Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1892-08-09
AT HARPER'S FERRY.
Many washingtonians Enjoying the Climate
and Scenery-A New Railroad Bridge.

Many Washingtonians Enjoying the Climate
and scenery-A New Railroad Bridge.
Correspondence of The Evening Star.
HARPER's FERRY, W. Va, August 6, 1892.
The Ferry Is at present enjoying the usual
midsummer excitement. Everything is glori-
Gus. The season so far has been satisfactory in
every respect and all that could be looked for.
Thousands of excursionists have already visited
the town this summer, and about 500 boarders,
mostly Washingtonians, are pleasantly located
on Camp Hill. Every boarding house is taxed
to its full capacity, and all private residences
who have spare rooms have rented them at good
prices. There is sufficient evidence to warrant
me to make good the assertion that there is
needed. and badly needed, more hotels and
boarding houses in order to meet every demand
of those who desire to avail themselves Of the
pure mountain air, good water and magnificent
scenery. The scenery around this town has
reputation far and wide being unparalleled
and visit is necessary to understand the situa-
ton. Camp Hill is the garden spot. OF course
II little more money were spent in identifying
the streets and parks it would help the appear
ance wonderfully. Nevertheless the pres
ent appearance has an air of romance con-
nected with it which has the desired effect
upon human nature. Think of it, Rise early
take face bath in the ice cold well or spring
water, which causes 4 DR.. Jykell and Mr.. HYDE
feeling to pass over you. Oh. it's invigorating.
Then take an hours walk along the hillside and
breathe into pair of lungs that know of no
air but city sir some of that pure mountain air
which comes direct from the Alleghanies. Then
make break for breakfast and sec what you
can do for the inner man. 1t is wonderful what
a sudden change comes over You. and before
the dav is ended you will find yourself asking
yourself if you are yourself. This spot will
catch the eve of the capitalist sooner or later
fn~ nd yoIp
They get both. II costs very little to have a
good time and build up constitution. People
are not willing to be refused accommodations
when made through the proper channels, but
MANY have had to swallow the bitter pill, I'VE
are full up'-I mean the hotel. not The prop-ie-
tor. Another feature worthy Of mention. and
That Is We have the finest equipped livery in
this section of the country.
The primary election is being held today
Tomorrow the circus, the small boy, the CAL
ifornia double-jointed peanuts and red lemonade
will be III town.
Everybody is going to the circus. even the
city folks. On Monday at II o'clock high noon
the keys of the town will be appropriately
turned over to the Ordway Rifles of Washing
ton, DC. The Washington soldier BOYS will be
treated in good style. The preparations are
perfect and elaborate. Mr.. S. ". LIghtner of
the Summit House VIII take care Of the boys
and see that they ge: home safe to their mammals.
They are in good hands. so don't worry.
The Baltimore and Ohio Company has for the
past couple of wears been thinking very
seriously about doing away with the single
track bridge across the Potomac river at this
place. II is serious drawback to traffic.
They have decided upon plan that will change
the geography of the road considerably in this
vicinity. The present structure is built of
wrought iron, has single track and wagon road.
1t IS what is termed the Bollman bridge. 1t
has six spans. two sharp curves either end
of the bridge and was constructed about thirty
years ago. 1t is considered the strongest rail-
road bridge that was ever constructed in this
country There is an average daily travel of
from lis to lbs heavy passenger and freight
trains over this bridge. and as one train
only can pass over at a time there is a serious
delay that these times will not admit of, hence
the change. The new bridge will be of modern
type. resting on eight piers and two abutments.
1t will be eight feet higher and from seventy
five 10 one hundred feet west of the present
bridge. The piers will be constructed of
granite block. There will be double track and
all trains allowed their freedom and without in
terruption of speed. In order to do away with
the now three sharp and heavy curves
tunnel will be cut through the end of the
Maryland mountain. starting from the east side
of the mountain some 500 or 600 feet east of the
east end of the presentbridge. The tunnel will be
cut through solid rock SIS feet long. twenty-one
fee: high and twenty feet wide. The west abut-
ment will be ninety-eight feet long and twenty
five fee. thick. The 1000 feet of trestle work
in the armory yard will be done away With. A
beautiful station will be built nearly opposite
the Potomac pulp rlill. Ninety thousand cubic
yards OF dirt and stone are to be removed from
the north base Of Camp Hill in order to get
road bed. The contractors will employ 500
men. Tho work has begun and it is to be COM
pleted and turned over TO the company in eight
cen months. The total cost Of the improve
ment will be S250.O0O.
The Shenandoah wagon bridge, which was de-
stroyed by the food of 1889. will be rebuilt
The contract will be given out the Sth in
slant. W. W. T.