Richmond dispatch. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1884-1903, 1894-04-11
WESTERN NORTH CAROLINA,
Another Letter from Mr.. Charles Albert
ExtolliDg Its Attractions.

Mr.. Charles Albert. OF Montgomery
county. Nd, who has been spending some
time In Western North Carolina, has writ
ten a second letter to the Baltimore Sun,
in which he says:
81 have repeatedly visited the ruins OF
'Wayslde Inn which was destroyed by
fire 81 October last, 1t occupied an eIe-
waited position In beautiful grove oil
oaks and white pines, covering several
acres OF land, and not far from ana In
full sight OF the depot of the Ashevills
and Spartanburg railroad. The view 10
the southwest and along the south to
the southeast presents continuous noun
tain range of gracefully varying undula-
ton, extending from pinnacle Mountain to
Mt. Pisgah. Along the greater part OF
the eastern view Is a depression, almost
plain, spreading out TO a far-distant noun
tain horizon. To the northeast, MI.
Tryon, an elevation OF about 1850 feet,
meets the eye. Its distance IL about
twelve miles Then, after a deep depres-
sion, you see Bear Wallow, and con-
tinuing your gaze along the north TO the
northwest you see Sugar Loaf ana stony
Mountain, connected apparently Will
ranges Of lesser height.
The last-named mountain from lls
nearness, about four miles, looks ilmos'
as high az Mount Tryon. although really
very much lower. | have walked TO It's
top, but unfortunately the atmosphere was
very smoky. and | was greatly disap-
pointed, but | saw unmistakable evidences
OF the glacial period. and OF the spirits
good or bad could not tell-which had al
some time. post-histore found place
there, proving 20 me that civilization and
its consequent elevation, II not refinement
had preceded me. A fragment OF glass
on which was yet clearly impressed tn,
letter W. revealed all this to me.
The view TO the west OF 'Wsyside-Inn'
is cut of by the grove. Had l been All ex
pert In chimney climbing / might have
assembled one of the remaining ar.hltec'
tural columns and been able to describ9
Mount Echo and the range on each side OF
it, Whether by availing myself OF the
chimney-draft and parachute arrange.
ment OF my umbrella l could have made
the ascent / cannot tell. as / did not at.
tempt II. The inn had a very short life.
having 4 completed in the early part
OF last summer and opened in July. Now
only the chimneys and the foundations OF
granite from quarries near by remain.
The superstructure was OF wood five
stories, balconies or verandas on every
floor, bathrooms, hot and cold water.
electric lights-in fact. all the comforts
and conveniences Of a frst-class hotel. Its
destruction Is very serious loss 10 tn,
tourist, for while there are small hotelx
ana number OF excellent boarding
houses here and I'm the neighbOrhood the
pace needs attractive accommodations for
hed!th-seekers pleasure seekers, and tour.
lists. with these it would soon become one
or the rrst, II not the very first. resort
or the kind In this section OF the South.
The vegetable and fruit productions OF
Henderson COnptU find
BILE markets in Wilmington Charleston.
Augusta. and Savannah. As evidence OF
increasing production and trade. W. j.
Williams. the agent OF the Richmond
and Danville railroad states that in 1891
III carloads Of vegetables and fruits
were shipped from this depot. In 1892
No carloads, and in 1893, Notwithstanding
the financial depression 1i3 carloads
were shipped. In addition to this, 5000
pounds were sent by express.
"A circulating library has been lately
started. and the establishment Of Il sani-
tarlum is now being discussed by some
OF the pubiic-spir.ted men and the physi-
clans of the town. But. in my opinion.
the first want to be supplied is a suitable
and commodious hotel. 1t should be
placed on the site Of the present ruins
or some other near view from the rail-
road, attractive to passers-by and not
disappointing in any respect to those who
might become it's guests. They would be
induced by the healthfulness Of this place.
the beauty and grandeur Of the surround
ins scenery 10 protract and repeat their
visits. New mountain summer homes
would soon be added TO those which now
occupy some of the innumerable sites
which surround the town. the society
would be increased In its extent and in
fiuence, and enhanced prosperity would
accrue TO the town.