The Newtown bee., 1889-05-10
Ronalds Peak is Busy Again.


 Ronalds Peak is Busy Again.
 For some weeks, more or less activity has been displayed at Ronalds Peak and piles of rough hewn stone and mounds of sand have accumulated, ready for the ' workmen, who, under the direction of the foreman, J. W. Larry and the gener- al and thorough oversight of MT Ron aids, will rear the walls of Castle Ron ald. To-day, the Peak resounds with blow of hammer and chisel, as the work CTS deftly chip corner here and there, until the rough stone becomes fitted in n, it's surfaces to the position assigned 1t; with the crashing of saw and pound- ing of hammer, as the carpenters fash ion the wooden portion of the structure.
 As one ascends the hill from the sultry Street below, he becomes conscious of a change in the atmosphere. Cool and re- freshing it grows, while, as the ascent continues, a slight breeze is felt. And when at last the summit of the Peak is reached, he finds much to reward him for the journey, toilsome if made on foot, but delightfully."- brief and easy if pair of dashing steeds conduct him thither. Away below, adown the valley of the winding Pohtatuck, are farm houses and fertile acres; here the village cemetery, with it's mute suggestions of life, death and immortality; there wooded tracts; wonder fields of vivid green. Below is the village, its church spires showing through a network of verdant branches, which conceal and yet reveal some build ings, while others stand out in bold re- lief. Far to the east, the line of vision is contracted by low-lying, ,timbered hills, blue and hay.
 But the Peak and the works thereon at once claim attention. High in the air, it's red-painted iron fans flashing in the level rays of the setting sun, the wind mill revolves noiselessly and almost un- noticed. It has but recently enplaced In position and is 12-foot Aermotor, made in Chicago; with it is pump made by the Gould Manufacturing Go. of Sen eca Falls, N. r., which easily raises pure and sparkling water from the deep ar tesian well. A lateral galvanized iron pipe will abundantly supply the Castle, while ample provision is made for water ing stock at the barns.
 No masons have as yet commenced to lay stone at the castle; this work will be begun about May l5. A smaller and more easily handled force of men, whose we'll directed efforts will be made to tell, will be employed. The lateral wings at the north will not be undertaken, this season, but the main structure will be pushed to completion. An outline of the building has already been published. Above the three huge arches which con stitute the ground floor, the structure will be carried in massive lines. From east to west, along the entire length of the castle, will be n conservatory, filled with choicest plants of tropic and temperate zones. The roof of the conservatory is broken but once, by an observatory, which, doubtless, will become favorite resting place with Mir Ronalds.
 At present, he is dOmiciled in the east ern part of the southern arch, the one HFSJ COmpicJtus Ib lS IcihpoiaIhy SSllcu overhead and temporary partitions have been erected. Here he will remain dur ing the Summer. At the entrance to his suite of rooms stand four figures, dress ed in ancient French armor and all the furniture speaks of the age when naught but the ponderous and durable was used. A fine tennis court will be laid out near the castle.
 The center arch Is left for a driveway and royal one it will be. The north arch, not yet finished, is more particu- larly for the servants and culinary de- partments. And here Mir Ronalds will apply a new idea. The space below the windows, protected by iron netting on the exterior, will be provided with doors inside, so that it may be used as cold storage closets.
 ''If carried brisl<ly forward, as it will be, the main structure should be completed by the first of October" says Mir Ronalds. ''I shall remain here much of the time until then and may spend the Winter in Europe. Ihave already cross ed n times and am almost as much at home there as here"