New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1907-03-18
FIRST SPRING DAY HERE
Fine Heather Crouds Parks and
Sends Thousands to COney.

Park and avenue were almost Easterlike in
their crowds yesterday, when warm breezeS
ushered in the spring fever days ahead OF
schedule time Just make il more springllkc.
a few misplaced April showers suddenly soaked
those who had left overcoats and overshoes al
home. Along with sun and showers came
stories of hluebirds ard robins arriving in New
Jersey. while the mosquito was heard hupmtnG
about Secaucus. even though the Bishops liquor
law kept saloons closed all day.
What Kipling calls "the old spring fret" came
over many of the Manhattan cave dweers in
an aggravated form. and the house hunters were
out in force. looking forward to the first Of MAJ.
Although the real estate men trying. BY
means Of fall leases, to break up the annual
spring moving habit every apartment house
was visited by earnest and optimistic persons.
seeking that ideal apartment with all outside
and big rooms, plenty of closets and noseless
dumb waiter.
Along the sunny slope of the Park hilock
little bits of green could be seen. and there were
a few swelling buds on shrubs and trees heralds
OF the coming spring. Central ana Seward
parks were alike crowded with children. while
the drives Of the former were crowded with
smart turnouts all day The bride paths. too
were we'll used all day. even at the unfashion-
able hours.
The small boy. with his pockets bulging with
marbles. frequently was TO be encountered in
the side streets. while every vacant lot saw
the lads out with the old baseball and bat. sure
signs Of spring.
Coney Island had its spring opening yesterday
afternoon. Twenty-Five thousand visitors who
were not attending celebrations in honor Of Ire
lands patron saint journeyed TO the City-by-
the-Sea. and for three hours put in a jumble all
train and trolley schedules. Five-car trains
which were put on by the Brooklyn Rapid Tran
sit Company failed TO provide for the thronGs.
and even the extra trolley cars were TANNED
Numerous Island resort proprietors. anticipat-
! ing such a throng, made hurried preparations
for the accommodation Of the visitors and In n
degree satisfied themselves. If not the visitors
The barkers were very much in evidence look
ing though they had had a winters nap.
Knife boards. popcorn vendors. scenic railways
and tintype galleries afforded most of the days
pleasures, Several Of the concert halls opened
for the day. and hurried scurrying on the part
of the proprietors was necessary to provide n
| tertainment
The Bowery. which always has its attractions.
was popular as ever yesterday. and here mos.
Of the crowd made their way
Behind the gates Of the large parks little
to be seen but from the sounds coming from
within il evident that work is being rushed
in expectation of an early season.
One Of the visitors Of the day Inspector
Cross. who was arranging with Captain Pinker-
| ton, Of the Coney Island station. for the
mer detail Of men which will be sent -
! the resort.
The hotel and saloon men reported prosper
Gus day. and last seasons Raines law sand
wiches were taken from the top shelf and busted
| off TO do service for another summer Roast
| beef sandwiches and frankfurters too. were
! brought out and shined up.
The rain of the early evening drove many TO
shelter. and the dance halls and moving pict-
ure concerts reaped their share OF the business.
Down on the beach press agent was sighted.
He had stack Of pencils either side of him.
| He said nothing the crowds passed him. but
he kept busily at the sharpening Of the graphite,
| while now and then hungry and anticipatOry
smile ilumined his cadaverous features.