Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-29

! sons who have occupied it. The east wing was
the original building, and, as will be seem was
very unpretentious structure, but it has been
added to from time to time that now. al
though somewhat dlapidated, the house pre-
sents an imposing. castle-like appearance. The
original part was built by DIR. Boyle of Wash
Ington some seventy years ago, but the prop
ertv changed hands several times since then.
During the administration Of James Buchanan
it was quite a fashionable resort one of the
members of the Presidents official family
being the occupant, and the waxed floors of the
drawing rooms, that once saw so much gayety,
are well preserved to this day. A splendid
far-reaching view presented from the cupoa.
The place is now occupied as a dairy farm
by Mr.. Charles Francis Hamilton. Connecti-
cut avenue extended passes BY the east end Of
the house.
Cascade run is a very pretty stream and there
are numerous miniature waterfalls along its
rocky course. For an eighth of a mile east OF
Cascade run the creeks course is straight, but
at that point 1T takes sharp turn toward the
north, klingle bridge, the northern end Of the
park, being a quarter of q mile distant. In
this bend the nucleus of the zoo is now being
arranged and a few moments will be enjoyed
In visiting the various attractions.
Resumlng the tramp along the stream you
are soon at klingle bridge. the northern limit
OF the park. where the scenery is grand in the
extreme. On the west side of the creek the
ground rises abruptly to a height of 100 feet or
more. the side and summit of the promontory
being covered with fine growth of trees OF
numerous species. The north side of the knoll,
west OF the creek. tapers gently toward klingle
road, the ripping waters of Birch brook cours-
ing along its base.
klingle road is the dividing line between
the Geological and Rock Creek parks. You
may now ramble through the park at will be-
fore returning to the city or you can extend
your tramp along Rock creek through
ROCK CREEK PARK.
This park, whose establishment is provided
for by the act of Congress approved September
q, 1890, will embrace the attractive valley of
Rock creek between Klingle bridge and the
Maryland line. distance of some three miles.
The total area of the park is not to exceed 1000
acres and the land is not to cost more than
sl,zOO.OOO. The boundaries of the park have
already been decided upon and the ground sur
yeyed- An appralsing commission Is now
hearing evidence preparatory to fixing values
on the different parcels of land selected. and it
Is expected that the title will be vested in the
government at an early day.
Entering the park al the north side of klingle
bridge proceed along the east side of the stream
until Pierces Mill road at Piney branch is
reached, passing en- route over a rugged, wild
hillside, well shaded by forest trees and decked
with rich growth OF flora. Here you move
TO the left and across the bridge, continuing
along the east side of the stream to Pierce's
mill.
stroll along Piney branch to Fourteenth
Street road would prove a pleasant diversion.
It's tree-ciad sides are wild, rocky and precip-
itous, exhibiting rare natural views.
PIERCE's MILL
The old mill stone structure, at the west
end OF the bridge, Is plcturesquely situated,
with high hills on every side. 1t stands in the
angle formed by the Pierce's Mill and Broad
Branch roads. This is a charming spot. As
you move along the eastern hillside, midst a
prOfusion of ferns and laurel, shaded by majes-
tic trees, the music OF the water it glides
the dam at the mill race makes pleasant music
for our ears. Nearly opposite the dam, gurg-
ling from the roots of great old maple, is Aloe
spring. Here you enter a pretty piece of bot
tom meadow. Not far from here Broad branch,
flowing down from tine vicinity of Tenleytown,
enters the creek
At the junction of the streams is Mr.. Willis
green house. his residence being on the sum-
init of the hill to the northward. Fish Rock a
good hshlnS and bathing point, is at the base
of this hill. Moving around the hillside
which becomes somewhat rugged and precip-
itous at this point you presently come in sight
of Blagdens mill, an old-fashioned stone and
frame buiiding-one of the landmarks of Rock
creek.
The great freshet Of June, 1889. did great
damage hereabouts, carrying away the old mill
dam and bridge that spanned the stream at
Elagdens Mill road. But a more substantial
structure now occupies the site of the old
bridge. The old mill building is a ruin and
unOccupied. The east side of the stream In
this vicinity is rocky and precipitous.
The 18th street road is about mile to the
eastward by way of Blagden's Mill road, by
which the city may be reached.
THE VIRGIN FOREST.
Rock creek north Of Blagden's mill is at
present in a state Of almost virgin nature. and
the explorer of its native Businesses will be we'll
repaid for his enterprise. 1t is wild, rugged
and picturesque. mile above the mill the
path becomes almost lost in the forest, but one
will experience little difficulty in working his
way through. The slight impedments en-
countered will be overlooked in the delight ex-
perienced in the beautiful surroundings The
stream is tortuous in its course, and there are a
great number Of forest trees and shrubs In
this solitude the wood and hermit thrushes pour
forth their melodious notes with unusual
power. They seem to vie with each other in
their vocal efforts.
As the Military road in the vicinity of Bright
wood Is neared the influences of man again be-
come pronounced in the surroundings. The
Maryland line is about a mile distant from here
near which, TO the right is Silver Spring sta
ton on the METROPOLITAN branch of the Balti-
more and Ohio railroad.
You may now return to the city either by tax
ing the opposite side of the creek or by way of
Brightwood avenue. The latter lies q short dis
lance to the eastward.