Evening star. [volume] (Washington, D.C.) 1854-1972, 1909-10-24
BY HOWARD FISK.
PICTURESQUE motor

~ this season Of the year is offered
~ in ride from the National Capt.
tai to Purcellville, Va, Via Lees
burg: thence to Harpers Ferry,
returning via Frederick, Md The dis
lance is, approximately, 1875 miles, and
the autoist taking this trip should feel
well compensated. The trees, with their
autumn-tinted leaves, are in evidence
everywhere, and add to the grandeur of
the mountain scenery. The route winds
over mountains and through .dales,
Astounding In rich and fertile farm lands
Tho cozy. old-fashoned homestead is
there, too. and plays a conspicuous part
In the natural stage setting. Hospitality
Is extended on every hand, and the
motorist receives a warm welcome wher-
ever he stops. There is no doubling OF
tracks, and the fact that the return trip
is over different route tends to make it
all the more enjoyable. Although a large
number Of autoists have been over va
rious portions Of the route. it is doubtful
II many have taken this particular trip.
The trip was made last Sunday by Ed.
B. Terry in his Buick roadster. accom-
panied by the writer. the distance being
covered In a fraction less than twelve
eighteen miles per gallon Of gasoline.
Leaving the city at Georgetown. the route
was over the frost-covered Conduit road to
Cabin John bridge, "a miles distant. Fol-
lowing the Conduit road q distance Of one
mile from the bride. a turn to the right
was made up a long grade. over q splendid
for some distance. but after proceeding a
mile the left fork is taken in the direc-
ton Of Potomac. Nd, the next stop.
Where the macadam leaves of a good
dirt road becomes q substitute. over
which good time can be made. Thus it
will be seen that q greater portion of the
distance from Washington to Potomac. a
distance Of 14.5 miles, ds over a good
macadsm roadway. From Potomac to
Seneca the road Is fairly good. although
slightly sandy in places, About two
miles from Potomac the road straight
ahead was taken, and tho left fork 1.8
miles farther on. Keeping straight ahead
a point II miles away was reached. when
a turn to the right was made. followed by
another turn, this time to the left, which
leads directly into the little settlement of
Seneca, nearly twenty-four miles from
the city.
4
Passing straight through Seneca the
village was soon lost to view, with the
next objective point Edwards ferry, eight
miles distant. The road was found rugged
and rocky in places, where careful pilot
ing was necessary. Six miles from Seneca
the left fork was taken. which was found
blocked by q gate across the road. indi-
eating private property. Releasing the
gate and replacing the lock. we proceeded
a short distance. when another and still
another gate doomed into view. Upon ar
irving at Edwards ferry we learned that
while it was a private right Of way, it
was open to those desiring to cross over
to the Virginia side at the ferry Within
the past few weeks a new ferryboat has
been installed and once more traffic has
been resumed at the ferry. The new boat
was built and Is being operated under the
direction OF Mrs. Mary z. Jarboe, who
owns the ferry rights as a part of her
farm property, through which the route
| runs. Her husband. prior to his death a
few years ago. operated the boat there,
the point being famous for its large trans
| river business as well as a shipping point
on the Chesapeake and Ohio canal. The
ferry at Mr.. Jarboe's death fell into dis
use and the boat was disposed of. The
new boat is ten feet wide by fifty-five
long, and can easily. accommodate three
automobiles at one time. The ferry charge
is 40 cents one way or 70 cents round trip.
The time consumed Is about fifteen min
utes.
Previous to resuming the ferry service
the only point at which the Potomac could
be crossed In the vicinity Of Leesburg was
Whites ferry. about five miles north OF
Edwards ferry. and about the same dis
lance from Leesburg Thus the opening
Of the new ferry reduces the distance 20
Leesburg from Edwards ferry about one
| half. The long disuse Of the road to Lees
burg rom Edwards ferry by team and
autos has not resulted in the road rum
ning down. except for q short distance at
the mouth of Goose creek. This stretch.
however It is understood. is to be i'm
pr ,s after After proceeding short distance
on the Virginia side several more gates
were found obstructing the road. The
| last safe 10 soon passed and a fine dirt