Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1892-04-22
At Glen Echo This Season.

The approach of good weather has been
signalized in Glen Echo by the commence
ment again of such extensive operations as
a year ago excited the opened eyed wonder
OF the public. Contracts have been made
with John A. Blundon for the clearing and
grading of the grounds and making of roads,
and large force of men have been at work
under him. The visitor at a glance can see
how much has been accomplished within a
short time, and without the knowledge of
the outside world. These who have seen
the rise OF Glen Echo and know its vicissi.
tudes are somatimes forgetful of its remark
able scenic beauty. Strangers whose atten-
ton is called 10 it, first are attracted by its
romantic and rugged picturesqueness, and
the common verdict can be condensed in the
statements made by the corporation counsel
Of New York city and prominent business
man Of Baltimore, who recently visited the
grounds, that nowhere had they come upon
a spot so taking in its natural character or
so prophetic Of very prosperous future.
A corps OF engineers are engaged upon
that portion of Glen Echo which was bought
last fall by the Philadelphia syndicate, plat.
uag and laying out reads, so that the prep
erty eau be put upon the market early this
summer.
Much interest has been manifested in the
future Of Chautauqua and its plans for the
coming season, bat the pormse Of last year
is net likely to go unfulfiled.
Building operations began upon the
grounds the LIST OF February, which was
the third anniversary Of the discovery $50 to
speak, of Glen Echo. The new stone store
buildings fronting on the Conduit road are
well on toward completion. Their plan Is
npinuA hoontiftal nd har rhnx
are so constructed that customers can be
served from the Conduit road without, or
the Chautauqua within, the store rooms be-
ing situated at the centre Of the structure,
with an open arcade on either side. The
building which last year was used for the
sale Of various commodities is being cen.
verted int a hetel, and lends itself con.
veniently to this new purpose.
Victor Mindeleff, architect, has completed
the designs, which indicate very striking
result, both for picturesqueness and suita-
bility. The two stone towers that guard
the gateway 10 the CbautauqRa groundsare
nearing completion, and give an imposing
aspect to the entrance. Their upper stories
will be utilized as schools during the next
session. The beautiful Hall of Philosophy
upon the high bluff overlooking the Poto-
mac is undergoing finishing ornamental
touches, and the odd rustic lockout from the
tower will be completed within the week 1t
will be remembered that the concerts from
the roof of this building were very attractive
last summer, in addition, a public comfort"
building will be constructed near the Am
phitheatre.
BY far the most important step toward
the establishment of permanent commu.
nifty at the Chautauqua began with the or.
ganization Of a syndicate for the erection
Of forty three cottages on the associations
ground. The plans for these houses have
been drafted by Victor Mindeeff and are
now in the hands OF the contractor. The
contractor Is now at work, and before the
close Of the week will have over one hun.
dred men engaged in it,
The thousands who last year withstood
the incsnveniences Of incomplete trapspor-
tation facilities in their desire TO attend the
Interesting exercises at the amphitheatre
will be pleased TO learn Of the novel methods
arranged 10 carry people 10 the grounds this
summer. A contract has been entered into
between the association and j. A. Bundon
To run line Of barges on the Chesapeake
and Ohio Canal, which will make the trip
in fifty minutes, from the foot of High street,
Georgetown, to the newly built dock at the
end Of GleE Vincent at the Chautauqua
grounds, within few feet Of the amphi-
theatre. These boats will be handsomely
decorated with flags and psnnons by day
and festoons Of japanese lanterns in addl-
ton by night.
Those whs are acquainted with the ad-
mirable landscape brought TO view as they
pass up the canal. the Virginia hills in all
the magnifcence OF ancient forests and
pleasing underground, can easily imagine
how these natural charms will be enhanced,
under such auspices, with the strains Of
music from each barge, tangled in the wood
land and reechoing from shore 10 shore.
Ten Of these boats are BOW ready and ten
more are under construction and will be
held in reserve fer special days. II will be
possible with these boats alone to move
10000 people from Chautauqua 10 the city
within sixty minutes.
The Glen Echo Railway Company has
completed the survey for the extension Of
their line from its present terminus 10 the
Chautauqua gates. Permission has been
applied for W cross the Conduit road, and
the Senate has reported favsrably upon
bill introduced 10 that effect The original
Glen Echo Railway will probably be in
operation within week.
Notwithstanding the exceedingly rainy
spsll which distinguished last summer, those
who occupied tents spoke in the highest
terms OF the pleasure which they enjoyed In
their ex Experience Of this ancient form Of habi-
tation, and facilities will be had for the
erection Of tents this year. The W. H..
Heughton Manufacturing Company have
already on hand q large number Of hand.
some tents with flies They have the tent
ing privilege Of next season.
The Management Of the Chautauqua have
in store many surprises In the way Of pro.
aaaann wttrh ill ha A,,Iu