The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1896-10-04
HOUSES NOT FOR SALE.
ROckefelIoH Finally Paid 10000 For
a Shanty Located in His Park.
The OWNER WAS CRAZY WITH JOY.
An Old woodman Who Crossed the Austin
Corbin Place to Reach His Woodland
Abods-Georgs Vanderbilt Covetsa
Shed That Stands az a Spying
Place Upon . Lovely Valley.

There is a tale OF young Eustice. who.
having all things, wanted one thing more!
There can be told a tale OF boundless-
ness. bounded only by one thing, a bit OF
thwarted ambition. A nothing, yet a m
thingl 1t has cost nothing as yet yet
would cost untold wealth.
II Is a tale OF the great country resi-
! dences. the immens blronial estates that
are owned here as in England. But here
they have been gradually acquired. And
in this requirement. this buying up OF
property 10 make a grand country home.
happened the curious experiences that
make baronial history.
When John ID. Rockefeller bought those
miles around Tarrytown, placing his titles
over the country that runs alons the most
picturesque part Of the Hudson, he Plan
ned placing a fence around II all and en-
closing all in one beautiful park. So large
did he plan il that. out driving. he could
drive ten miles straight ahead without go
ing. of his own estates.
A MSER'S GREED.
In getting 50 vast a piece Of property
together many a stream had to be crossed,
many mountains climbed, and much sur
vey1ng done. Acres upon acres were add
CO Is AlL. INOIhtANhEA AHtAA - $50 N'o
pieces OF property that pleased him. AT
length. driving over his lands, he found
himself In POSSESSION Of so many miles OF
property that he needed nc more. Here
l shall place my house" he said. And
the park shall extend for miles around US,
further than we can see or walk or drive.
II shall be like a baronial estate into
whose depths the owner can penetrate.
but Offering no access to The stranger.
When the surveyors Sc OUT to place the
boundaries OF the big fence, they were
amazed to find a small piece OF property
that was not in the plans. 1t consisted
Of a small strip OF land running back
about forty rods into Mr.. Rockefeller's
domains. Upon the little plot stood a
simple frame house, untenanted, while
around the door strayed q few lonesome
chickens.
The surveyors reported this 70 Mr..
Rockefeller. purchase the piece OF prop
erty," he ordered.
When the Rockefeller agents approach
ed the small house they found an old man
out by the door feeding his hens. Il
doan't think as want ter SELL" said he,
rehectiYely g~lancing over the spreading
acres beyond. Fact IL, | Ike ter have a
nice neighbor like that. I'm contented
here. dom chores for the neighbors an
NoihAhb Jul N4AtNiS' AVE- -"
ter SELL"
"One Of those obstinate old fellows"
calculated the agent. Leave him alone.
Hen come around"
But the man did not come around fast
enough. Meanwhile Mr.. Rockefeller
wanted 70 build that fence. The little plot
stood next the best water chance on the
place. A beautiful little river cascades
into a ravine back OF the plot. Buy at
any price" ordered the millionaire. But
the agent held out.
An summer the man worked out doing
chores and when winter came he housed
up, only going out to do odd Jobs. Spring
dawned, and with IL came the agent. The
Old man by this time was ugly. You
can't hev that thar house fur less than
$4,000" said he, and cash at that"
"Ill pay H." said the agent. 81 will be
here tomorrow with the money and a
lawyer"
Next morning came the agent, the
lawyer and the honey. But when they
approached the house they saw some
thing had gone wrong. The chickens were
running wildly IN all directions, the win
dows were broken and the door hung
mournfullv upon one hinge. As they stop
ped 10 gaze at the strange sight a wildly
disheyelled figure came rushing around the
house crying: Money. money! Where's
the money? Let me eat IT, Let ne eat
IT, IL was the poor fellow. gone stark,
raving mad with ioy at the prospect OF
sudden wealth. Three months afterwards
ne died In the madhouse,
VANDERBILT'S HOODOO.
Not all such tales have so tragic an end
ing. Upon the very border of Biltmore.
Ceorga Vanderbuts North Carolina es-