New-York tribune., 1901-08-04
BEAUTIES OF THE BERKSHIRES
AMONG THE HILLS OF FITTSFIELD, LEMON, STOCKBRLDG
AND GREAT HARRINGTON


Pittsheld, Mass, Aug. 5 CSpeciaD.-George F.
TIoar. addressing the Urited States Senate on a
Western Massachusetts matter. said: Berkshire
County with the regions lying eastward toward the
Connecticut River. and northward and southwark
in Southern Vermont and Northern Connecticut
seems rhe people who dwell in II the most beau
tiful spot earth. Certainly TO Massachusetts
eyes no Arcadian landscape Italian skies. pre-
sent fair a vision. The verses in which Virgil
describes his lovely Italy applicable here with
out eNaggeration;
.'On many hill the happy homesteads stand:
The living lakes through many vale eHPanG; giil
Deep sleep, and far-off voices of the kline
one reverence still the untainted race inspires
Their country first, and after her their slres-
Senator Hoar's happy description especially fits
Pittsfeld. Lenox, Stockbrdge and Great Barring
ton. the heart of the Berkshire Hills. The region
has often been described in enthusiastic terms by
famous pens for here have come authors or re-
nown poets. preachers and journalists, and all are
charmed. Artists have made pictures of the seen
erv and visiting statesmen like Mr.. Hoar. carry
away with them lasting and delightful recollec-
tions Everywhere in the environment are match
less slopes and vales lakes gem the verdant valleys
and mountains stand round about. Winding in all
directions among these superb scenes are well kept
highways and safe thoroughfares make driving
comfort and n pleasure. Within the scope Of one
DAYS ride Wiliamstown. classic and historical.
or the north. and beautiful Sheffield on the south,
with all Berkshire the Switzerland OF America
living between.
PttsAeld is in the heart Of all this Berkshire
lovelness Eleven hundred feet above the level,
in region hills and valleys OF lake and stream,
Of woodland farm and field: beautiful NewEng
land town rural enough please the most anxious
fugitive the WEAKNESS and heat Of the sitting
cities vet with every sanitary provision and every
public convenience and accommodation. such as
electric lights, trolley systems, good sidewalks and
excellent highways. Here too, are broad, well kept
avenues. pleasant residences from simple cottages
arSiOr hrrGfr hank iNgy
mercantile establishments Of the best grade,
churches Of all denominations and of the best
free libraries in the State. There is nothing essen
tia 10 home life for the visitor sojourner that
Pittsheld does not amply afford.
PITTsFIELD THE CENTRE.
Pittsfeld is the very centre OF the grand old
county. williamstown. Lanesboro, Pttsfeld, Lenox,
Stockbridge and Great harrington being links in
chain Of beautiful towns with Incompatible scenery
and beauty. To the west are New-Lebanon and
the Shakers who 1--we like brothers and sisters and
in their outward life manifest the sincerity and
oarnestness OF their spiritual convictions. Their
village is as charming a their lives simple, and
flowers abound everywhere.
To the east Of Pittsfield is Dalton, OF paper max
ing fame, where the government banknote paper
is made a model Massachusetts village, and still
further the remoter Berkshire places and the hills
Of Hampden. From Pittsheld's central location
driving 10 any OF the Berkshire resorts is EASILY
accomplished. A weekly public coach throughout
the summer makes trip Of the hills, touching the
picturesque spots OF LenOx and Stockhridge.
Lake brook and waterfall accessible for
sport or rambe The drives continual revela-
ton OF wonderful landscapes and stretches Of vale,
meadow. slope. pasture and wood, and there
mountains 10 climb from whose heights panoramas
OF natures best and brightest work lie spread be-
fore the eye.
In Pittsheld are many memories of great names.
Here Oliver Wendell Holmes rowed on the Housa-
tonic River, cultivated the acres OF The Holmes
Place and here at the gate is still The Holmes
Pine" Here is the house in Easiest. where Long
fellow wrote The Old Clock ON the Stairs" Here
have also lived Bryant and Hawthorne and many
others. whose names will endure. In a modest home
lives Henry L. Dawes, whose services in Congress
and in the Indian the country knows well.