Vernon County censor. [volume] (Viroqua, Wis.) 1865-1955, 1904-04-20
wEsrRRS MINISTERIAL wANDERnes.
Rev A. R. Klein Writes Of His western Trip-A
Wonderful Cave.
LEADv1LLE, Cor, April IA 100

LEADvILLE Col, April IA, 1904
EDITOR CENSOR: l was requ lted to
write to the CENSOR so that all my
friends conld hear from me. I've inn
proved IN health almost from the time
/ arrived here. Shortly after my arriv-
al ] met Mr.. and Mrs. Yale and Stanley
Cory. All seem pleasantly situated
The climate is ideal, and Colorado
Springs, to which place came first, is a
great health resort. But besides this
the scenery around the city is magnif-
| cent and defies mans descriptive pow
ers, visited the famous Cheyenne
Canon" with its seven falls of about 300
feet. The altitude of Colorado Springs
is ), 992 feet above sea level / could
stand that but when | climbed a noun
tain in South Cheyenne Canon z, 200 feet
above sea level, began to feel little
light-headed Fortunately, when / got
to the bottom of the mountain / was
lucky TO get saddled bnrro to take me
back to the station. The next dav we
went to see the famous Garden of the
Gods" with its natural rock formations
of various things, such as frog, bag
gage room, Japanese temple, 'ape,
''gunboat, balanced rock, of which
will show you picture when | return.
1t is said to be one of the most wonder
full freaks of natures handiwork. 9th
or natural formations in rock are
"WaS Shington on chariot cathedral
spires, Tower of Babel, Napoleon
Bonaparte. ate From there we went
~ visit Glen Eyri5, where we saw a
natural eagles nest, big arm chair"
and Major Dorno." Ia ouf drive over
the Mesa" we saw a petrified Indian
From here we went up Willit ms Canon,
which is continual ascent of q miles
to the mouth of the cave Here on this
drive one is overcome by deep feeling
of awe and admiration. When we reach
ed the top of this canon we entered the
Gave Of the Winds. which is an en-
trancing underground Journey of nearly
three-fourths of mile. The first room
we enter is 50x50x10 feet Next we en-
ter Curtain Hall. 40x12x15 feet. 1t is
singularly ornamented with stalactites
and other formations. Next is Canopy
Hall. " 20Ux40x30 feet. The ceiling and
sidewalks are we'll covered by calcite.
The ornayuentation is very profuse.
There are here frescoed ceiling, stall
actite niche - bats wing prairie dog
village, Fairy Scene, etc Next room
is called Boston Avenue and Card
Room, pleasantly ornamented with ov-
erhanging walls and beams. Turning to
the right we come to Diamond Hail. "
which is 90x12x10 feet The ceiling is
arched and its entire length is decorated
by graceful wreaths and festoons of CO.
raj and Towering alabaster In she bril-
liant magnesium light, which is much
more intense than any electric light, the
walls of the room sparkle with every
conceivable shade and color. Next is
the Hall of Beauty" where crystal
flowers of the most delicate design and
exquisite workmanship hang in iertoons
from every nook and corner Next is
'Bridals Chamber, where the curious
run riot On the floor of this Babel
like department, we find beautiful
bride and Lots wife" while circling
round in ghoulish glee on ceiling and
easement are writhing reptiles. dancing
devils, aerobatic reptiles, beasts and
birds of every form; all in riotous pos
ture. Airy creatures ale mingling with
those of the Internal regions, represent
ing both pandemonium and paradise.
The wessd xeildness sis sight never to
be forgotten. Next and last is Crystal
Palace, composing four rooms. Here
the chrysanthemums stand out in the
most graceful profusion. These fadeless
flowers of crystal, interlooped, entwined
and interlaced into gorgeous wreaths
and fruiltless festoons CT the prettiest
patterns, glittering and sparkling form
a rare combination of the sublime and
beautiful Space will not permit full
description or description of other seen
cry Respectfully yours,
A r KLEIN