Delaware gazette and state journal. (Wilmington, Del.) 1883-1902, 1899-06-29
BnASDYBfNE SPRINGS.
The Pretty Park Inspected by Represents
tives OF wilmington Newspapers.

uves OF Wilmington Newspapers.
Saturday marked the close of the first
week at the new Brandywine Springs
Park, and in honor Of the event Mana
ger Richard w. Crook entertained rep
resentatives of the Wilmington news
papers in the afternoon. Henry
Pincuss, amusement manager of tho
park, took charge of tho guests on
their arrival. The visitors were shown
all points of interest. They were en-
tertained by Prof. Howson and his
famous band at the concert garden and
by Hartzoll's Circus ut the roof gar
den, whore an elaborate dinner was
also served. Mr.. Pincuss was assisted
by Col. Cody Anfeneer of this city and
the attaches of the park. All courtesies
were extended and everybody had a de-
lightful time. Mr.. Pincuss began his
theatrical career in Wilmington with
Dion Boucioault several years ago, and
has had much experience.
Manager Crook is justly proud of
his park. Many Wilmingtonians are
familiar with old Brandywine Springs,
with its picturesque hills and valleys,
refreshing streams and springs, the
stately old hotel, the heavy woodlands
and cool grove surrounding the hotel,
but only those who have recently
visited the park can conceive the great
transformation that has taken place.
The old picnic ground will hardly be
recognized. except that its natural
beauty has not been disturbed, while
the artificial features have made great
change. =fN
What was formerly known as the
baseball field, between the hills and
public road, has been converted into a
large lake, in which, there is a shady
island. The lake is fine place for
boating. Overlooking the lake, and on
a level with the road near the top of
the hill, is the spacious roof garden,
where theatrical performances are given
each afternoon and evening. There is
large and well-appointed stage, fully
equipped with scenery and other ap-
purtenances, and facing it are large
number OF opera, chairs. There is no
roof, but an awning gives protection
from the sun during the day. The roof
garden is surrounded by railing, and
there is an unobstructed view of the
lake below. Some of the best vaude-
Vile attractions on the road have been
booked for the season.
The band shell and concert garden
occupy cool spot in the valley, several
hundred fee. east of the roof garden.
This place has been laid out and fitted
up with view to giving the best re-
suits. Prof. Howson and his famous
band have been engaged for the season
ana have already proved decided sue
cess. N ~.A+
A wide boardwalk extends from the
lower part of the park to the roof gar
A MN hn
garden, an enclosure where horses and
ponies are ever ready to delight young
and old, the inner portion being de-
voted to children and the outer portion
to older people. The horses and ponies
are pretty and gentle and afford much
enjoyment, especially for the young.
They are in charge of accommodating
attendants.
There are also stands for the sale of
refreshments along the boardwalk.
Strong drink is not allowed on the.
premises. Beneath the roof garden and
facing the lake are waiting rooms, the
one for women being elaborately fitted
up There are also two rooms contain
ing pool tables and barber shop.
There are other conyeniences on the
grounds, such as restaurant, ice cream
stands, &C., and in fact all of the ac-
commodations that could be desired
At the lower end Of the grounds are
the merry7go-round, and dancing pavil-
ion and a toboggan slide is oeing
erected. The sides of the hills are lined
with artistic rustic walks and drives,
giving the place an exceedingly piotur-
esque appearance, while tables and
benches are scattered everywhere in the
groves for the benefit of patrons.
The trolley railway, which starts
from Fourth and Market streets, termi-
mates at the foot of the hill just below
the roof garden, and on each side of the
tracks there is long rustic waiting
shed. The company has large num-
Der OF cars and is running them as fire.
quently as possible. Arrangements
have been made for another engine in
the electric plant on the grounds to as
sist in furnishing power for the cars.
1t is expected that it will be in opera
ton in few days and then more cars
will be added. The park is also access
sible by the b. g. o. railroad. The he'd
of the trolley road, which escapes the
dust by not being in the public road,
is in first-class condition and the trans
portation facilities are much better
than when the park was opened. At
night the entire park is brilliantly
illuminated by electricity, making a
very pretty effect.