Manchester Democrat. [volume] (Manchester, Iowa) 1875-1930, 1902-03-12
Correspondence.
An Interesting Letter by Mrs. W. Tir-
st. Petersburg, Florida,
Feb. 18th, 1902.


Feb. 18th, 1902.
I like this quiet town SO much hetter
than ] expected, never was more con-
tent away from home; although, it has
not been so warm all the time az we
hoped, still we have had many beauti-
full days and some too warm in the mid
die of the day: yet, in the shade it was
all right. / should conclude that the
weather in Iowa has been severe from
all accounts we hear, and we were glad
to be where BLOSSOMS fair, balmy
air greet us everywhere" and then SO
many OF us from our home town being
here also, those we see daily, and then
having the conveniences to get meal
ourselves when we please, all helps to
make us content.
Thursday, Feb. Goth, was truly q
stormy day, and such rain we do not
see in Iowa of late years. Now there
will be Strawberries in plenty. We had
some today very nice. Mrs. Corn
ish took dinner with ue, and how we
Iowa people visit when we meet! !.
At two O'Clock Mr.. and Mrs. Sher-
wood, Mr.. and Mrs. Fairchild and the
twins, Mrs. Cornish, r. w. and my
self all went to the dock for q walk.
There are several docks one mile in
length, built right into the shallow va.
ter to where the water is deeper. The
main one is the one where the cars run
to meet the boats, and here is where
the people mostly walk, and the fisher
men watch and wait for the fishes that
do not come. Mr.. Sherwood, for all
that he has written home, acknowl-
edges that 1t is not the best of fishing
ground. When the Manchester fisher
men really wish to fish in earnest,
they take boat and go farther out in
the bay.
The view from the uock is worth
seeing, especially to people whose
homes are inland. The different depths
of water afford different shades of
green, from pale sea green nearer the
shore, to very dark shades where the
water is deeper. There are always
more or less boats in sight of various
kinds, from the little row boat to those
carrying hundreds Of passengers, and
the bay never looks twice the same.
The water never quite at rest, always
in motion, and since the rain the wind
has been almost gale and the high,
rushing waves come in as If from the
main ocean, when this is only a
bay. Yes, give me the land in
case of a storm.
We have been to Cuba as we expect
ed, and possibly you would like to hear
concerning it, and perhaps this will not
bewithoutinterest Mr.and Mrs. Fsirchild
and the twins went with US. The Man.
chester people were at the docks to say
goodbye, and among thousand good
wishes, we left the dock in q rather
small boat for Fort Tampa. This was
"a run of only an hour or so. Then
went to q hotel to wait for our larger
boat, when will commence the real sea
"Trip. l must tell you about this hote
called 1.-THE Inn," built upon piles, JUS
in the edge of the bay. The parlor wal
pleasant indeed, finished with native pint
wood. A cheerful fire burned In rea
fireplace, quite suggestive of the "Yult
Log. The carpet was red and thu
"hangings" Of the same color. A pretty
stairway at one side, cosy nook witt
cushioned seats, handsome easy chairs
restful pictures, two candelabrums
branched, large vases and general all
ofcomfort; but the table was where We
might have criticised, poor indeed, snd
long waiting for what little there was
Soon after supper we went on board thu
ship, which, however, did not leave un
til about Six the next morning. Here
all was neat and nice, but too cold fol
comfort and no place warm excepting
the dining room.
The next morning was cool, but th'
sea was calm. left my bed esrly a
is my custom, and went on the uppel
deck for fresh air and the view. Every
thing is all right on the boat which goei
steadily on Its way. Nothing occurred tt
mar the harmony of the voyage. W.
watched the sun, twas like ball O.
fire, sinking to rest amid the clouds tina
p6rtend rain. During the day visited
read and wrote, lost no time. We reach
ed Key West 10 O'Clock in the morning
There was confusion, passengers land
ing and others coming on board, n,
sleep until II O'clock, sea little les
calm. Up early for we are nearing Ha
vana, and we are eager for genera
view, and also to see Moro Csstle-th
first object that strikes the eye Of tn
traveller. Upon land we were beseige,
by any amount of hotel runners and il
various languages. The one selecte
overlooks the sea and affords fine viey
of the shipping, as we'll as the wreck o
the Maine. Oh! what monument t
Spanish vlllainy.
A word about our hotel. The room
are large and all marble floors. Th
doors to the sleeping room are at less
IL feet high, these are open; another sc
half so high and work like blinds par
of the way are closed. The doors d
not lock, 80 we trust to luck for safety
The meals are served in very goo
style, yet somewhat different from thos
in the United States, and many of tn
dishes look tempting, but do not tsst
just right; however there was enough c
someting always that we could ca
Fish forms staple article of diet an
often was we'll cooked. Everythin,
streets, houses and people look foreigl
reminding US so much of Italy, partic,
larly Naples; but the buildings are NJ
built as high, great many one stor
buildings. We took carriage to tt
harhor near the cnatom honse and the