The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1885-06-18

climbed. In the middle distance at the south
ward appear the bright waters of Saratoga lake.
The background of this magnificent picture is
the dark and rugged range of the Green noun
tains, IN the State of Vermont
1t is to this charming spot that General Grant
and his family have been invited for the months
of June and July. The cottage placed at their
disposal is owned by Mr.. Joseph w.
Drexei the well-known banker, who IS
also q large owner in the mountain hotel
and railroad. The cottage is situated little off
from the path between the railroad terminus and
the hotel. and about three hundred feet from
either. 1t was originally the McGregor farm
house, whence the name. The exterior is as
plain and box-like as if it had been built over
fifty years ago. The gables at the north and
south ENDS could not bs more severely simple If
they had been intended for barn. The build
ing covers space. oblong in shape, of perhaps
50x30 feet but the severity of the vertical lines
IS renewed by the throwing out of onestory ver-
andas at the north and south ends, and across
the main front, which faces the east. In many
respects the house reminds the visitor of the
Garfield farm-house at Mentor. The reception
room. like the house itself, is long and narrow.
The size may be about 15x25. The northern
end, toward the hotel, is lighted by a
window and door. which itself contains win
dow. huge brick chimney, over five feet
board, shows an ample Fireplace, in which grif
fined androns await the pine or the hickory that
send out their genial glow on cold or rainy
Udy l. ne walls are covered With QelcaCely-
tinted paper. The carpet of the best quality of
Brussels, has ground of indigo, upon which are
thrown lighter sprays in the shape of fern and
other leaves. The furniture is of willow, in vari-
Gus styles, the covering being of cretonne, with
floral designs in buff and light blue A large
mahogany table, we'll covered with small orna-
ments like candlesticks and inkstands occupies
conspicuous space near the outer doors. Along
the Walls are hung brazen plaques representing
antique portraits of Louis XIV, Henry ~,
Mari or,A4 4bn1 onf m Dria A.
the right of the chimney hangs large steel
engraving of Lucretla, the old Roman matron.
On either side are the portraits of George and
Martha Washington. Curtains of cretonne
thrown across the southern end of the room shut
off the dining room. plain apartment about
twelve feet by ten in size. An exterior door
and three windows furnish the light through
curtains OF Madras muslin. The floor is covered
with mating. The cherry dining table and buff
fet are almost bare of ornaments. The small
chairs, also of cherry, have the simplest kind of
cane bottoms. The Dresden china is white, with
designs of blue. No kitchen is required, be-
cause the meals will be served from the hotel.
The room hitherto used for kitchen is reserved
for General Grants servant. At the rear of the
reception room are the private rooms of General
and Mrs. Grant. That of General Grants eighteen
feet by twenty. The two windows. screened by
shades of light and dark Holland, look out into
the healt of the woods. A carpet of medium
blue covers the floor. The cherry furniture is of
the pialhest klnd the spllnt- bottom chalrs Delng
models of simplicity. 1t may be interesting to
note that the General will sleep with his head to
the north Mrs Grants room is smaller than
that of the General, but it has the same carpet
and paper. There are windows at the north and
west, and an exterior door at the north. The
ash furniture consists of four or FIVE pieces, and
they are of the very simplest kind. On the
upper floor there are six generous chambers for
the use of the other members of the family.
The three front chambers are furnished in
and ho fhroa oh harc iv,0 I, Hla
straw mating and the soft colors npon the
newly papered walls and the freshly painted
doors give an air of coolness and repose that is
both appropriate and refreshing