Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 34

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094

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The place which this beautiful region holds in American history is second only to that occupied by New England and Plymouth Rock, while the memories and traditions which cluster around it are as thrilling and romantic as are to be found in the new world. Wars, piracy, tragedy and mystery have contributed to its lore.

The St. Lawrence was discovered by Jacques Cartier, the French explorer, in 1535, but he did not proceed further up the stream than to explore the St. Louis rapids above Mont- real. There is much uncertainty as to the identity of the white man who first gazed upon the beautiful scene presented by the Thousand Islands. The early discoverers were less in- terested in scenery than in the practical things which pertained to navigation, trade and travel, and the spreading of Christianity. Champlain, in 1615, beginning at the western end of Lake Ontario, explored that lake and the St. Lawrence to Sorel river, thus passing through this region.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

How or when or by whom the world's attention was first called to this archipelago is a matter of doubt, but certainly at an early date it had impressed itself upon the lover of the grand and beautiful, for at least two centuries ago the French christened it "Les Mille Isles" -- The Thousand Isles. The later and more completely descriptive English name for it is "The Lake of a Thousand Islands." The St. Lawrence has marked the line of separa- tion, and the Thousand Is1- ands have been the scene of some of the im- portant cam- paigns in four great conflicts between nations. The first was the Indian war be- tween the Al- gonquin and the Iroqouis, which continued many years, with oc- casional inter- missions. The second struggle was between the Electro Light. Eng Co. French and En- glish, and many VIEW IN THE LAKE OF THE ISLES. of its hostile meetings and

victories and defeats took place among the islands and on the neighboring shores. In the American revolutionary war with England, and that between the same forces in 1812, the defense of this locality was of decided importance; therefore it witnessed much activity, and some memorable engagements were fought within sight and sound of this spot now devoted to pleasure, with no warring or warlike nations to trouble the calm of perpetual peace.

Some of the most exciting incidents of that disastrous military adventure, known as the Patriot war, with its intermittent outbreaks from 1837 to 1839, took place on this part of the river, notably the capture of the British steamer Sir Robert Peel, near Wells Island, on the night of May 29, 1838, and the battle of the Windmill, near Prescott, Ont., November 13, of the same year.

The development and wonderful increase in the value of these islands have been more especially due to influences which have origi- nated at Alexandria Bay. The islands were transferred to the State of New York through the several treaties with the aborigines, following the same chain of title by which the main shore, from the Hudson to the St. Lawrence, came under the proprietary and governing control of the State. The dividing line between the United States and Canada passes somewhat arbitrarily among the islands, really some 1,500 in number, and varying in size from a small pile of rocks covered by a few stunted trees, to others quite large-one of them (Wells Island) containing nearly 10,000 acres of arable land, This valuable island was conceded to the United States under the treaty with England, negotiated at the close of our war for independence. The State of New

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THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.

York, by patent under its great seal, conveyed the islands to Colonel Elisha Camp, a dis- tinguished citizen of Sackets Harbor. In 1845 Azariah Walton and Chesterfield Parsons purchased (not from Col. Camp, but from Yates & McIntyre, of lottery fame, whose title came from Camp), the northwest half of Wells Island and " all the islands in the American waters of the river St. Lawrence from the foot of Round Island (near Clayton) to Morris- town," a distance of some thirty-five miles. The consideration was $3,000. Eventually the Parsons interest was purchased by Walton, who became sole owner, and continued as such until the firm of Cornwall & Walton was established in 1853, when they purchased nearly the whole of the remaining half of Wells Island, and then that firm became sole owner of all these islands, having vested in them all the rights and title originally granted Colonel Camp by the State of New York.

The value of the islands was quite nominal until they fell under the new firm's control, and even for several years afterwards. Eventually there grew up a demand for them, and they were sold low, but with a clause in the conveyance requiring a cottage to be erected within three years. Col. Staples obtained as a free gift the grounds upon which he erected the Thousand Island House. As an indication of the present value of at least one of these islands, it is now made public that $10,000 was offered and refused for an island sold by Cornwall & Walton for $100. This is undoubtedly an exceptional instance, but all the islands are held at figures now regarded as high, but which will be thought very cheap years hence, as real estate on the islands and along the shore of that river is constantly increasing in price. The Canadian islands are yet unsold.

CANADIAN BOAT SONG.

BY THOMAS MOORE.

Et regimen cantus hortatur .- QUINTILLIAN.

Faintly as tolls the evening chime

Our voices keep tine, and our oars keep time : Soon as the woods on shore look dim, We'll sing at St. Ann's our parting hym1. Row, brothers, row, the stream runs fast, The rapids are near and the day-light's past !

Why should we yet our sail unfurl ? There is not a breath the blue wave to curl ! But, when the wind blows off the shore, Oh ! sweetly we'll rest on our weary oar. Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast, The rapids are near and the day-light's past !

Ottawa's tide ! this trembling moon, Shall see us float over thy surges soon : Saint of this green isle ! hear our prayers, Oh ! grant us cool havens and favoring airs. Blow, breezes, blow, the stream runs fast, The rapids are near and the day-light's past !

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

HE present surroundings at Alexandria Bay are very picturesque and attractive. Let us suppose some traveler from Europe who had seen all lands but our own, to be on one of the many steamers that land at Alexandria Bay, and as the boat glides into the swift and narrow channel above the town, and her bow is turned so as bring into sudden view the beautiful hotels and picturesque cottages, each perched upon its pedestal of primeval rock, what would be his surprise and awakening interest. Before him would be the grand river, the beautiful islands, the build- ings which adorn what nature has made so grand and in- viting. Suppose yet further that on the very evening of his arrival there would occur . one of those not infrequent river carnivals, when all the receding shore, the hundreds of gaily-adorned boats, the moving throng of spectators would be bathed in the soft light thrown from a thousand flaming lanterns, and then this whole scene of beauty should be enlivened by thrilling music under a starlit sky, would not our much-trav- eled visitor be constrained to cry out, "Why, this is even beyond Venice !"

He would be only one of many visitors at Alexandria Bay and the Thousand Islands who cannot understand how so much could have been accomplished in a quarter of a cen- tury. Such observers should, however, remember that man has made but few improve- ments, compared with the work of the Almighty Builder, whose admirable handiwork was known and appreciated many years ago by some of the most prominent men in the country.

CROSSMON'S

THE CROSSMON IN 1848.

Indeed, if a list had been kept of the names of visitors, it would have embraced nearly all of the prominent statesmen during the administra- tions of Jackson, Van Buren, Polk and Bu- chanan.

This popular summer resort would have been brought much sooner in- to public notice but for the want of more ex- tended hotel accomino- dations. Charles Cross- mon began a hotel there early in 1848, and he proved a most acceptable and popular landlord, enlarging his modest building each year, un- til the present Crossmon House is one of the finest summer hotels in the country.

The time soon came, however, when one hotel could not accom- modate all the people,

and in 1873, Col. O. G. Staples, now proprietor of "Willard's," Washington, D. C., com- pleted the Thousand Island House, and these two leading hotels have been very successful.

YACHT LANDING

"LOWER BAY

PRINCE ARTHUR

GU.TAYLOR

SHOOTING THE RAPIDS.

THE PRESENT CROSSMON.

---

Crites Lithony L.P. C. N.Y.

STREET VIEW OF THE CROSSMON.

CALUMET ISLAND

RESIDENCE DE CHAT. G. EMERY ESQUI

-BOAT HOUSEP-

MET

----

Yacht Calumet.

Tue GilesCo N.Y.

----

VERANDA

..... ......

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THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.

THE LATE CHARLES CROSSMON.

CHARLES CROSSMON came to Alexandria Bay in 1846, and no one of the energetic men who have become so prominent in that locality has done more (and very few as much) to bring into prominence that most deserving and popular summer resort than Mr. Cross- mon. Without any special influence to aid him, and without any capital save his own right hand and the clear head to govern it, aided by one of the most capable and industrious wives the country has ever produced, he grew into a great success as a hotel-keeper, and left an indelible impress upon the Bay that will not be soon forgotten and can never be alto- gether effaced. He was born in Watertown, N. Y., and had but few advantages in his youth, his education having been confined to the common-school grades of instruction. Unluckily for him, and certainly an unpromising beginning of a business life which has proven so successful, he was one of the youngsters who were seduced into that "Patriot " army that undertook in 1837 to invade Canada and redress the "wrongs" which a few Canadian malcontents had glowingly depicted in " Hunter " lodges and elsewhere. Cross- mon was one of those who were "cooped up" in the old windmill below Prescott, and who courageously refused to desert Von Schoultz, their leader, when Preston King came at night with the "Paul Pry " and offered to carry them away to the American shore. He

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

was about twenty years of age at that time, and on account of his youth was finally par- doned by the British authorities, and released after an anxious and somewhat protracted im- prisonment in Fort Henry at Kingston, from which several of these "patriots" were marched to a felon's death upon the scaffold. [See article on the " Patriot War."]

De vis'Ove

He commenced hotel keeping in an humble way at the Bay in 1848, succeeding his father-in-law in a small country tavern adapted to the wants of that early day. There were, however, even tlien some visitors to the islands and river in pursuit of fish and rest. Among the distinguished men who made the old "Crossmon" famous were William H. Seward, Willianı L. Marcy, Martin Van Buren and his son John, Silas Wriglit, Frank Blair, Preston King, Rev. Dr. Bethune, General Dick Taylor, the Breckinridges, and many others equally distinguished.

As the tide of pleasure travel set in toward the St. Lawrence and its islands, The Crossmon was from time to time enlarged, and finally the present magnificent hotel was built on the site of its earliest predecessor. In the new structure everything that is desirable in a first-class hotel lias been provided for, and in its management every facility is furnished, and the fullest attention given to the wishes and requirements of its guests. Its rooms are all pleasantly situated, affording charming views of the neighboring scenery. There are suites for families, with private bath-rooms and all conveniences, besides single and connect- ing rooms in every part of the house, all handsomely furnished. The elevator is in opera- tion constantly, and the stairways are broad and easy. There are spacious and elegantly furnished drawing-rooms, wide corridors and broad verandas, and, from the latter, one of the most delightful views to be found in this entire region may be had. The main dining- room is on the river side of the house. Its tables are furnished with costly china, silver and cut glass and the finest linen, and supplied with the rarest fruits and delicacies. Its service is unexcelled. A pleasant dining-room is provided for children in charge of nurses. The importance of providing special comforts and amusements for the children is recognized in and about this establishment. There are accommodations for nurses in their care of the little ones, and opportunities for wholesome sports are at hand.

The Crossmon's surroundings are attractive. Every crevice of the immense rock upon which its river side rests is adorned with a bed of flowers or a small shrub. On the street side are graveled walks and drives, and a circular plat for out-door games, with easy benches protected by a canopy. Stretching eastward from the hotel is Crossmon's Point, with its broad, level lawn, bordered by the docks and landings for steamboats and skiffs.

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THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.

A 'T night the Crossmon, in-doors and out, presents a scene of brilliancy. Rows of colored lights illumine the verandas, and shine from its many towers, shedding a wealth of color upon the water. The drawing-rooms are filled with guests engaged in social pastimes, and all about the place there is light and life and gayety. The arrival of the steamers at evening is celebrated by a display of fireworks in front of the hotel and on the neighboring islands, making a picture indescribably beautiful.

In speaking thus extendedly of "The Crossmon," we have really been illustrating the successful efforts of Mr. Crossmon him- self, for his hotel was his life, and upon it he lavished all his energy, and it rewarded his honest faith. No trouble was too great for a guest ; the sick had all the care possible if by chance they fell ill there, and the result was that every guest became a personal friend. In that way "The Crossmon" has enjoyed a steady return of its old patrons year by year. Indeed one patron has spent thirty-eight con- secutively recurring summers there.

Personally Mr. Crossmon was unassuming, earnest in his friendships, steadfast in his purposes, and loyal to all those that aided to develop Alexandria Bay. In the midst of his complete success he was called away to another country, leaving a name unblemished, and a memory sweet and grateful.

The elder Crossmon having died in 1892, Mr. Charles W. Crossmon succeeds the firm of Crossmon & Son, whose management bas made this hotel noted throughout the world, and the favorite headquarters in later days of such men as President Arthur, Gen. Sheridan, Cardinal McClosky, Herbert Spencer, Charles Dudley Warner, B. F. Reinhart, Will Carleton, and other notables, whose spoken and written praises have added greatly to the popularity of the islands and the Crossmon.

THE THOUSAND ISLES.

By W. A. Croffut, in "The Continent."

My wandering soul is satisfied ; I rest where blooming islands ride At anchor on the tranquil tide.

The sky of summer shines serene, And sapphire rivers flow between The thousand bosky shields of green.

And so I drift in silence where Young Echo, from her granite chair, Flings music on the mellow air,

O'er rock and rush, o'er wave and brake, Until her phantom carols wake

The voices of the Island Lake.

Beneath my skiff the long grass slides ; The mascolonge in covert hides, And pickerel flash their gleaming sides,

And purple vines the naiads wore, A-tip-toe on the liquid floor, Nod welcome to my pulsing oar.

'The shadow of the waves I see, Whose silver meshes seem to be The love-web of Penelope.

It shimmers on the yellow sands, And while, beneath the weaver's hands It creeps abroad in throbbing strands,

The braided sunbeams softly shift, And unseen fingers, flashing swift, Unravel allfthe golden weft.

So, day by day, I_drift.and dream Among the Thousand Isles, that seem 'The crown and glory of the stream,

"CASTLE REST."

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

OOKING northeast from the Crossmon, the traveller beholds Bonnie Castle, one of the most picturesque spots upon the river-preceding by many years some more pretentious residences, but none more elegant. Here the distinguished Dr. J. G. Holland founded his summer home, and adorned it with his best treasures. Hither he came gladly year after year, but leaving the place reluctantly. His was a nature that could drink in and appreciate such a spot, its picturesque and restful beauty, its flow of waters, its genial sum- mer visitors. But there canie a spring when he came no more, for he had gone upon a long journey, preceding by a few years the great throng whom he will welcome when they in turn journey to his new-found land.

-4

JEDAVIDSON

BONNIE CASTLE.

" THE SEVEN ISLES"

Is the name given to a cluster of seven islands and islets, contiguous but separated only so slightly by the waters of the river as to be readily connected by light rustic bridges. They are in the direct American channel, about a mile and a half above Alexandria Bay, which is the central point for pleasure and cottage residence upon this noble river. These islands are so situated that, with proper wharfage, the largest vessels could readily land and depart, without any material change in their direct course. They are only partially improved, are exquisitely picturesque and in keeping with the natural beauty and seclusion so observable upon the St. Lawrence, and afford by all odds the most desirable location for a hotel or place of public resort.

VIEW IN SEVEN ISLES, PROPERTY OF GEN. BRADLEY WINSLOW.

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THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.

A Rainy Day at the Islands.

S UNSHINE and daylight are at their best among these islands. But even a rainy day has its compensations. Then the men stay around the hotels, and devote themselves to the ladies, who are not so much given to fishing as are their escorts. The book that was but lately cast aside for something promising greater zest, is now resumed at the turned-down page, and the promised letter is thought of and leisurely written. The ladies gather upon the wide verandas of the CROSS- MON, and with crocheting and talk and exchange of experiences, pass away the time. Many predictions are made as to the duration of the rain, and with friendly chat, not disguising an occasional yawn, the hour for an early dinner soon arrives, and after that comes the afternoon nap, the early tea and then the pleasures of the evening. Some dance, the young brides and the other bright ones who are very willing to becomes brides and share in the happiness they watch so intently, these steal away to the darker corners of the verandas, where confidences and an occasional pressure of the hand (possibly a kiss) may be indulged in without too much publicity. So, almost unlag- gingly, the day passes away, and John, the oarsman, promising fair weather to-morrow, stillness and sleep creep over the happy company, who are willing to declare that even a rainy day is enjoyable among the Thousand Islands, where the soft outlines of the ever-varying shore are half-hidden, half-revealed through the rainy mist, as if wait- ing for the sun's enchanting power to develop their hidden mysteries and reveal their entrancing, restful beauties. This is indeed that "Port of Peace," into which, when once you have sailed your boat, you are glad to stay, and you leave the spot with sad regrets, to be remembered always as the place where the soul is lifted up to God in glad thank- fulness that He ever made such a resting spot for His weary children, who, through many pilgrimages in many lands, at last find here a spot that fills the hungry soul with satisfaction.

Now, as to health. All who have ever remained here for a week, are conscious that after the third or fourth day there is a peculiar change in the system. If you have been troubled with insomnia, it begins to leave you, and natural, restful sleep asserts its sway. You like to sit and rest, your legs become lazy, and you are not at all anxious for long walks. The CROSSMON'S shady settees have become matters for consideration; you conclude, after much argument, which is the easiest one, and best protected from the sun. You yawn often, and wonder what has come over you. You can lay down and take a nap at al- most any hour after 10 A. M. You languidly push aside the newspaper whose leaders only last week were read with the most intense interest. The spirit of Rest creeps upon you al- most unawares, for your system is being fed upon the ozone of this health-giving spot. The very air becomes an active ally in behalf of your overworked nerves, and before you are aware of it, you begin to fill up with reserve force, that shall stand you in good stead in the city's heat and push.

These beneficial influences are within the reach of all. There are now hotels and boarding-houses at Alexandria Bay, the Thousand Island Park, at Clayton, and Cape Vin- cent, at Westminster Park, and at nearly all the other resorts, where the poor man can find entertainment within his means, and the rich man, too, much as he is criticised, may also find comforts adapted to his desires. In former times there were only the more expensive resorts, and that kept away the middle class of summer tourists. That is all changed now, and every condition except the chronically poor can find boarding houses within their means. It will not be long before this great national Vacation Park, 38 miles long, will be eagerly sought by all conditions of society, from the skilled mechanic to the millionaire.

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THE GROWTH OF A CENTURY.

THE VALUE OF REST.

M ANY people make the mistake of supposing that a summer vacation is not complete unless devoted to various sorts of physicial exercise. It seems to be taken for granted that the energies of body and mind cannot be recuperated except by trips and di- versions that call for muscular effort. Summer resorts that do not offer such opportunities are often thought to be wanting in proper attractions. There is another class of people, such as artists, teachers and clergymen, who seek places where they may pursue their usual work amid new surroundings. Under suitable restrictions perhaps no harm comes from this. Change of air and of diet are beneficial, and new faces and new scenery tend to break up the monotony of all toil and care. There are not enough people, however, who appreciate the value of a period of absolute rest, an entire cessation from activity. Just as land is better for being allowed to lie fallow, the pliysical and mental energies of man are better for being allowed to repose for a time. Nothing is lost by permitting mind and body each year to indulge thus in a few days' slumber. A short season spent in lounging about the Thousand Islands, watching the shifting water, or in idling in the woods and fields, with their fresh odors and changing views of hill and dale, light and shade, island and shore, as they intermingle and then separate, will often fill the franie with new vigor and the mind with new impressions. Particularly is such a change beneficial when the thermometer is up among the nineties. Then, if ever, the energies should be carefully husbanded. The English philosopher who asserted that Americans work too hard and take too little leisure, stated a truth which intelligent foreign visitors have frequently noted. This warning has a special timeliness just at present, and the seeker after a spot where the very soul may rest will find his El Dorado among the Thousand Islands.

Perhaps these islands should not be dismissed from consider- ation without more extended mention of the Mississagaus, last of the aborigines who inhabited the archipelago designated as the Thousand Islands. This harmless and friendly tribe inhabited, also, the islands in the Bay of Quinte, that beau- tiful land-locked sheet of water southwest of Kingston, Ontario. Johan George Kohl, a distinguished European traveler and author, in 1854 visited Northern New York, including these islands, and left upon record many interest- ing reminiscences of his visit. He is a genial, acute and observing writer, and we venture to spare a small space for him. He says : "It was the practice among the Missis- sagaus, at certain times of the year, to leave the islands to their young people, and make great hunting expeditions northward into the interior of Canada, and southward into New York. My informant had visited them once when he was a young man, and being hospitably received, had afterwards repeated his visits, made acquaintances and friends among them, lived with them for weeks, and shared the joys and sorrows of a hunter's life. Once, when he had been on a journey to Niagara and

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Growth of a Century : as illustrated in the history of Jefferson County, New York, from 1793 to 1894, Part 34

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823- Publication date: 1894 Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman Number of Pages: 1094

Author: Haddock, John A. 1823-
Publication date: 1894
Publisher: Philadelphia, Pa. : Sherman
Number of Pages: 1094