The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1888-04-25
THE QUEEN OF THE COAST.
The Old Fascination and the
New Attractions Offered by
Cape May.
pblla paIlr Tlmc-. April lslb. lsss

New Attractions Offered by
Cape May.
From Phiia. Daily Times. April isth, isss
There is perennial youthfulness about
old Cape MAY which is continually tax
ing shape IN some new enterprise de-
signed to add additional attractiveness to
the famous resort In the days of old,
when the fame of Cape May stood out
boldly against all the world rs the pleas
ure resort Of the American people, popu-
lar demand was not 50 exaeting. The
wide reaching beach, the grand surf,
good hotels, and zine company gave
abundant pleasure TO the hosts of visit
ors who journeyed thither by boat or
stage or cumbrous family coach. They
demanded no meretrieious feature to
heirhten the natural loveliness of ocean
and sky or TO add to the fascination Of
atmosphere. 1t was enough if they liv-
ed well and reyeled in the beauty that
surrounded them.
Later on the world 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, but the tastes
of the children had changed. They liv-
I ed more in day than theirancestors did
in week They longed for newness and
freshness, and pined for excitement.
Great hotels were built to conform TO
their notions. Society held summer
court on the sands; glittering equippages
rolled along on the glistening beach fes-
tivals of music and song mingled their
harmony with never ceasing music of the
waves: a geeat pier was projected ont in
to the deep, where mirth and festivity
chased away care. 1t was new Cape
Nav evolved from the substance of the
old
The charming characteristics of the old
queen remained intact. She was only
dressed in the costume of a modern day.
Year by wear the old queen has appear
ed to renew her youth and in the same
proportion has she grown in popular IA
vor. Thousands Of rivals have sprung
into being and developed into promi-
nence, 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. II may be for a day only
or tyo days, yet they 90 back. There is
singular charm in sea and air and surf,
which tempts the one-iime visitor TO re-
new acquaintance with the pleasureful
Surroundings.
The prospects for the coming season
are bright There is more activity in
real esl ate than ever known before, and
the demand for cottages and accommoda-
, tions foreshadow that not only are large
; number of old admirers returning 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 capital in various
Cape May enterprises, are contributing
literally to the new features which this
season will see inaugursted. They recog-
nize the fact that in order to hold her
high place amid the keen rivalry Of her
neighbors, Cape May must offer other at
fractions than those which nature has so
generously lavished upon her.
Last summer, after hasty organization
and rapid preparation, the grounds of the
. Cape May Athletic Club were opened
y The success of the undertaking was con-
r spicuous. Its organizers and patrons en-
, braced all the prominent residents and
, property owners, and the spectators OF
the sports included everybody. This
season the handsome grounds will be i'm
proved and series of athletic exhibi-
tions and sports of every character ex.
:, tending through the su MINER will be ar
ranged The club is a regularly-accred-
tied member of the Amateur Athletic
: Association, and its membership in this
band gives it many privileges and ad
vantaces that it would not otherwise en-
iov. The lovers of good sport will un
doubtedly witness some fine exhibitions
on these grounds. The glittering gem o.
this years acquired attractions is th'
|, race track. \ very eligible piece o.
ground just outside the city limits on the
turnpike leading to the Point has beer
purchased by the Cape May Driving
Park Association. A mile and half
mile track have been laid out and built
and work on the grand stand, club hous,
and stables is to be commenced at ar
early day and pushed forward to com
pletion against the opening of the seas
{ on. The grand stand will accommodate
5000 people and the stable is TO furnisl
! stalls for - to 100 horses. In the ar
= rangement and construction of track:
Il and buildings some novel improvements
will be added. There is hardly room fol
! doubt that the race-course wall be a mos
successful one, as it will be an excellen
s track, both for running and trotting and
Il the easy means of access from all the
sporting centres of the land assures the
: pcesence of the best horses.
; The old Cape has long born the palm
5 for the beauty of its women, and it may
/ now win new laurels from the physical
strength Of its men and the records made
e on its turf