New-York tribune., 1901-07-28

Block Island July q (SpeciaD-when Block ISL
and is mentioned the hearer thinks of the broad
expense Of restless billows that surround it, it's
long sandy beach and white winged boats fitting
and out Of the harbor; and indeed. these are it's
chief attractions Without the charms of the ocean
Block Island would for little as a summer
resort, but still, the quaint picturesque beauty of
the island itself must not he overlooked. Here
al Newport. there two distinct elements but
here they are blended into harmonious whole.
The summer cottager finds the aged fisherman
most entertaining he tells his sailors yarns and
tales Of the sea, and instructive well. as ne
takes the visitor out in his and carefully ex-
plains him the of sailing and shows him how
the different kinds Of fish are caught Thus these
two widely separated for the rest OF the year
meet II the summer equal footing. So they
each give from their store knowledge and become
real friends
The cottager takes his family and calls upon the
good housewife, who at first IS rather embarrassed
by the visit of the rich city folks" but as she
finds them interested in her simple life she soon
becomes her good natured self again, and enter
tains her guests in her kindly. hospitable fashion
The visit Of the summer guests is looked forward
al the year by the residents and makes pleasant
break in the monotony of their lives
The location of the cottages, too shows this lack
Of exclusiveness for many OF them built side
by side with modest farmhoUses though the most
Of the cottagers prefer their homes upon the bluffs
or the beach. while the average Block Isl
ender II is afliction have his house off tho
main road.
II a striking fact that the residents, although
they cannot get away from sight of the water
build their houses far from It as possible and
never so down the beach TO read or sew to the
accompaniment OF the waves. never enjoy the ex-
hilarating effects OF bath in the surf or admire
its beauties
THE LIFE ON THE ISLAND
The whole island is dotted with ponds. wind
mills and picturesque farmhouses, costly restled
among the hills. with their porches covered s-tiI
ivy and honeysuckle. while bright hued flowers
bloom luxurianrly in the front yards. Occasionally
OF these housewives be induced take
summer boarders and then there fun for the
children and the elders. too- sometimes roaming
about among the focks OF chickens and ducks
feeding the pigs and visiting the barn the
patient cows chewing their cuds. milked night
and morning. And the guests bring at mealtime
good appetites for the vegetables fresh from the
farm and the thick cream SKINNED off the pans
But only few enjoy these delights, for most
OF the housewives think they have time TO
bother with strangers" all save native Block
Islanders called. and the rest must needs TO
the hotels
The beauties Of Block Island purely natural
ones and all the inmitable for that reason.
The country lanes bordered with wild roses,
blackberry vines and sweet clover while in Sep
ternber the golden rod is abundant The roads
inclosed by rough stone walls, which add the
quaintness of the place. The most interesting
drives are 10 Clay Head TO visit the Polar Wave
and Beacon Hill Observatory. from which, on clear
days. a view OF the mainland be obtained and
the lifesaving stations. and TO Mohegan Bluffs.
Among the various attractions at the island. fish
ing holds the chief place. Sword1sh and bluefsh
vie with each other in popularity. Many OF
visitors enthusiastic the pleasures OF
bluehshing. while just many equally ardent
in their praises Of sw7ord1shins. Both sports are
R IS snT mean sdverear qe TBe arger m sh
fights valiantly, and IL sometimes takes several
by the harToon. The gamy bluefsh. on the other
mackerel and see bass come in for share of
around, for the famous cod banks are within sight
and weakhsh seems so inexhaustible that they fail
10 receive due appreciation.
over the island offer a variety for the angler to
choose from Most a9un6ant are the blse bass
afhrms that trout as well would live in these
BATHING A POPULAR DIVERSION.
Bathing Is a close second to fishing. and is more
universally popular. nearly every one the
Isle OF Manisses enjoys bath in the surf. while
deferred from trying their luck on the
deep by fears of seasickness. Crescent Beach,
iod IS Of R bsf on and the Oa ahd coas ae
and and Bock Island deyotees say that il is unrivsed
free from stones and has gentle slope. the water
making bathing safe for women and childTen
During bathing hours the beach presents
are Sht ca 6athing is bscOming popular and parties
surf by moonlight Those who have tried it say
that the water seems very mild and the moon
The cottage colony al Block island has grown
amazingly in the last few years Although there
are several thoroughly up TO date hotels here sum
nner visitors have learned TO appreciate the ad
6een line Of cottages along Mohegan Bluffs and
broad expanse Of ocean as far as eye can reach
slo ano the waves idly splashing against the rocks
l50 feet below the picturesque cottages dotted here
o ano there. with view Of the harbor and Crescent
Beach beyond, is charming.
The most pretentious cottage is that formerly
hsno"n seo as searles mansion This has recently
rs Bs.s name 70 whitehall It is situated on Crescent
the Providence boat as it enters the harbor
SOME NEW COTTAGES
One Of the most attractive residences here
lis Pine Lodge. belonging Captain Mark L. Pot
ter Of Brooklyn. This is situated the extreme
eastern point Of the island. and commands
broad view of the ocean from north south. 1t
Is two story double house. 20 feet square, fin
sned In hard pine and cypress II has fifteen large.
sides This is not yet Completed but will be ready
ioE oecupany in August.
Judge Boerman, Of Georgia. The Judge has been
visiting Block Island for several successive years.
SSlo has al last decided TO build summer home
here II is built of hard pine from his native
odate' and commands an extensive view of the
The greatest Improvement at Block Island is in
New-York TO-DAY on one of the eommodious
Steamers OF the Montauk Line, with their excel
route would scarcely believe that less than a
Suar5er ot century ago the only means of reach
Island Island fishing boats Yet such is the case. and in
have been Spa9e OF tine these & sweeping changes
we're received, now there two a day. The new
and viii be ready in August " This is to make
Sasly trips TO Providence. in addition to the lines
Block Island is one of the few genuine ocean
the Ssi ana the tne summer visitor who remains on
seen Mother Nature in her Widest moods can apo