Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1891-08-01
special Correspondence Of The Evening Star.
isles OLE SHnLIS n IL I1lI,- 30 Is

INHE ISLES OF SHOALS ARE PRACTI-
caly undiscovered, as far as Washington
ians are concerned. Each year some few Of
our citizens stray here, and having once tasted
oi us charms are prone to return, but these
are out a small number, and the fact that there
Is no general familiarity with even the loca-
ton OF the isles was emphasized to me when |
had to personally guarantee to some of the
railroad attaches at Washington that there was
such spot, or rather series of spots, Oh the
face OF the globe and that was willing to
swear to it.
The Isles Of Shoals are a group of rocky
islands, almost destitute of vegetation, rising
saunt in gray abruptness out of the ocean
about ten miles off the coast of New Hamp-
shire. near the Maine line They are reached
by means of small steamer that runs from
portsmouth to the islands, making several
trips day, making the journey from Boston
take about three hours
The number OF the islands varies with the
tide. AT high tide, with connecting links sub
merged, there are isles galore the number rap
loiy shrinking as the water recedes. The prin-
cipaI ones; however, are Appledore and Star,
on which the large hotels are; White OIL which
the light house is situated Duck, Londerners
Cedar, Malaga, Seaveys and Smutty Nose.
vARIEeATED HISTORY.
The islands have an extensive and yariepated
history. They supported at one time a popu-
lation OF over 600 souls. The ancient town of
Gosport was located on Star Island and was a
thriving village in its way. An academy ex-
listed on the islands, to which many pupils were
sent from the main land. However, as the
nshlng failed the inhabitants took to bad
WHISKY anu their morals suffered in conse-
quence. They were denounced by the Cody
Puritan on the main land for their sinful in
Guigence In the maypole dance and were more
than suspected of an occasional lapse into
festive piracy. Things went from bad to worse
ana hnally, when the state of Maine levied a
TAX on the inhabitants OF Hog Island (now APP
pledore) the population of that island migrated
In body to Star Island which was under the
jurisdiction of New Hampshire.
The inhabitants of the different islands grad
ually moved away and the early part of this
century found them almost uninhabited
have given these facts to the past of the
Isles OF Shoals because ones mind is irresisti-
Oily drawn to thoughts of the past BY the ruins
that besprinkle the islands. Every few yards,
II you are energetic enough to climb over the
huge b0niders OF rock, you find the founda-
ton walls OF buildings OF the stone Enclosures
In which the fish were cured and there are
legends without number of spectral fishermen
and buccaneers.
The modern history of the place begins with
sne DAY that Thomas Laighton disguised with
the barren rocks of White Island and with his
family assumed charge of the old light house.
lhls was some time in the forties. few wears
later he moved to Appledore Island and star ted
small boarding house, which has since been
evolved into the present Appledore House. A
large hotel the Oceanic, is located on Star
Island also.
From sanitary standpoint the Isles of
Shoals leave little to be desired. Let the wind
Dlow from what quar- ter it lists il brings nothing
"a hran Ivfr . a,.. - Al. II
them And such air-just calculated to be
smiled at. Even the land breeze. when it has
PASSED over ten miles of ocean, is robbed of its
terror.
IL Is never hot and seldom unpleasantly cool.
CHILDREN THRIVE AND ARE WELCOME.
Children thrive in the most astonishing way
and, most astonishing of all, they are heartily
welcomed. The water of the. ocean ia almost
too cool to battle in, and so little shallow
inlet In front OF the hotel has been utilized as
u bathing and boating pool for the little ones
and their elders, and they make use OF it to the
fullest extent.
The tranquil daily life Of the place ia charm
ing 10 those who come for rest and quiet enjoy
ment- FROM them, on these isles care seems
to drop as discarded garment while each
breath that 10 drawn sends new life and vigor
through the frame
The bulk of the visitors are from the New
England states, with sprinkling from New
iork, Philadelphia and Baltimore and quite a
number from the west
For years it has been great resort for ar
lists, many returning year after year.
We do nothing principally, varied with a
little boating and bathing. But after all The
sum and substance OF true human happiness ia
to lie In the sun on these rocks and drink the
glorious air.
The flowers are something beyond descrip-
tion 1t seems marvellous that the scanty soil
on tnese barren stones should give birth TO th.,
splendid peoples that grow in great beds in
a perfect riot of color. Huge banks Of wild
roses besprinkie the islands and all the culti-
waited flowers seem to take on an added bril-
lancy OF color. Celia Thaxter has, with gifted
pen, dwelt on the loneliness of the flowers in
her charming little book on the Isles of shoals
+. B. n.