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University Library 1993.WE8TMINS
[THX)US/WESTMINSTER PARK
THOUSAND ISLANDS
RIVER S1LAWRENCE
OFFICERS
&1LF0WLER DD. LLD. PRESIDENT
BON^A. CORNWALL I & VICE PUN, TREES,
ElML LEWIS LAWRENCE	VICE PEP
R.C.CQLUS SECRETARY
FRANK. A. HINDS £N GINEEB
WATERTOWN N.Y.
SCALLIQF f£KY
so o
®TER PARK.
JSA.ND ISLANDS.]THE
WESTMINSTER
PARK
$£0dl&¥l0]Vf
OF THE
THOUSAND ISLANDS.
SYRACUSE, N. t.i
^RUAIR, SMITH & BRUCE, PRINTERS AND BOOKBINDERS.
1878.TRUSTEES
Rev. P. H. FOWLER, D. D.,	-	-	- Utica.
Hon. S. D. PHELPS, -	-	- Binghamton.
Gen. SOLON D. HUNGERFORD, -	- Adams.
Hon. ANDREW CORNWALL, - Alexandria Bay.
ROSELL C. COLLIS, -	Theresa.
PATRICK H. AGAN,	-	-	-	Syracuse.
J. D. HUNTINGTON, -	-	-	Watertown.
GEORGE GILBERT,	...	Carthage.
S. B. YANDUZEE, -	-	-	Gouverneur.
PRESIDENT,
Rev. P. H. FOWLER, D. D.
VICE-PRESIDENTS,
Hon. LEWIS LAWRENCE,
Hon. ANDREW CORNWALL.
TREASURER,
Hon. ANDREW CORNWALL.
SECRETARY,
ROSELL C. COLLIS.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE,
Bey. P. H. Fowler, D. D., Hon. Andrew Cornwall,
Rosell C. Collis,	Gen. Solon D. Hungerford,
J. D. Huntington.STEAMBOAT LANDING—WESTMINSTER PARK.Westminster P
OF THE
THOUSAND ISLANDS.
THE ASSOCIATION AND ITS OBJECTS.
This Association was incorporated under the laws of the
State,of Hew York; the object being to furnish a summer
resort that would be free from the objectionable features that
attach to all fashionable watering-places, and at reasonable
charges for entertainment. Although the Association was
organized under the auspicies of the Presbyterians, it is not
intended to be sectarian, but contains among it patrons people
of various denominations and beliefs.
The names and places of residence of the Trustees are as
follows : Rev. P. H. Fowler, D. D., of Utica, H. Y.; Hon.
Andrew Cornwall, of Alexandria Bay, H. Y.; Gen. Solon D.
Hungerford, of Adams, H. Y.; Patrick H. Agan, of Syracuse?
N. Y.; Hon. Sherman D. Phelps, of Binghamton, N. Y.;
Rosell 0. Collis, of Theresa, N. Y.; Dr. John D. Huntington,
of Watertown, N. Y.; Stephen B. VanDuzee, of Gouverneur,
N. Y., and George Gilbert, Esq., of Carthage, H. Y.
SITUATION AND EXTENT OF THE PARK GROUNDS.
The Association owns five hundred acres of land on the
lower part of Wells Island, directly opposite and one-half mile
from the village of Alexandria Bay, and in the midst of the
BOARD OF TRUSTEES.6 v	WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
Thousand Islands. In addition to this tract, it has the owner-
ship of Mary Isjand, near by, containing twelve and one-half
acres. About forty of the islands in the neighborhood have
been purchased by individuals and families, and summer
cottages built upon them. The large tract and the small island
have together a frontage of about five miles, all available for
occupation and use. The situation is within easy reach of the
best fishing grounds of the Sfc. Lawrence, and is surrounded
by the finest scenery of the great River. For all the varieties
of hill, valley and prospect, it possesses acknowledged superi-
ority. Nearly the whole tract is covered by a sound and
luxuriant growth of timber,and wholly lined by a rock-bound
shore, accessible to boats of the largest class used in the river
navigation. The Association is now engaged in preparing
the Park for occupation by the construction of landing-places,
roads, walks, a boarding-hall, a place of worship, and the lay-
ing out of lots of suitable size for the erection of cottages.
ITS ENDORSEMENT—RELIGIOUS PRIVILEGES.
This enterprise has received the endorsement of the Pres-
bytery of St. Lawrence (within whose boundaries it is situated)
and of the Presbytery of Utica and the Synod of Central New
York. The religious privileges will include preaching as
often in the week as those who become purchasers of lots may
desire. The Park will be conducted under the general sway
of morality and religion, but with no view to large public
gatherings or exercises, affording protection and quiet, under
just restraints, to all persons who desire to be free from the
vexatious annoyances, and the corrupting influences, habits
and practices which prevail at many places of public resort.
Camp-meetings, so called, are not embraced in the plan or
management of the Association.
ADVANTAGES OE A SUMMER HOUSE AT WESTMINSTER PARK.
A lot in the proposed Park will be more desirable than a
situation elsewhere among the islands, for the following
among other reasons:ALEXANDRIA BAY-THOUSAND ISLANDS,8
WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
First—The conveniences for boating, fishing and bathing
will be as good as can be secured elsewhere.
Second—The Association will provide for the proper care of
the buildings and the property located within the Park during
the absence of the occupants.
Third—The supplies can be obtained more easily and at
lower rates.
Fourth—The social privileges and benefits will be much
greater.
WELLS ISLAND.
This Island extends from a point five miles below Clayton to
a point a little below Alexandria Bay, being nine miles in
length and having an average breadth of one and a-half miles.
At the upper or westerly end is situated the Park of the
Thousand Island Camp-Meeting Association, established by
the Methodist denomination, and now in a flourishing con-
dition. From the easterly line of that Park to the westerly
line of the Westminster Park is a distance of about six miles,,
the intermediate country being composed of cultivated farms
used principally for dairying purposes. The soil is fairly
productive, and from these farms supplies of milk, butter,
fruits and vegetables can be procured at reasonable prices.
The inhabitants are healthy and robust,—proof of their living
in a pure and bracing atmosphere. The Island is situated
wholly within the territory of the United States. From all
parts of it can easily be seen sailing craft and steamers plying
upon the Biver.
SALUBRITY OE THE ISLANDS.
Considered in reference to their sanitary character, no more
desirable summer resort than the Thousand Islands can be
found in the United States. The atmosphere is largely im-
pregnated with Ozone, an agent which of late years is known
and acknowledged to be among the chief instrumentalities in
the prevention and cure of diseases. This atmospheric in-
gredient is among these islands found only in the westerlyWESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
9
winds which, during the summer months, are almost con-
stantly sweeping over the waters of Lake Ontario. All per-
sons who inhale this tonic atmosphere are exhilarated and
strengthened by its life-preserving properties; and the instant
they come within range of its influences, feel and acknowledge
its wondrous power over both body and mind.
THE NATURAL BEAUTIES OF WESTMINSTER PARK.
The portion of Wells Island included in the Park grounds
consists of an irregular neck of undulating upland, rising to
a mean elevation above the Eiver of thirty or forty feet, with
rounded heights lifted to extremes of from one hundred to
one hundred and fifty feet. From these summits, which are
reached by easy slopes either in carriages or on foot, the whole
group of the Thousand Islands extending along the River
for a distance of twenty miles, are brought into full view.
The drainage is excellent throughout; the diversity of sur-
face and the porous character of the soil facilitating a rapid
and thorough dispersion of the rainfall. The tract, with the
exception of thirty or forty acres, is covered with a heavy
growth of thrifty timber of various kinds,—the evergreen
being a conspicuous although not the predominant feature.
Mary Island is about 1,600 feet in length, oval-shaped, and of
about the same elevation as the adjacent portion of Wells
Island. It is wooded throughout and buttressed by rocky
shores, and for many years has been a favorite resort and
resting-place of picnic and excursion parties. A narrow
passage or canal used by the fishing boats separates it from
the eastern extremity of Wells Island. A short rustic bridge
will connect the two Islands, affording easy transit between
them. The site of the Park grounds is much diversified, and
presents many features of rare excellence and beauty. Its
natural advantages for the purpose designed are unsurpassed.
Every part is available for use or ornament, and with the
application of the principles and methods of true art, may
be made one of the most attractive resorts in our country.LAKE OF THE ISLANDS—W ESTMINSTER PARK.WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
11
A writer for one of the newspapers, who recently visited the
spot, quotes from beneath its twilight shades these well-known
words from Bryant’s “Forest Hymn” as applicable to the
place:
“ Father, Thy hand
Hath reared these venerable columns, Thou
Didst weave this verdant roof.
* * * * *
These dim vaults,
These winding aisles, of human pomp or pride,
Report not. No fantastic carvings show
The boast of our vain race to change the form
Of Thy fair works. But Thou art here. Thou fill’sfc
The dim solitude. Thou art in the soft winds
That run along the summits of the trees
In music; Thou art in the cooler breath
That from the inmost darkness of the place
Comes, scarcely felt; the barky trunks, the ground,
The fresh, moist ground, are all instinct with Thee;
Here is continual worship; nature, here,
In the tranquility that Thou dost love,
Enjoys Thy presence.”
ACCESSIBILITY OF THE THOUSAND ISLANDS.
With the facilities presented by rail and water lines of
communication, the Thousand Islands have been brought
within quick and comfortable access from all portions of the
United States and Canadian Provinces. During the summer
months drawing-room cars run daily to the River from all
directions. Steamers make prompt and close connections
with the railway trains. During the season of travel the rail-
way and steamboat lines sell commutation tickets at one-half
the usual rates of fare.
THE THOUSAND ISLANDS OF THE ST. LAWRENCE.
For many years these Islands have been an object of curiosity
and interest to all intelligent persons, and much of the pros-
perity which attended the commerce of the Lake and River
was due to a desire everywhere felt to see this picturesque
display of inland scenery. In all their advertisements the12
WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
transportation companies guaranteed to the traveler a passage
through the Islands “by daylight,” and this delightful
journey made an impression too vivid to be eradicated or
dimmed by the.lapse of time. Few persons, however, with
the exception of fishing parties, tarried long at the Islands,
and fewer still dreamed of them as a future resort for the
multitude. Behold, now, the change! Where one lingered
in the presence of these charms, a score now stop to admire
and applaud. Their growth in popular esteem has of late
been astonishing. Every year brings large increase in the
number of visitors. During the season of 1877, forty thou*
sand people came and went—many remaining for several
weeks.
SCENERY OE THE ISLANDS.
A late English writer thus describes the scenery of the
Islands of a summer evening :
“ Surely this is neither a river nor a lake that begins to disclose itself—
stretching all across the western horizon, with innumerable gray rocks
and dark clusters of firs and bold sweeps of silver where a current passes
through the dark green reflections of the trees. It is more like a sub-
merged continent just reappearing above the surface of the sea ; for as
far as the eye can range Xhere is nothing visible but this glassy plain of
waters, with islands of every form and magnitude, wooded down to the
edge of the current. It is impossible to say which is our channel, and
which the shore of the main-land ; we are in a wilderness of rocks and
trees in unceasing combinations, in perpetual, calm, dreary-like beauty.
And as we open up vista after vista of this strange world—seeing no sign
of life from horizon to horizon but a few wild-duck that go whirring by
—the rich colors in the west deepen ; the sun sinks red behind some
flashing clouds of gold ; there is a wild glare of rose and yellow that
just misses the water, but lights up the islands as if with fire ; one belt
of pine in the west has become of a deep violet, while all around the
eastern sky, there is a low-lying blush of pink. And then, after the sun
has gone, behold ! there is a pale, clear beautiful green all across the
west; and that is barred with russet, purple and orange; and the
shadows along the islands have grown dusky and solemn. It is a magi-
cal night. The pale lambent twilight still fills the world, and is too
strong for the stars—unless we are to regard as golden planets the dis-
tant lights of the light-houses that steadily burn above the rocks. ThereWESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
13
is a gray metalic lustre on the surface,of the lake, now ruffled by the cool
winds of the night. And still we go gliding by these dark and silent
ialands, having the sharp yellow ray of a light-house now on this side
and now on that ; and still there seems to be no end of this shadowy
foliage and rock and gleaming water. The Lake of a Thousand Islands
has burned itself into our memory in flashes of rose color and gold.”
THE CHARTER OF THE ASSOCIATION.
The charter of the Association was created under Chapter
117 of the Laws of 1853, and the several acts supplementary
thereto and amendatory thereof—the corporate name being
u The Westminster Park Association of the Thousand Islands
and confers authority upon the Association to purchase and
lay out and subdivide lands into building lots, and for the im-
provement and sale of the same. The capital is fixed at the
sum of Thirty Thousand Dollars, divided into shares of one
hundred dollars each. The number of trustees is nine, and
the place designated for carrying on the operations of the As-
sociation is Wells Island, in the town of Alexandria, county
of Jefferson and state of New York.
SALES OF LOTS.
The surveys of the Park grounds were completed about the
middle of November, and the map hereto attached presents
the results. The trustees invite an examination of its features
in. the full belief that the work entrusted to the engineer has
been faithfully and properly executed. It is the intention
to have an opening sale of lots on the 22d day of May, 1878.
The precise date of such sale has been fixed so that all parties
may be informed of the time on which said sale occurs. At
least one week’s time will be devoted to this sale. Before that
time an appraisal of the lots will be made, and parties who
desire to purchase will be allowed ample time for examination
and selection. Where no competition arises in the sale of any
specified lot, the same will be sold at the appraisal; in other
cases parties will bid for the choice. This course appears to
be the only one not open to objection.14	WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
Arrangements have been made with the Eome, Watertown
& Ogdensburg and the Utica & Black River Railways for free
passage to and from the Park of all persons who may be
purchasers of lots at such sale.
ALEXANDRIA BAY—RAIL AND WATER CONNECTIONS.
The village of Alexandria Bay, (see page 7,) is located on
the south bank of the river, thirty miles below Cape Vincent
and thirty-six miles above Ogdensburg. The lines of the
Rome, Watertown and Ogdensburg Railroad touch the river
at these places, and there connect (twice a day in the summer,)
with the American and Canadian Steamers plying upon the
river. The Utica and Black River Railroad touches the river
at Clayton and also at Morristown, from whence transporta-
tion by steamer to the Bay is always to be had. There is also
a line of stages connecting Alexandria Bay with Redwood
Station on the Utica and Black River Railroad. These rail-
roads are well equipped and under efficient management, and
their trains are run as regularly as the trains upon any rail-
road in the country. The river steamers are also a good class
of boats, and their trips are always made with regularity and
dispatch. The river steamers will land regularly at Westmin-
ster Park during the present summer.
BOARDING HALL.
The Boarding Hall stands upon a gentle slope, easterly from
Mount Beulah, and within a dozen rods of the clear waters of
the Bay. It is a two-story structure with broad verandas; the
main building is in the form of a letter L, eighty by thirty-
six feet in one direction, and sixty-six by thirty-six feet in the
other. The first floor is devoted to the Dining-Room, Sitting-
Room, Offices, &c., while the second floor is divided into Par-
lor, suites of rooms, single rooms, &c., for guests. The entire
building is lathed, plastered and painted throughout; it is
supplied with pure river water by a force pump and tank,
which insures to guests all the comforts and conveniences ofBOARDING HALL—WESTMINSTER PARK.16	WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
the best modern hotels. A large number of rooms open out
upon the broad piazza a few rods from the archery fields and
game grounds, and the whole panorama of the St. Lawrence
river, including Alexandria Bay, with its large hotels and the
little Canadian village of Rockport, are all brought into full
view.THE CHAPEL.—(See Next Page.)WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
-18
THE CHAPEL.
The Chapel, now in course of construction, will be one of
the most noticeable structures upon the magnificent river.
The auditorium is hexagon in form and the transcept is octagon,
the seats being arranged in amphitheatre style, so that each
commands a view of the pulpit. The chapel has five sides
which can be raised like a sash, allowing the occupants of the
auditorium to have access to the broad piazza which surrounds
it. The main auditorium is fifty feet in height, and will seat
366 persons, while the piazza will accommodate 600 additional.
The chancel has an elevation of three feet; it will be eight
feet broad and twenty-five feet in length. At the rear corner
will be a square tower 136 feet in height. The chapel is to
stand upon Mount Beulah. The lookout from the tower will
be at least 225 feet above the river. With a good glass the
chapel can be seen from Cape Vincent or Ogdensburg on a
clear day, and from points on the American and Canadian side
for many miles around. The chapel will be reached by
a gradual and easy ascent from the dock. It will be built of
wood with open rafters in the roof. All portions are to be
handsomely and artistically painted and finished. The corni-
ces and other ornaments of the tower are to be richly gilded,
so that they will glisten in the sunshine. The outside dimen-
sions of the building are eighty by one hundred and thirty
feet. It will be ready for use during the coming summer.B Y - L AW S
OF THE
^ark J^saociation,
NOW IN FORCE.
Article 1. The annual meeting and election of trustees shall
be held on the second Tuesday in October, 1878, and in each
and every year thereafter; the polls shall be open at 2 o’clock
P. M. and continue open until 3 o’clock P. M. The time and
place of holding said election shall be designated by the trus-
tees at least thirty days before holding the same; and notice
thereof shall be published in at least one county paper.
Article 2. There shall be three inspectors of election elected
at the same time and place and in the same manner as trustees
are elected, who shall hold their office for one year, and until
others are elected in their places.
Article 3. Whenever a vacancy shall occur in the office of
trustee by reason of death, resignation or a sale of stock,
another competent stockholder shall be appointed by the Board
of Trustees or by those who may attend a meeting called for
that purpose. All vacancies in the office of inspector of elec-
tion shall be filled by the Board of Trustees.
Article 4. The officers of the Association to be chosen by
the Board of Trustees are a president, two vice-presidents, a
secretary and treasurer.
Article 5. The standing committees of the board shall be an
executive committee and an auditing committee. The exec-
utive committee shall consist of the president, secretary, and
three other members of the Board of Trustees. The standing
committees shall be appointed by the Board of Trustees, who
may from time to time appoint such other committees as shall
be deemed proper.
Article 6. The president, vice-presidents, secretary, treasurer20
WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
and members of the standing committees of the Board, shall
hold their offices for one year, and until others are appointed
in their places.
Article 7. The president shall have the general supervision
of the affairs of the Association, and shall preside at all meet-
ings of the Board, when present; he shall have power to call
all special meetings of the Board, and it shall be his duty to
do so upon the application of any three trustees in writing.
Article 8. The vice-presidents shall discharge the duties of
president in the absence of or during a vacancy in the office
of president, in the order in which they are elected. In the
absence of both president and vice-presidents, the trustees shall
select one of their own number to act as president pm tern.
Article 9. It shall be the duty of the secretary to keep a
record of the proceedings of the Board of Trustees and of the
Executive Committee ; he shall attend their meetings, and on
the request of the president notify them of the time and place
of such meetings. He shall keep a record of all papers coun-
tersigned by him, and perform such other duties as may from
time to time be assigned to him. At the next meeting of the
Board of Trustees, after a meeting of the Executive Committee,
he shall read to the Board the proceedings of the Executive
Committee.
Article 10. The treasurer shall be the chief financial officer
of the Association. Proper accounts shall be kept in his
office of all receipts and disbursements made by him for the
Association with the vouchers in support of them; and he
shall from time to time, when required, render statements of
said accounts to the trustees and executive committee. All
certificates of stock issued shall be countersigned and regis-
tered by him. The treasurer, in the usual course of business,
may make such advances to the officers of the Association as he
may deem necessary to carry on the operations of the Associa-
tion, such advances to be accounted for monthly by vouchers
rendered to him ; and he shall give a good and sufficient bond
in such an amount as the Board of Trustees may deem proper
and necessary.
Article 11. The Executive Committee shall, during the re-
cess of the Board, manage and direct the business and affairs
of the Association in such a manner as they shall deem for its
interest in all cases in which special directions shall not have
been given by the Board of Trustees.
Article 12. The Auditing Committee shall, from time toWESTMINSTER PARE ASSOCIATION.
21
time, and at least as often as once in three months, examine,
and if proper, audit all bills and accounts or vouchers, paid or
to be paid by the Association, and, as far as practicable, such
examination and auditing shall be made before payment. And
each account or bill approved or audited shall bear a certificate
of approval signed by at least two members of said committee.
The Auditing Committee shall, at least once in six months,
examine the books, accounts and papers of the treasurer, and
report to the Board of Trustees.
Article 13. All contracts, agreements or other documents
implicating the property of the Association, other than checks,
drafts and warrants for the payment of money, shall be signed
by the president and secretary, unless the execution of such
papers shall be otherwise directed by the Board.
Article 14. All transfers of stock shall be upon the books of
the Association, and no transfer shall be valid unless the
assignee shall give security to the Association satisfactory to
the president and secretary, for the payment of all instalments
then due or to become due thereafter, and the scrip of the
stock of the Association shall be signed by the president or
vice-president and secretary, and countersigned by the treas-
urer.
Article 15. The common seal of the Association shall be en-
graved upon a suitable plate, and the device shall be an island
with three pine trees on it in the centre, and the word ;‘St.
Lawrence ” upon the island, the whole surrounded with the
words, “ Westminster Park Association of the Thousand
Islands.”
Article 16. The transfer books may be closed for a season-
able period immediately preceding the day appointed for the
annual election and the payment of a dividend; notice thereof
to be given in the manner directed by the Board of Trustees.
Article 17. The ayes and nays shall be taken and recorded
on the minutes, if called for by any member previous to the
decision of any question.
Article 18. All buildings and improvements and all sanitary
regulations will be subject to the approval of the trustees or
an agent appointed for that purpose by them.
Article 19. All deeds or leases shall contain a clause for the
purpose of restricting nuisances and of compelling a uniform
system of improvement; forbidding the sale or keeping for
sale any spirituous or intoxicating liquors, and generally pro-
viding for the submission to such rules and regulations as the22	WESTMINSTER PARK: ASSOCIATION.
Board may from time to time direct. Neither the holder of a
lot, stockholder, or other person, shall permit any amusement
or act inconsistent with the character of the place and the ob-
jects of the Association, as set forth in the charter or articles
of Association, now on file in the Clerk’s Office of the county
of Jefferson, and the office of the Secretary of State, at Albany,
N. Y.
Article 20. The stated meetings of the Board shall be held
on the third Tuesday of May, June, July and August, and
special meetings when ordered by the president or other mem-
bers of the Board, in writing.
Article 21. The chapel is intended for religious or other
meetings. Parties desiring to occupy it will not be permitted
to do so without the authority in writing of the president, or
in his absence the vice-presidents, and in their absence of the
majority of the Executive Committee, who shall first ascertain
the character of the intended meeting — refusing the use
thereof to all such as are not compatible with the objects and
purposes of the Association.
Article 22. These by-laws may be altered or amended by a
vote of two-thirds of the members of the Board present at any
regular meeting. The proposed alteration or addition shall be
first read at a regular meeting previous to the one at which
such alteration or amendment shall be voted on, and a copy
thereof shall be sent to each member of the Board thirty days
previous to the time of said meeting.OPINIONS OF THE PRESS.
[From the New. York Evangelist.]
Our readers will note the very readable Prospectus of “ The West-
minster Park Association of the Thousand Islands77 elsewhere. The gen-
tlemen therein named as trustees, and also those who endorse the enter-
prise, are so favorably known to very many of our readers as to call for no
more words of further explanation or recommendation on our part. The
Park is naturally a very attractive and eligible spot for a Summer Resort,
and a comparatively small expenditure will render it quite unrivalled as a
place of family sojourn during the hot weeks. It is in no sense a specu-
lation, as any one who may wish to subscribe to the stock may readily
ascertain. A majority of those interested are Presbyterians, and it is
intended to keep the controlling interest in the same hands, to the end
that everything may move on harmoniously. Once fairly under wajr, it
is probable that lots will enhance in value, and if so, the money, after
satisfying a very reasonable scale of expenditure, will be applied to in-
creasing the value of the property.
[From the Watertown Times.]
The tract of land contemplated furnishes every desirable variety of
sites and scenery. The granite crops out on the eastern point, with suf-
ficient solidity to satisfy the most tenacious Presbyterian. The deep
waters on the northern shore afford scenes which must be attractive to
all Baptist people; while the wooded slopes toward the southern shore
must be attractive to Congregationalists, Episcopalians and others. This
location has the advantage of being nearer the best fishing grounds of the
St. Lawrence than any other that can now be obtained. Boating is more
pleasant at all times of day than further up the river. It commands a
magnificent view among the islands, and is reached by a half-mile ride
from Alexandria Bay. The portion which will first be opened is covered
with a fine second-growth timber, mostly hickory, oak and pine. The
variety in the surface invites the work of art to make this one of the most
charming rural parks in the country.
The enterprise is in the hands of prudent and thorough business men,
who are determined that it shall not be crippled at the outset by the
incubus of debt.
[From the Utica Observer.]
Nothing of the camp meeting enters into the scheme and nothing like
the arrangements of camp-meeting grounds. A small island of 10 or 15
acres, separated from the main island by a narrow stream, can be secured24
WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
for Sunday School picnics and for other unobjectionable and occasional
assemblages. The face of the ground not only permits a picturesque
laying out, but affords an opportunity for winding avenues and lots of
various sizes, prices and positions for both sightly and retiring houses.
Residents may take their meals under their own roofs, or at the hotel, or
at boarding houses, and capitalists have already proposed to build cot-
tages for rent, furnished or unfurnished. The scheme is well adapted to
interest philanthropic and Christian hearts, while, in the confident
opinion of fair and competent judges, it must prove a profitable invest-
ment.
[From the Syracuse Courier.]
The grounds proposed to be occupied by the Association are situated at
the eastern extremily of Wells Island, and directly opposite the Bay.
The grounds of the Methodist Association are at the western extremity.
The whole Island contains upwards of 8,000 acres, and the grounds of
the two Associations are therefore widely separated by the long narrow
belt of land between. The scheme of the Westminster Park was initiated
soon after the other was projected, but of late not much has been done
towards pushing it forward. There seems now, however, to be a revival
of interest concerning it, and the trustees find much encouragement on
all sides. The site proposed for the Park has been visited and pretty
thoroughly examined, and found to be in all respects a very desirable
one for the purpose. The approaches on every side are favorable, and
the site is well sheltered from the strong westerly winds which frequently
prevail and endanger small sailing craft operated by unskillful hands.
Many of the small islands, too, in this part of the river are now improved
by the owners, and their snug little cottages occupied during the
summer season.
[From the Syracuse Journal.]
Arrangements have been made for the purchase of the site, and at a
price much below what was at first anticipated. The quantity of land
to be taken is 500 acres, cut off from the lower or eastern point of Wells
Island. The water front of this tract is between four and five miles,
and affords good landing places at various points along the line. The
grounds are rolling and finely diversified with hill and dale, and all suffi-
ciently elevated above the water line to afford plenty of good drainage
for the whole tract. A small portion of the site is now occupied by two
farms, but the clearings are small, and no more than what may be
advantageously made use of in the development of the undertaking.
About nine-tenths of the tract is covered with first and second growth
timber, mostly hard wood, which is of considerable immediate value as
fuel for the steamers.
[From the Syracuse Standard ]
For the purpose of carrying out the objects of the Association, pre-
liminary steps have been taken for the purchase of a tract of 500 acres
of land on the eastern extremity of Wells or Wellesly Island, directly
opposite the village of Alexandria Bay, and in the midst of the finest
scenery of the great river. The distance from the Bay to this portionWESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
25
of the island is about half a mile. The site is well adapted to the pur-
pose for which it is wanted. There is no spot among the islands
which for natural advantages and accessibility is superior. Every por-
tion of it is available. The whole tract rests upon a bed of coarse
gravel and cobble stones, which renders expensive drainage unnecessary.
The surface of the Park presents a charming variety of hill and vale,
and offers an inviting field for the manipulating handiwork of the land-
scape gardener. A fine water front of more than four miles in extent
encircles the shores of the tract. There are now two small frame houses
on the site, but most of it is covered by timber of first and second
growth.
[From the Watertown Dispatch.]
The site of the park is found upon full examination and investigation,to
be in all respects superior to what was first anticipated. The whole plot
is available for the purpose desired. The average elevation of the grounds
above the river is thirty feet, and the extreme elevation is about 150 feet.
All the higher points of elevation are easy of access from all parts of the
park. A combined dock and landing is to be erected. Its length will
be about 1000 feet, and including the storehouse will cost about $2,000.
Many of the avenues have been cleared, and about two hundred acres
have been grubbed and cleaned. There will be upwards of fifteen miles
of avenues on the park. It is designed to go ahead with all improve-
ments as fast as possible. All the buildings will be completed by the
first of May next. The number of lots on the park will probably not
vary much from 2,000, or about four to the acre. This will leave ample
space for avenues, squares, parks, roads and other public places. A pub-
lic sale of lots will occur about the middle of May next, and prior to that
time an appraisal ot the whole of them will be made by competent par-
ties. Due notice of this sale will be given, and a week’s time will be de-
voted to this purpose.
[From an article of Professor Brown, of Syracuse University,
published in the Northern Christian Advocate.]
Ozone is found to be abundant in air that has swept across large bodies
of water ; it is also found to quite an extent in spray and dew. May
not the invigorating influence of the sea-side, as well as of some water-
ing places, and the salubrity of islands, be due largely to the ozoniferous
atmosphere of such localities ? On the islands of the St. Lawrence this
peculiar air can only be found in the west winds ; for these only have
swept over the lake and down the river sufficiently far to have acquired
the salubrious character of which we have spoken. The chemical tests
applied showed its existance in an unusual extent, confirming the impres-
sion received from the odor of the atmosphere. We spent a day on the
St. Lawrence, which furnished additional proof of the ozoniferous char-
acter of the air that sweeps over its waters, and it left us thoroughly
brown, confirming us in the idea that we are well named. Ozone, though it
bleaches most organic bodies, has the opposite effect on others. Thus,
the fresh surface of an apple is browned by it; so certain mushrooms
and a solution of gum guaiacum are turned deep blue by its action. It
turns the complexion dark. It is its effect in this regard that is so much26
WESTMINSTER PARK ASSOCIATION.
deplored by young ladies who visit the sea shore, while the sailor, who
is more exposed than any one else to an ozoniferous atmosphere presents
a weather-beaten and healthy appearance in an eminent degree. So we
say to all we may be able to reach : Do not let another Summer pass
without putting yourself in a position where you may become thoroughly
brown and well.
[From Scribner’s Monthly for April’ 1878.]
Westminster Park is a new enterprise. An association has purchased
five or six hundred acres of Wells Island, nearly opposite to the village
of Alexandria Bay, and the enterprise is now in the full tide of develop-
ment. Fourteen miles of road have been laid out, five of which are
already graded. A dock has been built more than a thousand feet long.
*	*	*	*	* A boarding-house and a church are either
built or in course of construction, and thus a great accession is to be
made to the permanent attractions of the region.
COTTAGES.
Designs of Cottages, with estimates of cost, will be on ex-
hibition during the week of the opening sale of lots, the
Association having offered prizes for plans varying in price
from $250 to $1,000 each.HggPThis Pamphlet is printed for general distribu-
tion, and will be sent free to any person on applica-
tion to the Secretary or any other member of the
Board of Trustees.WE8TMINS
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WESTMINSTER PARK
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FRANK. A. HINDS ENGINEER
WATERTOWN N.Y.
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