The Newtown bee., 1901-08-02

call and the superior educa tiOnal ad- vantages of the place, it's superb lOca- tion between the.gulf and bay, sloping toward the latter, its direct communi- cation with the north and attractions for northern people, the enterprise and energy, prospect and promise of the place, determined our decision. We came here April l, and occupy home on the lake in sight of the bay, and of orange and banana groves, amid trop- apple gardens. We have not been disappointed in the field; thirty-four have already been added to the church and in city growing as rapidly as this, growth in all directions and in all our churches seems assured. This place is only thirteen years old but has electric lights, a water supply, numerous av enueS and streets 100 feet wide, and added 139 buildings in a year, and last season provided for 5000 tourists. It is both winter and sum- mer retreat.
 Let me describe an "Ideal Day in II AoA AAO, ooAAC 1CSNhO CApS rienceS from actual life here. As nothing equals a Florida sunset ex- cept Florida sunrise, we rise with the sun and attend to such work on the lawn or in the study as is neceS- sary in the ''cool of the day,' glanc- ing from time to time at the glory on sky and earth. Then comes row on the lake, a walk to the bay, bath, breakfast, the morning mail, few calls, trip to the Manatee river re- zion on the steamer Margaret, for merly used as an excursion steamer at New Haven, a stroll on the shore; after our return, a row across the lake to neighbor's' watermelons, a short ride into the coun- try after "Florida pony" a moon light talk with friends on the veranda, and then study, reading, rest. The nights, even in midsummer, are al- ways cool and restful. made so by breezes from Tampa Bay, fifteen miles wide, and the gulf 300 miles wide, and from old ocean with it's thousands of miles of ''OzOne'' thus waited to us: '"The evening and the morning are the day" here as in the original Eden. Now let me reply to some questions addressed to me in letters from the north and arising in the minds of many.
 l. SIs it not insufferably hot in Flor ida in summer?"
 No; true we have our warm days and in the middle of the day shade and re- tirement are desirable; but so far (up to July 12) the thermometers highest
 record has been only 93 degrees, while in the north, even in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, letters say it is 1O2 degrees; and for days together all the north has been "sweltering in the heat with hundreds of prostrations and
 many deaths" Here in Florida there
 have been no prostrations, our heat is
 tempered by breezes and daily showers, while in all seasons there is
 much to make it an ideal climate. 2 "Are there not numerous insects and pests?'
 Not here; I can say there are not as
 many flies, mosquitoes, etc., as at the north; and while at certain times
 small ants and gnats annoy, it is not long. The greatest trouble we have
 had of this kind is with the reaches,
 but we have learned how to extermi' nate these.
 "Are not the land, pine, etc., mOnotonous, and does not the leyel waste affect the northern people un- IaVOraDly:,
 Yes, at first, possibly, on account of memories Of highly cultivated fields and lawns. But when one sees what miracles grow out of the sand
 and how these pine levels can be trans can be made, and what improvements come with time, he can endure the temporary inconvenience. Ourihome is on newly opened street and surround ed by land not yet in lawn-like order, but grove of native oak is around us, before us is the lake, above us is the sky, and near us, and coming nearer each day, are concrete walks, paved
 streets and fine lawns. There are abundant compensatiOns for certain
 newness inseparabIe from the making
 have at sunset. Would that we could paint the colOrs, tints and clouds anl
 the Splendor of the glory of the LOrC
 prOSpected in the sky and reflected or
 the water, no two alike, making this a
 ''seek-no-farther" as a home.
 | "DO you not miss northern com
 forts and friends?"
 1 Yes, we do; but by adapting ourselves | to the climate and location we can livt
 we'll and healthfully on fruits, fish ant
 the variety of meats, vegetables, etc. l with which our stores are we'll supplied | We often long for our dear friends faI
 away, but friendship here is as true
 and hearts here as kind as at the north 5 "IS the climate and the south on
 the whole favorable to health, lon
 gevity and business?"
 My conclusion is this: Young men
 and strong and energetic people will probably succeed and prosper and fare
 better at the north; but elderly people semi-invalids and those whose bus | mess or professional work has large | ly done, and any who find favorable | location will not regret the change. But there are many ''prOS" and "cOns' about every lot in life and every lOca tion that no one can decide forianOther
 Come and see,'' or, if so inclined,
 "come and try for yourself," is the only safe advice.
 One pleasant feature of our life here
 is that we meet so many who are friends of our friends. Several who once re. sided in Connecticut now live there One of them has erected fine buildings, including an observation SOwer 167 feet. high, given to the city fully equipped industrial school building and provided for free manual training and athletics including music and uniforms for the public and high school) and been in many ways bene- factor to the place; the plant system has terminus here, reminding Con- necticut people of H. B. Plant, whose name and work are identified with the
 development of Florida. The writer has met here those who have resided
 where he has resided and many who
 know his friends at the north; and he expects to meet next winter many old time friends