New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1902-06-15
aTTHF THOUSAND ISLAND HOUSE.
.T7R ACTIONS AT ALEXANDRIA BAY. IN
THE ST LAWRENCE

On the borders of this country. in the midst of
che 81 Lawrence River which is the boundary be
-1reer the Empire State and Canada. for many
miles lie the picturesque Thousand lsIahnS- lheE
are nearer TWO thousand than enc thousand IN
number and embrace a great variety of scenery,
while in size they vary from mere isets or bare
rocks to those of of acres in extent forest
clad and rising to considerable heights above the
water Of the river.
Besides the natural charms of the islands. they
have romantic historic value that is interesting
The St Lawrence River discovered by Jacques
Cartier the French explorer in 1855 There is much
uncertainty the identity of the first white
man who gazed upon the tranquil beauty OF the
Thousand Islands The early discoveries were less
interested in the scenery than in the practical
things that pertained to navigation and trade and
travel, and the spreading Of Christianity Cham
plain in 1915 explored Lake Ontario and the St
Lawrence to Sorel River, passing through this re-
zion The date at which the worlds attention
first called the Lake of a Thousand Isles is lost
in doubt. a century and a half the French
had christened Les Mile Isles" The Thousand
Islands have been the scene Of Of the impor-
tant campaigns in four great conflicts between
tons. The first the Indian war between the
IroQuois and the Algonquins. which continued many
years The second struggle was between the French
and English, many of its hostile meetings took
place among the islands and the neighboring
shores. In the Revolutionary War with Great
Britain and between the same forces in 1872 the
defence Of this location of Importance. Many
military adventure known the Patriot War. with
its recurrent outbreaks in 1887 and 1885, took place
on ms part OF the river notably the capture OF the
British steamer Sir Robert Peel WellS'S ISL
and, in 1855 and the battle Of the Windmill
Prestcott, in the year.
Taking the islands in detail. Wolfe Island IS the
largest OF the group and is entirely in Canada The
there Is canal through it, shorten the distance
between Kingston and Cape Vincent The Thousand
Is at the foot Of Weiss Island opposite Alexandria
vas at one period an important military post:
George NJ Pullman, the palace car man, was one Of
the 5irSt men OF wealth to purchase an island and
the name OF the structure which adorns Pullman
budng in 1872 pea sand Il aea nf o i5and
Warmers Island. Sport, Little Lehigh and Idlewild
John, Fairyand, Isle of Pines, Devils Oven, wild
Rose. Belle Island. Deer Island Summer Island
Maple, Cedar and Coral of the islands
owned by private individuals. The islands extend
some sixty mles, but are most closely grouped at
Here stands the Thousand Island House. which,
despite the fact that Il began to cater to the
fort and convenience of guests In 1875 possesses all
up to date improvements and offers every facility
stands. The main building is 276 feet long and &C.
lee5 VIDE The eastern portion is five stories high
ana the western four stories. From the centre of
me main part q wing Of the same height and 20
feet rises 0 feet above the foundation On the first
floor are the office. reception and reading rooms
office. barber shop and washroom. on the second
floor are the grand hall. two reception rooms, a
rooms; hall 10 feet wide extending from end to
- the Rupiic ong room LOO by 10 feet, and q feet
nigh The hotel is lighted both by gas and electric
n1nh 1. Of nr}ya+ T p,u1long ana large
somely laid out in walks and flower beds stone
tiful shade and lawn. despite the rocky nature Of
the soil These grounds are illuminated night
from the house, the outside of which there are
eight hundred incandescent lamps All the floors
are 6eached by elevator; The piazzas have length
ures Of the region afforded to those staying at
reached from this city.