The weekly Floridian. [volume] (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1867-19??, 1888-09-28

Tallahassee's Beautiful Hills and
LOYelY Residences.

SPECIAL Correspondence Times-UnionD
TALLAHASSEE, August GA most de-
lightful surprise awaits those who make
their first visit to Middle Florida when
they are suddenly rushed by the fast
trains of the +. Il. q n. system from a
comparatively low and monotonous coun-
try through deep valley with high eleva-
tions on both sides into full view of
placid Tallahassee, beautifully situated
upon towering eminence, and complete
ly surrounded by succession of high
hills, upon which stand the majestic live
oak and other evergreen trees, which
beautify the many homes that dot this
lovely landscape. Leaving the Towering
fields Of cotton, corn, and other staple
crops, few miles before reaching the
city the trains pass comfortable residences
standing in the midst of pear orchards
and lovely gardens. After circling
around the city for mile or more the de-
pot is reached in place considerably be-
low the level of the main portion of the
city, which is reached by carriages in
waiting. Very soon you are driven up a
succession of nicely graded hills until the
capitol square is reached, and passing it
the business portion Of the town is reach
ed, and ample accommodations had at
the Leon or other excellent hotels.
1t is indeed pleasure to drive or walk
about this attractive little city, with it's
wide streets lined with fine oak trees,
and sodded on either side with thick
grass-Bermuda grass. Nearly every
home has its flower garden, pear orchard,
and ample space for vegetables.
The houses usually are built for com
fort, and generous hospitality is uni
formiy dispensed. Strangers are warmly
by all who are thrown with them socially
Many fine old mansions of olden times
are standing in and near the city, but
they are not kept in the splendor of other
days. Among these handsome old homes
are Ex-Governor Call's, now occupied by
=. his daughter, Mrs. Long; Mr. Bryan
Croom's, now owned by an English lady;
Mr.. George X Walkers, at present the
property of Mr.. Locke, Of Canada; ex-
Governor Branch's, and the home OF
Prince Murat, which is quite near the
former home of Ex-Governor BlOxham,
few miles west of town and in full view
of the capitol. Within the city are many
handsome residences, with all the conve-
niences and luxuries of a hospitable
Southern home.
Prominent among them NAV be men
toned those of DR.. A. B. Hawkins, Mr..
George Lewis, Judge Geo. p. Raney, DR..
G. II. Gwynn, Eek Governor Bloxham. Mr..
w. "A. Rawls, DR.. G. w. Betton, Col. Jno.
A. Henderson, Mrs. r. II. Gamble, Mrs.
E. A. Brokaw, Ex-Governor d. S. Walk
er, Mr.. F. T. Myers, Col. Jas. B. Gamble,
Mr.. E. w. Gamble, Mrs. B. c. Lewis, Dr.
E. S. Grill, MIR. d. B. Maxwell, and many
others, that present most attractive APP
pearance. just north of the city limits
is the lovely grove in front of the fine
old homestead of Mrs. Ellen Call Long,
which is now being sold in lots, and hand
some residences are now being erected
among the stately green trees. Prepare
tions are being made by Northern CAPT
talists to have extensive flower gardens
and greenhouses just north of the new
Leon Hotel, in the center of the city,
which will be pleasing addition.
Gas-houses are being built, cotton
compress is in course of erection, and
many other substantial improvements are
Next to the beautiful scenery, the mag
ni6cent oak trees, the pretty flower gar
dens, and the excellent drives, the nu.
merous pear groves in and about the city
attract special attention. The beautiful
clear water lakes near the city are fire.
quently visited by pleasure and health
seekers The University Library is To-
Gated on Monroe street, in most con-
venient place. This institution was given
to the town by Ex-Governor d. S. Walker
and is patronized by the leading citizens
of the place. In it are many curiosities
in the way of Indian relics, and articles
owned by distinguished persons at home
and abroad, among them being favorite
chair of Prince Murat, presented by Mrs.
Governor Bloxham.
just now large numbers of citizens,
with their families, are away for the sum-
mer. Many of them are at St. Teresa,
popular resort on the Gulf coast, about
fifty miles distant, where some of the cap
ital city's fairest daughters are now So
journing.
Notwithstanding the dull season, the