Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1886-08-07
AN OCEAN PARADISE.
The Delights of Martha's Vineyard
Concrete Driveways and Bicycles.
ndence of THE EVENING STAR.

Correspondence of THE EVENING STAR.
COTTAGE CITY. MARrHA's VINEYARD, Aug. 2.
There Is nothing like it in the world" so
said to me a gentleman of wide experience and
extended travel, with reference to this gem OF
the ocean. One comes with expectation of great
enjoyment and leaves 1t reluctantly and with
an inward determination to come again at
some not far distant day. Some new delights
ID changeful sea and sky come with each new
DAY, ana on the land the summer pastimes are
rendered more enjoyable by the invigorating
air, fresh from the ocean. Many of the drive
ways on this side OF the island are concerted,
and therefore commend themselves to the
votaries of the silent wheel, from the expert
VINO does wonderful things upon the unicyce
down through the ranks of the tricyclists and
olcyciisfs to- the youngster who sits proudly
over bis veiocipede. Machines may be hired at
MY cents per hour, and In the morning ana
the stand.
After the arrival of the evening mail, Circuit
avenue presents a very lively appearance.
pedestrians and riders mingIe in apparently
dangerous confusion, but everybody is con-
sloerate and nobody is in hurry, no accident
occurs and the electric lights shine upon
happy crowd. 1t is crowd now with six
thousand IN or SO, but when the twenty thousand
vi This month OF camp meetings are all here
the hive must be full indeed.
Before coming to the Vineyard we had some
lions, and will here set down the results of our
Investigations in that direction, that any late
conner may have the benefit thereof. The
municipality of Cottage City includes the
most familiar names-Oak Bluffs, Wesleyan
Grove Uhe Methodist camp ground) and Vine
yard Highlands Uhe Baptist camp ground).
The post office for all three is Cottage City. The
nrst and second are divided only by Circuit
avenue, and the second and third by two small
ponds, between which is a broad road. A horse
railroad connects the two camps, and a narrow
gauge railroad extends from the Oak Bluffs
Ia six miles to Edgartown and eight more
10 kafama, which is a hotel with few cottages,
and where you are very near the South Beach
with the ocean dashing its waves of translu-
cent green upon q sandy shore.
The Methodist camp meeting was first held
here in 1885. At this first meeting there were
only rough shed for the preachers stand. a
lew plank seats and nine tents. About a thou
sand people were present In 1860 an awning
had taken the place of the shed, many cot
camp meeting Gov. Clafin presided. the Hut
Crimson family sang and Henry Wilson ad-
dressed 81, 900 people. Rev. DR.. j. p. Newman
preached, and nearly seventy conversions were
reported" The awning was replaced by the
present iron tabernac4e in 1879; it has a seat
ing capacity OF 1000. and though a portion of
the original grove of oaks still shadows the
ground, many Of them have given way to
walks and lawns, which with the hundreds OF
tasteful cottages standing with their wide open
doors, make almost enviOus the passer-by who
Is "only here Tor a few days-going tomorrow"
Oak Bluffs, only the other side of Circuit
avenue, was started by a company. Here the
land as well US the cottages is owned by indi-
viduals, while at the camp grounds the cottages
Only are owned, the ground being leased.
Vineyard Highlands, the youngest of the
three organizations is upon the highest ground
In this vicinity, ana like them, OverlOoks the
waters of Vineyard Haven, now blue i'll the
sunlight, nest grey beneath the clouds. There
are no mosquitoes, OF course, and l only saw
TWO flies In three days The climate is milder
than upon the mainland anu tine water re-
ported as being many degrees warmer than
upon the northern side OF Cape Cod.
Cottages may be rented, furnished, at $50 for
the season, and board with rooms may be had
I'm cottages) for from $40 to $14 per week.
There are several large hotels. ID. A. F.