, 1904-08-03
A SOutherner'S impress
SiOnS of Wildwood.
Mrs. Cyrus Gingrich, of BaIti-
more, Md, writes the Journal
an Interesting letter COmpli-
menting Wildwood in the
Highest of Terms.

In coming to WildN ood-by-ihe-Set
with the hope only of being benefited
by the many glorious offerings of the
grand old Atlantic, the sojourner find:
an additional charm in The wooded
side of the Island. This feature Of the
resort is particularly fascinating to the
Southern visitor, from the fact thai
here in the numerous parks are found
many species of Southern wild flowers,
trees, grasses and song birds. The
yellow cactus Fields of which grow
wild in South Carolina) is seen here in
great mounds, budding and opening
their beautiful golden bloom to the sun
and smiling a joyful welcome to the
stranger. The sweet brier, marguerite,
butter cups, furget-me-no;s, and num-
bers of other wild blossoms are seen in
artistic confusion Throughout e
Island. Too much cannot he said in
favor of The preservation of the wild
f1oWers Let them grow undisturbed
by the wayside. grouping in their own
matchless grace, and forming a mass
of exquisite coloring along the drive
ways. Thus encouraged, they turn
their innocent little faces to the sky,
giving forth beauty and fragrance in
glorification of their Creator.
Here, too, can be found that strange
formation known as the Florida moss
which hangs in great garlands and fes-
toons, reaching from tree to tree. The
curious giowth of these trees on the
Island cannot be explained. Formed
III wondrous shapes as they are ali
crooked and bent) they impress one
with the idea that at M time the place
must have been visited 10y a furious tor
nado. But nevertheless, The fantastic
forms of the trees but add to their
charm, and nesting in their dear old
rugged arms are many lovely sony
birds, the most numerous being the
wren. The notes of this little brown
bird are exquisitely sweet and the
listener stands enchanted to hear them
MARBLE praise and thanks 10 their
maker for freedom and joy of living.
'Tis a sad heart indeed, and weary thai
cannot be soothed by these blessed little
lives.
The town itself is laid out on a most
generous plan. Public parks ran be
seen at nearly every turn. Cottages are
spacious, and surrounded by their own
beautiful lawns, while the streets are
all broad shaded avenues. Truly the
Borough could be used as a model for
other growing places.
Many handsome homes here add
to the beauty of the town. One lust
finished is the palatial residence of ].
Thompson Baker. Directly facing the
ocean, it is surrounded by an elegant
shaded terrace. The architecture is
colonial, while the great broad verandas
bespeak the generosity and hospitality
of the charming family within. An
other most attractive home is that of
Mr.. and Mrs. w. G. Gross. The in
terror of this house was designed by
Mrs. Gross and in every room can be
seen the gifted hand of the artist.
The boardwalk has just been COM
pleted and is n of the finest at any
resort on the coast. From this prom
made can be enjoyed a magnificent
view of the ocean. The waves laugh
ing and sparkling in the sunlight,
while in the far distance is a white
fringe formed by the sails of the fishing
To the north a short distance
stands like a sentinel the new Ottens
hotel, its great colonial entrance offer
Ing a cheerful greeting to the wayfarer.
little to the south of this is the Shell
don hotel which extends a warm south
.rn hospitality to its guests. Still a little
distance from this is the popular Hotel
Dayton, where one finds always the
spirit of good fellowship, which also
prevails in the many other commodious
hotels and well-kept boarding houses
throughout the town.
Looking to the west one has an un-
broken view of the beautiful sunsets.
Glorious are the skies here! the sun
going down in a great ball of fiery
splendor, leaving a brilliant aftergloW
long into the night. Rightly
the resort should be known as the
Island of EXhaustless Charm.
Natures many beauties, combined
with the courtesy and hospitality ex-
tended the stranger at every hand
brings to the heart of the Southerner a
feeling that he is but visiting a friend
neighbor in his own Southland.
MRS. CYRUS GINGRICH,
of RalfiDn0ro Md