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A Winter at Fort George
Florida
From HARPER'S MAGAZINE.
FOREST AVENUE, FORT GEORGE ISLAND.
TAKEN IN MIDWINTER.
"O, evergree isle, O, isle of the sea,
My heart in its longing turns ever to thee.
O, wonderful isle, with glimmering sheen,
The rarest and fairest that was ever seen."
THE FORT GEORGE ISLAND COMPANY.
FORT GEORGE HOTEL, FORT GEORGE ISL'D. FLORIDA
OFFICERS AND STOCKHOLDERS
OFFICERS.- Andrew Washburn, Boston, President; O.S. Marden, Boston, Treasurer; Nicholas Ball, Block Island, R. I. Auditor. DIRECTORS. - J.H. Chadwick, Boston; R.K. Dow, New York; John J. Bright, Cambridge, Mass.; Joseph Davis, Boston; John J. Farwell, Claremont, N.H.; Austin B. Flethcer, New York; STOCKHOLDERS- Dr. H. Holbrook Curtis, New York; J.A. Geissenhainer, New York; Benj. DeGrout, New York; Hon. S. G. W. Benjamin, New York; Elizabeth S. Spencer, New York, Wm. E. Gordon, New York; W. Rockhill Potts, New York; Fred'k Levey, New York; James S. Gill, Boston; Frank Wood, Boston; charles E. Wiggin & Sons, Boston; Keeler & Co., Boston; J.H. Pray, Sons & Co., Boston; Benjamin Fitch, Boston; A. W. Wheeler, Boston; C.R. Sherman, Boston; D.W. Russell, Boston: W.O. Rogers, Boston; Charles F. Hastings, Boston; James L. Wareham, Boston; F.S. Clifford, Boston; W.E.A. Legg, Boston; John W. Scott, Boston; Osborne Stearns, Boston; R. Hollings & Co. Boston; A.P. Sewall, Boston; Geo. F. Lakin, Boston; D.L. Guernsey, Boston; W. G. Crawford, Boston; John Boyd, Philadelphia; Daniel W. Johnson, Calremont. N.H; Henderson Bros., Cambridge, Mass; R.H. Johns, Jacksonville, Fla.; Hon. Geo F. Drew, Jacksonville, Fla; T. V. Cashen, Jacksonville, Fla.; D. B. Plumer, Lakewood, N.J.; F.C. Cundall, E. Greenwhich, R. I.; C.P. Goss, Waterbury, Conn.; Capt. J. N. Bofinger, St. Louis, Mo.; H.W. Morton, Providence, R.I.; corbin, May & Co., Chicago, III.; Henry F. Campbell, Malden Mass; and others.
[Map of Fort George Island, 1887]
1000 magnificent cottage and villa sites. 3000 acres of rich meadow land. 150 acres of finest orange and lemon land. 27 miles of avenues. Finest shell drives in Florida. Fifty varieties of native semi-tropical trees. The only Perfume Laboratory (perfume from native flowers) in America. Magnolia Park, of nearly 50 acres, containes highest land on the coast south of N.J. Highlands. 20,000,000 bushels osyter shells, enough to make a shell road extending from Boston to Fort George.
[Picture of Point Isabel.]
"A picture of perfect loveliness."- Scribner's Monthly.
"One of the loveliest and most striking prospects of Fort George island. The woody point terminates in three sentinel palms, and at one's feet are the yellow sands and the surf perpetually rolling on the abr, whose rhythmic roar is faintly wafted upon the air, fragrant with the odor fo many flowers."
-Harper's Monthly.
Fort George Island.
"THE GARDEN OF FLORIDA."
A PECULIAR charm has ever hung about the islands of the sea, and a universal sentiment has inspired the poets of all times to find them in their ideals of peace and felicity. Pindar sange in sweetest numbers of the "Islands of the Blest," and our own Whittier,0]
"I know not where His islands lift
Their fronded palms in air," etc.
Little did Ponce de Leon dream, as he sailed past the beautiful Fort George Island, just where the mighty St. John flings itself into the sea, that the fabled fountain of eternal youth was there, and that this was one of the islands about which the poets had so long dreamed and sung.
It is the most souther of that chain of Sea Islands so famous before the war for the production of long-fibre cotton.
"The view, as one enters the Island, is one of the most enchanting in the United States. Nothing can exceed the delight, approaching intoxication, with which one accepts the simple fact of existence, as he breathes the exhilerating air of this magical Island, and revels in the voluptuous luxuriance of its vegetation, the splendor of the sunrise over the sea, the solemn pageantry of the sunset over the rolling velvet of its forests." -Harper's Monthly.
"To Fort George Island nature has been very bountiful. About forty kinds of trees grow upon the Island. The palm is found here in an abundance unknown in Southern Florida, and gives to the scenery its peculiar tropical appearance. It recalss scanes and stories of Oriental tales, and we dream of those bright, enchanted islands of the sea which poets tell us no storm can reach, and where life is ever beautiful and young.
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"A soft, mild warmth is in the air. It is early March by the almanac; but what care we for almanacs? At home, the north wind is howling; snow, perhaps, is drifting; bare limbs of trees are tossing and creaking in the blast. But what care we for wind or snow? We have forgotten what they mean. It is summer; strawberries are a aprt of our daily fare; violets are blossoming, and stately palms lift their stems against the sky, crown with royal plumage, through which the winds whisper soft and low. Yet the air is not warm enough to enervate; with all its softness mingles still the fresh breath of the sea." -Scribner's Monthly.
EDGEWOOD AVENUE
A Delightful Saild
of an hour and a half from Jacksonville, down the winding St. Johns River, through most romantic land and water scenery, past Yellow Bluff, Red Bluff, and St. Johns Bluff, and the steamer lands us at the beautiful little village of Pilot Town, composed mostly of families of pilots who guide vessels over the bar. On the opposite shore is the summer resort, Mayport.
Passing over a rustic bridge, we enter the Island by the famous Edgewood Avenue, a magnificent shell road, which for two and a half miles winds along the
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edge of the highlands, in many a graceful curve, through natural forests of palmetty, myrtle, holly, bay-mahogany, live-oak, water-oak, and a score of other semi-tropical trees. Here the eye is struck by the sight of immense
Indian Mounds,
composed entirely of oyster shells. These wonderful mounds- the study of which would well repay a visit to Fort George- cover forty acres to a depth of many feet! In them are found concentric layers of human skeletons, stone implements, and bits of pottery. The shells are very valuable for fertilizing purposes, and also burned for lime, and used in making the shell roads so famous at Fort George. Hundreds of years must have elapsed since the Indians had their wigwams here and begun to build up these immense mounds, upon the summits of which full-grown oaks and cedars, draped with long Spanish moss, now stand, as sentinels, over the sleeping Indian.
Upon our left we pass several picturesque residences and the old "Ghost House," about which still lingers many a romantic tale. After passing the EPISCOPAL CHAPEL, we come to the Fort George Hotel, which is beautifully located upon the bluffs of the ocean. A short distance from the hotel, near the ocean, and from the center of the beautiful Magnolia Park, rises
Mount Cornelia,
the highest land on the Atlantic coast for 1,500 miles south of New Jersey highlands [U.S. Coast Survey]. We ascend the high tower at the Signal Station upon its summit, and here, one hudnred and fifty feet above the ocean, we look out on the tropical panorama below us. To the north is the all-encircling sea, of celestial, luminous blue, with its ever-varying line of white, where the breakers dash themselves into foam upon the shallow bar. Yonder, a school of porpoises sport in the sea; above the bar thousands of sea-gulls screech and fly in every direction; the gray and bald eagles circle about in search of prey, and now and then swoop down upon a fish-hawk, and stach the prize which it had plucked from the sea. Thousands of aquatic birds congregate upon the bar. Flocks of pelicans, like soldiers at drill, parade the beach. Scores of canvas-back and mallard ducks, cranes, herons, and wild geese stand upon the shore. The lighthouse, upon the opposite bank stands out sentinel-like against the deep-green background of the glossy forest; while up and down the river move the scores of steam and sail vessels, rbinging their loads of hopeful health-seekers, happy
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MOONLIGHT FROM EDGEWOOD AVENUE
"A group of tall, round-headed cabbage palms lift their slender, sinuous trunks far above all surrounding objects, and stand out distinctly in the uncertain moonlight, recalling scenes and stories of Oriental tales. Between two palsm, which stand like mailed sentinels, guarding our forest avenue, we look across a bit of glittering sand beach, out upon the still, blue ocean, and dream of those bright, enchanted islands of the sea which the potes tell us no storm can reach, and where life is ever beautiful and young." -Julia B. Dodge
tourists, and eager investors, to this land of tropical scenery, sunshine, and flowers. But what pen can describe the sea of bewildering green below us, flecked with flowering trees and infinite variety of shade, scattered over the unbroken repose of a semi-tropical forest! What consummate art! What wealth of wooded beauty! The vegetation of two zones here unite in almost bewildering grandeur and loveliness. A wonderful mass of verdure, draped and festooned in the most enchanting manner with wild grape-vines, trailing honeysuckle, yellow jasmine, and resurrection ivy, oaks, pines, palmettoes, magnolias, myrtles, holly, all inextricably interwoven, and as regular in their rounded outlines as the clipped groves of Versailles. Here and there ensconced in this tropical forest, amid luxuriant orange groves, century plants, and banana trees,a re the picturesque residences of Northern gentleman who have been attracted to this "Paradise of the Sea" by its wonderful natural attractions, its fertile soil, and its well-known healthfulness.
To the westward, in the midst of the orange and lemon groves, and covered with jasmine and honeysuckle, is the old plantation homestead, for a centruy the home of the slave-lords of the island. Six hundred slaves were kept upon this
[Picture of] RUINES OF SLAVE CABINS, FORT GEORGE ISLAND.
Six hundred slaves were kept upon this famous King Kinglsey plantation.
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famous plantation. This beautiful mansion is now the residence of Mr. J. F. Rollins, a Northern gentleman, who has made the Island his permanent home. Parts of olds slave cabins and drivers' houses are still stnaidng. Of the greatest interest to all are these relics and reminders of slavery days. here may be seen the remains of the prison, where a female slave starved to death, and also the "stocks." Over these deserted and disappearing ruins nature has thrown a kindly veil of trailing ivy, honeysuckle, and soft gray moss.
On the extreme end of Mt. Cornelia, and overlooking the ocean below us, is the famous
Point Isabel.
What vistas of exquisite beauty are framed by the interlacing arches of the huge live-oak, cedar, or magnolia, festooned with the wild grape vine and honeysuckle! Through palm-guarded vistas we look our upon the cerulean sea, fading off toward the purple horizon, serrated with white sails.
Stretched like a huge snowbank for miles along the shore, is a beautiful white beach of corraline sand, upon which the breakers dash themselves into foam.
About forty feet below, nestled in an exquisite frame of tropical verdure, we look down upon a
Seasie Lake,
across which a cardinal0bird has just flashed his gorgeous plumage. Tall rushes frindge its deep-green banks, while tropical grasses, of varied tints, and stately palmettoes, mirro themselves in its glassy surface. Here and there upon the shore, gazing into the water, stands a demure crane and a heron, white abnd blue. We hear at intervals the notes of the mocking-bird, as he adds his song to the grand symphony of nture. The rhythmic roar of Old Ocean is weafted upon the gentle breeze, fragrant with the odors of the orange-blossom, peach, and jasmine.
Meadows, greeen and golden, decked with tall, feathery grasses and wild-flowers, line the river-banks. The sun, siking behind the evergreen woods of Florida, casts a rosy tinge across this very sea of tropical forest, and ass the last touches to a picture already perfet.
When compelted, the avenues of this Island will have an aggregate length of twenty seven miles. A glance at the cuts which we inert will give the reader a faint idea of their picturesque beauty, but no words can describe them.
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The Shell Roads of Fort George.
Fort George is noted for its beautiful drives voer the hard, smooth, and marble-like roads made from the oyster-shells, of which mention has been made.
Florida has but few good roads; it is not strange that these fine avenues should be the pride of all Fort Georgians, and the delight of guests at their fair Island.
THE DRIVES, FORT GEORGE
Palmetto Avenue.
This beautiful avenue, pictures of which are familiar to every Florida visitor, is composed entirely of stately palmettoes, fifty to sixty feet high, and there is nothing to compare with it in America. It was laid out about one hunrded and twenty-five years ago by a slave-overseer, and is widely known to-day as a marbel of grandeur and beauty.
An avenue has also been cut through the forest to the top of Mt. Cornelia, in the center of the beautiful Magnolia Park.
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Fine horses and elegant carriages of every description have been furnished for the guests, and it is the intention of the Company to make a great feature of the magnificent drives at Fort George. Guests wishing to bring their own horses and carriages, will find good stabling at reasonable charges.
FAMOUS PALM AVENUE, FORT GEORGE ISLAND.
Sea Beach Boulevard.
A magnificent boulevard of coralline sand, so hard that wheels scarecely leave a trace upon it, extends for miles along the shore of the ocean at the mouth of the St. Johns, and makes one fo the finest beach drives to be found on the entire coast, affording a most enchanting view of land and water scenery.
The magnificent drives of Fort George cannot fail to attract the wealthy families from the North who spend their winters in Florida, and are greatly dis-
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appointed in the poor and sandy roads generall found. The Commissioner of Duval County, in his official report, says: -
"The hard, smooth, and practically level roads of Fort George Island, made entirely of oyster shalls, make a drive unequalled in the State. This system of excellent roads has a total length of twenty-seven miles, and penetrates the Island in every direction."
ROLLINS MANSION. RESIDENCE OF HON. JOHN F. ROLLINS.
Grand opportunity to invest at Fort George, either in the stock of the Company, or in building lots.
THE LIVE-OAKS," NEAR FORT GEORGE HOTEL.
"Nowhere on the face of the earth is there such a congeries of islands. They are full of attractions, and are often overgrown in the most enchanting manner by oak forests, groves of palms and lianas, while the delicious sea-breezes of a semi-tropical clime and the historic legends of the past invest them with a wonderful poetic haze, like the golden vapor which sunset weaves over the roofs and spires of a distant town. The pecularity of Fort George Island is, that, more than any other spot I have seen in our country, it seems to unite the vegetation of the two zones. The pine and the oak assume a form and a richness that ally them to the rank vegetation of the jungles of the Amazon."
Hon. S. G. W. Benjamin, late U.S. Minister to Persia.
To Physicians
THE CLIMATE OF FORT GEORGE ISLAND
Florida is not heaven; Fort George is not a paradise. Unfortunately the exlixir of life has not been found, here or elsehwere. A thousand diseases still knock for admission at the human citadel, but whereever we go, over the wide, wide world, consumption is still king. No potency of drugs, no physician's skill, not discovery of science, no pleading of loved ones, can stay the progress of this merciless tyrany. One of of every four of the human family mustbe sacrified to this monster. No race is exempt, no blood is untainted.
Fortunately, however, for poor humanity, a few spots have been provided where the sufferers afflicted with this scourge may be directed to the king physician who has exausted every means in his power for their relief. We wish to call the especial attention of the medical fraternity to the peculiar advantage of
The Climate of Fort George
for all patients with a consumptive tendency, or any disease of the respiratory organs or heart, as well as for all renal and nervous affections of any nature.
It is a well established fact that the climate of sea-silands is far more invigornating that that of the main-land, and hence much mroe beneficial to a large class ofinvalids. They are less subject to severe and sudden changes in temperature. The surrounding salt-water, absorbing all poisonous gases and impurities, acts as a powerful antiseptic. Statistics show that residents of sea-islands are of greater longevity, and are less subject to pneumonia, diphteria, scarlet fever, or epidemics of any natrue, than dwellers upon the main-land. The resident physician of one of our Atlantic coast islands publishes some imteresting facts in regard to island climate. He says:--
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"In four years I have had but one case of pneumonia in 1,300 inhabitants. Block island is noted for the longevity of its inhabitants. The death-rate here is less than eight tenths of one per cent, and at the last census only three out of 1,300 inhabitants were under the physician's care."
CEDAR AVENUE, FORT GEORE.
In cases of pulmonary troubles, the great value of Florida's cliamte is too well known to require discussion; but we claim that the climate of Florida is surpassed by that of her islands.
Truly there is a certain life-giving, health restoring power in the sea, which does not exist upon the land. The Gulf Stream, which converts bleak Scotland into a garden, gives to Fort George Island one of the most equable and salubrious climates in the world. It is the invigorating tonic of the ocean mingled with the healing odors of the tropical forest, which gives the wonderful medicinal properties to the climate of this "Paradise of the Sea." The Southern sunshine is filtered through air light and buoyant, yet permeated with the sulphates of man-
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nesium and potassium, chlorides of sodium, bromine, iodine, and other of Nature's great remedies, distilled fresh from the ocean laboratories. The temperature at Fort George is thrity to forty degrees warmer than that of New York in winter, and actually two to fifteen degrees cooler in summer.
The climate at Fort George Island, owing to its complete encirclement by waters tempered by the Gulf Stream, is fulyl equal to those places situated 200 miles farther South in the interior of the state. This is attested by the comparative exemption from frosts, and the nature of its forest and vegetable productions, which are as remarkably tropical in their character as those found in Southern Florida.
"Death rate in Massachusetts, 1 in 254; in New York, 1 in 473; In Florida, 1 in 1,447." - U.S. Surgeon General's Report.
We beg to submit the testimony of a few prominent physicians and others in regard to the wonderful climate of Fort George Island: --
GAINESVILLE, FLA., Nov. 30, 1885.
DR.-----: My Dear sir,-- Your letter of the 20th inst. at hand. In regard to the climate of Fort George, I will say that it possesses qualities not often found together, which are due to its location and the character of its surface. Together with the mildness and comparative equability which it enjoys in common with other portions of this delightful land, it has the advantage of being perpetually fanned by the invigorating sea-breeze, which comes, pure and uncontaminated, direcly from the glorious Atlantic, whose breakers murmur along its beautiful beach. It is this tonic and soothing character of the climate which renders it so excellently adapted to the cure of so large a proportion of the ills which flesh is heir to. The poor sufferer, worn out with the hopeless fight against a double enemy- his disease and the cold, cheerless weather,- instead of being at once stimulated and goated into a struggle for life and health, a struggle in which he too often rapidly succumsb, finds here a gentle opiate in the soft, delicious air, which sooths his irritability, cools his feverish blood, and lures him to a quiet, dreamy forgetfulness of his condition. But while lapped in this delightful calm, the salthy air, rich in ozone, is doing its work of purifying and restoring his broken down system. Soon he finds his appetite returning, and with it a gradual measure of strength; and not until then does nature rouse him to fight. Strong enough to keep about, his interest is soon aroused by the wealth of exquisie and novel beauty around him, and each day finds him making longer and longer excursions through the matchless forest avenues which interest the Island in every direction, and whose tropical beauty can never grow stale by familiarity.
I wil refer to certain advantages which Fort George Island possesses over nearly every other place in the State. Next to the salt air, I considre the magnificent shell roads of Fort George, together with its smooth, hard-packed beach, as the greatest sanitary features of the island, for the simple reason that they render exercise in the open air easy and delightful. Instead of toiling through the deep sand, as in many other places in Florida, the invalid here finds a smooth, hard pavement, equal to the finest concrete, winding for miles along the edge of the Island, often within sight of the sea, and always within hearing of the sound of its breakers, overarched by magnificent live-eaks, hickories, and magnolias, whose picturesquely twisted branches are twined with exquisite vines, and often bear a heavy crop of fernsl while in other palces long rows of palms give a tropical aspect to the scene, and remind the grateful lounger of the great distance separating him from the snowy landscape of the north.
Having been restored to health myself by a winter and summer residence on the Island during the past year, I may be excused for speaking with some warmy of the beauty of its scenery and cli-
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mate, and I do not wish to mislead any one into the idea that the climate is perfect. There are some chilly days, generally in December, but these are few: and after deducting these, there still remains, to the credit of this Island, a very astonishing number of mellow, golden days, of which winter is mainly made up, when mere existence is a pleasure to the healthy, and which whisper hope in the ear of the invalid just arrived from the regions of snow and chilling winds. Here we have fresh air, night and day, of a balmy softness, and yet with all the invigorating qualities which it acquires as it blows softly over thousands of miles of salt-water. This is the true antispetic, and will find it way into every vesicle of damaged lung, soothing the invalid's cough, and yielding up its store of oxygen to bring fresh life and strength to the enfeebled body.
But I must not allow myself to say that all my enthusiasm and gratitude would prompt. I would onyl say, that in all my ramblings over Florida, I have found only one Fort George Island. In the beauty of the tropical scenery, and the sublimity of its ocean views, it stands unrivaled. High above the sea-level, with scarcely a spot of wet, low land within its limits, and bathed in the pure, ever chaning currents of sea air whcih come in from the vast expanse of Old Ocean, and which find their way through all the recesses of its grand old forests, it is secure from all danger of malaria. I never spent a pleasanter summer, nor one so free from extreme heat, as the past sumemr spent here, and I see no reason why Fort George should not be made a grand success, both as a winter and summer resort.
Very truly yours,
REGINALD M. REYNOLDS, M.D.
"The salubriousness of the climate of Fort George is scarcely equalled anywhere else on our coast."
-Hon. S. G. W. Bejamin (late U.S. Persian Minister).
"There is no place in Florida its equal for health." - J. F. Rollins, U.S. Land Agent, Gainesville, Fla.
Nature's Studio- The Artist's Paradise.
We wish to call special attention of artists to Fort George Island as possessing rare studies for the pencil and brush. Nowhere else have we seen such exquisite combinations of varied beauty, such minlging of shade, such blending of tints. Every object seems fresh from Nature's touch, and is so placed as to heighten the grand effect of the whole. With a consummate art, nature has combined the ocean, the river, Mount Cornelia, Point Isabel, the adjacnet islands, and the grand old forests, into one magnificent harmony of perspective and color. She seems to have fairly outdone herself. How she has revelled in her tropical profusion! What interweaving of matchless ivies, wild honeysuckle, vines, tropical flowers, and exquisie feathery grasses! What inspiration to genius. What exquisite music from Nature's orchestra- the roar of the breakers on the beach, the mocking-birds song and the eagle's screech, the wind playing upon her harp of ten thousand strings in the old pine forests! We would especially recommend artist to read the beautifully illustrated articles in Scribner's September, 1877, and Harper's Monthly, November 1878. See, also, The World's paradises, by Hon. S. G. W. Benjamin.
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The Invalid's Hope.
"And the pale health-seeker findeth there
The wine of life in its pleasant air."
"Malaria is unknown, and the extreme healthfulness of Fort George is noted." - Official Report of Commissioner of Duval County.
If Florida is the rich man's paradise, it is also the invalid's hope. Nine tenths of all the deaths in the United States are premature, and one fourt of these are from consumption. How many thousands of those who annually die of this terrible disease, as well as heart, kidney, and nervous diseases, might be saved by a residence in Florida.
How many thousands of invalids, in all the fifty States and Territories of the Union, from the bleak and rock-bound shores of New England, from the blizzard region of the great lakes of the north, from the broad praries of the great West, from the Central and Southern States, turn with longing eyes toward sunny Florida. We would call special attention of all invalids to the article headed "To Physicians," in this pamphlet.
A charming climate all the year. Warm in winter and cool in summer.
"The climate is most delightful, summer and winter, and no place in America can be more healthy." - Capt. Chas. Holmes, Fort George, Fla.
It seems incredibly to Northern people that the temperature at Fort George should be 30 to 40 degrees warmer in winter, and actually 10 to 15 degrees cooler in summer, than in most places in the North; but such is the fact. Oranges ripen and flowers blossom all winter at Fort George, while in August the mercury remains most of the time in the seventies. it does not seem strange that the physicians and Northern gentlemen who own residences at Fort George, should be enthusiastic over its wonderful climate. A prominent physician from Minnesota, who went to Fort George for its health, writes: "I never spent a pleasanter summer, nor one so free from extreme heat, as the past upon this Island."
Experience has shown that an equable average of 75 degrees temeprature and humidity of about 70 (100 representing saturation) are most conducive to human
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From HARPER'S MAGAZINE.
THE FOREST GRAVES, FORT GEORGE ISLAND.
comfort. When temperature is much below this, artificial heat is required; when temperature is much above, it is enervating and relaxing. When, on the other hand, the atmosphere is too dry, it does not contain electricity enough to keep it pure and healthy, and we always have greater and more sudden changes of temperature. For instance: with a humidity at 70, only ten degrees depression gives us the dew point; whereas the mercury runs much lower in the very dry climate before the dew point is reached. After this is reached the futher fall of the mercury is exceedingly slow, because of the latent heat which it contains. Hence the absence of sudden changes and cold nights, and exemption of sea islands from frost. A climate too dry to keep the skin moist and active, throws a great strain upon the kidneys (since these functions are vicarious); hence one reason for the comparative expemption of islanders from kidney diseases. The air is not damp at Fort George, but soft and balmy. It has also been found that man is capable
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of greater physical and mental exertion near the sea-level, as there is much less train upon the vital organs. Hence, people with heart disease should keep as near the sea-level as possible, to reduce the action of the heart to a minimum, and relieve the stain caused by highland altitude. A glace at the map and temperature record of Fort George Island will show that above conditions are wonderfully met upon this semi-tropical Island. During a large part of the year the mercury rarely goes out of the seventies, and there is scarcely fifteen degrees variation between summer and winter.
Besides, the ocean does not absorb the sun's heat as rapidly, nor does it allow it to radiate off into space so quickly, as the soil of the main-land; hence another and very important cause of the wonderfully even temperature of sea islands. We compare, below, the temperature, as taken from Fort George Hotel register, of August and September with that of two of the most trying months (in the North) in spring, beginning from the middle of February.
August 1, 85 degrees
"2, 84"
"3, 83"
"4, 78"
"5, 78"
"6, 80"
"7, 78"
"8, 78"
"9, 76"
"10, 78"
"11, 78"
"12, 80"
"13, 78"
"14, 78"
"15, 78"
"16, 78"
"17, 78"
"18, 75"
"19, 74"
"20, 72"
"21, 78"
"22, 74"
"23, 72"
"24, 72"
"25, 74"
"26, 74"
"27, 78"
"28, 74"
"29, 72"
"30, 78"
"31, 78"
September 1, 75 degrees
"2, 78"
"3, 74"
"4, 72"
"5, 78"
"6, 78"
"7, 75"
"8, 78"
"9, 78"
"10, 76"
"11, 74"
"12, 74"
"13, 78"
"14, 78"
"15, 75"
"16, 76"
"17, 78"
"18, 77"
"19, 75"
"20, 74"
"21, 78"
"22, 75"
"23, 75"
"24, 78"
"25, 75"
"26, 75"
"27, 76"
"28, 75"
"29, 72"
"30, 74"
February 15, 70 degrees
"16, 69"
"17, 68"
"18, 70"
"19, 68"
"20, 67"
"21, 64"
"22, 74"
"23, 60"
"24, 72"
"25, 64"
"26, 59"
"27, 70"
"28, 69"
March 1, 70 degrees
"2, 61"
"3, 70"
"4, 66"
"5, 70"
"6, 71"
"7, 75"
"8, 74"
"9, 74"
"10, 76"
"11, 68"
"12, 74"
"13, 70"
March 14, 82 degrees
"15, 80"
"16, 72"
"17, 81"
"14, 64"
"19, 70"
"20, 75"
"21, 72"
"22, 66"
"23, 68"
"24, 82"
"25, 82"
"26, 81"
"27, 72"
"28, 69"
"29, 83"
"30, 82"
"31, 76"
April 1, 70 degrees
"2, 74"
"3, 60"
"4, 69"
"5, 68"
"6, 60"
"7, 80"
"8, 71"
"9, 69"
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ROLLINS' GROVE (25 ACRES), NEAR FORT GEORGE HOTEL.
FROM PHOTOGRAPH TAKEN MIDDLE JANUARY.
Oranges from this grove took the prize to the last New Orleans Exhibition.
Think of this, New England people,- a June climate in Febraury and March! Peach and plum orchards in full bloom! Orange-trees loaded with golden fruit; strawberries, blackberries, and delicious vegetables ripending during these months of the terror to the Northern people!
The magnificent surf-bathing nearly the entire year is another great attraction of the Fort George Island, especially to those remaining on the Island all the year.
The great advantages of a place which has such a remarkable climate all the year, over scores of places in Florida, which must be abandoned in summer, are too evident to need further comment.
We are glad to announce that the celebrated author, Hon. S. G. W. Benjamin, late minister to Persia, has purchased four lots at Fort George, for the erection of a beautiful winter residence. Mr. Benjamin is a very enthusastic over the beauty and climate of Fort George, and says it can be made the most beautiful resort in the world.
He has included this Island in his book, "The World's Paradises."
He has also written it up in his book, "The Islands of the sea," and in Harper's (illustrated), November, 1878.
Super Quality of Island Products.
It is a well-established fact that both the animal and the vegetable products of sea islands excel in quality those raised on the main land. The surrounding salt water exerts a marvelous influence upon the cliamte, which is most even and uniform. Sudden and severe changes in temperature rarely occur, and growth in animal and vegetable life is steady and uninterrupted, and without the retarding reverses of successive heath, chills, droughts, etc., incident to the main land. Especially is this true of Fort George Island, whose shores are in a perpetual sea-bath, tempered by the waters of the Gulf Stream, which render it equal in the peculiarly tropical character and the quality of its products to Southern Florida.
The rich, genial soil of this Island, with a semi-tropical sun to mature and concentrate the juices without destroying the lively, aromatic flavor of the fruit, imparts great quality value to its products. It was famous before the war for the production of some of the finest long-fibre cotton in the world. The large amount of oyster shells and other fertilizing elements which are found mixed with its soil imparts a most wonderful stiumuls to its crops.
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An Island of Roses
"Where green the savannas, and ceaseless the flow, Of the lovely St. Johns to the seaboard below; Where the pine tree its resinous odor distills, And the scene of magnolia the atmosphere fills; Where ripens the lime, and the orange tree grows, There grew into beauty the Florida rose."
At Fort George Island, above any other spot in America, one is impressed with the fact that the hand of the Creator has lavished upon flowers all the resources of his infinite skill. It is simply impossible to describe the beautiful grasses, vines, and flowers which decorate and perfume this "Paraidse of the Sea," where
"Gentle gales, Fanning their odoriferous wings, dispense
Native perfumes, and whisper whence they stole
Those balmy spoils."
The beautiful forse, which blooms every day in the year, the fragrant orange and magnolia blossoms, the yellow jasmine, the honeysuckle, the wild olive, the wood-violet, the passion flower, the Spanish bayonet, the scarlet trumpet creeper, and numberless others "chosen by the Immortal Planter," are found upon this magical Island.
As we enter the Island through palmetto groves and under huge limbs of live oak festooned with Spanish moss, and clumbs of mistletoe clinging to their branches, the trees flecked with beautiful liches, and their branches covered with the exquisite feathery green of the resurrection ivy- the avenue scarlet with the gleaming berries of the thorny-leaved holly, and the anon passing under the beautiful, glossy leaved magnolia, radiant with its splendid bloom- the atmopshere fraught with pine, cedar, and citrine odors, mingled with the perfume of orange flowers, and the sweet sea breeze laden with brominic odors, producing that exhilirating effect which, to the Northerner, can only be com-
(20)
pared to the fragrance of the country air on a spring morning- we feel that Arabia cannot boast
"---- A fuller gale of joy, than liberal, thence
Breathes through the sense and takes the ravished soul."
EPISCOPAL CHURCH, FORT GEORGE ISLAND.
The peculiar healthfulness of Fort George over other parts of Florida, is in a measure due, no doubt, to the variety and luxuriance of its flora. The healing properties of pine odors are well known, as also are the refreshing qualities of citrine odors; but it is comparativedly unknown that perfumes generally are in the highest degree prophylactic (preventing disease), and that the odors of plants are all antiseptic (preventing decay). Those subtle emanataions which engender disease, whether derived from the malarious swamp, or as effete matter from the lungs of a disordered person, are at once destroyed by the odorous vapors,- not merely masked, as some assert, but neutralized by real chemical combination,- while it is established by the highest authority, that in the oxidation by sunlight of the odoriferous principle of plants, ozone is evolved in considerable quantities. In view of these facts, Mantegazza has recommended that malarious and unhealthful districts be guarded by the cultivation of these very flowers that Nature has so lavishly bestowed upon this Island.
(21)
Opinions of Distinguished Visitors
AND OTHERS.
"That Fort George Island can be made the most popular resort in Florida, I have not the shadow of a doubt, for it possesses, as you well know, every attraction that brings visitors to the State, and possesses these attractions in a much greater degree than any other portion of the State. You are aware how much has been written on the tropical luxuriance of the "Land of Flowers." How poorly the reality bears out the imaginary picture in most cases. What can be more disappointing, for instance, than the strecth of country between Savannah and Jacksonville, and how little of a tropical character there is to be found in and around the latter city. Nor is it much better up the river as far as I have been; nor even in the "high interior." After seeing all this, one can excuse the disgust of the tourist who has looke din vain for the Florida of his imagination. But let him catch but one glimpse of Fort George, and his almost extinguished faith revives, and by the time he has made the tour of the Island, he is as loud in his expressions of admiration as the veriest real estate agent in the State. And when people once learn that they can enjoy all this tropical beauty within a short two hours' sail of Jacksonville, will they not be induced to visit us, instead of going off in search of it to the wilds of South Florida, where they are out of reach of all comforts? Should a railroad shorten the time to less than an hour, the only trouble would be to accomodate the crowds who would come to enjoy our advantages. Fort George deserves to be the best known health resort in Florida." -Reginald M. Reynolds, M.D.
The late U.S. Minister to Persia, Hon. S. G.W. Benjamin, says:-
"The view as one enters Fort George Island, is one of the most echanting in the United States. It was with regret that I found the hour come when I must leave Fort George. Its lovely scenery, and, above all, the salubriousness of its atmosphere, scarcely equaled anywhere else on the coast, fascinated and urged me to linger. Fort George constantly suggests the tropics, by the luxuriance of its vegetation and the amenity of its air."
Julia B. Dodge, in Scribner's Monthly, says: -
"It would be hard to find a spot combining more advantages and delights than Fort George Island. The scenery is more tropical in many respects than the upper St. Johns. The air and sea teem with life in inexhaustible variety. The scene is one of perfect repose and peace. To Fort George, Nature has been very bountiful."
"There is no place in Florida to compare with Fort George Island."- J.C. Greely, Pres. Florida Savings Bank.
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"Fort George Island has the highest land on the Atlantic coast for 1, 500 miles south of New Jersey Highlands." -U.S. Coast Survey.
Having visited all the places of interest in FLorida, I can say with pleasure that Fort George Island is the most beautiful of them all. My first impression cannot be described. The scenery and climate make one feel as if they were out of the United States entirely, and wanted to stay there.
Yours truly,
JAMES R. THOMPSON,
1220 Market Street, Philadelphia.
Extract from letter by Dr. R. M. Reynolds.
FORT GEORGE ISLAND, Dc. 27, 1885.
"I think it needs no prophet to predict the future of Fort George Island. Combining so many advantages, it must fulfill its manifest destiny of becoming the most famous seaside resort of the South. The beauties which elsehwere are scattered far apart, are crowded together within the various limits of this poet's isle, and gives to its fairy like scenery a completeness and fascination peculiar to itself.
"It is hard to understand why Fort George Island should have been endowed with a wealth of tropical beauty so far surpassing that of points much father South; but the fact remains that nowhere else in the United States can be found a landscape so thoroughly tropical in appearance. While gazing upon all this loveliness, our faith in the cold evolution theory is shaken; for if intelligent aesthetic design was ever indicated anywhere, it is here, where every object that meets the eye seems to have been introduced into the picture merely for its artistic effect.
"From the top of Mount Cornelia a view can be obtained unequaled probably in America for tropical luxuriance and coloring. Fort George can be called, without fear of dispute, the home of the palm, so noble and majestic are the specimens of this noble tree. Through these lovely woods wind the famous shell roads of Fort George, forming a pavement hard and white as marble, over those smooth surface the carriage wheels glide without a jar, and which would tempt the most timid to mount the frisky bicycle. What can be imagined more delightful than a six mile run on the "wheel" over such a track, through the mazes of the semi tropical forest, with the salt breeze blowing up from the ocean, the song of the mocking bird, and the soft thunder of the distant breakers for an acocmpaniment!
"But perhaps the best feature of Fort George Island is the salubrity of its climate. Exposed as it is to the full influence of the sea breeze, and being composed almost entirely of high and dry land, it is free from any taint of malaria, and one can, without danger ot health, live here winter and summer. While affording a delightful retreat from the cold winters of the North, it does not envenerate and weaken the constitution, for the salt air of the Atlantic has a tonic property which counteracts the softness of the climate, and renders the atmosphere of Fort George, most conducive to health and longevity."
"Fort George is the loveliest spot on earth. I would not exchange my home here for anything less than heaven. I never tire of its varied scenery, the beautiful avenues, the dense forests, and the orange groves, now laden with golden fruit. The island is full of beauty, the climate is most delightful summer and winter, and no palce in America can be more healthy. We never have frost here to injure oranges." -Capt. Chas. Holmes.
KINGSLEY MANSION, FORT GEORGE, FLA.
"Fort George Island is the most beautiful and attractive resort in Florida for both winter and summer. There is no place in the State its equal for health and beauty. I have had my home at Fort George for over sixteen years, and know whereof I speak, for I have, during that time, given its character careful study." -Hon. John. F. Rollins.
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A Boston lady writes us from Fort George Hotel: -
"I don't think you have said half enough for Fort George in your hand-book. It is a perfect paradise."
Another lade writes from Fort George to a friend in Boston" -
"I suppose you would like to know how I like Fort George Island: well, it is the loveliest spot on earth, - a perfect fairyland, such as I have read about."
RESIDENCE OF HON. NICHOLAS BALL, OF BLOCK ISLAND, R.I.
A Unique Seasise Settlement.
Fort George Island, from its delightful location at the very gateway of Florida, its marvelous natural attraction, and wonderful climate summer and winter, must inevitably become a popular seaside settlement for the better classes of Northerners and Southerners alike.
(24)
From Harper's Magazine
POINT LOOKOUT, FORT GEORGE HIGHLANDS.
(The favorite spot for artists.)
(25)
The Fort George Island Company
Of all the palces of resort in Florida, only two or three are calculatd to attract the wealthy classes. This is due to the great lack of drives and to the cheap and mushroom appearance of many of the new places. This marvelous beauty, magnificent drives, the wonderful climate, and the great possibilities of Fort George Island, led to the purchase of the larger part of this Island by Northern capitalists, for the purpose of building up a first-class winter resort for the wealthy classes. The lots will all be sold with restrictions, and no inducements will be offered for the building of cheap houses. The Company's purchase includes the beautiful.
Mount Cornelia Park,
of nearly 30 acres (including Point Isabel), about 150 acres of extra orange land, for groves and gardening purposes, several thousand acres of marsh meadow land, and over a thousand building sites.
The purchase of the Company also includes the enormous oyster-shell mounds of many acres, which are exceedingly valuable for lime, fertilizing, and making of the beautiful shell roads so famous on this Island (it is estimated that there are 20,000,000 bushels of these shells, or enough to make a shell road from Boston to Fort George), the Fort George Hotel, with its fifteen acres of grounds, and a small hotel on the bathing beach. The
Forests of Fort George,
which belong to the Company, no pen describe. There are nearly fifty different kinds of beautifyl semi-tropical trees festooned in the most exquisite manner with vines and mosses of every description. These forests would well repay a visit to this lovely Island.
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"The Moorings,"
The New Fort George Hotel
It is one of the unique features of Florida. There are a few hotels in the State which may have cost more, but perhaps none upon which more care, pains, and tasted have been exercised. While the comfort, convenience, and enjoyment of its guests have been the prominent idea in its construction, yet elegance and beauty have not been lost sight of in building upon this picturesque and magical Island. It is the determination of the Company to keep one of the finest hotels in Florida.
The Fort George Hotel is magnificently located on high ground, with the ocean on one side, and on the other beautiful Magnolia Park, from which rises Mount Cordelia, terminating in the lovely Point Isabel.
Almost every room overlooks the ocean and magnificent tropical scenery. The location is called by visitors the most romantic in all Florida. A superior table, scrupulous neatness, prompt and efficient service, will be insisted upon by the officers of the COmpany.
Grant Hotel Piazza
A magnificent piazza sixteen feet wide extends along three sides of the hotel, affording the promenaders a grand panoramic view of the ocean. Hundreds of palm trees, beautiful red cedar, the live oak, and other varieties of semi tropical trees too numerous to mention, Fort George River, Mount Cornelia, the Observatory, hundreds of semi-tropical birds, the marble like avenues, the romantic walks, all make up a picture which can neither be described nor forgotten.
Mr. Benjamin, the late Persian Minister, says, "In all the world I have never seen such a magical spot, nor one so fascinating."
A plank walk connects the piazza with the new boat house on the beach, thus affording the guests nearly 1,000 feet of promenade.
The hotel is thoroughly heated by steam. Large open fire places in rotunda, parlor and many sleeping rooms.
Every room in the entire hotel is lighted by the most improved system of gas, and supplied with electric bills.
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Baths.
Hot sea, sulphur, and fresh-water baths will be introduced into the hotel.
Drainage.
Great care has been taken to secure perfect drainage for the entire house. All waste goes to the ocean.
Clippings from Correspondence
Mr. Fred. J. Bench, of Scranton, Pa., writes: -
"Fort George Island is one of the fairest spots on earth."
Walter Paris, an English artist, writes: -
"Of the natural beauties and tropical luxiriance of the Island, I can only say that I know nothing to be compared with it in Florida. The place is so attractive to me that I am seriously contemplating taking up my quarters there during the winter. It is simply unique in Florida. So far as my observation goes, I did not see any character of scenery that could for one moment comapre to the beauty and fascination of the tropical vegetation and attractive subjects for an artist, as on Fort George Island."
Hon. Edwards Pierremont, late Minister to England, speaking of his visit to Fort George Island, says: -
"I found the climate of Fort George Island to be unequaled on this Continent. Indeed, I think it the balmiest, lovliest air that I ever breathed. The scenery is very beautiful, and the photographs give a good idea of the exceeding beauty; the sea-air prevents the sunny days from being at all arid."
A prominent millionare from Philadelphia, writes:-
"I found at Fort George Island, as no where else in Florida, my idea of semi-tropical life. The place has been greatly blessed by nature in beauty of situation and scenery, and with a luxuriance of vegetable life. I recall with pleasure my drives over the perfect shell-raods, beneath the shade of live-oak and graceful palmetto. Under its present management all its native beautiies are being developed, and it is one of the most charming places in Florida. Its future bright with promise. I look forward with pleasant anticipation to the time when, leaving the cold and snow of the northern winter, I can enjoy at Fort George the balmy air of spring, and the perfume of the magnolia.
Very truly yours,
A. PARTRIDGE, Philadelphia, P.A."
The Atlantic Monthly for Nov., 1887, says:-
"The charms of Fort George Island, at the month of the St. Johns River, Florida, are widely
and justly celebrated. The fine roads are unsurpassed for attractiveness, making it very easy and agreeable to ramble or ride over the Island.
"Mount Cornelia, on Fort George Island, is the highest land between the Navesink Highlands and Key West, and more than twice the altitude of St. Johns Bluff."
Boating, Fishing, and Shooting.
A new Boat-House has recently been built on the beach near the hotel, where all kinds of boats will be kept for use of the guests. The boating on the Fort George River is very fine, as it is never rough, and the scenery along its banks and adjacent islands is very fine.
The ocean, the St. Johns River, the bays and inlets about the Island, are thronged with many varities of fish, and Isaac Walton's disciples may be seen here almost every day in the year. For a century the waters surrounding the island have been noted for their great variety and enormous quantities of fish.
GOVERNMENT JETTIES, ST. JOHN'S BAR, FORT GEORGE ISLAND.
(Half a million of dollars is being expended on these jetties at Fort George.)
Here we find the striped, black, red and sea bass, the sea trout, white shad, gamey bluefish, mullet, black fish, drum, sheepshead, etc., etc. Fort Geroge has the first shad of the season. Here, too, we find OYSTERS, clams, soft shell crabs, etc. The white shad begins to run at Fort George in December.
There is a great variety of brids along the banks of this river and along the beaches. Thousands of the aquatic tribe may almost always been seen at the St. Johns bar, near the Fort George Hotel- immense flocks of pelicans, sea-gulls, canvas back and mallard ducks, geese, curlew, heron, snope, bald and grey eagles, etc., etc. Quail and wild turkeys are also found.
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Routes to Fort George Island.
Take any of the well known routes to Jacksonville. Time reduced to 31 hours from New York. The fast steamer "Kate Spencer" makes two round trips daily between Jacksonville and Fort George; time, about two hours.
Fort George Island Co.
[INCORPORATED DECEMBER, 1886]
Capital Stock, $150,000
Divided into 1,500 Shares
Par Value, $100 Each.
Special price for blocks of 25 shares or more.
The stock is full paid and non assessable.
Shareholders are not individually liable.
OFFICERS OF THE COMPANY:
ANDREW WASHBURN, BOSTON, President
O.S. Marden, Boston, Treasurer.
Hon. Nicholas Ball, Block Island, R. I., Auditor.
J.H. Chadwick, Boston, Director
R. K. Dow, New York, Director.
John J. Bright, Cambridgep't Mass., Director
Joseph Davis, Boston, Director.
John L. Farwell, Claremont, N. H., Director.
Austin B. Fletcher, New York, Director.
For futher information, address the
Fort George Island Co., 79 Milk St., Boston, Mass.
We give below the names of a few of the many thousands of enthusiastic visitors to Fort George Island, taken from the Fort George Hotel register. These names were registered every month in the year, except November.
Gen. Sherman
H.K. Thurber, New York.
Geo. B. Hecker, Boston.
Gen. Spinner, ex-Treas. U.S.
R. O. Allen, New York
A. W. Spencer, Boston.
Senator J. J. Ingalls, Kan.
J. C. Atwater, New York.
Wm. Barrett Wright, Boston.
Senator P. Sawyer, Wis.
Thos. A. Mayo, New York.
J. Osgood Frost, Boston.
Senator C. F. Manderson, Neb.
DeWitt C. West, New York.
Mrs. A.H. Twombley, Boston.
Senator C. W. JOnes, Fla.
N.H. Johnson, New York.
R. B. Wardell, Boston.
Senator Eugene Hale, Mr.
W. H. Bridgham, New York.
A. B. Blake, Boston.
Harriet Beecher Stowe, Conn.
Geo. Edwin Seavy, New York.
W. W. Warren, Boston.
Prof. Calvin A. Stowe, Conn.
E. A. Ford, New York.
Dr. H. Richardson, Boston.
P.W. Briscoe, Ga.
F. W> Upham, New York.
W.H. Widgham, Boston.
Hon. Eph. Hamptom, Va.
Louis Wallack, New York.
Dr. Gray, Boston.
Hon. Frank Hiscock, N.Y.
J. Milton Brooks, New York.
F.C. Gray, Boston.
Hon. W. M. Springer, Ill.
F. H. Howard, New York.
Chas. F. Lord, Boston.
Hon. C. H. Sargent, Ohio.
J.H. Fisher, New York.
N. Sargent Dunklee, Boston.
Hon. C. B. Barr, Pa.
J.W. Pillsbury, Ohio
E.P. Haskell, Boston.
Hon. Joseph Gilbert, Pa.
G.O. Trowbridge, Ohio.
Geo. W. Coleman, Boston.
Hon. R. H. Henderson, Va.
Thos. L. Wilkinson, MO.
L.T. Garrett, Philadelphia
John. W. Hendrie, Cal.
Dr. E. W. DeBarr, Mo.
Geo. W. Barr, Philadelphia.
Hon. J . M. Francis, N. Y.
Robt. B. Thornbuck, Mo.
Samuel W. Fort, Philadelphia.
C. S. MacArthur, N.Y.
W. B. Hale, Mo.
S. Edwin Megaree, PHila.
S.J. Paine, Constantinople.
Geo. H. Heafford, Mo.
F. Bowman Price, Phila.
A. D. Dillingham, U.S.A.
Mrs. D. L. Moody, Chicago.
Jas. A. Longstroth, Phila.
Lieut.-Com. P.H. Cooper
Chas. K. Wilson, Chicago
Albert Graff, Philadelphia.
Capt. C. Holmes, Ft. George.
B.B. Chanfield, Chicago.
Edmund Allen, Philadelphia.
G.P. Russell, England
Wm. M. Whitehead, Chicago.
Henry E. Dwight, Phila.
H. S. Prince, England.
D. M. FIsk, Chicago.
Joseph H. Paist, Philadelphia.
Walter Paris, Englad.
H. L. Norton, Chicago.
Kennard Keen, Philadelphia.
Wm. T. Seymour, New York.
David Bradley, Chicago.
Aaron Teller, Philadelphia.
C. F. Adams, New York.
Geo. H. Daniels, Chicago.
Rev. T. P. Stevenson, Phila.
G. B. Scranton, New York.
David Gray, India.
C. A. Blessings, Philadelphia.
J. McKesson, Jr., New York
C. V. Spear, Boston.
Geo. W. Banks, Philadelphia.
Townsend Harris, New York.
Hon. S. G. W. Benjamin, New York.
James M. Stokes, Phila.
Thomas P. Cope, Jr., Phila.
J.L. Dodge, New York
Chas. H. DeForest, New York.
Mrs. P. Hazeltime, Boston.
Henry A. Duhring, Phila.
J.R. Platt, New York.
H.D. Cushing, Boston
Archibald McIntrye, Phila.
William Astor, New York.
W. F. Claflin, Boston
Chas. Disston, Philadelphia.
Wm. Blair Lord, New York
Chas. M. Cox, Boston.
David Clark, Hartford, Conn.
The Manisses
BLOCK ISLAND, R. I.
C. E. BROWN.
A very popular house. Particularly suited to families desiring a genteel, queit, and not extravagant summer home. It is located but a short distance from the harbor, bathing beach, skating-rink, post-office, and cable-office.
The sleeping-rooms are all arranged in suites, and nicely furnished with ash sets, hair mattresses, and woven-wire springs. The public rooms are spacious and attractive. The table will be kept at a high standard. Beautiful shade-trees adorn the grounds. Drainage is absolutely perfect, every particle of wast being carried to the sea.
Terms very reasonable. Send for Illustrated hand-book.
We give below a few names which will sufficiently indicate the class of people who are patrons of the MANISSES:-
NEW YORK CITY
Geo. W. Dorrance, U.S.N., 11 w. 18th St.
Rev. E. L. Clark, 117 East 17th Street.
T. C. Van Hoesen, 294 Broadway.
A. H. Shipley, 20 Broad St.
Wm. H Barron, 329 West 22d St.
P.H. Young, 250 Broadway.
C.H. Chaffee, 247 West 43d St.
R. L. Purdy, Bank of Savings, 67 Bleeker St.
Chas. H. Johnson, 3-9 Beekman St.
F.J. Knight, Tiffany & Co., Union Sq. Wm. H. Cotton, " " " "
C. C. Cotton, Brooklyn.
Geo. F. Kunz, Tiffany & Co., Union S.
H. S. Horton, 345 West 14th St.
NEW YORK.
Judge H. P. SMith, Cortland, Cort'd Co.
Geo. H Smith, Binghamton.
Judge R. H. Duell, Cortland, Cortland Co.
Chas. H. FIsher, 546 Congress St. Lansingburg.
S. T. Clark, Binghamton.
Wm. S. Burns, Bath, Steuben Co.
Prof. W. C. Peckam, Adelphi Academy,
Brooklyn
Gen. A. J. Alerxander, Auburn.
W. H. Twiss, Cortland
S. W. Hopkins, Geneva.
Rev. J. C. Allen, Elizabeth.
C. C. Blossom, Brookyn.
James. H. Boker, "
Mrs. A. S. Stiger, "
Mrs. E. Flagg, Tonkers.
J. E. Schoonmaker, Troy.
W. W. Smith, Stillwater
E.W. VanZant, Middletown, Orange CO.
F. A. Van Idesstine, 164 Lafayette Ave., Brooklyn.
H. M. Wells, 510 Williams St., Elmira
F. F. Lathrop, Herkimer.
R. L. De Lisser, 166 Dean St. Brooklyn.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.
Prof. W. Holden, Girard College.
Prog. Henry Hay, " "
James M. Budd.
Chas. E. Lawrence.
P.M. Kelly, M.D.
Chas. A. Hardy
Mrs. E. Fisher, 729 North, 6th St.
Dr. W. M. Copp, 1715 Spruce St.
CONNETICUT.
C. P. Goss, Waterbury.
F. B. Dillingham, Hartford.
Judge Dwight Loomist, Rockville.
E. W. Hadley, New Britain.
Mrs. F. W. Heith, Stamford.
C. F. Aborn, Norwich.
G. W. Spencer,
H. M. Acheson, Hillside Ave., Waterbury.
Wm. P. Thompson, Rockville.
MASSACHUSETTS.
William S. Loomis, Holyoke.
Mrs. L.M. Hills, Amhertst.
Mrs. H. D. Fearing, "
A. L. D. Buxton, Worchester.
C. M. Osgood, Amherst.
Mrs. K. M. Wells, "
Dr. P.E. Irish, "
Geo. H. Johnson, North Amherst
H. E. Bigelow, Worchester.
F. E. Murray, 81 Washington St. Worcester.
Geo E. Abbee, Springfield.
And hundreds of others from all parts of the country.
KEARNEY AS MANUFACTURING CENTRE.
THE MINNEAPOLIS
OF
NEBRASKA
THE BEST OF
Railroad Favilities.
a Daily and 4 Weekly
NEWSPAPERS
2, 500
horse-power
NOW
FOR LEASE.
A Fall of 60 Feet
On Turbine Wheels
200 FEET FROM CANAL
AND OF 81 FEET
Within City Limits.
KEARNEY'S WATER-POWER
Engraved from Photograph taken July, 1887.
THE KEARNEY CANAL AND WATER SUPPLY CO.
Having completed the Canal which taps the Platte River, 16 miles west of the city of Kearney, is now prepared to
Lease Water-Power Direct from Canal or from Line Shaft
to parties desirous of establishing manufactories in the centre of the finest agricultural district of the West. The present capacity is
2, 500 HORSE-POWER,
which is being increased by enlarging the Canal. A STEAM DREDGE BOAT is now in use for this purpose, and will be kept at work until the capacity shall reach 8,000 to 10,000 HORSE POWER, or greater if required, and make the city of Kearney the
MANUFACTURING CENTRE
For many States and Territories. The location also offers special inducements for the manutfacture of the Following articles:-
Paper (both straw-baord and finer qualities), Flour, Starch, Hominy, Oatmeal, Linseed, Oil, Watches, Agricultural Implements, Woolen Goods, Clothing, Boots and Shoes, Terra Cotta and Vitrified Tile, and all Articles Made from Lumber.
The railraod facilities are excellent. The present population of Kearney is 7,000 and is rapdily increasing. Residence and business property in the city is held at fair prices. Kearney has City Water-Works, Gas-Works, and Electric Light Plant, Street, Railways, and Hotel acommodations of the best. For further information, address
GEO. W. FRANK, Manager,
KEARNEY, NEB.
Refer, by permission, to Dr. O.S. MARDEN, 79 Milk St., Boston, Mass. Circulars and information may be obtained.
Special Inducements to Investors.
THE FORT GEORGE ISLAND CO.
Makes the following
SPECIAL OFFER
UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . $100 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 125 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 150 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 200 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 225 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 250 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 275 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 300 each.
One hundred lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 350 each.
Fifty lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . . . . 400 each.
Fifty lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . . . . 500 each.
Twenty-five lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 700 each.
Twenty-five lots, 100 x 150 feet . . . 800 each.
Each lot contains 15,000 square feet, and nearly all front upon beautiful broad avenues.
Many of the lots overlook the ocean, Fort George River, and the adjacent islands. Many of the ltos have magnificent semi-tropical trees growing upon them.
There are thousands of beautiful palms, cedars, sweet myrtle, live-ak, bay, holly, and magnificent magnolias (one measures eleven feet in circumference) already growing on these lots.
"To Fort George Island, Nature has been very bountiful. About forty kinds of trees grow upon its surface." -Scribne's Monthl.
"The palm grows on Fort George Island in an abundance unknown to Southern Florida, and gives it its peculiar tropical appearance." - Gail Hamilton.
The idea is, to make Fort George a delightful "Winter Home" for cultured and refined people, without the objectionable features usually found in new Florida towns. No lots will be sold for saloons.
The Future of Fort George
"Fort George Island can be made the most beautiful winter resort in America."- Hon. S. G. W. Benjamin.
"The future of Fort George is beyond question." - Judge Edwards Pierrepont.
Advantages of Fort George Briefly Recapitulated.
The marvelous beauty of its scenery, and the great natural attractions of this magical Island. The 20 miles of wooded avenues through the luxuriant vegetation of a semi-tropical forest.
The finest shells roads in Florida.
The magnificent ocean scenery.
The highest land on the coast for 1,500 miles.
The finest palm avenue in America.
Its acres of oyster shells for drives.
Its great attractions for sportsmen.
The remarkable semi-tropical vegetation.
Its fertile soil.
Its celebrated land, river, and ocean scenery.
Its magnificent beaches.
Its location near Jacksonville and St. Augustine, just at the gateway of Florida, and in the very track of commerce.
Its exemption from malaria.
Its warm Sulphur Springs.
Freedom from fogs and dampness.
Its pure water.
Its Mt. Cornelia Park,- the highest land for 1,500 miles on our coast.
Its miles of ocean frontage.
Fine opportunities for boating, sailing, and steam-yacht facilties on the beautiful Fort George River.
Its marvelous climate, which works almost miracles in cures of neverous exhaustion, catarrh, asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism, heart disease, skin affections, etc., etc.
Its magnificent semi tropical forests.
Its pure ocean breezes, tempered by the Gulf Stream, which continually bathe this magical Island. Its fine new hotel.
All these advantages cannot fail to attract the wealth and culture of the North to this gem of the semi-tropical sea.
EUROPE, ELEVENTH SEASON.
THIRTEEN THOUSAND MILES. 96 DAYS
Of Foreign Travel, incliding the principle Countries, Capitals, Sights, and Scenes
All Travel and Entertainments First-Class.
ALL EXPENSES INCLUDED.
Parties select. Fullest enjoyment and profit, with greatest economy of time and money. Absolute freedome from care. Good management, and intelligent conductors. Send for Circular freee.
96 Days', 80 Days', and 65 Day's Tours
STEAMPSHIP CITY OF ROME.
This magnificent steamer is the largest passenger steamship afloat. Her registered tonnage is 8,415 tons; length over all being 600 feet, breadth of beam, 52.3; depth, 37 feet. She is unsurpassed in beauty and symmetry of the finest yachts. She has water tight compartments, each extending to the main deck, the longest of which is only about 60 feet long.
The steamer is lighted by electricity and fitted with electric call-bells; hot and cold and salt water baths, lavatories, barber-shops, etc. On the hurrican decks are twelved large life boats, one of which is fitted as a steam-launch. The average of passaged by this steamer in past seasons was 7 days, 3 hours, 50 minutes. The Tourjee Educational Excursion expects to sail in this steamer, June 13, 1888.
E. TOURJEE,
Franklin Square, Boston.
NICHOLAS BALL, Proprietor,
MARDEN & CUNDAL, Managers.
A romantic spot, fifteen miles at sea. No malaria. Magnificent fishing, sailing, and boating. No mosquitoes. Cool nights. Magnificent scenery. The "Ocean View," the palace hotel of the famous Rhode Island seashore, stands on a high bluff; perfect drainage, gas, electric bells, magnificent Music Hall, Theatrical Stage, fine Orchestra, Master of Ceremonies. Table strictly first-class. Hotel Physician. Good livery-steam laundry. Splendid class of people. U.S. Cable office in hotel; Cable rates to main land only after half a cent per word.
Address
O.S. Marden, 79 MILK ST., BOSTON.
Until June 1st, for Illustrated Circulars, Terms, etc.
PALMETTO AVENUE, FORT GEORGE ISLAND.
"A majestic avenue of Palms." -Harper's Monthly.
"A magnificent avenue, the boast of Fort George, and unequalled on the Continent." -Scribner's Monthly.
"There earth is an Eden, the climate a balm; Bright hues deck the fields, and aloft waves the palm; O'er the hammocks its perfume and jasmine flings; To the live-oak the solemn gray drapery clings; Wide the cypress its vast leafy canopy throws; And in loveliness blossoms the Florida Rose."
Frank Wood, Printer, Boston.
EDITION 40,000.
Chicago Manual of Style
Pamphlet - A Winter at Fort George, Florida, ca. 1888. 1888 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. <https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/297561>, accessed 1 December 2024.
MLA
Pamphlet - A Winter at Fort George, Florida, ca. 1888. 1888 (circa). State Archives of Florida, Florida Memory. Accessed 1 Dec. 2024.<https://www.floridamemory.com/items/show/297561>