Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-08-10
AT OLD ORCHARD.
The Famous Resort Crowded
With Summer Visitors.
One of the Most Prominent Is Major
General Schuyler Hamilton
OF New York, The Distinguished United States
army Officer.

Old Orchard. One can hardly speak of the
''giddy whirl'' of social gayeties here, this
summer, for they are fewer than in pre-
vicus seasons, but more enjoyable for that
very reason. The strain and exhaustion of
the ''giddy whirl' is replaced by the more
tranquil delightful succession" of social
festivities. Not that the season has been
dull. On the contrary, it has been ideal.
The number and character of the summer
visitors has been CRAFTY ing in the extreme,
and is a striking index of the Increasing
popularity of the grandest beach on the At
lsntic seaboard. Numerically and finan-
cially the year has been unusually success
full.
But the truth is, that the mode of enjoy
ment of the beach sojourners has more of
the recreation and restful element in it than
usual. There is more tennis and ball play
ing, carriage aud bicycle riding, beach
walking, verandah sitting and surf bathing
The baLhers are a continual source of enter
tainment to the crowds who daily thropg the
beach and patronize Mr.. ST.. Gray's chairs.
From the shrek of the beginner as he dips
into curling breaker to the calm content
ment of the experienced bather easily float
ing or diving beneath the crest of a ''big
one," there are all classes and conditions of
bathers. You will always see the chop
ping" youth and maiden who j ,in hands and
jump at the approach of the least ripple,
but in moment of careessness are sub
merged by some stealthy breaker creeping
upon them unawares, with very gasping and
sputtering consequences. The delight of a
vigorous surf bath, INDUCED in just long
enough to induce warm glow, must be
experienced to be appreciated.
prominent figure among the daily
bathers is the distinguished looking old
gentleman, Mr.. Francis lie Barron of
Washington, d. c. His tall, erect figure,
vigorous, elastic step and snow white bear
and locks would attract attention anywhere
In times past he has often been
mistaken for the poet Longfellow, and
no wonder. for he is a second cousin of
Americas favorite bard. Mr.. LIE Barons
experience has been wide and varied one,
and his life success in every sense. He
was born in Plymouth, Mass, and has
preached as a Unitarian minister in bis ma
tive state.
As financier and business man he has
been signal success, and he has utilized
his own experience in the accumulation of
wealth most creditably by giving a thorough
and personal education to several young
gentlemen, his "boys," in whom he has
ever taken deep and kindly interest. He
is at present member of the Reinforce
Rail Company, concern of capital and er
terprise which is engaged in the business
its name indicates, and which is meeting
with great success. The old gentleman
rarely misses bis daily bath and floats with
extreme ease and grace. He is quartere1
at the Fiske house, which, everything con-
sidered, certainly has no superior at Old
Orchard beach.
The accomplished proprietor of the Fiske
house, whose name it bears, is thoroughly
conversant with the art of successful hos
telry, and his guests are literally supplied
with all desirable comforts, conveniences
and luxures. His wife, Mrs. Flske, is a
bright, versatile lady of graceful and
charming demeanor. His son, Austin, is a
very popular young gentleman, and an &C
knowledged expert at tennis.
Mr. Fiske has been most fortunate in bis
selection of the gentlemen to whom the
daily running of the establishment is en-
trusted DR.. Webber, graduate OF Colby
university in the class of 49, and of the
Harvard Medical school this present year,
fils most acceptably the position of head
clerk, and his intelligence and pleasant
manners make him universally liked. Mr..
L. w. Taylor is his most worthy and genial
associate Mr.. H. w. Foss of Mt. Yer
non, is night clerk, and most pleasant
young man to meet. Mr.. Bridgham, an
other Colby graduate, graceful and
courteous gentleman. fills the position of
head wsiter. Mr.. Wilson has for several
years been the master of ceremonies at the
Fiske, and the departing guests at the end
of each season realize with gratitude what
a large proportion of their summers pleas
ure is due to his untiring energy, tact and
leadership.
One of the most distinguished and intelli
gent gentlemen at Old Orchard is
Major General Schuyler Hamilton oe
New York, who, with his estim-
able and accomplished wife, has
been at Hotel Fiske since June 20. He il
graduate of West Point and grandson of
Major General Alexander Hamilton, and -
great grandson of Gen. Phillip Schuyler, both
esteemed friends of Gen. Washington and
eminent and devoted patriots. When about
two wears old he was held in the arms of
Gen. Lafayette, was kissed and blessed BY
him, on the occasion of Lafayette's visit t,
this country in 1886.
Gen. Hamilton was with Taylor in the
Mexican war. He was shot down by an
esq opet.e ball in the abdomen, bit recovere
and fought the battle, a three days fight.
Sept. 21 -23, 1916. He was complimented by
General Taylor, on the field of battle, fer
courage, good conduct and happy escaI e
from death. For gallant and meritorious
conduct at this battle he was brevetted first
lieutenant.
Afterward he was ith General Scott.
That general, in his mem irs, speaks of
Lieut.. Schu!lsr Hamilton as follows;
..This gallar t, intelligent fiicer beirg sent
with a detachment of cavalry from Chalco
to an iron foundry, some Is miles off, be-
vond Mira Flores, to make contingent ar
for shots and shells-we having
brought up but few Of either, from the
want of road power-returning, fell into al
ambuscade, and though he cut his wav
through, was, while slayirg one man in his