The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1898-04-02
A CECIL TEACHER
In FLORIDA.
Historic St. Augustine and Its Many
Places of Interest.

Places of Interest.
On the evening of March 9Th arrived at
the interesting and historical town OF St
Augustine, Fla. 1t was quite change
from the orange-growing districts of Pa
latka. The Deloy OF the Indians, the ST.
Augustin Of the Spaniards the ST. August
inc of the English and now during jan
uary, February and March yearly the.
centre of American social life, was per-
manentv settled September 8, 1865, by
Don Pedro Menendez de Aviles. 1t is.
first in point of historical interest Of ALI
the cities in the United States, being the
oldest town in America.
1t is said that many Of the present in
habitants are descended from the original
Spanish grandees. The ole portion of the
city has narrow, winding streets and
quaint, Overhanging- balconed houses, the,
ruins OF the old walls and the city gates.
combine to form an old world picture
strangely in contrast with the newness of
to-day.
The natural advantages OF st. Augustine
are many. 1t enjoys well-founded repn-
tation for healthfulness, and possesses a
magnificent beach on which sea bathing
may be INDUCED in from the years begin
ming to its end. Its grand possibilities
have attracted the attention Of capitalists,
who have erected three OF the most superb,
hotels in the world
These palaces, the Ponce de Leon, Cor
dova and Alcazar, are built Of coquina, a
curious shell formation. The architecture
is Spanish Renaissance and Mooresque, the
decorations and Communications are
wrought in the same spirit, and the furn-
ishing is in keeping with the skill which
designed and executed the grand piles.
They have no equals in the world, and yet
they harmonic most happily with their
antique surroundings.
The most interesting places that visited
there were st. Francis Barracks for
merly monastery, now occupied by the
First Artillery, U. S. A.. the Plaza, con-
tanning the Confederate Monument the
old Slave Market and the only monuments
extant commemorative the Spanish Con-
stitution Of 1912; the Cathedral, built in
1878, partially burned and rebuilt in
1887; the post office building, formerly
residence OF the Spanish Governor, and the
most interesting to me was the old Span
ish fort, begun in 1865, as San Juan de
Pinos finished as Fort San Marco in 1866
and changed to Fort Marion in 1925. If
prospective war should be realized this old
fort may still be of use.
AS our tourist party had to leve Jack
sonvile on the 10th, | only spent day
and night in ST. Augustine. l spent the
last night in Florida at the Travellers
Hotel, Jacksonville. This hotel is under
new management, and gives excellent &C
commodation for moderate price.
Just here | want to answer question
which has been asked me number OF
times since my first letter was written.
What inducements are there to those that
would go to Florida to make living or
seek fortune?
To those seeking home in semi-trop-
ical land away from the chilling blasts Of
snow and ice who are willing to work with
energy pluck and determination to sue.
coed, their efforts will be crowned with
SUCCESS. AS to shiftless people there
are enough of them in Florida now. To
one that can see below the surface Florida
has too distinct faces; in one OF these we
depict those stern features which show the
dark creases Of toll and the struggle for
riches. Ii has been weather beaten by ok
psrience and tanned by hardships, and in
it may be read the tale of sturdy strife
and successful accomplishment ]. is q
plain, work-a-day visage, with no trace of
frivolity, no line of humor, yet gocdly
one withal.
The other face the tourist sees. 1t is
jovial, it beams with mirth and happiness;
it knows no care and laughs away the
hours in peaceful idleness, and think Of
that verse in the "Song of the Indian
River which says
kissed by sunshine, lulled by hreezes,
Lies mine own, my native land,
With the waves from gulf and ocean
Breaking on its shining sand;
Countless lakes and winding rivers
Almost lost in depths OF green;
Fairest flowers entwine to crown her,
Florida, the Southern Queen"
Via the special train under tho super
vision OF the same tourist agent, Mr.
Neal, we left Jacksonville at 8 m. on
the 10th. Our journey home vas very
pleasant, and ON the 18th at 10 q. M left
the special train at Baltimore in 'Mary-
land, My Maryland"
A Great Book Free!