The Farmington times. (Farmington, St. Francois County, Mo.) 1905-1926, 1909-03-19
MRS. HAYS TELLS ABOUT
EPwoRTH- BY.THE-lJEA.
EDITOR PENNINGTON TIMES:

terested In description of Epworth.
by-the-Sea, Corpus Christi, Texas:
When the train comes into Corpus
Christi over the "Sap" road, II ira
verses for some distance a reef be-
tween the Neuces Bay and Corpus
Christi Bay. There il n wagon road
across the reef, aud some travellers
trust In Providence as they wade
into this "road," all under water,
with members of the finny tribe
playing hide and seek under the
horses hoofs.
1t is this inundated "road" which
has an interesting history: In 1886,
when the Mexican General Santa
Anna and Col. Travis, Davy Crock
EFT and others were fighting over
the Nueces river as the proposed
boundary of the State, the Mexicans
were driven out of Corpus Christi
to an island between the two bays.
Darkness came on, rifle pits were
made, a fort was thrown up, and all
preparations made for a charge on
Santa Anna in the morning. There
seemed to be no escape for the Mex
leans, as there was water on every
side save one, and that was covered
10y strong army. Dawn came and
the order was given to charge, when
behold! not n Mexican was to he
seen. They had waded out into
their own territory, for they knew
every inch of the ground.
To-day one can wade water for
twenty-five miles from Corpus
Christi and never go in neck deep
provided they know the "road. "
These rifle pitt may yet he seen,
and the old for is still n land mark. /
On this islard in 1906 was built
what is known rs Epw0rth-by-the
Sea. All the Epworth Leagues In
Texas Southern Methodism united |
in this enterprise, and every year
since as many as 5000 people have
enjoyed the twelve days cncamp- |
ment at Epworth. At that time n
great religious work is done for
young people.
EpwOrth has an extensive cam |
pus, with its pavilions, inn, audi
forum, pier, bath houses, Il chute |
over the water and cottages. Gal
weston people, with their city storm
swept, with millions lost, built sea
wall for protection. Epworth-by-
the-Sea was founded, not to protect
IA city, but to build characters
(which shall enter into the city not |
made with hands, eternal in the
Heavens. For the first time the
Inn, just 300 yards from the bay,
has been open this year to winter
visitors. People come from every
where seeking rest, recreation and
health-and find it In Gods great
out-of-doors.
The surroundings are ideal. The |
sea gulls are almost friendly, and |
when bathers are splashing in the
bay the gulls will come quite near
and have morning plunge also.
The ducks are not much afraid and |
come very near. Hunters license
costs $1,000 for non-residents, and |
many come In season for duck |
hunt; but gulls are never allowed |
to be shot.
There are beautiful pelicans on
the island also, and II is wonder
full sight to see them on parade In |
great numbers, enjoying the morn
ing sunshine.
Fresh oysters, fish, shrimp and
clans are brought to the door every |
day.
People may battle Mt all seasons
in the salt water, unless the wind
blows from the East, when It may
be little chilly for short time.
Some people have built winter homes
on the Epworth grounds.
Mr.. aud Mrs. w. A. Knight of
WaXahnchie are now in charge of
the Inn, and have gathered about
them very congenial household.
They are so kind, so obliging and
genial that it is a privilege to be n
member of the Epworth family.
Il "a
seek n complete change of climate.
MIR. and Mrs. Knight have for
their motto, "If you have kind
ness shown, pass 1t on" and II is
very delightful to see this put into
constant practice as has been done
by the winter family Mt Epworth.
Yours Truly,
ELLEN II. HAYS.