Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1915-08-26
LETTER FROM ATLANTIC CITY.

Dear Register-Friday surely was
thriller in Atlantic City. ! am not able to
declare that il was gotten up especially
for the benefit OF us Shepherdstown folks.
but il came just when we could enjoy it
most. A vast crowd was in the ocean
and on the beach and other thousands
were on the piers and board walk when a
great noise and clatter overhead attracted
the attention OF the people. Looking up,
we saw a couple OF aeroplanes sailing
swiftly through the air, their engines
making noise about ten times louder
than Frank Johnson's motor boat and
Bill Snyder's automobile with the cut out
open combined. AS our heads were still
crsned upward there was rush and COM
motion on the board walk right in front
of US, and we saw the beginnings OF the
big fire. The block of flimsy frame build
ings just opposite the Steeplechase Pier
was afire. Clouds ofsmoke poured from
the doors and windows in ever-increasing
volume, and it was apparent that great
conflagration was to ensue. The firemen
were soon on the spot and the engines
doing their best, but the inflammable
buildings and their contents made fierce
blaze, and have never seen such ter
rible looking fire. The leaping flames
and the vast clouds OF Swirling smoke
reminded one OF volcano, and this last
ed for an hour and a-half. Stores, shops,
offices and restaurants furnished fuel Tor
the fire, and the chemicals and supplies
of photographers place gave weird
colors TO the flames and smoke. One or
two large hotels seemed in danger for
time, but the firemen and the hotel forces
managed to keep the flames away. The
Strand Hotel was simply enveloped in
smoke, and many Of the guests packed
up ready TO leave. There was one very
thrilling episode. During the height OF
the fire squad OF firemen climed to the
top of one OF the buildings by means OF a
ladder, and from this vantage point were
directing streams OF water upon the blaze
beneath. Suddenly the roof broke out IN
flames, cutting them off from their ladder
and driving them to corner. They were
in an awfully tight place and the crowds
groaned in horror. The plight OF the
men was discovered, and other flrefighters
ran with second ladder. They came
down in a hurry, but somehow felt that
| could have done il even more quickly.
1t is said that $4,000 persons witnessed
the fire from the beaches, the piers, the
board walk and the hotels. II was only
about half block from the hotel at which
am stopping.
Atlantic City is the same gay old place,
filled to repletion with pleasures seekers
from every section-with West Virginia's
usual contingent, for have seen a NUM-
Der OF our State people here. Somehow
imagine that the crowd is changed a
good deal from other years. There seem
TO be more people here apparently from
the country and the smaller towns, and
less from the larger cities, for there is not
the smart dressing that have noticed on
former occasions. Most OF the styles
seem to be about a year behind time,
whereas they have usually seemed 10 be
about year ahead. am certain that
the people are more plainly and soberly
dressed-you do not see the extremes
that have prevailed here in former sea-
sons. II has been suggested that dull
times in business makes difference, and
some think that many who ordinarily come
here have gone to California this year.
suspect that there is large contingent
who find that Atlantic City is becoming
bit too plebeian and are seeking more
exclusive resorts. The people are here
in multitudes, however-the hotels are
full TO the roof and the board walk and
the piers have their tens OF thousands
passing in review by day and night.
Judging from the sounds within the live
ly cafes and other palaces of convivial
pleasure, and the gay crowds that are
ever pressing in toward the bright lights,
the prohibition sentiment is not making
appreciable head way in this particular
town.
A view OF the beaches at the bathing
hour doesn't indicate any shortage of
dye stuffs because of the European war.
Headgear and hosiery and the costumes
that come between seem TO be even more
variegated and brilliant than usual. Tur-
bans and stockings, bathing suits and
neckcloths, are OF every hue OF the rain
bow. Vivid green seems TO be a favorite
color in stockings this year, according to
my observation-of course, it must be
understood, observe purely as matter
OF duty from reporters stand point
with good many shades OF what would
call sort OF canary color. Then there
are a considerable number OF combina-
tions with one color about half way up
the-er-oh, well-the calf, with another
shade the balance of the way. wonder
how such lad ever originated? SO far
as have noticed, no one has been ar
rested here for wearing skirt that fails
to reach within three inches OF the knees.
II this is the law, il is violated most scan
dalously. Far be il from me to tell on the
girls.
What a wonderfully beautiful place