New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1895-08-26
RESIDENCE OF SIR RODERICK CAMERON.

RESIDENCE Of SIX
name displaced the given TO II by the Indians.
which translated into English was place of Bad
Woods" The island became a part OF New-Nether-
land and has always been closely identified with
the metropolis-hrst New-Amsterdam and then New
York
1t is said that in 1910 nag was hoisted at the
Narrows which announced 10 the residents Of New
Amsterdam that a vessel had been sighted. This
was the first marine telegraph In the harbor, and
from that time until the invention Of the telegraph
marine signals continued to be operated between
the Staten Island shore Of the Narrows and New
York Although the Indians as well as the Dutch
and the English recognized the Importance and the
value of the Narrows. the prices paid for the island
by the various purchasers were rdiculously small
averaging about cent for ten acres ana this
sum paid in merchandise.
A BIT OF HISTORY
At this time. when yachting is receiving so much
attention the following bit of history in connection
with the Duke Of York's government Of Staten ISL
and vii, be OF interest:
Staten Island fell with the rest Of New-Nether-
land under English sway in the summer Of 1861, the
island being the first territory Of which the con-
querors took possession. Soon afieTward the Duke
Of York conveyed what is now New-Jersey to Lord
Berkley and Sir George Cartaret, and at that time
the question to whether Staten Island
was included in the conveyance or remained TO
New-York The Duke OF York deciding that all isl
ands lying in the river or harbor which could be
circumnavigated in twenty-four hours should be-
long 10 New York Christopher Biop master Of
small ship. the Bentley. undertook to sail around
the island. and did in less than twenty-four
hours. thus securing it TO the Duke, who bestowed
upon him 1ls3 the extreme southern part
of the island. be called the Manor Of Bentley
There the Old house still stands"
The attractiveness of the island It's desirable
qualities place Of residence and its favorable
location outing resort. did not escape the at
and in 100 a regular ferry line between the two
islands established. THE New-York Post Boy"
OF November 10 of that year contained the follow
ing advertisement:
pubck Notice is hereby given to all, Gentlemen
Travellers. that Martin Duckett has rented the
noted ferry house on Staten Island lately kept by
Joan Watson: where he intends to Keep the Bes;
Entertainment for man and Horse, with three good
boats constantly attending said ferry to and from
Scotch Johnny OF said city, Tavern Keeper; as also
commodous Stable with all kinds OF Provinder
for horses where all Gentlemen Travellers may be
assured of best entertainment for themselves and
horse with the most careful and expeditions pas
johnny. near White Han Ferry stairs. or said DUCK
cit Staten Island aforesaid; and in boat
showd be wanted in any emergency there shall be
one in readiness notice given TO either of the
Persons above mentioned.
The ferry to be operated between the ISL
ands Cornelius Vanderbilts This line had the
schooner Dread which made regular trips. the fare
being IS Later the Nautilus added 10
the line and the Staten Islanders take pride in ell
ing that OF the greatest fortunes in the world
started their beautiful shores.
BEAUTIES OF THE ISLAND.
The scenic beauty of the island and It's accessi-
biy TO the business centre of the new world
made IL a popular resort for the best people Fine
residences were erected. good roads
structed parks gardens laid out. and every
year new Improvements and added beauty.
In the days when Nibo's Garden away up
town" and when Sccondave. the fashionable
thoroughfare Staten Island the residence place
OF many OF New-York's most wealthy people and
the summer resort of many who made their homes
in the city. When Henriette Sonntag and Jenny
Lind sang at Castle Garden. many OF those who
applauded their performances went few steps from
the opera house" 10 the ferry, by which they
returned TO their island homes Those were the
days" said who is well posted on the his
tory OF the time, when II nothing unusual
800 fine carriages on Ocean Terrace, where the
Country Club now stands And where could
find finer drive" he asked THE terrace Is 4jO
feet above the sea. and it has been spoken of by
George William Curtis "a dream by day. by
night poem The drive was circuit from the
Richmond Road up through the Glove, over Ocean
Terrace. along Todt Hill. where Judge Bene-
diets house stands. then TO New-Dorp and
back TO the Richmond Road, 10 the residence
it is said that in those days the roads on Staten
Island were good az the modern bicyce path. be-
Cause driving was one of the chief amusements Of
somo "t thinE that the New-YorkeT should have
crossed to Staten Island for his drive because the
northern part of Manhattan Island was steep and
rocky Offering no good driveways. whie on the
jersey side the ground undeveloped marshy
and unfit for pleasure driving at that time. Brook
Ign then only city Of houses It's parks and
boucvards were unthought Of staten Island, with
Its good roads naturally became popular.
The times have changed, and the island has
changed with them but the houses and the ruins OF
houses which still stand give uDmistakab,e evidence
Of the islands swell past.
SOME NOTABLE HOUSES.
Among the notable Places the Aspinwall
house opposite Fort Wadsworth. and the Appleton
estate. which has been bought by the Government
for defensive purposes. Along the beach and up
in the hills at least hundred and fifty
Charming villas. Among the noteworthy places
those Of Junius Brntus Alexander John Bon
ner. the Fellows place and the various Vanderbilt
houses, the homes OF James \. Davis. w Butler
Duncan Thomas Eakins. Sir Edward Cunard, Cen
eral Ward. George William Curtis Edward King,
j. ID. Allen John c. Greene. Arson Phelps Stokes
Robert Minturn. w. W. MacFarlane the Manning
and the Zabrskie PAGES and the home OF George
Francis shaw. the philanthropist author and prom
inent aboltionist Mony OF these still stand. while
new places. including Sir Roderick Camerons and
others equally fine. have been erected recently
In .he cary hfties." said old Staten Islander
the people who now 10 Lenox. Newport and
Tuxedo came here. There fine hote.s for
those who did not have houses of their own; there
were clubs and c.ubhouses. and all In al, there
much amusement and the society fust