Savannah morning news. [volume] (Savannah) 1868-1887, 1886-08-10
TIE FIRST SII0VELFUL,
GROUND BROKEN FOR the SA-
NANNAH AND TYBEE ROAD.

Master Thomas Purse, the President
Son, starts rhe work in the Presence
ola Large Number of Prominent Ctu-
zens-Diviue Favor Naked for the En-
tsrprise.
The weather was quite stormy ana ram
fe II yesterday at the hour at which the
stockholders of the Savannah and lYDee
Railway Company and their invited
guests were to leave for the scene OF the
commencement Of operations. In spl'o
OF the elements, however, large nuuloeI
of prominent citizens availed themselves
of the opportunity offered to witness the
digging of the first dirt on the line OF the
proposed railroad. The special cars were
we'll filled, and a number Of carriages anu
other vehicles carried the rest Of the
crowd.
When it was reported that all were
present or accounted for, the grounds
around the DeptfOrd plantation mansion
presented quite a lively appearance. The
city and county authorities were renre-
scented, as were nearly all the mercantile
aud business interests of the city. Every
one present seemed enthused with the
epirit OF the occasion, and predicted
for the enterprise great success,
and also that it would be
advantageous to Savannah in affording
a summer resort for it's citizens and the
people of the entire State. The company
having assembled, Capt. d. &. Purse in
vited them TO the place where the cere-
monies OF the occasion were to take place.
This was at a spot about 300 yards south
east OF the plantation house. The line OF
the proposed railroad passes over the
highlands east of the city, known as Bru-
ton Hill, which torn part of the
tlawton, Screven and Deptiord plauta-
ttiOns. At the latter place, which Is the
property Of Messrs. Purse and Rowland,
dt was decided to commence operations.
The grade requires considerable eXcavat-
tng through this highland, and the first
shOvelful of earth was to be taken out of
abe cut. A gang of wOrkmen VINO had
Just begun their lRbOrs that morning had
Cleared the right Of way for some dis
tance, and a number OF brand new spades
were near at hand with which to perform
tine important ceremony
An eloquent prayer was offered to the
Deity by Rev. Isaac 7. Mendes. At
1he close OF the prayer Master Thomas
Purse dug the first spadeful with bis min.
iature silver spade. A generalinvitation
was then extended to those present to
contribute each his share in the ceremony
kby throwing a spadetu of dirt. A dozen
lspades in as many pairs Of hands were
soon at work and the implements were
Ipassed from hand TO hand until every one
had had his share IN the labors OF the oc-
Ecasion. The company then returned TO
k1he Deptford house, leaving the colored
fnavyies and the contractor to 20 on with
the good work.
At the house a luncheon and the usual
accom- apartments had been prepared dur
ang the absence of the party. The invita-
Tton of Capt. Purse to partake was re-
fponded to by the guests cheerully, as
the morning drive aud the country breeze.
ind the conventional hour Tor lunch,
made il welcome.
Letters of regret that they could not be
present were read from "a number OF gen
ilemen who could not attend, and several
little speeches were made, after which
the party returned to the city.
The railroad TO rybee has certainly had
an suspicious beginning, and its proiec-
tors have the best wishes of their fellow
citizens for all the success that they can
desire.