The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1885-02-07
WINTER BY THE SEA-ATLANTIC CITY

". Y. Home Journal, January 2Sh 1885.
Five or six year ago Atlantic City was I'M
known, except as a summer resort. For few
months in summer thousands thronged its beach
and disported in its surf, but with the coming of
autumn they vanished, leaving the town to sleep
in quiet through the long months of winter
Wise heads, however, saw that there mild
ness of climate, an equablity of temperature and
recuperative properties in the sea air, which
would some day attract many visitors in winter
as in summer. An enteprising hotel proprietor
kept his house open for one winter as an expert
ment. People came, few at first, but all ex-
perienced decided benefit, and the number in
creased from ear to year, until its reputation as
a great winter sanitarium is now firmly establish
ed. Last season six eight hotels were filled
with winter guests, and this winter others have
Joined the pioneers, and there will be ample &C.
commodations for thousands of visitors.
Many conditions combine to make the place
great winter health resort. Its favorable location
on the southern shores of New Jersey at point,
it is said, nearer than any other section of this
coast to the Gulf Stream, secures for it gentle
ness of climate unsurpassed on the North Attain
tic Behind the town is q vast waste of sand,
aDSOrDS
largely in drying and purifying the air. There
is no body of fresh water within fifty miles the
soft sea breezes, tempered by the oceans's
currents, bring to land the health of the sea,
while the land winds are robbed of their damp
ness in their course over tie sands. These in
fuences tone down the severity of winter to de-
gree that is remarkable when the thermometric
observations of Atlantic City are compared with
those of points of the same latitude further inland.
The medical fraternity bear overpowering testi-
mony to the efficacy of the climate in pulmonary
and other kindred disease, and their restored
patients are willing witnesses to the same fact.
Apart from these considerations the city itself
presents number of desirable features. 1t is q
well governed, handsomely built, attractive city
of some eight thousands permanent residents.
All the accessories of city ifeare at hand. There
are miles of handsome avenues, street railway,
stores of every description, churches, and excel
lent market, supplied with all the abundance of
the land. The hotels, originally built for summer
use, have been reconstructed and reftted with the
appliances necessary for comfort in winter. Open
fires supplement the heat of stoves and radiators,
while they add charm of cheerfulness to their
bright surroundings. The houses are built in full
view of the sea, and glass-encosed porticos afford
both prospect and promenade for the invalid
too weak to face the eager air.
Ones enjoyment of out door exercise is per-
feet The bright, bracing air, charged with the
freshness of the sea, is constant temptation to
walks, sails, drives. For the pedestrian
handsome board walk along the whole ocean front
affords fine field for exercise. A splendid beach
drive of ten miles, and q surprising variety of
vehicles of all descriptions, offer fine facilities
for driving, while the inlet is famous as well for
its sailing for its fishing. There is no need of
idleness, if one cares to be active.
No epidemic disease has ever prevailed at At
lantic City. The sanitary measures are in the
hands of board of health, the members of which
fully appreciate the responsibilities of their posi-
ton. Pure drinking water is introduced from
the interior, and system of sewerage is now be-
ing provided, which promises to prove a most
potent factor in preserving the health of the
growing town. The topography of the town does
not admit of natural drainage, and formerly the
refuse and waste were carted off by contract.
This plan proved unsatisfactory, and it was de-
termned to employ some effective methods.
commission was appointed to examine various
systems of drainage, and devise the best possible
plan from such as had worked effectively else
where. The committee studied the question with
care, and chose as the best what is known as the
"West System"
In the matter of accessibility no resort is more
| favored than Atlantic City. From Philadelphia
it is ride of one and half and from New York
four and half hours by the Pennsylvania Rail-
road. To the residents of the East and North il
| offers the double inducement of easy access, and
a complete change of climate. In days journey
they may pass from the rigors of a Northern
winter into the geniality of early spring.
| Although the season is not considered opened
| until February, the vanguard of the coming army
is already at hand, and the hotels are receiving
daily accessions to their number of guests. Every
indication points to most successful season.