New-York tribune., 1899-06-11
THE NEW CATSKILL ROUTE.
STANDARD GAUGE FOR THE STONY GLOVE
AND KAATERSKILL RAILROAD.

AND kAATERShll1D KAILROAD.
1t is only within a few years that the nearest real
mountain scenery to this city, that in the Cats
kills has been made accessible by railroad facill-
ties. In the early days OF summer resorts among
the wild woods, the mountain peaks. the great
forests and the land-locked lakes OF this region,
they were only TO be reached by long stage rides
from the steamer landing and railroad stations
along the Hudson River. But few years ago the
Ulster and Delaware Railroad from Kingston pene-
trated the heart Of the hills. running up into the
Southern Catsks. in Ulster and Delaware coun-
ties. far Bloomville The only means OF
reaching by rail the pert Of the mountains earlier
and better known in Greene County was by the
narrow gauge branch from the main line, running
from Phnnicia through the famous Stony Glove to
Hunter and Tannersville. But the present season
sees still further advance in the change of this
Stony Glove and KaaterskIll Railroad from the
narrow TO the standard gauge.
No greater contrast can be found than that De-
tween the old method OF reaching the mountain
heights by the long and tedious stage ride from
the river over a rough road, at snairs pace, up
hill after hill. and the present one OF going in
parlor from the city to the end OF the route,
without change, and passing through the grandest
scenery OF any easily accessible mountain region.
Invallds. who most benefit by such trips. now
take them with perfect and comfort. The
opening OF the Ulster and Delaware Railroad gave
access 20 a region before unknown. and added
the narrow-gauge route afforded entrance to
the other region OF the Greene County part OF the
mountains by rail. Il has always been considered
a disadvantage that had TO be changed at
Phpnicia. and that the facilities were lot az
forded for that region for the other.
This season Of 1899 this disadvantage done
away with The work has been in progress since
the close Of last season. and it required the COM
pete reconstruction Of the entire route to make IL
hat q "A q
gineering difficulties The curves had 10 be re-
duccd the Old bridges were replaced by new steel
structures over mountain torrents and ravnes. and
steel rails were laid over the entire route. The
heavy grades required new and powerful ocomo-
lives and the complete equipment Of the road.
Sow. instead Of leaving the regular cars at the
little and waiting for the transfer
room one OF the elegantly fitted day coaches
and ride from the city TO and through the magnih-
nersve Valley and out in the kaaterskiI plateau
without change or delay. This is the only through
and reaches Hunter Tannersvine, onteora PARK
Twilight Park, Elka Park, Schoharie Manor sun
Laurel House. the Hotel Kaatersdl and the Cats.
Kill Mountain House. In three hours and half
rrSn S cs be Tee any IN s sn are
run through every weekday over the West Shore
is attached through buffet drawng-room car
from Philadelphia. "dayboat special is also run
Day Line, while the regular morning train connects
with the night boats.
standard gauge is that IT passes through the wild
scenery OF the Stony Glove Gorge, which by many
is compared with the canyons Of the Rocky Noun
tains for scenic attractions. once seen II Is al
ways vvidly recalled with desire TO renew ac-
quantance with its beauties. 1t is the gateway TO
the region which originally was regarded as all OF
the Catsks which would be resorted TO by the
tide OF summer population. But wider scope was
given the distinctive title OF the region by the
opening up Of the Ulster and Delaware region
Now both equally accessible, and II remains Tor
the promoters OF each to vie with each other m the
features which will serve 10 draw and keep the
throngs OF visitors which every season brings 10 this
summerland. The development OF the park system
OF cottage life has been great feature IN recent
years In the older part OF the Catskll region, but
the construction OF hotels OF modern archi-
lecture has kept pace with the growth OF other
features. while the construction and maintenance
OF new roads have tended keep up the interest OF
those who desire thoroughly 10 explore the region In
which they are seeking their summer rest.
No region affords absolute change 10 the
dweIler for the greater part OF the year in the
hurried and noisy city by the seashore than the
Catskil Mountains. Here can be secured mountain
air In exchange for salt breezes height anywhere
from one thousand four thousand feet in the air
for the sea level eternal silence of the prmeval
forest for the janglng sounds OF city streets and
the moveess quiet Of nature for the haste and rush
OF life.