Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1886-06-24
BIRMINaHAM PARK.
The DelIg Picnic Grounds
within Half mn Hours Hide Over
the w. & N. Railroad.

the w. & N. Railroad.
The Wilmington d Northern railroad
gave complimentary excursion Thurs
day to the press of this city and of the
towns along its route TO Birmingham
Park, its new picnic grounds The trip
was made from this city by special train
| in few minutes less than half an hour,
and the ride was through one of the pref
tiest kections of Pennsylvania. The rail
road follows closely the course of the
Brandywine creek, and offers excursion
lists the richest vistas of pastoral scenery,
| with broad rich meadows in n picturesque
setting of green hills, and long stretches
of water views. The landscape is be-
witching in its beauty, and ms fascinating
bit of quiet scenery as can be,found.
Birmingham Park is about three miles
above Chadd's Ford, and directly on the
line of the railroad. II is about 90 acres
in extent, covered with big oaks and
hickory trees, the foliage of which is
almost complete barrier TO the SUMS
rays. The closely cropped greensward
lends n rich charm to the spot and the
Brandywine approaching in a sweeping
curve and coursing away in a long,
straight stretch. completes unique picture
of rustic beauty. The park, without |
detracting from it's picturesqueness has |
been fitted up for the comfortable accom- |
mediation of guests with ample facilities |
at hand to meet all demands of exeur- |
sionists for pleasurable enjoyment.
A spacious pavilion, under roof, with |
its smooth floor, glistening with wax, ,woos
the devotees of the merry dance, and also
offers rain proof shelter from showers.
Frank Grief the proprietor of the park
site conducts large dining hall directly
the dancing pavilion, and
sunptlously provides for the gastrono-
mic enjoyment of excufsionists. The
daily menu offers varied list of excel
lently prepared comestibles including the
freshett aud best products of the dairy,
garden and farm. Numerous rustic
seats and bowers gracefully dot
the park, and lend to it ro-
mantle feature, Courts for tennis,
creases for cricket, diamonds for base
ball and space for all games, offer in
ducements for healthful outdoor sports.
The Brandywine gives two mile stretch
for rowing, and about 20 new boats locked
on its banks are accessible to excur-
sionists. The creek is of sufficient depth
to safely float the boats, and not deep
enough to invite disaster in the event of
a mishap. Big bass stories are also told
in connection with the Brandywine at |
this point, and with due allowance for
possible exaggeration, it is undoubtedly
good angling ground.
A strong attraction of Birmingham
Park is its accessibility and pleasant jour
ney by which it may be reached. The
IL Northern railroad lands ex-
on platform almost directly
at the woods, and walk across q rallied
foot bridge brings guests in the midst of
the finely shaded grove. The surround
ings of the park are all historic and espe-
cially interesting. II is in the midst of
the scene of action of the Brandywine )
battle field, and in close proximity are the
houses occupied as headquarters by ,
armies A mile away are the Birmingham
meeting houses, sitting like silent sentinels
on the top of high hill, with soporifc
luietness that is pleasantly restful and
The older of the two houses :
of worship, now occupied by the Hicksite /
branch of the society, was used MS a s
hospital for the care of the wounded in {
the famous revolutionary battle. It's floor
is stained with the blood of the Cont
mental soldiers, many of whom found n
resting place in the walled cemetery ad-
joining.
All in nil no more pleasant spot could
be found within reach of this city for :
The public's wants, comfort
and pleasure have been fally anticipated
and adequately meet. II is hound To
become popular resort for Wilmington
excursionists, and the enterprise of the /
railroad company in catering to the pub /
lies enjoyment must meet with hearty I
and substantial appreciation.
The excursion Thursday was in charge
of Lewis A. Bower, general passenger
agent of the w. Il N. Railroad Company, ,
and A. G. McCausland, superintendent to
whose efforts united with those of Mr..
Gref the enjoyment of the party was in
large part due. The excursionists from
this city were: W. II. Hill and wife, F.
@. Bach and daughter, William s. McNair
and wife of Morning Nesos; Francis
Scheu and wife, Freie IreSse; DIR. II. @. !
Snitcher, j. Travers Jones, Wilmin9- !
,0Rian; Solomon Hersey and wife Repu6- :
IicGn; Frank Woolley and sister, Sunday /
Star, j. B. Cheyney, EVERY EVENING, Mrs. {
L. A. Bower and Miss Bower. At the
picnic grounds the Wilmingtonians were
joined by s. b. Kaufman, Cohtesville !
Union, w. j. Bruder and wife, Potts /
town Ledger, H. p. Worth, West Chester {
ALI were unanimous in their s
praise of the beauties of the park and of
the courteous hospitality of their hosts.