The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1888-04-27

THE OLD FASCINATION AND THE NEW At
FRACTIONS OFFERED BY CAPE MAY.

rHE OLD rAsciNAuoN AND THE NEW At
FRACTIONS OFFERED BY CAPE MAY.
From Phila. Daily Times, April 18th, 1881
There is a perennial youthfulness
about old Cape May which is continu-
ally taking shape in some new enter
prise designed to add additional attrac-
liveness to the famous resort. In the
days of old, when the fame of Cape
May stood out boldly against all the
world as the pleasure resort of the
American people, popular demand was
not so exacting. The wide-reaohing
beach, the grand surf, good hotels,
and fine company gave abundant plea
sure to the hosts of visitors who journ.
eyed thither by boat or stage or cum.
brous family coach. They demanded
no meretricious features to heighten
the natural loveliness of ocean and sky
or to add to the fascination Of atmos,
phere. 1t was enough IL they lived well
and reveled in the beauty that surroun.,
ded them. Z.
Later on theworld seemed to revolve
more rapidly, the visiting hosts were
whirled over the Jersey sands in hours
instead of days. They found the same
old Cape May which their fathers and
grandfathers had known, bat the tastes
of the children had changed They
lived more in day than their ances-
tors did in week. They longed for
newuess and freshness, and pined for
excitement. Great hotels were built to
conform to their notions, Society held
a summer court on the sands; glittering
equipages rolled along on the glisten-l
ing beach; festivals of music and song
mingled their harmony with never ceas-
ing music of the waves; great pier
was projected out into the deep, where
mirth and festivity chased away care.
1t was new Cape May evolved from
the substance of the old. 80. 90. POI
The charming characteristics Of the
old queen remained intact. She was
only dressed in the costume Of a modern
day Year by year the old queen has
appeared to renew her youth and in the
same proportion has she grown in pop,
ular favor. Thousands Of rivals have
sprung into being aud developed into
prominence, but Cape May, like the
brook, goes on forever, holding the old
friends and gaining new ones.
A striking fact in this connection is
that everyone who visits Cape May al
ways returns. 1t may be for a day
or two days, yet they go back. There
is a singular charm in sea and air and
surf, which tempts the one-time visitor
to renew acquaintance with the pleas
ureful surroundings.
The prospects for the coming season
are bright. There is more activity In
real estate than ever known before. and
the demand for cottages and accomm-
odations foreshadow that not only are
large number of old admirers return
ing to their first love, but hosts of
new suitors are joining the procession.
The moneyed men, who have proven
their faith by large Investments of cap,
ital in various Cape MAY enterprises,
are contributing literally to the new
features which this season will see in.
augurated. They recognize the fact
that in order to hold her high place
amid the keen rivalry Of her neighbors,
Cape May must offer other attractions
than those which nature has 40 gener-
ously lavished upon her.
Last summer, after hasty organiza-
tion and rapid preparation, the grounds
of the Cape May Athletic Club we're
opened. The success of the undertak-
ing was conspicuous. Its organizers
and patrons embraced all the promi-
pent residents and property-owners,
and the spectators of the sports includ-
ed everybody. This season the hand
some grounds will be improved and .
series of athletic exhibitions and sports
OF every character extending through
the summer will be arranged. The
club is a regularly-accredited member
of the Amateur Athletic Association,
and its membership in this band gives
it many privileges and advantages that
1t would not otherwise enjoy. The
lovers Of good sport will undoubtedly
witness some fine exhibitions on these
grounds. The glittering gem of this
years acquired attractions is the race
track. A very eligible piece of ground
just outside the city limits on the turn
pike leading to the Point has been pur-
chased by the Cape May Driving Park
Association. A mile and a half-miles
track have been laid out and built, and
work on the grand stand, club house,
and stables is to be commenced at an
early day and pushed forward to com.
pletion against the opening of the sea-
son. The grand stand will accommo-
date 5000 people and the stable is to
furnish stalls for IS to 100 horses. In
the arrangement and construction of
track and building some novel improve
ments will be added. There Is hardly
room for doubt that the race-course
will be most successful one, as it will
be an excellent track, both for running
and trotting and the easy means of
access from all the sporting centres Of
the land assures the presence of the
Lest horses.
The old Cape has always borne the
palm for the beauty of its women, and
it may now win new laurels from the
nhvaical stvaputb of ito ,uop apd tho