The Bridgeport evening farmer., 1916-08-11
Converted High
 Club--Other Improvements Under Way in This .~.: Desirable Residence Section

The Black Rock promontory, or bluffs, with Black Rock liar bor on the East, and Ash Greek and its 'lagdon" on the West, with its views of the Black Rock and Penfield Light Houses just off its shores, was recog- nized many years ago as. the most desirable residence sec ton in Bridgeport, and practi- cally all the land in this section was bought up by wealthy peo- pie and converted into beauti- full, large residential estates. the most noted of which were the Gilman, Pearsall, Thorne, Bartram, Watson and Hall es- tates. These beautiful houses and grounds led many people to call this exclusive section the Newport of Bridgeport, " as a ride around this district does much to remind one of Newport, America's most beau- tiful city of summer homes.
 It is doubtful if many of Bridgeport's "new population are aware that such a beautiful section of the city exists, as it lies icst outside of the range of traffic and the noise of. trolley. jitney and the 'teeming crowds" "
 Recently one of these estates came on the market, and was purchased by Simon Lake, of the Lake Torpedo Boat Com pany, who thought he saw pos abilities of dividing up this ex- tensive estate into a number of smaller estates, whereby a greater number of refined peo- pie might build homes and en- joy the beauties of nature in the shape of fresh and healthy salt water 5reezes, open skies, well kept lawns, trees, and flowers and the opportunity to enjoy boating, bathing. fishing, tennis, golf and other sports conducive to the health of both mind and body, all of which tend to make life more worth living. &
 Gilman Mansion.
 In carrying out these inn provements Mir. Lake decided to convert the Gilman Mansion into a high class residential club for men, in the belief that the great business interests had brought many men into the city who were either so unfortunate as to not have families of their own or else whose homes were elsewhere and who, cOnse- quently, were themselves de- prived of the comforts of home life. The old Gilman Manor House has, therefore, been re- modelled and refurnished as the s'Manor Club," with 28 sleeping rooms, beautiful lobby or lounge, dining, music, rest and billiard rooms, with a large porch looking out on the tennis court, lawns and putting green; with ample bath and shower rooms to afford all the comforts that any man could expect in the finest appointed home. A unique feature of the Club is it's pictures, many of which MT. Lake collected in Europe and has loaned to the Club; some are by old masters. Garage ac- commodations are also being provided.
 Wonderful Site.
 Mir. Gilman, when he se- lected this site for his magnif1cent house, chose a wonderful locality, in that it is only about two and one-half minutes walk from. Fairfield Avenue entrance through Courtland Avenue, and is just far enough back from the Sound to be protected from it's winter storms by the bluffs and high groves of trees, yet is only a few minutes walk to the bathing beaches at St. Mary's- by-the-Sea. It is an ideal spot for an all -the-year-rou home.
 No intoxicants will be sold or served in the Club, as it is planned to be a home for tired and busy men whose rest can not be interfered with by jolli- ficati0n parties. On the other hand, special attention is to be given to the cuisine to secure the best the market affords and