Democratic messenger. [volume] (Snow Hill, Md.) 1869-1973, 1906-08-18

pubic house, and the sloop 'Fairheld,
the late Captain Frederick Conner.
commander, made regular trips from
the pier at Public Landing" to Scott's.
There was regular line of hacks
running from this town to public Land
ing. conveying passengers to and
from Scott's. Our hotels did good
business. as did also the public house
at the landing.
Those were happy days for the young
people of that period, especially. II
the old pier at Scott's could talk; if the
old porticos, extending the full length
of the house. had the faculty Of MEM
ory and speech; if the sand on the ocean
beach possessed the same gift. and chose
to impart its knowledge. in the language
of the late Horace Greeley. it would be
very interesting" and what tales Of
love between love sick swains and
maidens would be unfolded ! 1t was
the custom in those days for the young
people to go over in parties, chaperoned
by some young married lady, and,
whilst this was so, there was no selfish
ness or cannishness existing. All
mingled with each other. each one
endeavoring to make the other as happy
as possible until the trip was at an end.
The young ladies' were all sweet.
pretty and attractive, as they are now;
the young men were just as attentive
and ardent in their wooings as they are
now; the sun shone just as brightly as
it does now; nature adorned herself
then in just as pretty garbs as she does
now. and everything went "as merry
as marriage bell F."
The place was provided with spa
eious hall for dancing purposes. with
musicians, ten pin alley. with saloon
adjoining, where something stronger
than water could be obtained. although
there was but little inebriety manifest.
and nothing done or said that could
CRATE harshly on the most modest ears,
VI give W lttt utOob tCtoCA
sensibilities. Perfect order prevailed,
and was maintained thoroughout the
history of the place. At sunrise the OK
cart was brought around to convey the
ladies' with their gentlemen escorts to
the ocean for bath. The merry party
was obliged to traverse road of half
mile or more before the ocean was
reached Bath houses were provided
for both sexes. After a pleasant
plunge in the surf, the return trip was
made in time for breakfast, which con-
sisted, for the most part. of trout. just
caught and fried. together with all the
delicacies of the season. 1t is doubtful
if Ocean City. with all its magnificent
hotels. its stores. shops. and all the
surrounding country to draw from.
could surpass SCOTS, in the height of
its glory. in all that constitutes good.
substantial, solid living, and as place
for healthful and genuine recreation.
The arrival and departure of the sloop,
Fairfield" was great event with the
guests: some of whom went down to
witness the departure. others the ar
rival, of friends. also to hear the latest
news from home; for, be it remembered.
there were no mails to and from the
place, there being no post office or any
thing of the kind at Scott's. Rural Free
Delivery was not conceived OF IN those
days. and all correspondence was re-
ceived at the post Office in Snow Hill. to
be delivered to the driver of the hack,
who in turn delivered il to Capt. Conner.
From Capt. Conner. the mail was hand
ed over to Capt. Scott for distribution
among his guests.
In addition to the patronage extended
the place by our own county, the
prominent families of Somerset, Wi
comico and Dorchester counties were
frequent habitues of the place. coming
over in large parties and making ex-
tended stays thereto. The young peo-
pie and others of our town and county
were always. and very much" in evil
dence at Scott's. The season usually
opened about the Goth of June. and
closed in the month of September.
Many of the young men of those days
have become prominent in the political.
professional and business life of our
county and state, whilst others have
crossed the River and gone to the great
Beyond, unlike unfathomed and un-
fathomable TO mortal ken.
A great change has taken place at
old Seott's, and the section adjacent