The enterprise. [volume] (Wellington, Ohio) 188?-1899, 1890-03-05
w. ii. Fishers Trip to Dixie and
Return.
Editor Of ENTERPRISE:

Four thirty we were on our return to
Jacksonville, arriving at nine o'clock.
Next II. IN. 80 we took train for St.Augus-
tine, the Oldest city In the State anu l
think Il is said the oldest in the United
Stats. On arrival we were met az the
depot by large band who headed our
party as they marched to the Ponce De
Leon hotel the finest in the world. We
were escorted through the magnificent
structure. ! have never seen anything
that could be compared with its beauty
Of finish and design. Spanish in architecture
with appropriate inscriptions upon the
walls Of each room, you can imagine
yourself In some old Spanish palace with
all lts gorgeous appointments. The
architect was given wide opportunity
and unlimited capital to make the en-
ormous structure the grandest In this or
any land. On the south side opposite the
Ponce De Leon is the Alcazar an ad-
junct Of the hotel and In some features
quite similar to II. The architecture is
Of the old Spanish renaissance style,
which with its arches, alcoYes, balconies
SC makes fine appearanceI Gone feature
OF the three hotels, are their courts and
outside grounds with all kinds Of trop-
ical plants and flowers, many Of them In
full bloom. To give a partial des-
cription Of this magnificent group Of
hotels would take more time and space
than Is allotted me.
Our party took dinner at the Cordova
While sauntering through the Corridors
Twas surprised to meet Mr.. and Mrs
Windecker, who were stopping for the
day at Ponce DeLeon, but had come into
the Cordova TO inspect Us beauties.
They were enjoying the scenery and
mild pleasant weather. Mrs w. said she
had not felt so well for long time, the
climate seemed 10 give her a new lease
Of life, they expected to leave for Tampa,
Fla, in the a. m. After dinner our party
in groups did" the city and It's historic
places of interest. Several Of Us were
shown through the old Spanish fort built
in 1855 and In very good state Of repair.
Its walls are about feet thick at the top
and 9 or 8 at base. The sergeant In charge
politely showed US through 1t describing
he several places Of interest Some OF
he rooms or cells bore evidence Of the
cruelty practiced by the spaniards upon
Unhappy victims. The iron bolts In the
walls where they were chained, the dun.
seous where they were confined without
light oi any kind, were simply terrible.
Leaving this we strolled TO the old Slave
Market still standing and In good con.
dition. We could imagine the anguish and
misery the place had been the scene of
and were glad to get away from II.
A short distance from Ponce De, Leon
stands the Zcrayda q residence Of
Boston gentleman, Moorish in architect
ure and finish. The design is very hand
some and quite unlike any other building
in the city. II is Of shell concrete with
brick and terra Gotta trimming.
Al the wharf we took small steamer
for the island. and south beach and light
house from whose summit we could take
in the whole. city, ocean and surround.
ing country. Returning we were allowed
to go through the new Presbyterian
church In course Of erection, IL being built
BY Mr. Flagler as a memorial in memory
Of his mother at expense Of I'VE were
told) five hundred thousand dollars when
finished. The design is modern and
finish Of most beautiful character. The
ancient city gates are still standing but
going 70 decay. as has nearly al the old