The times. [volume] (Richmond, Va.) 1890-1903, 1900-08-05
THE GROWTH OF
THE EXC
How its Popularity Has Increased
and the Reasons.
THOUSANDS BREATHE FRESH AIR
Rapid aud Comfortable Runs TO the
Seaside and Mountain Have
Become General
Eayoritcs.
THOUSANDS BREATHE FRESH AIR

A-'O SAttlSio Vi tt-hdS 40 49,
the many great neutrality-suspicious. Oh
the wonderful advances made IN 'he
science OF railway operating. Inc niodeiLi
excursion. and as the people oil Inc pres
ent day know Il, was one OF me 'i4ii'7a
unknown and even unthought OF by thoSe
OF a Few years ago
The growth of me popularity of the eN-
cursion has been something wonGeElut
and the efficiency OF the manner III
which these popular institutions are man
tanned and operated IS one OF the MAJ 'ei9
of this age OF science and progress.
The idea OF going couple OF nundreu
miles or more 10 spend few hoiEs "as
an idea that had never been enterlalheu
by the people at large, but when once
proposed found hearty reception at the
hands OF all.
EVER POPULAR.
Seasons, several Of them, have come
and gone, and. with the advent OF spring
the popular and ever pleasing runs 20
The Sea-shore and mountain are eagerly
discussed and anxiousiy awaited for, to be
enjoyed through the long, hot summer
and their loss regretted in the fall. The
weekly outings at Old Point Comfort, Buck
roe Beach. Ocean View, Virginia Beach,
West Point at others OF the many
pleasant resorts, are planned by thousands
through the six days proceeding that par
ticuler Sunday
GGItIlHUSe Oh -NtDtt!It- WIN us st-Oo
sand and one pleasures, has lost his
charms then the tired toiler Of the crowd
ed city. worn out by his labors and pant
Ing from the heat. seeks refuge in Cod
first temples. and in high altitude inhales
the ozone Of the mountain and draws
strength and health from lofty heights
Richmond seems peculiarly fortunate In
the matter of location But two hours from
the sea and as many from tho noun
tains, her citizens have but TO choose
which of the pleasures they desire me
fast schedule. excellent service ana the
vast amount Of care and consideration
that Is given by the railroads for the con-
venience and comfort Of patrons, MAKE
these trips to sea-sllore and mountain
real pleasure and at once explains why
they have found such great popularity
among all.
THE FIRST EXCURSION.
It has hardly been decade since the
first Of the modern excursions was run
This excursion was to be a great thing for
the people of this city and immediate
vicinity. and was intended TO give them
the rare opportunity OF visiting the Ma
.:ouaf Capital at a wonderfully reduced
rate.
Strange TO say. this magnificent offer
did not meet with the hearty reception
that had been expected However, the pro
motors of the scheme were not daunt-
ed They had seen how the excursions
popularity had grown in the North anu
become to be regarded as an establisheu IN
.st;tution. sc by the systematic operation
of the excursion TO and from various
7,eiots. the scheme soon found many
stal,1,ch friends in this section. and to-day
1t is q question if the excursion has a
.corps Of staunciler supporters or a more
liberal patronage in any other section,
al things similar.
Each year has seen a growth in the
number of excursions. improvements in
their mana cement. the development of the
new fields. and with these came largely
increased patronage.
The Sunday excursion has been popular
from its institution, and when that day
OF rest comes. the whole city seems to
empty itself OF sweltering, suffering hu-
1nanitv, who seek refuge and soiace
al one or other OF the many resorts.
DISTANCE SHORTENED.
Modern science in railroad travel has re-
tluced the transportation of thousands
many miles 10 a mere question, asked one
moment ana forgotten the next and a
hundred miles is scarcely given a''housh'
by the eXcursionists.
The number Of persons carried on 'hese
excursions during a season Is something
enormous. and those having in charge
these outings alone know the actuaI hs
ures
Cue thing is sure. however ana mat IS
that the excursion whether ii be on sun
,lav or on week day: to the nearby
mark or across the continent. II Is a pop
,lar Institution, and has come to stay.