Evening star., 1947-08-10
Early Picnic Grounds
By John CIoeett Proctor

WHICH, We nave nedro 30
much about recently, and
which adjoins Arlington
along the northeast part of
that historic estate and cemetery,
included also quite likely what was
known many years ago as Arlington
Spring. which stood in the lowlands
OF Arlington, eastward Of the man
sion Of George Washington Parke
Gusts. and only a short distance to
the east Of the c. & o. Canal that
once extended from Georgetown to
Alexandra.
Gel. Gusts, the grandson Of
Martha Washington. and foster son
Of Gen. George Washington, was
an unusually hospitable man, and
subsequent to 1874 and up to the
time Of his death in 1857 found one
Of his greatest delights in entertain
ing his friends on his estate Of 1,100
acres.
Up TO 1914 the residents Of WASH
ington seldom went on long excur-
sions down the river, and confined
themselves generally to places near
by, and particularly attractive was
Arlington Spring, also called Gusts
Spring, in honor Of the proprietor
Of Arlington House.
"The Falcons"
Col. Gusts was an honorary
member Of the Falcons, the pioneer
boat club Of Washington, and is
said always to have called them his
boys and gave them the run of the
estate. He built a wharf for them
and erected a pavilion. that they
might indulge in their favorite
amusement of dancing. AS result
the club gave many large parties
at the picnic grounds, and, accord
ing to an early account, when the
proprietor of Arlington saw party
arrive he would bring his fiddle and
play for them as long as they would
dance. and though he knew few
tunes, yet he would play these over
ana over "as long as any one would
keep time to them"
But the Falcons were not the only
ones who shared Mr.. Custis' hos
pitality In those early days, for,
according to Robert Ball, an early
Washingtonian:
"A1l of these conveniences were
freely open to the public, and they
were not allowed to pay any rent
for the privilege of the grounds or
the buildings. The first party that
arrived and got possession for the
day was protected in the exclusive
use of the buildings for such time
as they required them. So great was
the respect that the people felt for
the very liberal, venerable owner
of the grounds, added to their own
self-respect, that I never heard of
any violent contention between par
ties for these privileges. These were
the most attractive picnic grounds
in the vicinity Of our city and were
in constant demand during the
Summer season. There was wharf
extending out into the river for the
convenient landing of passengers
from excursion boats.
He Joined the Parties.
Persons who came and found the
pavilion occupied by dancers of an
other party would orderly pass to
some other part Of the grounds and
enjoy their refreshments without
attempting to intrude among the
ladies and gentlemen that they
found there dancing. There were
always an unlimited number of
Negro slaves of Mr.. Curtis in wait
ing, ready to give any attention
that the visitors required, for which
they appeared willing to accept
whatever compensation might be
rendered them. Mr.. Curtis used to
say he would rather his Negroes be
polite than profitable. He used
frequently to come down to the
spring and mingle with the parties
there assembled and appear to take
great delight in their pleasures and
enjoyment of his liberality.
"On several occasions large, long
boats or scows were fitted up to con-
vey passengers across from the
canal at Fourteenth street, and at
least one summer the Arlington
Belle, q small steamboat, ran tc
this place. Mr.. Human owned and
rented out perhaps dozen sail and
row boats. which he kept in the
canal near the Twelfth Street
Bridge, the use Of which could be
secured by a small payment"
President Fillmore.
Upon one occasion the Falcons
took to Arlington President Fillmore
and his entire cabinet. They EN-.
barked at what Is now Seventeenth
street and Constitution avenue, ane
when they arrived at the picnic
grounds Mr.. Gusts surprised tht
party with a wonderful spread
served in the Gusts and Washing
ton silver plate. and, contrary tt
the general practice of the host, {
Towering bowl of punch occupied
the center of the table, though i
was stated that the President ant
Mr.. Curtis did not indulge. Indeed
tradition states, that though the lat
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