The times., 1897-06-07
BAY RIDGE SEASON OPENED
jolly Crowds of ExcursionistS From
Washington and Baltimore.
Seaside Resort in Splendid TriD
for Summer PIeasure-Seekers.
Many New Features Added.

The summer excursion season at Bay
Ridge was auspiciously opened Saturday,
and the crowds that were conveyed to the
grounds, both by steamer and train, were
larger than on any previous opening day
in the history of the famous resort Sew
eral hundred persons went down from this
city on the morning train, nd the throng
was increased by large number of de-
partment clerks and Government en-
ployes, who left on the afternoon train ah
4:3O O'Clock.
The palatiaI excursion steamer Columbia,
on her maiden trip in the morning, landed
a merry crowd of several thousand Baltt-
moreans, who mingled with the people
from Washington, and soon all proceeded
to fully enjoy themselves with the various
attractions Of the miniature Coney Island.
The weather was delightful, lending an
additional pleasure to the many enjoyed
by the crowds, but at this season, of the
year was almost too cool for any 70
venture On the bathing beach. In view
OF the large number of bathers last sea-
son, the Bay Ridge Improvement Company
which has control of the grounds, has
enlarged the beach 50 as TO accommo-
date fully 2,OoO persons at one time,
Many new bathing houses have been
erected. and the Old ones remOdeled So
as TO meet the requirements of the time.
The "shoot the chute,' " hich has
heretofore proven itself a pleasant diver
sion for the bathers, has also been I'M
proved.
The summer season at the hotel was be-
gun simultaneously with the opening OF
the resort yesterday, and many took adj
vantage of the privilege of inspecting the
building. at the same time enjoying the
large rustic rockers that have been placed
on the verandas for the ease and comfort
of the guests of the famous hOstelry.
In the evening the crowd assembled on
the pavilion, which commands an excel
lent view of the bay, and listened 20 a
concert 10y the Fifth Regiment Band, OF
Baltimore, which plays daily music on the
up and down trips of the Columbia.
The cadets of the Maryland A gricultura
College, who are encamped between the
race course and the lake. were notably
conspicuous, aud during the course or the
afternoon went through drill for the en-
tertainnent of the pleasure-seekers-
Arrangements have been made so that
persons SOiNE 10 bay IAtOSt nun thAS
city can, by paying an additional fare OF
20 cents, sail up the Chesapeake to the
port OF Baltimore, a distance of about
thirty-two miles, and leave Baltimore on
the return trip at 2 O'Clock, arriving at
the resort at about 4:30 o'clock
The grounds are in excellent appear
ance: the gravel paths and drive ways
in good order; the grass green and evenly
moved the trees large and shady, aud
there is n noticeable oGor of fresh paint
thrust upon one when the buildings and
pavilion aIe approached Much credit for
oil this is due to the efficient service OF
District Passenger Agent s. B. Hege. OF
the r. & o r. r., Of this city; also Mr..
w F. Snyder, B. & O. general agent in
charge at Bay Ridge, and b. Martin,
manager of the passengers OF the b. & o.
r. r.. all of whom were present Saturday.