Life — June 2, 1887 — page 15: what you’re looking at

Machine-transcribed from the original scan — historical spelling and the odd misread are preserved.

0 THE WELL-TO-DO SUMMER TRAVELER, T it is unnecessary to elucidate the advantages of Lake George as an unequaled Summer Resort, in those respects which call forth all the sentiment and romance of our nature; but to those who have never seen this, the loveliest of lakes, with its islands of green, studded like beautiful armor with gems; whose waters, limpid, pure and cold, abounding with fish, and on whose bosom many hundreds of boats are seen gliding over its smooth surface, the occupants of which make a scene of unequaled picturesqueness, we would fain give a brief description of the general and desirable features of this resort. First: we would call attention to one of the finest hotels in location, appoint- ment and size, to be found at any watering-place on this continent— namely: the Fort William Henry Hotel (see illustration), situated upon the Southern end of Lake George, upon a gentle rising slope of about 300 feet from the water, which space is graded and made beau- tiful with grass-plots, graveled walks, shrubbery, flower-beds and fountains. The hotel is 334 feet fronting the lake, carrying with it the great piazza the entire length, which, by the way, has become quite famous through frequent description and praises of guests and sojourners. It is 25 feet in width and supported by a row of Corinthian columns 35 feet high—the outlook from it at all times is enchanting, com- manding as it does a view of the lake for miles, including a number of the most picturesque islands and prom- ontories—in the evening by moon- light, while the or- chestra discourses sweet music, and the undertone is the flutter of cool dresses, dainty feet, beautiful ribbons and fans, together with the low voices of friendly prom- enaders, it is a delightful place in V which to sit listen- “PN : ing to the strains * of the orchestra, watching the prom- enaders, and study- ing perhaps human nature as represented by new-comers, and doubtless as often the scene of as many engagements of the one sort, as the historical battlefields in the surrounding country were of engagements of another sort. Under the dome (from the upper part of which a grand view of the lake is obtained)—upon the first floor, is the general office, includ- ing also a ticket office, telegraph office, bazaar, news, book and cigar stand, etc.: west of this is the drawing-room, and on the east, suites of apartments, bijou parlors, and a large billiard hall, while at the back, is the great dining-room, with accommodations for nearly one thousand guests. The lake and mountain air always circulating, supplies the best condiment. Fruits and vegetables are brought crisp and fresh from the Roessele Farm, near Albany, and the choicest meats and provisions from the metropolis. Shooting galleries, croquet grounds, bowling alleys, etc., are to be found in the grove near the hotel. There are many historical curiosities, including an Indian cabinet of exciting interest. A_writer on, the subject of Lake George has most accurately described it as “A Summer Eden,” It may be doubted: if any other resort in this country, or out of it, affords so many opportunities for the enjoyment of its visitors as does oted mg LAKE GEORGE © MR. T. E. ROESSLE, Lake George; and the country in the immediate vicinity teems with interest to all, be their tastes historical, literary, or purely sporting. A few days spent at the Fort William Henry, cannot fail to be long remembered by the visitor. The smooth waters of the lake are spread temptingly before his gaze, inviting him to emulate the sailor, the oars- man or canoeist, and should his tastes render aquatic pleasures unde- sirable, he will always find compensation on the sloping shores of the lake, which invariably contribute to his enjoyment. The surrounding hills are of sufficient height to render their sum- mits a goal for the ambitious pedestrian, and the summits attained, the views of the surrounding country are of a degree of beauty well calculated to convince him that his labor has been amply repaid. The drives through the surrounding country are charming in their infinite variety of scene, and among horseback riders er bicyclists the Lake George roads are justly celebrated. Visitors having but a few days at their disposal, and who wish to see all that can be seen of this lake of incomparable beauty, and to visit the scenes of some of the most stirring Revolutionary events, the Fort William Henry Hotel is most convenient. From the wharf imme- diately in front of the hotel, the lake steamers start daily, making a tour of the waters, and forming a most de- lightful excursion. The islands to be visited, the quiet life of the monastic or- der at “St. Mary's of the Lake,” and the scenes of san- guinary warfare as waged between the redskins and the whites, and later between French, English and Amer- ican, all are within easy access of the hotel, and with every facility of reaching them with- out inconvenience ‘ or waste of time. The Fort William Hotel unlike many of the caravansaries which are open for the reception of vis- itors every summer, is a distinct addition to the picturesque- ness of the scene wherein it has its being. Mr. T. E, Roes- sle, long and favor- ably known as the proprietor of the Arlington Hotel at Washington, and of the Delevan House at Albany, as heretofore, is the manager, as well as the owner and proprietor of the Fort William Henry Hotel. As regards the accessibility of Lake George, the ways of getting mere are almost as various as its attractions. They are briefly as follows : From the West—By the New York Central R.R. to Schenectady. and Albany, then by Delaware and Hudson Canal Co. R.R. to the hotel. From the East—By Boston and Albany (Western R.R.) to Albany and Troy, then by Delaware and Hudson Canal Co. R.R. direct to the hotel. From the North—By steamers daily on Lake Champlain and by New York and Montreal R.R. to Ticonderoga, then by steamer to the hotel. By People’s Line steamers; also, Day Line from New York con- nect at Albany, and Citizens’ Line of steamers fram New York, con- nect at Troy with Delaware and* Hudson Canal Co. R.R. without change to the hotel. Communications as to terms, etc., should be addressed to At either the Arlington at Washington, D.C., or the Delevan at Albany, N. Y. comicbooks.com