The star. (Reynoldsville, Pa.) 1892-1946, 1894-09-05
Ammon Swaftz In Florida.

Following is private letter written
to Prof. Stamey which we considered
Of sufficient interest TO give space this
week:
WINTER HAVEN, Aug. 20, '94.
Having finished my first Sunday
evening meal in this tropical land,
find time TO give you few Of the events
Of my trip to the sunny south.
The first point Of interest being
Washington, which place we reached
at 1850 A. M. Starting out for view OF
the city, we strolled toward the Capitol,
going through the conservatory where
we saw many things that we now pass
unnoticed in this our home. Going 10
the Capitol, we took a walk around the
building viewing the exterior with
wonder that such things could be formed
with human hands. We next entered
the building, securing the services OF a
guide to show us the points of interest.
Neither house being in session, we Wis.
tied the Senate chamber, House and
room occupied by the Supreme Court,
and had pointed out to us seats occu-
pied by our Senators while laboring In
behalf Of our state. We visited the
private room OF Grover, where he does
the final act in the way of signing or
vetoing bills that come TO his hands
while in the grand and glorious Capitol
of the U. S. Under the dome of the
Capitol proper we we're shown the diff
ferent actions OF sound at certain points,
which is phenomenal indeed. We also
visited the White House. Grover and
family being absent, we were shown
through the building, viewing the
green, blue and red rooms, halls, etc.
Saw paintings of all ex-presdents, in.
cluding present one. We had the
pleasure of seeing clock presented to
Washington by Lafayette, which has
been running almost necessarily for SO
years. Before leaving the depot to
farther continue our journey we viewed
the star, where President Garfield was
assassinated, with deep regret for the
dead.
Leaving Washington $3.50 p. NJ. we
saw many beautiful sights on our way
too numerous TO mention. After leav-
ing Jacksonville, Fla, we saw some fine
country along the railroad. 1t put me
in mind Of vast picnic ground. Fine
trees and green grass, no under-brush,
and thought it had been made by the
All-wise for picnic ground for all
mankind to assemble and drink, so To
speak, the odorous breezes of this tropi.
cal cline.
Along the st. Johns river, which is
u continuous chain OF lakes, saw fine
sights-palmetto trees 30 and 40 feet
high and other trees covered with fine
gray moss, producing weird and fas.
cinating scene.
We arrived at our destination win.
ter Haven) at $40 Thursday eve. / an
favorably impressed with this country
and think 1t a fine place. have seer
nothing nicer than fine orange grove
1t is beautiful beyond description. We
are situated in the lake region. The
lakes are fine, but small; water pure
and fresh. We have here about 65 acres
land, 15 acres orange grove. Trees are
very nice. The land fronts on two
lakes, one on the east and the other on
the west. The largest is about three.
fOurths mile wide and one mile long
abounding In fish. We have as yet nc
boat to go on the lakes, but Mike and
were in bathing this forenoon. The
water being nice and warm. bottom
nice and sandy, we had a delightful
time. While looking around this after.
noon ran onto lemon tree with nice
ripe fruit. We ate lemons, took them
to the house and made lemonade, etc.
The trees bear and blossom at the same
time. This tree had ripe fruit and
small green fruit on, which is peculiar.
The oranges do the same. The weather
is warm, sun rather hot, but is nice and
cool in the shade, having a nice cool
breeze from lakes and ocean.
Could give you more exact descrip.
tion of things, but have hardly time
now and am tired, having written SO
much to-day. Your friend,
A. IT. SWARTz