The age-herald., 1901-09-01
ALABANlAS THRIVING MODEL CITY;
 PEN PICTURE OF HER WONDERFUL PROGRESS

necessary to their manufacture and per- lection. Your iron, coal and limestone form almost underlaying veins of the same mountain formation, while your hills are covered with forests of the finest timber supplying the other necessary in- gredients for the manufacture of the finest iron, so that great economy in transportation must necessarily enter into the cost of your products and enable you to successfully compete with any part of this. If not with any country on the globe.
 You possess another great advantage as your city increases in size, will be more appreciated by your people and those who make their future home with you I refer to the inexhaustible supply of pure, cold water near your place. Your beautiful cold spring is indeed wonder While there are some, perhaps, that may equal it in size, know of none anywhere that pours forth in one continuous stream such a volume of beautiful clear, cold water so free from poisonos or unhealthy mineral properties. The health and lon- gevity of a people may be traced greatly to the pure supply of water and perfect system of drainage, two things so often overlooked in forming new towns, but with which you have been well provided by nature in the location which you have chosen.
 I was much pleased to observe also while among you the warm hand extend- ed to Northern people, and the cordial welcome that is extended to all to come and help develop the resources of your new and beautiful country The false impression has long obtained in the North that your people were fenced in by wall of Southern exclusiveness which made Northern life among you unpleasant n ,Acfas. % T OWR rlsrd fn h serve and know that this feeling is fast dying out at the North, or at least. is confined to the ignorant and partisan few.
 The rapid development of the mineral portio nof your own and adjoining States and the steady influx of Northern men and Northern capital into the South, has not only benefited the whole country in building up the part, but it has done much towards dissipating sectional feel ing and is fast making us one and a homogeneous people.
 Oxford Lake Park.
 This beautiful pleasure resort, four miles south of Anniston, and within easy each by the electric car line (one of the best equipped and managed systems in the country, at the head of which is Mr. Howard W. Sexton, one of Annistons most enterprising and public spirited citi-
 
 only by the people of Anniston, Oxanna. and Oxford, but from abroad Excursions from all over the State are run during the season, and the fame of it's attractions is widespread.
 Oxford Lake is fed by springs of the coldest purest water and stocked with fish. Boating is one of the delightful pastimes, and the lake is well supplied with boats Bath houses and swimming pools for both ladies and gentlemen com- plete in all their appointments, are at hand. The bowling alleys are of the finest to be had, and every evening the alleys furnish innocent and recreative sport for the pleasure seekers. A large pavilion for dancing is at the disposal of private and select parties, who delight in the nrazeS of the waltz Base bell and foot ball fields are spacious and well kept, and large and comfortable grand stands afford a splendid view for enthusiasts of the national sports An electric carrouseIle- or merry-go-ruund, with it's orchestral accompaniment, furnishes enjoyment for the children and their elders Vitascope pictures of humorous and patriotic sub jects, and picturesque scenes are given Songs illustrated by these moving pictures are sung by local talent and prove an in teresting feature of the summer season. The grounds are brilliantly lighted at night with electric lights The pretty island Is a cozy retreat, with it's cool, in viting summer house, and is romantic with it's surroundings. Flowers and yege- tation flourish here IuxTiantly, and beau tify this studdfng on the bosom of the beautiful lake. Here lovers find & trysing place, and under the urnhrageous trees sweethearts plight their faith, while cupid seems to Turk in every passing zephyr and to ride on every rfppling wave Numerous swings on the lake shore afford amusement also, and lunch tables picnic rffa r1fy fTTr there are select crowds of pleasure seek CTS at the lake indulging in the various means of entertainment The ride on the cars is delightfully."- refreshing in itseif- and the distance is not too far to become tfresome, being just half an hours ride from Anuiston, through beautiful val ley, picturesque to a degree Cftizens and transient visitors are alike enthusiastic in praise of this delightful resort and recreation, which is growing in deserved popularity year hy year Much money has already been expended in heautffyfng and improving the grounds and among the latest improvements are macadamfzed walks through the spacious grounds Nature has done much for this retreat and no means will be spared in adding attractions to make the lake always up to'-date in every particular
 Annfston Electric and Gas Ca.
  Der l. 1899, and acquired by purchase the properties formerly operated by the An nfston Gas and Light Company the OK ford Lake line and the Anniston Electric. Company; the two latter being street railway properties
 Immediately after the consolidation electrical machinery of the General Elec- trfc Company's latest designs were added to the electric plant, and the company now has one of the finest electric light and power plants for its size in the South. and beside generating the power for it's own cars rents electric power for num- her of manufacturing concerns using electric motors
 The capital stock of this company is s25o, GOO Mr. Howard w. Sexton, who was ] president of the several companies from 1889 till the consolidation, is the general manager. President H. C. Lewis and Secretary and Treasurer 1T. M- Francis are of Schenectady, N. Y. The company has nine miles of street railway and operates fifteen double motor cars- The company furnishes electric arc lights nthe streets of Annfston. also owns and operates well equipped gas works with mains throughout the prfn- cipa1 streets in the city The Oxford Lake line was started in 1884 as q horse car line between Oxford and Annston, and was later changed to a dummy equipment and in 1880 to an electric road, being the first successfully operated electric road fin the State.
 The service maintained on this property since it's change to electricity has been one of which all citizens have always been proud. The lake, from which the road took it's name, is situated in a beau tiful park of seventy Cf1) acres one mile below Oxford. and the company has pur- sued steady policy since sts inception of ar pI