The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1890-05-01

brought number of applicants for the
hotel this year, but the directors wisely
gave it to Spencer Bros. who conducted
it last season. They are already be-
stirring themselves, and are making
preparations to give better accommo-
dations, and to make stay there this
season more delightful than last season.
The proprietors authorize us to say
that they extend hearty invitation to
the Press Convention to hold their
annual meeting there this season.
Every accommodation will be given
them freely and cheerfully, and trans
portation will also be arranged. This
will be the best opportunity ever offered
our western editors to enjoy dip in
the surf, the best fishing on the coast
and sail down the loveliest waters OF
the Carolinas, the Tar and the Pamlicc
rivers, and PamliCo sound.
DESCRIPTION.
Until old Ocracoke doomed up as a
watering place comparatively little
was known of its scenic beauty and
legendary history.
The prominence attained by the
lovely island makes a description Of the
place appropos at this moment.
Distant eighty miles from Washing.
ton and seventy from New Berne, the
Island lies at a point where the sweet
music of Pamlico's waters on the one
side contrast in perfect diapson with
Atlantic's raging roar On the opposite
border. Twelve miles in length, and
two miles wide, covered with ever green
tea trees, and dotted here and there
with neat, tasty cottages, the island
stretches along parallel to the coast
line. In one direction bold cliffs ; in
another, rugged and gnarled trees with
unshapely trunks and tops turned from
the ocean and still another beautiful
little island, Portsmouth, delights the
vision. In the centre of the island lies
Silver Lake ,one of the most fascinating
natural sheets Of water known, Just
half a mile in diameter, as clear and
placid as mirror. It's borders here
and there are fringed by the natural
growth of tea bushes, whose inverted
reflection contrasted with the towering
lighthouse and rugged trees near by
make a marvel Of beauty. On this
delightful lake quite feet of sail may
be seen dancing and coqueting all day
long.
Hidden treasures of Black Beard are
supposed to be hidden on the island,
and many romances of Indian maidens
and palefaced lovers are told by the
old inhabitants.
Ocracoke Hotel is situated within a
stones throw of Silver Lake, one side
fronting Pamiico Sound and the other
looking towards "old oceans" bleak
and melancholy waste.
A post Office, two churches, several
stores, and private boarding houses are
in easy reach of the hotel.
There is unquestionably no better
fishing place anywhere. A few rods
from the shore, trout, blue fish, hog
fish and indeed the whole catalogue OF
fishes, in great schools delight the de-
voices to angling sports. Rarely does
an hour in the afternoon fail party
Of half dozen to make catch large
enough to breakfast the entire hotel.
There is also fine hunting on Ocracoke
and Portsmouth.
A new and elegant piano in the
hotel,a string band regularly employed,
a soda fountain, and everything need
full in the way of surf bathing, sailing
and fishing, a tramway with a car will
be run to the beach life lines and every
precaution for safety will be employed.
A steamer we'll equipped and with
ample capacity will 1un from Washing
ton to New Berne.
Frequent dances and balls will be
given.
Ocracoke is unsurpassed for health
and pleasure. The atmosphere is
salubrious, refreshing and cool, coming
from the salt sea waters in every di-
rection. The temperature is never too
warm, and especially strengthening to
the feeble.
Too much cannot be said of this
resort, soon destined to become one
of the most noted resorts on the At
lantic coast, nor can too great praise
be spoken of the clever proprietors,
we'll known in mercantile circles and
as proprietors of the Merchants Hotel,
at Washington, N. c.
The editor of this paper made a
speech at Lenoir last year in favor o.
OcraCoke, and the idea seemed to take.
We hope the committee will give the
place the consideration which it merits.
Brother Whichard promises that the
editors shall be entertained in Green
vile, as they pass through, and Wash
ington will banquent them, and show
them the prettiest little town in East
Carolina.
We know our Western editors would
be pleased with our dozens OF mills,
two canning factories, fisheries, lovely