The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1907-05-02
OLD POINT COMFORT.
A Pleasure Resort and Place of Great
Historic Interest.

Historic Interest
When the writer first visited Old
Point, some thirty odd years ago, and
for some years later, the Hygeia Hotel,
Harrison Phabus proprietor, was the
point of attraction, and was perhaps
the most widely advertised hotel in
America. 1t was something OF sur
prise to find that this immense wooden
structure, fronting on Hampton Roads,
with its large pavilion washed by the
waves, had been torn down. In its place
stands the magnificent Hotel Chamber
lain. 1t derives its name from the first
proprietor, John Chamberlain, now de-
ceased, who came to Washington from
New York in the reign of BOSS Shep-
pard, to run clubhouse for what was
then known as the District Ring
When the ring went under Chamber.
lain managed small hotel and restau-
rant on 18th street, much frequented by
lovers of good cheer, and among them,
Tom Ochiltree of Texas, widely known
as wit and bon vivant. He, too
has Joined the silent majority" with
which he could not be numbered when
on earth.
Hotel Chamberlain is an imposing
structure, with a frontage of 754 feet,
which is longer than the National CAPT
toll at Washington. 1t has 40 guest
chambers, beautiful sun parlor, and a
interchangeable bath establishment
with the largest and most attractive
swimming pool on the Atlantic coast.
"The latter is 40x7O feet, is practically
open to the light and air, an immense
skylight covering almost the entire
pool The sea water is pumped directly
from the bay in front of the house, is
heated to the proper degree, and pours
into the pool in constant stream. The
room is we'll heated and lighted both
bv day and night, and a most unusual
feature is the electrical illumination of
the water at night. This is absolutely
UNIQUE. Electric lights are introduced
under the water, and shining up through
it give one the feeling of bathing in
limpid light" This is quoted from an
attractive booklet descriptive of the
hotel, for we were not there at night;
but a visit to the swimming pool left
no doubt as to its accuracy. The whole
interior of the building is simply mag
nifcent. From the rotunda the red
parlor and drawing room are entered
and Just beyond the latter the blue par
Ior opens upon broad corridor leading
to the glass enclosed palm gardens. The
luxurious drawing room opens upon the
sun parlor, which is on the south side
and commands fine view of the his
toric Hampton Roads, while from the
red parlor, or east room, one can see
almost to the capes. The entire lower
floor is given up to the comfort and con-
yenience of guests. Broad corridors
stretch the whole length of the build
ing and lead to the ballroom and din
ing-room. The latter room is at the
extreme end of the building and looks
out upon the water on the south and
west The room is capable of seating
500 guests. Handsome, finely proper
toned pillars support the gallery which
extends around three sides and from
-N'' .
"'iio'' in"S De op''.ie I;a,' 49,
;o4a, - ~, a,..io,,;.ts
49, - ~ '1N W., ~ atn,ad ~
p''l 'o0l - y i.I-e' ~, ~.
,.''.,' 1:-.,. ,s.a.
Ila,Is-,i,Sr - ~ ,,an,,.
Mutton Broth scotch style. Hot Clam Bouillon
min pickles S sons mIed en pc ahSse Sweet Cher
kins Chow, chow ,
Potatoes. Saute
curry o dhey Wa rice f a ofS,ers
Bacon and Kale
Fred Parsnips Or, en- peas Coarse Hominy
Fo'So aaia I pc6Su pySt Salad ,eAei 'Siao
Picked Beets Sliced Spanish Onions Cold slaw
Boned Capon en- Aspic
h%"s beeL nam noThed beei u an haes
Bsmark Herring Picked Lambs Tongue
- t,ese 90 u s.i.ii a, -, -