The age-herald., 1898-07-31
WHERE BIRMINGHAM
 FINDS AMUSEMENT

There is no part of a eity's growth more
 deserving than the amusement field. A
 city that is the most fortunate, prosperous
 and attractive is the one that has most to
 entertain. Society tires of it's functions,
 labor is wearied by toll and change law of the universe applies more surely to no
 other part of creation than to man and
 woman In small communities the need
 is not so great, but in proportion to a city's
 growth comes a demand upon the public
 and private corporations to meet this provi-
 sion for the people, What to do and where
 to go these summer days and evenings is
 problem that meets all classes many
 times in the progress of the week. It
 may come from society or from the shops,
 mines and mills wearied by S,'-- ar week
 of toll, but come it will and mus met.
 What is Birmingham doing to meet this
 demand2
 The city has on tne north side three small
 park. a block each in nt, somewhat
 improved and having local advantage.
 ~He south side Is supposed 10 have three.
 u1t Hae.H location is in douaa and the ques-
 tl4A agItated sane tune asa in the council
 seems to have been fer the present dro41s4.
 There is scarcely more r itiful private park In the country than tt Lake. The electric railway lines leau to this resort where are handsome grounds, a picturesque pavilion containing theater, dancing hall, large lake, with boat and bath houses, mile driveway and bicycle track around the lake, state military encampment grounds and good fishing. The theater is open all the summer and Sunday afternoons a mili- tary band plays from the stand near the pavilion. Plans have been formed to build next winter a large and complete theater out in the lake, capable of playing the larg- est attraction. Broad walks will lead from the banks out to the theater and when fin- ished Birmingham will have in East Lake a ,rt not excelled in the south. Avondale park is the mecca of many travellers. From early morn till waning eve hundreds in vehicles. on wheels, on the cars and foot, drink its health giving waters. It is the picnic ground for the children, convenient to homes and free from dangers, the half way stop for drivers and wheeers where the air is fresh and a resting place for the homeward journey. Hawkins Springs about the same distance west as East Lake is east of the city is another outing place. Here nature has made park in the center of which boils up great springs whose waters are sufficient to supply a large city. High and dry and somewhat improved is North Birmingham, spring flowing from rock wall into rock basin finds its way through pipes to circular lake, comfortable pavilion surrounded by well planned grounds and tennis courts and the frequent attractions presented make this a favorite resort. Many improvements for this park are promised in the near future, which will bring North Birmingham to the front. A gem of a spot and one the city should own is beautiful Lake View. Its eleva- tion is above the city apparently on the mountains and yet the mountains rise all around it. The drainage is perfect, and | its convenient distance and freedom from the city make it the park for the people. Springs are abundant, anda lake is locked between the hills. The park is attractive with its pavilion, theater, promenade, sum- mer houses, boat house, lake and nata- torium. All of these resorts are reached by car lines and lovely macadamized roads and so situated are they that almost any point of the compass would lead you to one of these delightful places. In the early evening can be seen tallyhos, driving par ties and wheeling clubs making their way over the white roads to the many charm ing spots around Birmingham to spend the evening as pleasure dictates. Car fare is l the only charge except on special occasions to secure order.
 Birmingham can be said in the matter of l entertainment for the people to be abreast of the times.
 There is great need of athletic grounds, | conveniently and properly located, one of l sufficient dimensions for all kinds of sport where every dollar expended is fixture l and all Improvements permanent and at | tractive Such place of imposing magni- | tude would bring to Birmingham collegiate | large excursions, afford additional enter l tainment and help many enterprises of the city. It is true there Is much room for i'm provement, but progress is the watchword. Birmingham is young and the showing | thus far is credible and given time and en- couragement the desired end will be at- l tained There have been some moves lately, which, if consummated, will allow | Birmingham in one stride to leap from the | ordinary to the metropolitan city. Birmingham has passed from an uncer- l tainty to the certainty and no steps should | be taken that do not look well to the fu- | ture, and all things must meet the wants of greater city.
 ANNIE KENDRICK WALKER