Connecticut western news., 1885-08-12

Faithful and Invited Friends Enjoy e Day of Hon William H. Barnum'a 'a
 Hospitality.
 About 8.45 A. M. Friday, July 31, an engine, baggage and four passenger cars left the Housatonic railroad repair shops yard at Amesville enroute for Parlor Rock. One car was filled and there was scattered number in the other cars. A few more were taken on at Falls Village, making so far 100 or so Episcopalians and their friends, which number was augmented at Lime Rock by the main forces, completely filling the train and swelling the number to 400 or more, all of whom were being carried to Parlor Rock and return free of charge by the president of the road, who had provid- ed this Especial" and who was also aboard, apparently enjoying the treat as much as any of the children.
 As the train sped down the valley at a jolly rate, express to New Milford, the familiar pictures of green mountains, shining golden-rod, waving corn fields and the still-fowing and rock-bottomed river greeted you smilingly, while the ever-varying glimpses of the hay lots, grain fields, "'tater patches" stone meadows, houses, growing tobacco and trying-to-grow vegetation generally con- tinued to "bob up serenely" on every side.
 Aboard the cars. after the first few miles had been left unceremoniously behind and all had become comfortably settled both in mind and body, with the lunch baskets, boxes, etc., slowed satis- factorily in the baggage car or in con- venient resting places under the more direct supervision of their owners eyes and judgment, they had a chance to look about and see who were their neighbors. Besides the president of the road, the superintendent, MT Wood, was on the train also Hon M. B. Richard son, Prof Hurlbert, Rev Putnum, Charles Barnum, Porter Burrall, N. A. McNeil, Gilbert Street, H. Wolfe and several other good-natured grown-up children, were enjoying this trip with the little ones.
 At New Milford we passed freight train, necessitating stop, and then away we went to Hawleyville, where the New England road crosses the Housa- tonic. An extensive signal system IS being put in here consisting of tower connected along both roads with pipes, wires, etc., in such 8 manner that when in operation trains cannot collide when coming to the crossing from each road at the same time. Newtown was our next halting place, where the noon pas senger train passed us. We visited the creamery for a supply of ice-water and 8 can of milk, and were very generously received by MT Wallace Jones, who was in attendance.
 Arriving at Parlor Rock the little folks at once took possession of the swings, croquet grounds, boats, etc., while their elders unpacked baskets and set the tables for dinner, after which the roller-skating rink was opened, adding another fascinating and perspirative pleasure to the occasion. But Parlor Rock is too well known to need an in- troduction to the readers of the The News. The latest attraction is cavern near there just south of Long Hill sta tion in the woods. It was discovered the sunday before the picnic. Ten feet long, five and one-half feet wide and six high, planked up on all sides and over- head, with tin over the top blanks and loose dirt, leaves, etc., over that. A trap door at one end of the top admits you to the den, which, popular conjecture has it, was once used by burglars as repository for their ill-gotten gains.
 Just before the train started for home Rev MT Walker, former pastor of Trini- ty church, arrived on the grounds from Bridgeport, where he is now located ,and shook hands with his former flock.
 Returning we were passed at Hawley- vile by the afternoon passenger train south and received the benefit of 8 thunder shower between that place and Brookfeld. At New Milford the milk train passed us, and at Kent we waited 15 minutes for the Saratoga express, while the children helped themselves to early apples. Arriving home at 6.30 P. N. without an accident and with pleas ant recollecLions of the affair, all who participated were honest in their thanks to MT Barnum, for having so thoroughly carried out program for their pleas ure which involves so much expense.
 A.