idence for the librarian who has the care of the
building. In Roslyn Cemetery lie the remains of
her illustrious citizen, William Cullen Bryant.
His monument bears the following inscriptions:
william Cullen Bryant
Born in Cumington, Mass,
Nov, sd, 1874.
Died in New York,
June 18th. 1873"
Fanny Fairchild Bryant,
the beloved wife of William Cullen Bryant, an
humble disciple of Christ, exemplary in every re-
lation of life atfectionate. sympathetic, sincere
and ever occupied with the welfare of Others"
The poets grandchildren are buried in the
same plot. children of Parke Goodwin.
Aug. 1885 X. N. w.