numbers to the society already so distinguished for the Camden and Atlantic Company no small share its high social and refined tone. From Haddonfield to Camden we are whirled in a jiffy, and thence to cross the river and gain our office consumes but a few moments more. A word also, may be due in behalf of the road which passes through these many pleasant and attractive spots which we have so briefly described. From a casual inspection given, as we passed over the road upon this occasion, we found that in its of credit for the deep interest, and especially their ready coöperation at all times, in every scheme looking to the material advancement and prosperity of the country through which its road runs. To them may be truly attributed a great work, and with fruitful results. They have truly caused the vine to flourish and the rose to bloom in blossoming profusion over a land which, for centuries before, had been but a dreary waste. road-bed, track, and general equipment, the road To the casual visitor of to-day it seems hardly is thoroughly first-class in every respect. The plausible that but a quarter of a century has roadway is substantially built, and laid with heavy elapsed since all this great change has been rails. The passenger equipment is composed of wrought, and that so short a period of time has elegant cars, with Westinghouse Automatic Air developed such a large and handsomely-built city. Brakes, Miller Platforms, and all the very latest Yet it is nevertheless true. As early as 1854, improvements for safety and comfort attached. where now stands Atlantic City, there was naught Moreover, all its employés are gentlemanly in save a bleak and barren beach. But through the their deportment, and thoroughly practical and efforts of a few active and enterprising minds, experienced railroad men, and its general man- enlisted in the scheme, the Camden and Atlantic agement is in the hands of a skillful and prudent road was designed and built; and mainly through superintendent. the liberality and encouragement of its enterprisAnd in this respect we may modestly claim for ing directory, a decided impetus was given to the foundation of a city at this point. How well and successfully it has been accomplished, the visitor THE "THOROUGHFARE" IN THE HEIGHTH OF THE SEASON. of to-day may readily observe at a glance. The road was opened to the travelling public on the 5th day of June 1854, and Atlantic City was brought to the attention of the general public as a seaside resort, on the following 1st day of July, of the same year. Although some years elapsed before the place. obtained much promi nence, the friends of the enterprise were not discouraged. They had all the advantages desired in their favor, and felt that it was but a question of time, when the reward for their labor and enterprise should be reaped. Slowly but gradually the city rose to public prominence and gained a greater reputation in the lists of noted watering places, until to-day it stands second to none upon our long coast. The first quarter of its centenary occurred upon the 5th day of June 1879, and the event was duly celebrated by the Company in coöperation with the citizens of Atlantic City, upon that occasion. The day was entirely devoted to the anniversary, and suitable and appropriate exercises were held commemorative of the event. Four large trains or sections were run from Philadelphia, with the invited guests and friends of the road. These met with a very cordial reception upon their arrival from the citizens, who, not to be excelled in THE SEASIDE HOUSE. their appreciation of the enterprise and liberality shown them and their beautiful city by the Company, had also made suitable provision for the proper observance of the event. The day was made a general holiday, and everybody turned out en masse in celebrating this "quarter centenary" of the opening day. The exercises of the day were opened by an impromptu meeting, called at the pavilion of the Company in front of the Seaview House, and over which the gentlemanly President of the Road, Mr. Charles D. Freeman, was called to preside. Mr. Freeman, in a few eloquent and timely remarks in honor of the occasion, reviewed in brief the career of the road and the grand results which had been accomplished by it during its first quarter centenary, closing with a handsome tribute to the spirit and enterprise that had effected so much in so short a period of time. He was followed by several other gentleman; all of them of those who had been in a very great measure identified with the interests of the road from its very inception. The addresses were very pleasantly interluded with music from an excellent band, stationed upon the portico of the Seaview House. Mayor Bryant of the city, also delivered a brief address, at the close of which he announced that he was authorized by the city council and the citizens, to extend to the invited guests a hearty welcome and the freedom of the city for the day. To use his words, "for this day, everything shall be free to you; not only the air you breathe, but all the courtesies within the reach of our people. You can ride free from end to end of this island and enjoy a sail upon the waters. Our tables, groaning with the good things for the inner man, stand provided for your free entertainment, and to all of which in the name of our liberal-hearted people, I extend you a cordial invitation." The guests were not slow after the adjournment of the meeting, in availing themselves of the courtesies extended; and during the rest of the day enjoyed themselves in various ways. Some visiting the beach, some going up to the Inlet, RESIDENCE AND VINEYARD OF MR. JULIUS HINCKE, EGG HARBOR CITY. cooler days of autumn approached, the activities in business life warned us of the necessity of an early return to our city home. We therefore suggested to our good lady the propriety of packing trunks for home. "Why, my dear," she exclaimed, "this is the most beautiful season of the year at this charming place. Why, it is immeasurably more delightful to walk the sands or promenade the avenues on the clear, crisp mornings now, than when the hot August suns were pouring down their scorching rays; and as to bathing, you can enjoy a bath in the salt water heated to any temperature you like, at either of several elegant hotels that keep open here all the year round." And later on, when the days began to show a decidedly colder temperature, our good lady urged the same plea for remaining longer in the little cottage by the beach. We mention this fact, to account for our pro longed stay at this sea-girt island town. It was stated to us by many of the permanent residents, and we have no reasons for doubting it, that persons coming down to rent, to buy or to visit their cottages, have found Atlantic City so pleasant and genial in its climate during the winter months, as well as the variable spring months, that they usually remained weeks instead of days, and often repeated their visits. We had supposed that this characteristic salubrity of its climate accounted for the rapid increase in its permanent population, but we were somewhat surprised to observe that the reputation its mild, dry and health-giving atmosphere has attained, was also attracting many families and invalids who had hitherto been accustomed to spend their winters in the south of France, in Italy, at Nassau, or in Florida. Society here, during the autumn and winter. months, does not partake of the character so prominent during the summer months. During the heighth of the season we have the excursion days, when hotels, streets, saloons, stores, the land, the sea, and the Thoroughfare are crowded with many thousands of pleasure-seekers, all busy in that and very many seeking the sailing yachts for a one pursuit. Such a scene, to our mind, is either ride on old Ocean's blue waves. suggestive and favorable to the study of human As the summer months passed away, and the nature in its holiday phase, or lively with the frolicsome gayety of feasting on fun. But to of mankind when pitted against the elements, study or to enjoy the secrets and beauties of the sublimity of Nature's power when aroused, Nature in a contemplative mood, how much more delightful are these autumn days. How pleasant to dart out over the crested waves of the mighty sea, Where tide and wind are both just right, And hungry fish are sure to bite, Such fish we never saw, nor caught and ate before. To appreciate their delicate flavors, they must be served fresh from the sea. The same applies to wild fowl, which abound along the creeks, bays and ponds. around the island at this season of the year. We have, perhaps, in rather a random way, dilated too much upon the thousand delights that crowd upon the time and attention of the visitors and residents of this lovely place, and it may seem strange to the reader that we have hitherto neglected to call attention. to some of the grander elements that Nature here presents in the expansive and illimitable views of ocean, earth and heaven, and especially of Atlantic's mighty storms." Dear reader, it is because neither pen or pencil are adequate to convey a proper conception of the awful sublimity of such a scene. We will only add, by way of conclusion, that at such times, when our solicitude LAKESIDE PARK AND PICNIC GROUNDS. is strained to the very utmost for the safety of the many frail barks that we know must be out upon the deep, we fully realize the feebleness and lastly, though grandest conception of all, the majesty of Him who is both ours and Nature's God. |