"36^..^^ 1^ LIBIUKY OF CONGRESS. *\ '^'^"Z- J J\z^ .^/.. ^ T /./^A mii- S2t S. 3C3L llUNITED STATES OF AMEIUCA.? ^'^Sf^ ^%^> ^ '^^^ :53^ .:^_P^. v^;'-l>>:J3r^.^,^^i >"^^3^ .^:^ ^'^"%v %^2]IS> =*^:^, SUBURBAN HOMES CITY BUSINESS MEN, FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THE COUNTRY, WITH A STATEMENT OF THE INDUCEMENTS OFFERED ON THE LINE OF THE ERIE RAILWAY A GUIDE OF THE EASTERN DIVISION AND NEWBURGH AND WARWICK BRANCHES. COMPILED BY HENRY T. WILLIAMS. / c NE Vri,..h\0^° CAY YORK: PRESS OF THE ERIE RAILWAY COMPANY 1 SG7 v Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1867, By The Erie Railway CoiirANY, In the CIerk'.> Office of the District Court for the Southern District of Xew York. INTRODUCTION The value of property, and the cost of living in this great city has become such, that the subject of Suburban Homes is agitating the minds of nearly all classes of business men, many of whom from want of time, or want of general knowledge of its suburbs, are unable to make any ex- tended examination along each route of travel, and are therefore without the necessarj^ information as to their relative advantages and con- veniences, and are in doubt as to the best place to select a Home. This little book has been prepared with the view of supplying such information, and to call special attention to the beautiful country lying along the line of the Erie Railway ; particularizing the principal points of interest, and the railway conveniences which are of so great and permanent importance. It contains a full description of the scenery of the entire Eastern Di- vision to Port Jervis, and its branches to Warwick and Newburgh, with full information concerning the villages, towns and cities along the route, the price of land and lots, and in short everything which can, in an im- partial manner, completely inform the excursionist of the advantages of each place. Good advice is given as to the selection of the best places of residence, either within daily access of New York, or a little more distant, in the lovely fields of Orange Countj^ ; particularly desirable for a country home during the summer months. Warnings are given against speculation of every description, and there are hints concerning the value, purchase and improvement of property, as also plans and estimates for building, which will be of good service. Commutation rates, less than those of any other New York road, to- gether with frequent trains and luxurious and commodious cars, are evidences of the liberal spirit of the managers of the Erie Railway, and of their desire to encourage and foster this class of business. To all those citizens of New York and vicinity who would at any time like to examine any of the places described, with a view to purchase for immediate improA^ement and permanent occupation, this Guide can be obtained, free of charge, at the office of the General Passenger Agent, Erie Buildings, New York. New York, November, 1867. SUBURBAN HOMES FOR CITY BUSINESS MEN. Next to those important points " What shall a man eat," and '' Where- withal shall he be clothed," comes that oft-recurring question, " TFhere shall he live r Comparing City and Country Life together, what do w*e find 1 On the one hand, city life brings to the sojourner or resident all the advantages of a concentrated society. Here are found refined and superior associ- ations ; here are the abodes of wealth and fashion ; here each day brings out its ever-changing panoramas of life and action ; we walk the streets, we find on either hand abundant opportunities to gratify our tastes, whether for pleasure or business ; here are gathered churches, schools, libraries, museums, galleries of art, places of amusement and instruction, and our eyes are gratified with the sight of spacious streets and avenues lined with gorgeous palaces of business or residence, or grand and im- pressive churches and public buildings ; here is life and activity, pleasant society, and it is not strange that a man accustomed to all these feels a pang when called upon to relinquish them. There is a dark side however to these pictures of pleasure. Man must experience the disadvantages of. city life as well as the advantages. How many thousands can tell the tale of doleful poverty ; how many, a step higher on the scale, can utter bitter complaints of hard work and scant pay ; higher yet, there comes a class of shopkeepers, faithful toilers, whose daily gains but barely pay the expenses of livelihood, and to whom the oft- recurring fiice of the landlord is like an apparition of terror ; but be- tween these and the rich classes, who sit down to costly suppers and dress in purple and fine linen, there are found thousands of families of the energetic business or professional men of the city, who, apparently in comfortable circumstances, are subjected to the payment of extra- vagant prices for board or house rent, and long for some eflectual and permanent relief. The first of May comes, and with it the demands of the landlord, whose 1 % SUBURBAN HOMES. increased rent strikes consternation into many an lionsehold, and many a luxury is curtailed to meet the great expense. Wlien, too, it is found that prices of $200 per month are charged a husband, wife and two children for the privilege of boarding in a second or third story floor, with two or three rooms, with no prospect of living cheaper by even keeping house, and no house to be found of moderate rent, the anxious inquiry comes, What shall we do ? I will tell you what to do — go to the country. If you have a little money saved, towards buying a house or lots of ground, and are of right tastes and sociability to make a good neighbor, go to some one of the many suburban villages around this great city, there build you a nice little cottage, and, forgetting the things which are behind, press forward to the mark of a good and unmolested enjoyment of God's free air, under the blue canopy of a cheerful sky. City advantages are at present swal- lowed up in its disadvantages ; the crowded state of the city ; the in- crease of population; the demand for houses, the inadequate supply; the inordinate and extortionate charges of the landlords ; the rapacity of every description of tradesmen and shopkeeper; the inflated prices of property; the great cost of living; the difticulty of convenient trans- portation within the city limits, between either extremities ; the over- crowded, unhealthj^, dirty, clieerless horse cars, are all tending to drive thousands of men from New York, into the various little villages that skirt the lines of raihvay or steamboat communication. We are glad of it, and we trust the day is not far distant when we shall see these little villages grow up into mighty ones, and through their length and breadth, and by their beauty speak of the contentment of tlieir citizens. Country life makes a man purer, happier, and more contented ; puts new vigor into him, and having escaped the Scylla and Cliarybdis of the city, and thrown off" the exclusiveness so natural to all city people, he steps into his country cottage, with buoyancy and enjoyment. Within the last two or three years the writer has made it his duty to visit every railroad and station within a distance of from twenty-flve to fifty miles of New York, for the purposes of obtaining information, as to what and how great were the suburbs of this great city, what were the conveniences of access, what were the natural advantages or disadvan- tages of every place, and where were the best localities for business men to choose their homes, and after a careful examination of the whole sub- ject, I have no hesitation in stating, the greatest advantages and most conveniences are to be found on the line of the Ekie Railway. SUBURBAN HOMES. 6 The writer has traveled over it frequently, and is familiar with every- place and the surronnding country. The language used and descrip- tions of villages and scenery given in this Guide, though enthusiastic are by no means exaggerated ; and the actual oT)server will find every- thing in strict conformity with the truth. The great points to be considered by a business man in choosing a location for a home are, viz : 1st. Convenience and frequency of access. 2d. Cleanly and comfortable cars. 8d. A reasonable cost for transportation. 4th. A fair, but not undue price for land or building. 5th. Healthiness. Gth. Society, schools, churches. 7th. Liberal treatment ])y the company. Considering, then, the advantages afore-named, we recommend every one to notice the prospects of the country along the line of this railway. From the City Hall, down Chambers Street, five minutes walk, takes us to the inviting entrance to Pavonia Ferry, the New York Depot of this road. The spacious boats Pavonia and Susquehanna, models of neatness, good taste and beauty, are constantly plying across the river, teeming with the constant throng of passengers. Trips are made every fifteen minutes, to the Long Dock Depot at Jersey City, and connect with no less than seventeen local trains, each way, daily. In addition to the conveniences of access now given, the company have determined to minister further to the wants of the New York pub- lic, and during the coming season will have in operation another ferry, from the foot of Twenty-third Street, North River, to their Jersey City Depot, thus opening the way for travel to and from the up-town districts. This will prove, undoubtedly, a great convenience, not only to travelers from the hotels and railroad depots, but to up-town residents who desire to travel directly West, and save the tedium of a long ride down town. It is to be regretted that there is not a more convenient city railway system, by which to reach Twenty-third Street and Chambers Street ferries, from all parts of the city, but this will doubtless be remedied the coming winter. The Erie Railway is of the broad gauge— six feet wide— and the Company are thus enabled to construct coaches of greater width and length than other roads, and to finish and furnish them in the most ap- proved and elegant manner. It is a subject of frequent remark among travelers, that no road in the country possesses coaches of such fine appearance and so great accommodation. SUBURBAN HOMES. In comfort, freedom from dust, and all petty annoyances and restrictions, in the frequency and punctuality of trains, the conveniences of the Erie Kailway are of superior excellence. Conducted on a liberal basis, the managers give the cheapest Commutation Rates of any road in the world. One has but to look at the appended list and judge for himself. NEW YORK AND COMMUTATION. 3 H p Three Months. First Six Months. Second Six Months. Twelve Months. Boiling Spring, Passaic, 10 12 14 17 19 22 24 26 28 32 34 36 42 44 48 50 52 54 55 60 64 67 71 76 88 $16.00 17.25 18.75 21.75 22.50 23.75 24.50 25.00 25.50 26.00 27.00 27.50 28.75 29.50 30.00 30.50 31.25 31.25 31.50 32.75 33.75 34.75 36.25 37.75 41.00 $27.50 30.50 33.00 39.00 40.50 42.25 43.75 44.75 45.25 46.50 49.25 50.50 52.75 54.00 55.00 56.00 57.25 57.50 57.75 59.75 61.75 63.50 66.25 69.25 74.75 $24.50 26.75 29.25 34.00 35.25 37.00 37.75 38.75 39.75 40.00 42.75 43.75 45.50 46.25 47.00 48.50 49.25 49.50 49.75 51.25 53.25 54.50 57.00 59.25 64.25 $49.25 54.50 59.25 69.75 72.50 76.00 78.00 80.25 82.25 83.25 88.50 90.50 94.50 96.75 98.75 100.75 102.75 103.25 103.75 107.00 111.00 114.25 119.25 124.50 134.50 $0.40 0.55 0.65 0.75 0.85 0.95 1.00 1.10 115 1.25 1.35 1.40 1.60 1.70 1.75 1.85 1.95 2.00 2.05 2.20 2.30 2.40 2.50 2.60 3.10 Clifton, Paterson . . .... Norwood . . , Ridgewood, Hohokus* Allendale Ramsey's, Suffern, Ramapo Sloatsburg, Southflelds, Greenwood, Turner's Monroe, Oxford Grey court, Chester, Goshen, Hampton, Middletown, Howell's, Otisville, Port Jervis, Craigville, Washingtonville, . Salisbury, Vail's Gate, Newburgh, 56 61 63 67 73 3150 31.50 31.50 31.50 37.25 57.75 57.75 57.75 57.75 68.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 58.50 104.00 104.00 104.00 104.00 122.50 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.05 2.50 East Chester, Sugar Loaf, Lake, Stone Bridge Warwick, 55 57 58 61 64 4Y.60 74'.75 64*25 134.75 2.10 2.25 2.30 2.45 2.50 DESIGN No. 1. Here is given a fine example of cottage architecture, of a form tliat is compact and every- way available, at the same time affording every convenience in the arrangement of rooms de- sirable for a family of refined tastes and moderate means. — This cottage may be built of wood, or better still, in favor- able localities, of brick and stone, and if suitably surround- ed with tasteful landscape em- bellishments, will make a snug, pretty and attractive home. One can, by the exercise of appropriate taste, produce the right kind of an impression in a house of this character. It should become a part of, and belong to, the acres which sur- round it; it should be an indis- pensable accessory to the place itself, and the grounds should be laid out and embellished in such a manner that the whole combination impresses all with harmonious beauty, and not, as is too frequently the case, seek to make up the wretched defici- encies in the grounds by elabo- rate expenditure and display about the house. A true ap- preciation of country life will not tolerate slovenly, ill-kept grounds, and no house exhibits its true value unless there is a harmony in its surroundings. If this be attended to, a high de- gree of eftect can be produced in houses of moderate cost; houses that shall be roomy, warm, substantial and in every way agreeable to their occu- pants. This design can be built, at present, for about |5000. — From Woodward's Country Homes. Second Floor. First Floor. SUBURBAN HOMES. RULES AND REGULATIONS, Adopted September 1st, 1865. QUARTERLY, HALF-YEARLY OR YEARLY TICKETS. Season Commutation Tickets will be furnished on application to the General Passenger Agent, Room 12, Erie Buildings, foot of Duane Street, New York. These Tickets will in all cases bear the date of the 1st day of the month in which they are issued, and will always expire on the last day of a month. They are to be allowed in the custody of no one but the person to whom issued, or a Conductor or Officer of the Company, and for breach of this rule will be void and forfeited. They are valid for passage, only on Trains stopping as per Time Table at the Stations named on the Ticket. They are received subject to the right of the Company, at any time to change the time of arrival or departure of any Train, at or from any Sta- tion or Stations, and to diminish the number of Trains or Coaches at pleasure. They are subject to all the Rules and Regulations of the Company, and give no privilege of transporting goods, packages or other matter, other than usual or ordinary Personal Baggage, which is required by the holder as a passenger. They are not iramferahle, and no return of any part of the sum paid for the Ticket will be made in consequence of the inability of the person to use it. They are to be shown to the Conductors each trip, and also whenever required, and to be returned to the General Passenger Agent, when the time for which they were issued has expired. Commuters found passing over the Road without their Tickets will be required to pay fare. Tickets from " New York," when presented at the passenger entrance to the Company's Ferry, are valid for passage between Jersey City and New York. Parts of, or mutilated Tickets will not be recognized. Duplicate Tickets will not be issued except for sufficient reason, and upon agreement to protect the Company against use of original. Scholars under 16 attending School, Half Season Commutation Rates. Bound Trip Tickets, valid for two daj's, can be oljtained at the Station Ticket Offices at reduced rates. Thus a ride of 12 miles to Passaic costs only ^54. 50 per year, which is less than 8 cents each way, or about 15 cents per day, less even than omnibus fare in the city. Comparing these rates with those of other companies, we find, to New- ark, by Morris and Essex, or New Jersey R. R., 9 miles, $60 ; Orange, 14 miles, 080; Montclair, 15 miles, ^100; to Elizabeth, by two roads, 15 roiles, opposition rates, f 55 ; to Jamaica, by two roads, 8 miles, 060 ; by 6 SUBURBAN HOMES. Harlem Railroad, to Moimt Vernon, 15 miles, $96; by Hudson River Railroad, to Yonkers, 14 miles, $114; by New Haven Railroad, to Mount Vernon, 15 miles, $90; by Nortbern Railroad of New Jersey, to Engle- Avood, 14i miles, $85. In addition to these high rates, put the inconvenience of a change from the Hudson, Harlem and New Haven Roads to city cars, at an in- creased expense of $40 per year, or on the Long Island and Flushing Roads, a ferriage from Jam^es Slip of from 5 to 8 cents per time, and we have a balance in favor of the Erie Railway not to be resisted. Leaving the Depot at Jersey City we pass through the Bergen Tunnel, then for a distance of 6 miles, over the Jersey Meadows, and the station we first reach is BOILING SPRING — the name, however, is soon to be changed to Rutherfurd Station. It is a neat little edifice, a credit alike to the inhabitants and the Company. Its cost was $0,000, shared equally by the citizens and the Company. Herein we may also note a point of excellence, which other companies will do well to imitate, viz., good and tasteful depot buildings. There are no residences of importance in the immediate vicinity of the Depot, but half a mile down the road, on the summit of the ridge, is a cluster of cottages, which at once attract the attention of the passer-by with their tasteful and ornamental appearance. Here are the residences of the brothers Woodward, the well known proprietors of the Hortiad- tnrisf, whose excellent taste on rural matters will produce good results in the development of the region around them. Perhaps no better description of this country, its advantages, and prospects, can be given, than the following from the pen of Mr. Geo. E. Woodward : "Boiling Spring, New Jersey, is 10 miles from New^ York, 40 minutes' ride from the City, and is accessil)le, daily, by eleven trains. The yearly Commutation fare is $19.25. The country tributary to this station lies on an elevated rolling ridge, two miles in width ; the highest portions of which are from 100 to 150 feet above tide- water. This ridge has a soil of sandy loam, rich and easily cultivated. The subsoil is of a gravelly nature, Avhich is the best system of natural under-drainage, and conse- quently free from the health objections to rocky and clay foundations. The Boiling Spring water, which boils or bubbles out on both sides of the ridge, is the purest water known. The chemical analysis made prior to the erection of extensive bleaching Avorks, claims for it the highest standard of purit;y^, equal to that of the great lakes, SUBURBAN HOMES. 7 To those familiar with the selection of health localities, a naturally drained gravelly subsoil and water of great puritj-^ are considerations of great importance, but, in addition to these, w^e will state further facts. The impression naturally received by a stranger in crossing the salt mea- dows, is that there must be some health objection ; all testimony however is against nnhealthiness ; families have lived immediately on the e{]ge of the meadows from generation to generation, and scarce a house but that contains one or more people of advanced age, 80 or 90 years and upwards. The City of Newark, five miles south of Boiling Spring Station, occu- pies a site lying on and alongside the salt meadows ; health statistics show it to be one of the healthiest cities in the country ; it ranks with Boston, Providence and Philadelphia, and the average of life is fifteen years longer than the average in the City of Ncav York. The village of Hackcnsack, five miles north of Boiling Spring Station, is a noted health- ful locality, and yet this village, of some 8,000 inhabitants, is located im- mediately on the side, and at an elevation of from six to ten feet only above the salt meadows. In fact the salt meadows, up and down both sides, are bordered by cities and villages that in point of health are sur- passed by none in the vicinity of New York. The principal improvements in the vicinit}^ of the Boiling Spring Sta- tion have been made on the summit of the ridge, upwards of one mile from the edge of the meadows, commanding extensive views of the Or- ange mountains, the valley of the Passaic, the Highlands to the north, and the westerly slope of the Palisades ; within a radius of six miles are the Cities of Newark and Paterson, — Llewellyn Park, Orange, Bloom- field, Passaic, Bellville, Hackeusack, Franklin, Lodi, &c., points of inter- est which make up a series of drives not surpassed. The Central Park is but one hours drive, being only eight miles distant via Weehawken Ferry. During the past winter New York capitalists have invested in the vici- nity of this depot, not less than $400,000, and contemplate inprovements of the most extensive character, which will at the same time effectually prevent the introduction of any objectionable features into a locality now wholly free from anything exceptionable. The RuTHERFURD Park Associatiox, owning 300 acres of land lying upon the river slope, have expended $10,000 npon the magnificent avenue leadiKg from the depot, and in Ma}" opened the Rutherfurd Park Hotel, refitted and refurnished for 150 guests. Their villa sites are being taken up, and plans are now preparing for the erection of houses of a fine class. The Riverside Park Association, also on the river slope, and owning e SUBURBAN HOMES. nearly 200 acres, will proceed to the immediate erection of cottages and country houses, and contemplate opening to the public the old and mag- nificent mansion, which in by-gone days was a noted country seat of taste and elegance. This Association proposes the most liberal terms. Satisfactory parties can purchase the land on credit and have one-half the cost of building advanced. The Mount Rutherfurd Association, located on the meadow slope and close to the depot, owning about 100 acres of land, are making immedi- ate progTess with various improvements. In addition to these, smaller projects are in hand, all of which will tend to make valuable and desirable a locality, which in quickness of transit from New York, and in all that goes to make up an elegant and attractive suburb of the city, has no superior. The price of property at the present time is considered quite low. Five hundred dollars per acre would probably purchase a few tracts at a distance, but the leading prices for a choice, range from S600 to SIOOO per acre. One and two acre lots, fairly situated, where streets are opened and fenced, and public improvements made, can be had at about ^800 per acre to actual settlers, city lots 25x100 feet, near depot, are as low as SlOO each, and the best choice not over ^200 a lot. This is believed to be one-third the price of property at any point either in New York or New Jersey that can be reached in 45 or even 60 minutes from the City Hall — two lots have been sold in New York corner of Sixty-sixth St. and Fifth Avenue at $27,500 each — one and a quarter hours distant from City Hall by anj^ public conveyance. Lots on the outskirts of Brooklyn, one and a quarter hours from City Hall, command from $500 to SI, 000 each, and $500 is about the minimum price for a choice lot in any pleasant and convenient point accessible from the great business centre, inside of 60 minutes. Boiling Spring at the present time is a country localit}^ The largest owners, Avhose property lies from half a mile to one mile from the sta- tion, propose improvements similar to the Boxbury Suburbs of Boston. Cottage and villa sites of from one to three acres, are most frequent ; al- ready some fifteen or twenty are built upon and improved. Those who own nearer the depot oftcr their property in city lots. Butchers, bakers, grocers and icemen call daily at the door. Good stores, churches, schools, &c., are all established within one and a half miles, and public buildings of difierent classes, schools of high grade, will be erected in the imme- diate vicinity An invested capital of $400,000, and a large working cap- Design Xo. 2.— Italian Villa. Second Floor. DE.^UiN No. 2. This design was made for erection in Riitherfurd Park, New Jersey, and is a good example of a compact, couveuieut, and economical country house, with good commodious rooms, well connected, and easily heated and ventilated. The basement contains, beside the necessary cellar and coal requisites, a line billiard room, and as a solid substantial foundation is thus secured, it is perhaps the best part of the house for such a pur- pose, occupying room not needed otherwise, and not objectionable to the most fastidious. The parlor and dining room connect with each other, and each has independent communication with a spacious hall or vesti- bule, and this latter it is proposed to fit up in an imposing manner. The stairway is of easy rise and tread, with rail and new^el of attractive pro- portions ; the ceilings to be groined, walls panelled, etc.; the full arrange- ment of bed-rooms, closets, etc., is easily seen from the plans ; no space is lost — all room is made available. The construction of the house is of wood, balloon frame, diagonally boarded outside with un worked plank, then covered with roofing felt, and weather-boarded with narrow lap-siding. The work throughout to be well done, finished substantial and plain, w^alls hard finished, tin roof, etc. At the present time, Sept. 1, 1867, this design could be built for $5,000. —See Woodward's Architecture end JRural Art, No. 2,foi' 1868. SUBURBAN HOMES. 9 ital, will not permit any delaj^ in the establishment of needed conve- niences. The facility with which lumber and all kinds of building materials can be delivered, both by railroad and river, enables build- ing operations to be carried on at the minimum price, and an investment in a home at this point will pay a heavy rate of interest in more wa3^s than one. Our opinions of the advantages of Boiling Spring are condensed in this simple statement: Ave have nothing to sell, and can afford to live where we please. We have resided there four years, and propose to remain there permanently, and so say all our neigh])ors. The following estimate of a Country Home at this point may be relied on: One acre lot, ten minutes walk from depot, $800 Frame house, French roof, 7 rooms (heating, plum])ing and gas excepted), plainly finished, 4,500 Fencing and other extras, 700 $6,000 Such a house will rent readily for $900. Two city lots, 50 by 100, $300 Plain house, no extras, 3,000 Fencing, »&c., 200 $3,500 Would rent for $500. Any party having $1,000 or more in cash can secure the building of a Country home, of satisfactory plan, on such terms of payment as will be easy and safe, and such property will advance in value at least ten per cent, per annum, or the full value of the rental for a long series of years. To deny this is to deny stubborn facts. Lying in the shadow of the great commercial centre, on a national highway, of princely accomoda- tions and resources, there can be no question as to its progress or doubt of its success." The operations of the Mount Rutherfurd Company, if carried out ac- cording to their present intentions, \vill result in the production of a beautiful village, handsomely laid out, with finely graded avenues, shade trees, and residences of a superior character. A church already exists there, and schools will be erected in a short space of time. The natural position of the whole of this ridge is of the most liivorable kind for the location and growth Qf ^i large village or city, and there is every reason 10 SUBURBAN HOMES. to believe that a few years hence Boiling- Spring will be one of the lai-gest of our suburban villages. Beautiful, broad avenues could be laid out on the top of this ridge, and run either south to Newark or north to Hack- ensack; and should this plan be adopted, we would not be surprised to find them one of these days ftivorite driving grounds with our fashion- able people. After leaving Boiling Spring Station the railroad ascends the bed of one stream, nntil it reaches the summit, and then descending throngh the bed of another, westward, it emerges from the depressed cut at the Bleachcry. Here commences, and runs south, the Riverside Park, a property of 180 acres, which was bought at auction in the summer of 1866 for ^76,000, by a company of gentlemen (one of whom is the well-known merchant Geo. Griswold), for the purpose of landscape improvement and division into neat little cottage grounds of one or more acres. The beautiful house we see from the cars, alone cost ^50,000, and being situated on an eminence above the river, and surrounded with thick shade trees, rend- ers the spot the most charming place for a hotel on the line of the road. A station has been proposed, opposite the Bleacher}^ but there is no present prospect of its erection. When the property is oftered for sale, should there be one built, it will doubtless ]3e of a neat and ornamental character. It is difficult at this date to say what property will then be worth ; if it is sold by the acre it will probably not be less than SI, 000, or if by lots of 25 by 100 feet, perhaps $100 to 0200. The whole of this land is level, and can easily be improved and laid out. It is overlooked by a nice little ridge, covered with trees, and of a western slope, for wdiich |1,000 per acre is asked. It is safe to say that no land can be purchased within a mile of Boil- ing Spring depot at less than an average of ,f 1,000 per acre. Land was offered to the writer a year ago for $500 to $600 per acre, easy terms, half a mile from station, which is now held at $1,000 cash. An old far- mer, owning 200 acres of land, offered it last year for $600 per acre, but did not sell, held on, and has recently sold 90 acres to the Mount Ruther- furd Company at an average of $1,100 per acre. These fiicts serve to show the extraordinary increase in the valuation of land. A year hence it will be difficult to purchase by the acre, as all Avill doubtless be sold by the lot. Crossing Passaic River, we reach Passaic Bridge, a little station for the convenience of those living up and down the river and valley. A mile furtlier 0)i we reach SUBURBAN HOMES. 11 PASSAIC, which is 12 miles from New York, and accessible daily by thirteen trains, the trip occnpying fifty minntes. For a long time the depot was an olcL uninviting building ; but this spring the citizens and the railway company purchased five lots of ground a little ftirther on for $2,000, on which has l)een built a depot costing $5,000, which is considered one of the most tasteful of any within 50 miles of New York. The village contains a population of about 1,200 inhabitants, of an excellent and superior character. A few years ago it was but little known, and under its old name of Acquackanonk, there was not mueh to attract people thither. Within the last two years its name and repu- tation have become well known. On approaching the village your attention is attracted l)y pretty lit- tle cottages, surrounded by trees and flower gardens, which speak most pleasantly of homes of contentment and happiness. As the cars round the curve 3-ou perceive a long Inroad avenue, on either side of which are other snug little houses, shaded by double and quadruple rows of trees, which give an air of quietness and retirement to the place. We are not aware of a place which combines so many attractions to the prospective resident as this. It contains six churches of Reformed Dutch, Episcopal, Baptist and Presbyterian denominations, all in good strength, having a superior array of ministerial talent ; one public and two private schools, and a literary society in which great interest is taken. Stores of good character are also found here. It is not a little interesting to notice how jealous the citizens are of the reputation of the place ; all take the highest pride in it ; believe that no suburban village has so great advantages, is so convenient to New York, and has such magnificent prospects in the world as theirs ; and we must admit that we are of the same opinion. There is no reason to doubt that Passaic, a few years hence, will be a place of finer cjiaracter and larger population than Hackensack, which has now 8,000 inhabi- tants, or even Elizabeth with 20,000. One has but to visit the place, see the position of the land, the im- provements already made and contemplated, and learn the character of the people, to feel that their hopes will be realized. There is a large tract of land, just north and north-east of the new depot, and up what is familiarly called the Weazle road, which covers an area of from 200 to 500 aci'es, which is as smooth as a floor, and, cov- 12 SUBURBAN HOMES. erecl with its luxuriaut growtli of grass or grain, presents the most lovely of all rural sights. Here will some day be a large city. At the present time no money could tempt the owners to sell. They know full well the value of the land, and loving it more than money, know that each year adds to its value. This may suit their own dispositions well enough, but not the hun- dreds of anxious souls who are searching for some spot whereon to build and be at rest. Society has always had a repugnance to specu- lative land owners, who have no progressiveness in them, nor regard for the feelings of others, and who never sell, or give any chance to settlers to come in and occupy, but hoard on year after year. It is not a matter of wonder however that such beautiful land causes such action on the part of the owners, but if they properly understood the feelings of those who are willing to buy and pay a fair price, they might have reason to reflect on their conservatism and selfishness. It is possible that in the course of the coming year avenues will be laid out over this property, and lots of 50 by -200 feet made ready for occupancy. It would be hard to name any price at this early date, perhaps S^OO to $1,000 will be asked; but it is sincerely hoped that the owners will see the advantages of oflering this property at fair rates. Something must be said of the western portion of the village, fami- liarly named the Heights. Here is the sphere of operations of Mr. C. M. K. Paulison, a New Yorker, who several years ago purchased a number of acres of land in the higher portion of the village, commenced the lay- ing out and gTading of streets, avenues, sidewalks, blocks, lots, &c., and for a time offered to build houses for those Avho paid cash for their lots, and allow the price of the house to be paid in installments through a series of years. The results are of a most gratifying nature. Beautiful dwellings have been erected, and are occupied by families of the best tastes and social position. Under such beneficial results the whole vil- lage has commenced a grand onward course of prosperity. One peculiarity of Mr. Paulison's operations is, that he will sell no land except to actual settlers, w^ho will make immediate improvements, requiring a house to be erected within a certain time, and to be of the most tasteful nature. Herein we must give credit, for only by this me- thod could such gratifying success have been attained ; speculation is thus effectually cut off, and the great object of immediate development is attained. Several streets are already built and more are being laid out. Mr. Paulison has come into possession of a large tract of land, commencing Design No. 3.— A Cottage Home. First Floor. Secoxd Floor. DESIGN No. 3 . This design, with a tower, in many localities, would be suitable and attractive. The plan shows but moderate accommodation, yet enough to supply the demand called for by the largest number. The roof of the main building can be shingled, but that of the tower would be better of tin. It is shown as a fi-ame house, but would look well constructed of brick ; hollow walls, one foot thick, but do not omit furring out. There is quite as much need of leaving a vacant space between the plastering and a hollow brick wall as if the walls were solid. The brick which binds a hollow wall will convey dampness, though not as much as solid walls. The design is shown as being quite low on the ground. There is nothing- arbitrary about this, except that it helps the cottage appearance. In many localities custom or prejudice would raise the foundation wall two or even three feet aboA^e the ground. There are some places where it would be healthier and better to do so ; but on a dry, gravelly soil, or one thoroughly under-drained, we should not care to show more than a foot of underpinning, unless we contemplated making use of rooms be- low the first floor. This cottage design has become quite popular, and can be built at a moderate cost of about $3,800. — See Woodward'' s Architect- ure and Mural Art^ No. \,fGr 1867. SUBURBAN HOMES. 13 at the top of the hill and running west for two miles. Here he is lay- ing out a magnificent avenue 100 feet wide, and throughout the whole distance bordering it with the finest and most luxuriant trees. On the top of the hill will be placed a reservoir for supplying the town with water, a charter for that purpose having been obtained from the New Jersey Legislature, and in connection with which an observatory is to be erected. On the north-east slope of the hill Mr. Paulison is arranging a private park and setting out ornamental trees. He intends to surround this with a handsome fence, allow the use of keys to the neighbors, and make it of the same nature as St. John's Park was in this city. Already a very pretty rustic summer house has been erected on the brow of the hill, from which are beautiful views. From the summit of the hill, ah ! pen and pencil cannot describe the lovely landscape spread out beneath ! Away from the north and reach- ing down to the east, lies spread out the fertile valley of the Passaic, hemmed in between the elevated table-lands clad in forest trees. No one who can afibrd a spare afternoon should fail to take an excursion trip thither, and drink in one of the most lovely views of rural scenery to be found within many miles of the city. Here we can behold the coming train, moving so smoothly, yet rap- idly and majestically along, imparting life and variety to the scene. It is a spot from which one can view to advantage the whole village and the large extended plains beneath, which one day will be thickly studded with " village homesy The lots oflfered for sale do not remain long without a purchaser ; many of them have been taken, and there are inquiries every day. Mr. Paul- ison prefers to ask a ftiir price of $150 to $250, and have them all easily sold, than speculate on a man's necessities, by raising the price when- ever there is a great demand. His good sense earns for him the praise of every one in this respect. The prices of lots in other parts of the village vary greatly, and gener- ally are too high. On the street immediately near the depot, and partly built up, buihliug lots 25x130 feet are selling for $500 each. It seems a high price for country or village property, yet as convenient a situation could not be obtained for less than three times that price in the same riding distance from the City Hall, either in New York or Brooklyn. In a general manner we may say building lots within five minutes walk of Passaic Depot are not worth over $300 each, and ten nunuteg walk, S150 to $200. 14 SUBURBAN HOMES. CLIFTON. This is tlie name of a new station 14 miles from New York, and reach- ed daily by three trains, occupying 52 minutes. It is situated nearly midway between Passaic and Paterson, and is the name of a property recently purchased by several gentlemen with a view to immediate im- provement. It must be admitted, it is without exception, the finest po- sition for rural residences and village sites now remaining unoccupied around New York. One has but to stand upon an eminence, and look- ing in every direction, behold the most lovely scenery. Towards the south and west is stretched out a beautiful undulating region clothed in living green, descending in easy curves into pleasant little valleys and rising up to easy and richly cultivated slopes. On either hand are forests, and here the lover of the picturesque could find everything to gratify his eye and taste. This plane runs along for a mile or more, bounded between the railroad and the plank road, every part of which affords a desirable building spot. On the north rises a still higher plane, level, free from any forest, and if properly laid out in handsome avenues, would eclipse in desirability any other point of attraction. Fine views are obtained from any part of it, to the south, west, north and east, Paterson and Passaic may be seen at the same time, Avhile between is spread out that lovely valley of the Passaic, whose charms all will admit. The Clifton Company have purchased here about four hundred acres of land, well situated for building purposes. It has a frontage of half a mile on the plank road, and extends back to the south-west over a mile. It is designed to sell the property to parties who will at once proceed to erect first class dwellings for their own use, thus securing a desirable class of residents. To such persons special inducements will be offered. The neighborhood is healthy, water excellent and easily obtained. The property is not yet publicly in the market for sale, but survey's are now being made, and when completed, the lands will be thrown open for occupation. We believe Mr. R. C. Bacot, of Exchange Place, Jersey City, civil engineer, has charge of the property, and may be seen occa- sionally at Clifton station. A new and handsome station is to be l)uilt, the land having been given for the purpose, also $4,000 in money. The day is not for distant when Clifton will he one of the most popular places around the City, even ex- celling Orange. Already several acres of land near the station have- been sold for SI, 000 per acre. We trust the land company will be so mindful SUBURBAN HOMES. 15 of their interests and repntation as to sell at reasonable prices, and if there is a fair demand, not increase them, l)ut be thankful they are able to sell them so well. Immediately beyond Clifton is P A T E R S N , the Capital of Passaic County, New Jersey. It is situated 17 miles from New York, and for the accommodation of its citizens, sixteen trains each way, daily, stop here, the trip occupying 55 minutes. It is a well built city, with paved streets, wide and straiglit, well lighted with gas, and contains many handsome residences. It derives its importance principally from its manufactures and manu- facturing facilities. Here are more than 20 cotton mills with an aggre- gate capital of several millions of dollars, producing cotton yarn, cotton duck, &c. Here are also extensive machine shops, paper mills, steam engine works, silk, flax, hemp, wick, twine and carriage manufactories, printing, dying and bleaching establishments, and the locomotive works of Grant, Rogers, and Danforth, Cook & Co., the largest of the kind in the United States. There are more tlian 75 in number of the various manu- factories, representing a capital of many millions of dollars. The Passaic River, leaping over the Passaic Falls and Rapids, with a total descent of 72 feet, affords an immense water power, which by means of dams and canals, gives motion to innumerable mills. From its easy connection with Morris Canal and Erie Railway, Pater- son enjoys manufacturing advantages and facilities of a superior nature. There are about 25 churches in the place, representing every denomina- tion. Reformed Dutch, Methodist, Presbyterian, Baptist, Episcopalian, Independents, Catholics, &c., 2 banks, 2 newspaper offices, 7 public and 20 private schools, man}'^ good hotels, and several societies, philosophical or mechanical. It contains a population a little over 30,000, and has a large local trade. The location is very healthy, as in fact are all points along the Railway hither, and very favorably situated as concerns the slope of the land. It is in the heart of an agricultural and fruit growing region — its markets are constantly supplied with the freshest and best vegetables and fruits in their season. There is also a good supply of water. In ad- dition to the large population connected with the manufacturing opera- tions of the place, there is by far a much larger portion of families of business men who occupy neat cottages, and live in good, comfortable 16 SUBURBAN HOMES. style. Nearly all can be included between a cost of from ^2,000 to ^6,000. Very few are offered for rent ; if so, at prices varying from ^400 to $600, and quickly taken. By watching the real estate records, or keeping well informed through an agent, one can learn from time to time of good property for sale. Very choice lots command ^1,200 to ^1,400, and the average price of good building lots is about 01 ,000. Some can be ob- tained as loAv as $250. The new street, Broadwaj^ is fast becoming filled with first class resi- dences, and lots maybe purchased there for SI, 000. A little distance away, say a mile from the station, land may be obtained for about $1,500 per acre. The Public Schools are conducted in a manner which has elicited the approbation of all ; they are numerously attended, and the progress of the pupils is very creditable; there are private schools which offer superior inducements to parents wishing to have their children in- structed in the higher branches of a liberal education. The churches are all that a Christian community could desire, being large, well attend- ed and in a flourishing condition. New ones also are being erected to accommodate the wants of the growing city. From the lofty heights just west of the town, grand views can be had of Passaic Falls, a very attractive summer resort, the city of Paterson, and the farming country beyond. No tourist should forget this spot. Paterson possesses an advantage not enjoyed by Passaic and smaller places nearer New York, that of being a stopping place for Express Trains, of which there are four each way daily, affording to business men addi- tional conveniences. It is confidently believed by the inhabitants that their population will reach 50,000 within five years. Leaving Paterson, we are taken to NORWOOD, 19 miles from New York, and situated just at the crossing of the Passaic river by the railroad bridge. Some attention is now being paid to this locality. To the right is spread out a smooth slope, which, rising grad- ually up the side of a hill and extending far beyond, offers advantages of a very favorable nature to those desiring to build. The land near the railroad is elevated ten or fifteen feet above the level of the river, and the bank is picturesquely shaded by thick evergreens and deciduous trees. About one-third of a mile north-east is the famous race course, largely patronized at stated seasons of the year. li!i|li::!,„„[||l|lj|| '^''liiiiiii SUBURBAN HOMES. 17 Those wlio have objections to settlement here on account of the races, may find some satisfaction in the prevailing opinion that this obstacle will in all probabilitj'- be shortlj^ removed. A wide avenue or boulevard is now being laid out through this land called Fifth Avenue, leading to the summit of the hill, from which an extensive view can be had of the valley lying beneath and the mountain side beyond. It is a good location for any prospective village. One hundred acres are now for sale at prices from $250 to S500 per acre. A depot will soon be built. A number of trains already stop there on signal. Already several fine houses have been built and more are in process of erection. Beyond Norwood we pass through the valley of the Passaic for three miles ; sometimes the land is low, and again rises high and forms table- land of an extensive surface, through which the road passes by a deep cut. There are two such places suitable for laying out a village and the establishment of a station. Land in this vicinity is now worth about $150 per acre. We now reach R I D G E W D, distant 22 miles from New York and accessible daily by six trains ; time 1 hour 15 minutes. The immediate surroundings of the station at first sight are not of the most flattering chai-acter, but a few steps to the east carries the observer by an easy descent to one of the most fertile valleys of New Jerse3^ It is about three miles wide and four miles long, and being surrounded by a range of hills covered with forest trees, and containing fine cultivated farms, is sheltered from cold winds and bears an air of comfort and plenty. A few steps from the station to the west takes the observer to an eminence, from which he beholds another beau- tiful valley and the slope of the hills beyond, dotted here and there with neat farm houses, and in the distance are seen the houses of the village of Godwinville. A new York business man can here find true content- ment, and realize, if anywhere, his ideal of country life. It is really a happy scene, and the reader by glancing at the two excellent views in this Guide of the scenery in this l^eautful valley, can form a good idea of the advantages it ofiers for the selection of a country residence. An enthusiastic writer says of this region : " The farms are well cultivated and kept in good condition, having a strong soil well adapted for grain, grass and' fruit. The place has not exhibited much adornment, but within a few years past tl],ere has been 18 SUBURBAN HOMES. a great improvement in tliis respect. Farmers liere as elsewliere usually look more to what is sul)stantial and productive in life than to that which pleases the eye and gratifies the taste. The farms here are very beautifully located, and thus far they have escaped the eye of the denizen of the cit}'. People at this place breathe fresh air, drink the best of wholesome spring water, tread on good honest ground, have enough to eat, and know nothing about mosquitoes. These vexatious insects sometimes find their way here from New York and the adjacent mea- dows, but they are killed as soon as seen, and the people when night comes go to bed and enjoy a good sleep. It is a hard thing to overcome prejudices, and it is an impossibility to make some people believe that here in New Jersey we have only here and there a mosquito, but it is a fact, and there is no harm in telling the truth. Here are gently sloping hills of moderate size, undulating and hiding behind each other, apparently the tapering off of the Ramapo mountains. From all the elevated positions there are beautiful landscapes, extend- ing as far as the eye can reach, and there is also in full view Paterson, Passaic, Belleville and Euglewood, Here is an excellent opportunity of securing a country home, for he who would enjoy beautiful plains can have them, and he who would prefer elevated ground and hills cannot fail of being suited to his taste. All that is needed to make this section of country one of the most de- sirable within twenty miles of New York is men of capital who are dis- posed to use it. An investment in this section would surely be a good one. There is every reason to look forward with the certainty of seeing this place dotted with beautiful homes, awa}^ from the cares of the me- tropolis, where after the toils of the day, man can go home to his fomily and live.'''' Within the past year some little attention has been called to the advan- tages of Ridge wood, and many purchases of property have been made for improvement and occupancy. The value of land is moderate enough to suit all. Near the station desirable lots of a few acres each have been recently sold for about ^400 per acre to parties who will soon build; there are farms, however, Avithin a short distance east or west, which may be bought for ^200 to S300 per acre. It must be stated, however, that there is some little speculation on the part of land owners, and prices asked by them are generally regarded too high, — as for instance, there are 3 acres opposite Ridgewood station for which S5000 is asked, and for which ^700 an acre would be a fair and reasonable price. ,i!if l''''i'''^'J^l'if'i!"SM^^ '^ \ i\i 'i\ i' , \ii ii« 0m.' Illlil!'. SUBURBAN HOMES, 19 The schools here are the usual district ones and are well disciplined. A considerable number of scholars attends school in Paterson and New York, going and returning daily by railwaj'. There is believed to be an excellent chance to establish a select school in the neighborhood, which would be self-supporting and prove a remunerative undertaking. A good opportunity for a hotel is also presented, where a sufficient number of summer boarders could be secured to make the enterprise a paying one. The roads are all good and offer excellent drives. In the neighbor- hood are churches of the Ptcformed Dutch, Episcopal, Secession and Methodist. Building materials are much cheaper here than in the city. Lumber is brought to the station directl}- from the forests and saw mills of west- ern Pennsylvania and New York. Good stores and coal yards are loca- ted near the station sufficient to supply the increasing business of the neighborhood. The whole region is eminently healthy. In point of time Ridgewood is easier of access than any place above Yonkers on the Hud- son River, and in point of comfort of travel, far superior. Leaving Ridgewood depot, the road winds close to the mountain on the one side, and on the other is supported l)y a high embankment, over- looking the numerous houses and farms below. The observer from the car windows now catches a full view of the loveliest valley of New Jersey. Travelers over the Erie Railway frequently state that this is the hand- somest region of the whole route, and alwaj^s look long and delightedly on the beautiful landscape spread out beneath and far beyond. After passing through a deep cut of red sandstone wliicli overlooks the placid face of a beautiful stream, and after crossing a stupendous culvert we reach H H K U S , 24 miles from New York, and by six trains daily can i)e reached in 1 hour and 20 minutes. The contentment, which is a characteristic of the people of this section, has evinced itself in their retention of the old Indian name of Holwkm, (signifying Hollow Rock, from a curious form in the red sandstone near,) for their station and neighborhood. Little can be seen from the station. On the left rises a steep moun- tain, clad from summit to base with a thick umbrageous foliage. A few steps to the east opens one of the finest inland views our coun- try aflbrds. The tame and level sandy plains to the south and east are 20 SUBURBAN HOMES. here changed to the undulating variety of landscape, and the finely wood- ed hills with their primeval forests, and the green meadows of the valleys with their numerous purling brooks, combine to afibrd never-ending en- joyment to admirers of rural scenery. The principal streams are the Hohokus and Saddle Rivers, both running their course rapidly over nu- merous falls, natural and artificial, to the more quiet level of the lower country. The land in the immediate vicinity of the station is held by Messrs. J. J. Zabriskie and E. Rosencrantz, wealthy owners of cotton factories in the neighborhood, who having inherited the same have always per- manently resided there, and whose interests are identified with the pros- perity, thrift and improvement of the neighborhood and its society. Neither they nor owners more remote within a circuit of one mile have ever formed a land company, or attempted to force sales through land agents or speculators, or to inflate its value by bogus transactions among themselves. « Several gentlemen of taste and wealth have given evidence of their appreciation of the beauties and advantages of the neighborhood, by purchasing and improving their land. We may mention particularly Mr. Wm. Libbey, a partner of the emin- ent house of A. T. Stewart & Co., who has purchased largely for his own use, and is now erecting several houses of an exceedingly neat and tasteful appearance. Other wealthy citizens unite in their commendation of the healthful- ness and salubrity of this delightful valley. Two of the great drawbacks of country residences on the tide-water — fever and mosquitoes — are entirely unknown. Farming lands with ordinary improvements can be had at varying prices depending upon location, quality and condition, at from $70 to ^200 per acre within one mile of the station. On the elevated land above and south of the station, are many choice situations for residences, wdiich command a full prospect of the sur- rounding country. It is well sheltered by woods and watered by springs, has a fertile soil and is worth SlOO per acre. In the neighborhood of the station , in an easterly or northerly direc- tion, good building spots can be purchased for $300 per acre. There is a fine grove near at hand, a favorite resort for pic-nics. Churches of Reformed Dutch, Methodist, Episcopalian and Roman Catholic denominations are not far off". We would recommend man^ New York citizens to buy excuvsioij Design No. 4.— A Rustic or Sea-Side Cottage. ^l^^ -nrm First Floor. Second Floor. DESIGN No. 4. This cottage was intended for a summer resort on the sea-side, for a small family keeping but one servant; yet it possesses advantages to entitle it to consideration as a permanent country residence. It will be seen to combine Avith a picturesque exterior, convenience of arrangement and economy of construction. It was intended to be built of wood (balloon framed), filled in with brick, and roofed with shingles, cut in patterns, and finished throughout in a plain cottage-like but substantial manner — the posts, rail, &c., of the veranda to be formed of the trunks and branches of the red cedar tree, left rough, with the bark on. The engraving is a perspective view of the entrance front, and the eastern garden side, as seen from the gate. The accommodation consists of seven good rooms, a cellar, and all other necessary conveniences. Mr. F. S. Copley, of Tompkinsville, Staten Island, designed the plan, and a more full description can be found in AVood ward's Rural Art, for 1868. Its cost is about S4,500. It will be seen by reference to the plans, that the rooms are all placed on the side of the sun and views, well lighted and ventilated, with direct and easy access from one to another, fitting it as well for a permanent home as a summer resort. The exterior is most picturesquely broken, each side presenting a bold and different design. SUBURBAN HOMES. 2l tickets and visit this beautiful region. We are sure they will experience the highest pleasure in beholding views of the most lovely scenery. Beyond Hohokus, the land as viewed for many miles from the railroad, is not quite so inviting. If we take the country road to the right, we pass through a level or partially rolling countrj^ which is either stony or covered with underbrush. This could be bought for $150 to 0200 per acre, and a little expenditure of money and time would render this ground smooth, fertile and productive. ALLENDALE, 26 miles from New York, and within 1 hour and 25 minutes ride by six trains daily, consists simply of the station, two stores and a few farm houses. Its appearance at present is somewhat indifferent, yet the land being naturally level, could be easily improved. That on the west side is owned by a single farmer, who will not dispose of it. On the eastern side land could be bought for 0150 to S200 per acre. There is one church and one school near. This station stands second on the road in the shipment of berries to the New York market. Following the country road for about a mile the land is rough and rocky, but on ascending a hill we obtain a very good view of the sur- rounding country. Here we find some good farm land and berry gardens, worth 050 to 0100 per acre. RAMSEY'S. This village is 28 miles from New York, and within 1 hour and 30 minutes ride by six daily trains. It contains several stores and small manufactories, and is a place of considerable local trade. It stands first in importance for the production of strawberries. During the season of 1866 there were sent to New York no less than 1,051,210 baskets of this delicious fruit. Much of the land in the neighborhood is low and wet, but in the im- mediate vicinity of the station it is dry and well adapted for building purposes. Lots 25 by 100 feet can be purchased for 050 to 0150, farm- ing land 0150 to 0200. A Seceded Dutch Church already exists there, and two more churches are being erected. A new station is being built of about the same size as that at Boiling Spring. It is a pretty good indication of the enterprise of the place and will be a great advantage to it. There are already several first class residences in process of erection. 22 SUBURBAN HOMES. Beyond Ilamse5^'s the appearance of the country is first dull, but grad- ually its character improves; on the right is a lovely, sloping hill, ex- tending back half a mile, interspersed with gToves and detached trees. This continues until we reach M A H W A H , a new station, and as yet but a small settlement. Its location is one of the most eligible for a village or country residence beyond Hohokus. Its natural advantages deserve attention. From Mahw^ah the mountains fell back, and leave a wide open plain, upon wiiich is spread out, SUFFERN, distant 32 miles from New York, and accessible daily by nine trains. Time, by Express, 1 hour 30 minutes. To the left of the road, after leav- ing Ramsey's, the land is swampy and low, which alternates with high farming land, until near Suflern, wiien it becomes permanently level and dr}'-, and farm houses and cottages become quite frequent. Suftern derives its importance principally from the fact of its being the junction of the Piermont and Jersey City branches of the road. In com- ing from the latter place it has passed over what were formerly known as three railroads, — the New York and Paterson, the Paterson and Ram- apo, extending to the boundary line of New Jersey, and the Union Road from thence to Suflern. From the station rises a splendid hill, aftbrding the lover of the pic- turesque a grand opportunity to gratify his tastes, and from which a view can be o1)tained more than repaying for the ftitigue of the ascent. Here properly commences the mountain scenery of the Ramapo Valley, so famous in sketches and guide books. The place itself is not large, containing but about 800 inhabitants, yet it is favored with many fine residences of wealthy business men from New York, who make it their home. It is quite a favorite summer resort, and the pure, healthful country air, together with good drives and romantic scenery, have magic influence. It contains an Episcopal and Dutch Reformed Church, and there are being erected also a Methodist and Catholic. The position and price of the land is very flivorable for the growth of a village. Improved land in farms can be had from $50 to S200 per acre, and building lots 50x200 from $50 to S300. Leaving Suflern we enter SUBURBAN HOMES. 23 THE RAMAPO VALLEY, A region iiiterestiDg ou account of its romantic scenery, famed for its iron ore, and ricli in incidents of Revolutionary History. During the Revolution, this was the only route over which communi- cation was held between New York and the western counties of the State. •Many of Washington's letters were dated here, and there are still visi- ble the marks of the intrenchments, on the ridges toward the North ; and in the woods directly opposite, are traces of the fires of the French Allies. A little East of Suftern is pointed out an old farm house, which wtis used hj Washington as his headquarters, while here with his army. As we pass along, we observe first a valley at our left, whose extent is hemmed beyond by the steep mountain ridge which now follows us as a con.stant companion for many miles. We soon cross the Ramapo River, over a new and improved bridge, and now claim it as another, and a very attractive companion also, having led a wild and useful life as a mill-brook on its course hither, it comes down to meet us, greeting us in its placidity with a quiet welcome. From the embankment here, we obtain our first view of the beauties of the vallej^ and foremost is The Tom — the jutting out or shoulder, as you may call it, of the Ramapo Gap. " The scene is just such an one as Durand would like to paint — so per- fect in its composition — a happy mixture of the gentle and the wild, the sublime and the beautiful, standing under the vine-hung sycamore, you see the Ramapo coming toward you through a sea of level meadow. On tlie right a group of beeches overshadows its stream, in which cattle stand knee-deep and drowsy. On the left rises a knoll, capped by a neat cottage covered with vines, while immediately opposite and in the centre "swells from the vale" the rocky crest of the ror;^— chief of the Ramapo clan. His is no monotonous mound of verdure, but he bares his rocky front, and shows it seamed and riven in successive layers, that stand out bold- ly in the light, and throw deep, mysterious shadows over his broad bosom. From the " steepled'" peak of the Torn a very extensive view, embracing even the harbor of New York, may be had for the climbing, and it is said that Washington often ascended there to watch the movements of the British fleet. On one of these excursions, we are also told he lost his watch ou the summit, and the legend has it that it is still going there " on tick." 24 SUBURBAN HOMES. Still following up this romantic valley, we reach, in two miles distance R A M A P , w^hich is thirty-four miles from New York, and has three trains daily. Time 1 hour and 45 minutes. This station is interesting not alone from the picturesqueness of the situation, where the mountains closing nearly together, and rising pre- cipitately, leave but a narrow strip of soil, hut on account also of the thriving works and the great water power afforded by the damming of the stream, which here spreads out into a miniature lake. It was established in 1790 by J. G. Pierson & Brother, its water power having been emploj-ed in the manufacture of nails, iron, steel, cotton goods and wood screws. The first cut nails made in this country were made here, as also the invention of machinery for wood screws. On our right as we approached, we beheld a beautiful house, the resi- dence of H. L. Pierson, Esq., a prominent Director and one of the earliest friends of the Erie Railway, proprietor of nearly all the surrounding territory, and interested in its manufactories. On the opposite side of the stream is a neat hotel, called Terrace Hall, a pretty name, a pretty location, and an attractive summer resort, while gathering around the station or spread out further down the val- ley are the neat cottages of the operatives. The population is about 700. Contains a Presbyterian church, a Methodist society and a large district school. The Ramapo. Car Works employs 300 hands, and the Ramapo Wheel and Foundry Com- pany have capacity to make 120 wheels per day — at present employ some 40 hands. At a distance of one mile to the west of the railway, at the junction of the Sterling Railway, is the beautiful Potague Lake, nestled among the hills, about 500 feet above the valley. From this point a command- ing view is obtained of the surrounding mountams and the winding valley of the Ramapo. The water power of the whole valley is e^^cellent, and the air should be filled with the hum of a hundred manufactories. One mile on, the road suddenly bends toward the North, and opens into a wide fertile tract. By our side still glides the Ramapo, at one time quiet, and again rippling over the stones, while either bank is lined with willows. We pass another dam and reach Design Xo. 5. — *\- ii, vix (_ ottagi Fjrst Fj.oor, Second Floor. DESIGN No. 5 . This is a perspective view of a cottage designed to aflbrd a reasonable amount of accommodation for an averaged sized family, and which, if tastefully furnished, and fitted with suitable landscape surroundings, will convej^ a pleasing impression to all ; much more so than dwellings of a more expensive class, where sufficient attention is not given to such accessories. The plans of this house are compact, the rooms opening into each oth- er in such a manner as to afibrd easy communication and economy in heating. The porch is spacious, and more pleasant than the long narrow veranda. The supply of w^ater for all purposes is from a filtering cistern, which is connected with the kitchen sink by a pump. The entire house ma}' be heated bj- a furnace, hot water, or steam, as is most preferable ; or stoves may be used in nearly all the rooms, if first cost is to be closelj" considered. A passage underneatli the staircase connects with the side door from the vestibule, and, with the exception of the library, all parts of the house are accessible without passing through the rooms. Its present cost will be about ^5,500. Was l)uilt in 1808 for $3,500.— AVv Woodward's Counir>j Homes. SUBUllBAN HOMES. 25 SLOATSBURG, Thirty-six miles from New York, and has four trains daily. Time one hour and 55 minutes. This is a pretty and thriving place, and as 5^ou look through noble trees, there is caught many a pretty view of the vallej^ and the ever present hills. There are many good opportunities for the selection of sites for residences. The population is about 500, engaged mostly in forming, lumbering and manufacturing. A Methodist church, one public school and a cotton twine manufac- tory are found here. The water power of the neighborhood and the manufticturing facilities are unsurpassed. The name of the place, as well as its enterprize is derived from Major Jacob Sloat, who was the inventor of the twine and proprietor of the mills and the grounds on which they stand. He inherited his property from his grandfather, to whom it was as- signed by five Indian chiefs in 1738. The settler being from Holland, the original conveyance is truly a literary curiosity — a strange compound of Dutch and Indian '•'lingo''' A curious anecdote is related, showing how the old spirit of opposition to improvements which characterized the old Dutch settlers, still existed at the time the Erie Railway was built. It applied to the adjacent communitj' of Johnston, where not many years ago, panthers and other roaring beasts of prey were to be found. " Every one, on first hearing the present style of steam whistle used on the Erie Railway, has been startled by its unearthly hoarseness, as though it had a bad cold, a 'church-yard cough,' so difierent from the old fashioned ear-piercing shrillness of pipe. Soon after the introduction of this asthmatic stranger in the Ramapo Valley, the village of Johnston was ' frightened from its propriety,' by strange and awful sounds in the forests, occurring day and night. " They were at once attributed to the wild animals holding their revels in the woods. It was believed some lingering specimen of the mastodon caused the row, and therefore one dark night, the villagers, collecting guns, axes and pitch-forks, lay in ambuscade for the monster at the hour he selected for his vocal exercises. At the usual hour the roar was heard, and so suddenly and so near that the party were about to hurry back to their anxious wives and mothers, when lo ! through the gloom of night issued the glaring cyclops eye of the locomotive, that treated 2 26 SUBURBAN HOMES, them with another blast from his hoarse lungs as he rushed by them, throwing sufficient consternation into the hearts of the little band to send them scampering in terror to their homes." From hence for 11 miles to Turner's the scenery is varied. Just beyond Sloatsburg the country is wild and rugged. AVe pass first a grove of trees, another dam and water power, then the hills spread out ftirther back; a little distance on we come to a ruined dam, aftbrding a fine opportunity for the establishment of a manuiiictory. The bed of the Ramapo is very rocky, still fringed with tall pine or evergreen trees, creeping up close between the road and the precipitous mountains which here gather close together and tower heavenward. Again there are grassy knolls and smooth meadows, pretty little waterfalls, and romantic little spots where the track crosses on bridges : the mountains at one time are bare and destitute of vegetation, again just covered with the young growing shrul)bery ; they grow gradually smoother, the slopes are not so steep, we whirl by a ruined mill, the valley permanently widens, the Ramapo dwindles down into a meadow brook, whose course onward to its source is now peaceful. The crests of the hills become shaven of the trees, and marked with fences into farms, and we foirly come into sight of the land "flowing with milk" and rich in butter; the receding hills seem to bow their heads, and sink lovingly in the embrace of the pas- tures stretching before us. Our course has been interrupted only by two stations. SOUTH FIELDS, 6 miles from Sloatsburg, 42 miles from New York, 3 trains daily. Time 1 hour 55 minutes. Southfields and vicinity has a population of from 300 to 500. Besides a cotton factory it contains a basket manufactory, a Methodist church, one public school, and two hotels. Great advantages for manufacturing facilities exist here. Value of land, $75 to $100 per acre. Two miles further is GREENWOOD, 44 miles from New York, 2 trains daily. Time 2 hours 10 minutes. Omng to the mountainous character of the country there is not much improved land to be had in the neighborhood ; but good building sites, commanding beautiful views, can be readily found, and purchased at prices ranging from |125 to $150 per acre. The scenery is exceedingly strstJiiBA^^ SOMES. 2? picturesque. There are numerous lakes in the mountains, most of them fine sheets of water, and all well stocked with fish. The mountain air of this section of the country is also remarkably healthy and invigora- ting. There is a furnace in successful operation here, the mountains around yielding to it their iron ore in prolific abundance, which is said to be the best in the country for cannon^ On our way hither we passed the romantic ruins of the old Augusta Iron Works. They were celebrated in their day, and were among the oldest in this region. The heavy chain placed across the Hudson at West Point, to check the advance of the British fleet was forged here. Greenwood has two churches, an Episcopal and Romanist. Besides a well conducted district school, there is a parish school attached to the Episcopal church. A new depot will soon be built. From Greenwood, we pass first through a smooth valley, the sides of whose hills are finely cultivated ; then we whirl by pastures and fields of grain. At one time the mountains are near the railroad, again dis- tant ; and as we proceed on our journey, the meadows widen and farm houses become more frequent, until after four miles' distance, winding around a graceful curve and turning toward the west, we reach the handsome station of TURNER'S, 48 miles from New York, 8 trains daily. Time by Express, 1 hour 65 minutes. The depot of this station is by far the finest on the entire road. Its cost was .$140,000, and is built of brick in the neatest style. It is 300 feet long, 45 feet wide, and 3 stories high, with French roof and an ob- servatory. '' C.I (-t.- t) <^^t -i- The greater portion of it is used as a hotel, the upper floors being fur- riished in the handsomest style, and the first floor occupied as a dining room. It is the only place on the Eastern Division where trains stop for meals, and the excellent manner in which both hotel and restaurant are conducted, entitles it to honorable mention. There is no place which offers greater attractions to the city resident, desirous of a short sojourn in the country than this. The price of board is but ^3 per day, or ^12 per week, and the accommodations are fixr superior to those usually found at the Niagara or Saratoga hotels. Its capacity will accommodate 150 guests. We consider the claims this place presents to the notice of those desir- ing a country home, of a superior nature. It is within convenient dis- 28 gUSuRBAN HOMES. tance of New York, and is a stopping place for all trains which rail west of it. If land owners would only show a disposition to sell build- ing lots at fair rates, and exhibit an eagerness and pride in the settle- ment and development of the place, it would soon be a popular resort. Turner's has the reputation of being the most picturesque station on the entire Division. Every variety of landscape which any lover of na- ture or admirer of diversified scenery could desire is here presented. Toward the East can be seen, with heightened beauty, the pleasant valley of the Ramapo. Toward the North commences a slope graduallj^ rising from the mea- dows, and rolling away Ixack into gentle hills, cultivated to the very top. To the South of the station there rises immediately an abrupt slope, clothed with a pretty group of trees; then, after a little level, it rises again in gentle undulations to the summit of the hill, and extends smoothly away beyond. Look now to the West, and catch that lovely view of intermingled farms, woods, meadows, hills and the other bewitching points of scenery, and think whether among such scenes you could not lind your beau-ideal of a home in the co^mtry. The lover of fine scenery should by all means ascend the hill north of the station, and from its summit view the country in every direction. Looking back he will see the beautiful valley he has just left ; in the foreground rises the attractive hotel, and beyond are the smooth and gradually ascending hills. To the west are seen Monroe and Middletown. Passing a few steps farther on we arrive at a point from which we have a charming view of the Mountain Gap, with its humble farm houses and rural church, while beyond are seen the silvery surface of the Hudson the town of Fishkill on the mountain slope, and the spires of Newburgh. We have not seen views of such beauty as these for many miles around. On the mountain opposite are lakes of considerable size and beauty. Turner's is surrounded in every direction with lakes of great attrac- tiveness. Rumseys Lahe^ 2 miles east, has a surface of 100 acres of water, with fine fishing of pickerel, perch, &c. Round Lake, 3 miles south-west, 200 acres. Little Long Lake, 3 J miles west, 1 mile long and | mile wide. Mou7it Basha Lake, 3 miles west, 800 acres, with splendid fishing of pick- erel and perch. Truxedo Lake, 6 miles south-west, is Ij mile long and \ mile wide. Slaughter's Lake, to the east, is 1 J mile long and 1 mile wide. SUBURBAN HOMES. 29 Greenwood Lake is 10 miles south-Avest. There are also several mines within a short distance. Two and a half miles south-west are the O'Neil Iron Mines, and 3 or 4 miles distant are half a dozen belonging to the Greenwood Company. Ten miles south are the Sterling Iron Mines, which connect by a rail- way with the Erie Railway at Sterling Junction, between Sloatsburg and Ramapo. Newburgh is 16 miles north, and West Point 14 miles. The present population near the depot is from 100 to 125 ; their occu- pation mostly formers or other industrial pursuits. There is one Metho- dist church and a school near the depot, and at a distance of from 2 to 4 miles are found other excellent schools and churches. The place has a small number of stores, a grist mill, and workshops. There is also a good water power near by. Three miles north, toward Newburgh, is Highland Mills, and 2 miles further on, is Woodbury, at both of which places are stores, manufac- tories, and a small population. The price of laud per acre near the station, where it can be bought, is from $200 to S300, according to size and location. Farms are worth from $80 to $150 per acre, according to quality and distance, say \ mile to 4 miles from the depot. Few improvements are in progress, although much desired. In the surrounding region are found plenty of game and lishing, while there are many little lakes among the mountains, afibrdmg ample opportunity for sport to those who love it. It is well here to speak of a special advantage enjoyed by the people residing between Turner's and Middletown or Port Jervis — that of rapid communication with New York, hj a special express train leaving Port Jervis at 6.30 A.M., and reaching New York at 9.55 A.M. Returning, leaves New York at 4.30 P.M., and arrives at Port Jervis 8.20 P.M. This train, owing to the fact of its making but one stop either way between Turner's and Jersey City — a distance of 47 miles, and accomplished iu 1 hour and 40 minutes — is very popular Avith the residents of Orange Count}', and has had its eft'ect in inducing many wealthy New York merchants to purchase farms and erect permanent residences here, in- stead of remaining in New York or even purchasing on the Hudson River. The uniformly cheap price of land, taken in connection with its convenience to New York, renders Orange County a very desirable place of residence. We now enter the great dairy region, that has made the name of Orange county world-wide for excellence in milk and butter. 30 SUBURBAN HOMES. For a distance of 12 miles to Goshen, we see tlie finest scenery of tlie County near the road. To the railway traveler the south side is prefer- able for observation for this short distance, although the north side is also worthy of attention. Traveling through such a fine region two miles we arrive at MONROE. It is situated in the upper part of what is termed " The Clove," a valley formed in an angle of the Highlands and Schuuemunk Ridge. It contains a population of about 400 engaged in the usual variety of village occupations. There are two churches in the place, Presbyterian and Methodist, also an Episcopal service. Within easy access are 2 schools of good degree of excellence. It contains also a good hotel. The business of the place is mostly dependent upon the rich agricultu- ral and mining region in the vicinity, the products of which find their way hence to market. The land about Monroe ranks amongst the best in Orange County, farms selling at from $100 to $200 per acre, tillage lots from $5 to S30 per foot of front, according to location. Being situated in the midst of a romantic mountain region, it afibrds many pleasant drives, presenting the eye in succession with all the con- trasts of wildest nature and charming cultivation, and is in the midst of what may be termed the lake region of Orange County. Here, within a circuit of ten miles, are many fresh water lakes from 1 to 9 miles in extent — Mount Baslia, Truxedo and Greenwood. Greenwood Lake is distant onlj^ 10 miles from Monroe, and during the summer season has a convenient communication by stage, occup3ing only two hours' time in riding. It is a beautiful little lake nestling lov- ingl}^ among the mountains, and is a great summer resort on account of its beautiful and picturesque scenery, its celebrated fishing, and its salubrious atmospher(\ The Windermicr House,\vith its grounds embracing four hundred acres, is the principal resort for visitors, and the hotel is filled every summer with families from New York Avho remain as permanent boarders during the season. The accommodations of the hotel are excellent, and there is every inducement and opportunity oftered to gratify pleasure. The visitor should by all means ascend the mountain, and standing on a rock behold a most remarkable view ; on the one side he sees the valley of the lake he has just left, and on the other the mountain descend SUBURBAN HOMES. 31 alDruptly into the Warwick A'alley, with towns and villages and farm honses dotted here and there, while beyond is spread out in almost il- limitable expanse the largest and most fertile part of Orange County, stretching away to the Shawangunk Mountains in the far west. -i i -'-^iiipspji A sail up and down Greenwood Lake and a visit to Cedar Swamp — a great natural curiosity — are sources of much pleasure to tourists. Monroe is 50 miles from New York, 4 passenger trains daily each -vvay, time about 2 hours, 32 SUBURBAN HOMES. Leaving Monroe we enter a light descending grade, and suddenly there breaks upon our sight from the south the very choicest of Orange Coun- ty scener}' ; a beautiful landscape with meadows in front, the cultivated hills receding in the distance, and closed up b}- the conical summit of Sugar Loaf. What a charm the whole picture possesses, and how worthy the ex- pression of highest admiration, and the facile touches of the artist's pencil ! Two miles thus and we reach OXFORD, fifty-two miles from New York, 3 trains daily, time 2 hours. It contains a small population of about 100; 2 churches, Methodist and Friends ; 2 schools of good character, together with the usual variety of stores and mechanical shops. The character of the inhabitants is of a superior order, composed mostly of an intelligent, sociable and well-to- do class of farmers. The quality of the soil is of a sandy loam, in a high state of cultivation, and worth from $liO to $200 per acre near the station. Fine building lots, within a few rods of the depot, are worth from SlOO to $250. There are several lakes within easy distance, and with good roads, there is abundant opportunity for exercise and pleasure in riding, boat- ing and fishing. Within one mile, on the summit of the well known Bull Hill, is mined the iron used in the manufacture of the celebrated Parrott Gun, and there is frequent occasion for many excursions thither. There are superior accommodations for boarders among the numerous farm houses, which are well patronized in summer by the best people of New York, and many who come to see the place find too often that the accommodations have been all secured long beforehand. There is a good opportunity presented for the building of boarding hotels, for those who frequent the place in the summer season. Many fine fiirming residences are being erected, thus evincing the taste and prosperity of the community. GREY COURT, two miles further, is important only as the junction of the branch rail- roads from Newburgh and Warwick. We shall have occasion to speak separately of these branches presently. There are at present, beside the depot buildings, 2 hotels, and one or Uyo houses in the place, ^--^ Jp. 1-vjs Dks:gn No. 6— A Gable Cottagk. First Floor. J BEDR . '2X14 J--^ BED R \^i BED a. 1 3X.I4'6/anQ^ 3XI4'6'J k. J V >1 1 ''bed r J Sec( ND F LOOR. DESIGN No. 6. This design is quite compact, and can be worked out into a very neat and prettj^ home, and the rooms changed to suit the exposure. Put the Iiall on the north side, and a south window can "be had in three rooms on the first floor and three rooms on the second floor ; and if the kitchen wdng be extended, and the kitchen removed back, four rooms can, by sliding doors, be thrown together. The ventilation is very perfect, and each room would command good views. For a summer residence, where every breeze is desirable, this w^ould be a good plan ; and it is good for many other reasons ; it is easily heated, and the housework can be done with few steps. In the exterior we give, by way of variety, the hipped or truncated gable, a style of finish we do not verj^ much admire, but which will some- times answer where there is not a disposition to do too much of it. We call to mind a suburban district where one or two leading citizens intrj duced this notion when it was less common than now, and the fashion thus set has been persistently followed, until it has become quite a disa- greeable feature. Make the gables pointed, and this design, both outside and inside, is a good one. Can be built for about $4,000. — See Woodivard''s Arehitodiire and Rural Art, No, '[.for 1867. SUBURBAN HOMES. 33 The branch road to Xewbiirgh, running through a rich and attractive region, was built by the Erie Raihva}^ Compan}^ and forms part of their road. It Mas formally opened on the 8th of January, 1850. The anticipations then formed of bringing the trade of the rich valleys west and south into direct communication with the main line, have been realized. Its width of track is the same ; length, 18| miles ; and its cost about 6750,000. The flats here, known as the Greycourt Meadows, are one mile wide„ and present evident appearance of having been once the basin of some, great sheet of water. At the time of the building of the railroad over the meadows, it was found necessary to build upon a foundation of huge piles, driven nearly 90 feet into the earth, and set 6 feet apart, the soil being too soft to ad- mit of laying the track otherwise. The bridge thus formed has been tilled in with dirt, rendering it very efiective and durable. These meadoAvs present a fine appearance in summer, when the crops of corn, onions, potatoes and other vegetables are seen growing upon black soil, apparently of infinite depth and richness. Many specimens of mastodons have been found here, one 33 feet long, presenting from its position when found, the appearance of having been mired. NEAVBURGH AND WARWICK BRANCHES. The traveler as he stops at or passes by the station of Greycourt, sur- •ounded by its meadows, and burned with the unremitting heat of the sun, would hardly imagine that along the course of the tracks which he observes diverging both north and south, lies scenery which few regions of this country can surpass. An eminent military General, who had trav- eled much through the South, and seen some of the finest mountain and valley views that sunny land can boast of, said he had seen nothing to exceed the beauty of this valley except only that of the Shenandoah in Virginia. He believed nothing could surpass that in loveliuess. No finer day's excursion can be made by the tourist or excursionist, than to leave New York at 8 A. M., reaching Greycourt in time to ex- change for Warwick, where an hour can be well and profitably spent, thence returning through the whole of this valley to Newl^urgh, reach- ing there at 2.45 P.M., in time for either a pleasant sail down the Hudson to New York, or by ferry to Fishkill, and thence by rail. A day can thus be spent, the enjoyment and pleasantness of which will not soon be for- gotten, while the traveler will catch the cl;(?JQe§t bits of landscape lying within reach of the great city, 2* 34 SUBURBAX HOMES. Going south there are few stations of any importance in size before reaching Warwick the terminus. EAST C H E S T E II , Is simply an off-shoot of a few houses from the main village, a mile west. The whole of Orange County is beautiful, but the inhabitants of the towns on this branch, will admit no claim of superiority to their own section. Around these villages are landscapes, that feast the eye of the lover of Nature, and within easy reach are places which battle all attempts at description. One part of a village is perclied upon a commanding hill, another hidden beneath the brow, nestling at the foot as it were for pro- tection and " Round about it orchards sweep Apple and Pear Trees laden deep." Just below East Chester station, a splendid landscape is -spread out, full of beauty and grandeur. For a short distance the eye follows along the fields of verdant grass and Avaving grain, and then is fixed in admi- ration with the grandeur and glory of a mountain n\ hich conies within its scope. Upon the mountain sides are trees, grand old trees, which had they speech, and could tell the story of this beautiful valley which they look upon, would recite many a tale which no printed page or handed- dowu legend tells, bounded the echoii ing on its iron way through these beautiful fields of Orange. Down among the rocks, beneath and beside the trees, flows a moun- tain stream, sparkling and foaming as it tumbles over the stones and pebbles which form its bed. This is one place of natural beauty, but there are others, lakes, woods, mountains and groves, embracing a va- riety interesting to the tourist or prospective resident. As we approached Greycourt from the east by the main line, we be- held the grey bluft' of Sugar Loaf in the distance ; now, following down this branch road, we curve around its steep sides, hanging under its shelter, and enter that beautiful valle}', where slumber peaceful villages, and the slope of whose mountains are dotted with picturesque farm houses. It is not strange that here the well-known artists Cropsey and Beekman have located their summer residences. SUGAR LOAF STATION contains only a few houses but is prettily located, the same may be said of SUBURBAN HOMES. 35 LAKE STATION AND STONE BRIDGE. Stone Bridge possesses one or two stores, one public school, two grist mills, one Methodist Episcopal Church, and a number of shops. The track follows along the Avestern slope of the valky and partially up the sides of the upland, passing on both sides beautiful farms, cul- tivated in the highest manner and of the richest character ; gradually there breaks upon our ^iew a lovely little sheet of water, so tranquil and sweet, that we cannot refrain our exclamation of pleasure at the sudden surprise. A few more miles brings us to the ancient town of W A R W I C K . It is a pleasant village of about 1,000 inhabitants. The surroundings are mountainous and romantic ; the local scenery interesting and pic- turesque. Through the centre of the village passes a swift running stream of water, known as the Wa^vayanda Creek, whose course from source to outlet, is through beautiful meadows, which needs only to be seen to be appreciated. Within the village limits are many cosy residences, belonging to those engaged here in business, or to those who have retired from business life, while quite a numljer of wealthy people from the city of New York have their summer seats here. The visitor should take the road leading south or south-east, ascend the hill for half a mile, and be- hold the vast expanse away down the valley of mingled farms, groves, and meadows, and then feel the truth of the remark of the General we have referred to. The place supports 6 churches — Presbyterian, Methodist, New School Baptist, Old School Baptist and Episcopal. There are the usual district schools and an excellent academy which receives its patronage from states and counties around. The place is supplied with stores and shops of all kinds, 3 manufacto- ries, 3 well-kept hotels, and 1 newspaper, (the Warwick Advertiser,) having a large local circulation. A new cemetery is being laid out, and other improvements are being constantly made. The soil is generally of the best and most productive in the county, while it is also noted for being well tilled. Every variety of agricul- tural product is raised, though the inclinatiou of the farming interest is to stock. The whole surface of the town is rolling, with hills of moderate eleva- tion, not sharp but rounded off. The price of land varies according to size, locality- and quality, from 36 SUBURBAN HOMES. $100 to .f 150 per acre, just without the village. Village lots of Mo i acre range from $300 to 0500. There is an amusing incident related concerning some meadows just on the borders of the Town of Warwick. A Mr. Bradner asked permis- sion of the commissioner of highways to change the direction of the highway near his dwelling, by carrying it in a straight course across a meadow for some two hundred yards, thus shortening the road. The request was granted on condition that he would make the new equally as good as the old road, which passed around the head of the meadow, along the high dry land. Mr. Bradner commenced filling up the new tract, till he had carried it some 30 or 40 yards into the meadow. One morning wlien he went to inspect it, lo ! it had all disappeared beneath the surface, and some water was standing above the sunken tract. Not willing to give it up, he put down stakes, brush and timbers on the soutlierly side, and continued his process of filling up. After a short time, again it all went down and disappeared, and on inspecting it a few days afterwards, the boys were found baiting their hooks and catching fish in the water pool formed at the spot. The contemplated improvement was given up. Returning to Greycourt, we take the road and continue our trip on THE NEW BURGH BRANCH. For a distance of 2 miles we pass through lovely meadoAvs and rock cuttings and reach C R A I G V I L L E , a romantic place of about 500 inhabitants. It contains a Methodist church, and one school. It has a fine water power, on which are located two grist mills and one cotton mill. The land is peculiarly rich in the vicinity, and averages about SI 25 per acre, although some lands on the meadows sell as high as $500— without buildings. There is but one hotel— poorly kept— price of board $5 per week. Plenty of fishing streams and ponds are within easy reach, containing trout in abundance. As you pass along forget not that grand view to the right, when sud- denly there opens before your eyes the loveliest and most picturesque valley you have yet seen, wiiile aw^ay beyond its farther edge rises a huge boulder, the outcropping of the range of mountains in the distance. We pass by a farm house surrounded with an apple orchard, and then to the left we obtain another lovely view, reaching away in almost boundless extent to the north. Then passing over an embankment, by wheat fields Design No. 7.— A Doctor's Residence. Ground Plan. DESIGN No. 7. This house was planned by G. E. Harney, architect, for a Doctor's resi- dence at Cold Spring on the Hudson. It is situated on a piece of ground overlooking the village, and embracing beyond fine views of the Hudson, West Point, the Newburgh Gap, and the ranges of mountains above and below. The house stands between the approach road and the river, conse- quently the entrance porch is on one front, — that towards the road — the living apartments and veranda are on the opposite side, fronting the river ; by this means greater privacy is given to those portions of the house usually occupied by the ftimily. ARRANGEMENT OF PLAN. No. 1. — Vestibule, 7 X 7. No. 10.— Scullery. " 2.— Hall. " 11.— Kitchen. " 3.— Recess. " 12. — Cellar and chamber stairs. " 4.— Office. • I " 13.— Veranda. " 5. — Entrance. I " 14. — Cellar stairway. " 6. — Library. ; " 15. — Water closet. " 7._Parlor, 16x16. " 16.— Veranda. " 8.— Dining Room, 15x16. i " 17.— Piazza. " 9.— Pantry. 1 By throwing rooms 4 and 6 into one, this house furnishes one of the most acceptable designs for a family residence yet presented. Its pre- sent cost will be about $7,000. — From Woodward'' s Architecture and Rural Art, Ko. 1, for 1867. SUBURBAN HOMES. 37 ripe with the glistening grain, and below us the countrj' road lined with umbrageous maples, beckoning us to come and enjoy their agreeable shade from the rays of the hot sun, we reach W A S H I N G T N Y I L L E , full of pretty houses hidden among an abundance of shade trees. It con- tains about 500 inhabitants, and owes its importance to the railroad, which has opened a market for the produce of the region and developed the milk interest. The number of quarts per day, shipped from this sta- tion, exceeds 5,000. There are within the place a number of stores and shops necessary for the purposes of the village. The Methodist and both branches of the Presbyterian Church have well sustained societies, and commodious bouses of worship. A female boarding school of superior character is well sustained. There are 2 excellent hotels, and improvements are being made to render them first-class and attractive to summer boarders. The village has grown rapidly for a number of years, and lately there have been many investments made in real estate. Building lots sell for about SI, 000 per acre. Adjoining farming lands command from $100 to $150 per acre. The whole region is filled up with a prosperous farming popu- lation, who have established for themselves a reputation for a high de- gree of intelligence and culture. The amount of mail matter received at the Post Oftice will convince a stranger of this fact. There are within the village and on the outskirts the residences of many men of wealth and high reputation, who give character and en- terprise to the community. Here is the vineyard of Jaques Brothers, the Avell known grape growers and wine makers, whose grounds are an ob- ject of great attraction to tourists. About two and a half miles w^est of the village stands the renowned church of Blooming Grove, whose establishment is ante-dated by only one or two churches in the entire country. It was for many years the gathering place of the devout w^orshipers from all parts of the town, — when wives rode Mith their husbands to meeting on horseback, nor re- turned until two old-fashioned sermons had been heard. About two and a half miles north stands, unoccupied, the homestead of the distinguished Clinton family. The honor of being the birth-place of De Witt Clinton has been claimed by so many localities, that it is simply necessary to say he was born sometvhere, but passed his boyhood under this old paternal roof, and here received his early educi. .lon. As we lea\'e Washingtonville we get a good view of the fair plains to 38 SUBURBAN HOMES. our left, which comprise the richest ftirmiug country in New York State. The position is gently undulating, soil loamy and roads good, aftbrd- ing truly delighful drives in every direction. AVliile in the distance, across the valley, are the Schunemunk Mountains, within whose presence we constantly keep. Directly in front and parallel with them rises a row of detached hills easily accessible to the tourist, from the summit of which magnificent views can be obtained of surprising extent and grand- eur. These add a picturesqueness to the natural beauty of the landscape, Avhicli certainl}^ lifts the scenery of this vicinity into deserved eminence for stateliness and beauty. AYe pass two miles and a half on^vard, and reach SALISBURY, surrounded by groups of huts and uninviting houses, the only relief t© which is the attractiveness of the depot buildings. It is a village of about 300 inhabitants ; has one church, Methodist Episcopal, and one district school. The business of the place is farming and manufacturing. A paper mill has recently been erected, costing over $200,000 and employing SO hands ; also a flouring mill, a tan yard, and various stores and shops. The Otter-kill runs through the village, making magniflcent falls and a good water power. The quality of the soil is as good as any in the county. Land is worth from |80 to $150 per acre. The village is situated within one mile of the Highland Mountains. The surrounding country is made up of hills and valleys of surpassing beauty, with brooks, woodlands and drives in every direction, and of great attraction. From hence to Newburgh our course is interrupted only by one station, TAIL'S GATE, containing only a few houses in the neighborhood, and ottering few claims upon the attention. After leaving Salisbury we find the fields devoted more and more to the growth of fruits. We see on either hand many fields filled witli raspberry plants or grape vines, whose products are a source of wealth and comfort. We pass these fields frequently, until by a sudden turn there bursts upon us that beautiful broad valley we have so long expect- ed, with the Highlands in the distance, whose bare and bleak summits are viven only for the passage of the peaceful Hudson, Avhose broac] SIBUEBAX HOME?. 39 Stream lies before lis fringed with the gUissy slopes and mountains on its other bank. Of these scenes the poet, Thomas Faye, says :— '' By wooded blufi' we steal, by leaning lawn, By palace, village, cot, a sweet surprise At every turn the vision breaks upon, . 'Till to our wondering and nplifted eyes The Highland rocks and hills in solemn grandeur rise. Nor clouds in heaven, nor billows in the deep More graceful shapes did ever heave or roll. Nor came such pictures to a painter's sleep, Nor beamed such vision on a poet's soul." Amid scenes of such poetic interest stands N E W B U E G H , which rising from the shore of the river, np a steep hill of 300 feet, af- fords from its summit a constant view of the panorama spread out in all directions north, east, south and west. It is a most favorable and popu- lar place of residence both summer and winter. Its streets run parallel with the river, and are lined for long distances with stores or manufactories. The appearance of the city frcrm the river is highly prepossessing. It contains a population of about 15,000 ; has 23 churches — 3 Episco- pal, 4 Presbyterian, 2 lleformed Presbyterian, 1 United Presbyterian, 1 Reformed Dutch, 7 Methodist, 3 Baptist, 1 Roman Catholic, and 1 Uui- versalist. There are a great number of private schools and academies. The business of the place supports 5 banks, and 4 newspapers. The city is supplied with water from Little Pond, 3 miles distant, the water- works costing $96,000. There are large manufactories of cotton, wool, machinery, founderics, tanneries, and flour and plaster mills. Large quantities of grain, flour and dairy products are brought here and ship- ped in steamboats and sloops. Newburgh will soon occupy a prominent position from its connection with the various railroad projects Avhich are to centre and diverge hence. The Providence, Hartford & Fishkill R. R. is being rapidly pushed for- ward from Waterbury and Banbury, Ct., to connect with the Erie Rail- way at Newburgh, which latter company have a great interest in its progress and even control in its management. When completed it >vill present with the Boston, Hartford & Erie RtulrQiHk an uubrokeu lim ft-om Boston to t]ie West, 40 SUBURBAN HOMES. There is shortly to be built a new branch road from Newburgh up the valley of the Otterkill and beyond Washingtonville, to connect Avith the main line of the Erie Railway at GrceuAvood station, just below Turner's. When completed it will be the most direct and quickest route from New burgh to NcAv York. The West Side R. R., from Albany to New York, will, if built, connect at Newburgh with this branch, and thus become one of the great thoroughfares from New York north, with wide gauge and palace cars. Newburgh dates its settlement back to 1709, and from that period down to the present time its history is rich in incidents of Revolutionary inter- est, or reminicences of brave and distinguished men, a partial record even of which would fill a small volume. Here was the residence of the lament- ed Downing, whose influence has spread throughout the entire country and had a beneflcial effect in the formation and stimulation of rural taste, and in the elevation of the art of cottage building in the United States. An object of special interest at Newburgh is the house where Wash- ington had his head-quarters, when the army w^as stationed here in 1783. It was built by John Hasbrouck in 1750, and was bought a few years ago by the State of New York from his descendants. It is built of rough gray stone and is an unpretending dwelling house, such as farmers at that time were content to live in. In shape it is like the farm houses built by the Dutch everywhere in this region. The lover of rural pleasure can here find a thousand objects of interest and attraction, and the searcher after summer enjoyment can not fail to find full opportunity for gratification. Returning to the Main Line at Greycourt, and continuing our journey, we immediately arrive at CHESTER. This is the largest village on the main line we have reached, since leaving Paterson. It has a population of about 1,000, distinguished for good order, industry and sobriety, and the place presents a good busi- ness-like appearance. It is divided into two parts. East and West Chester, separated by a hill, covered with neat dwellings and surrounded by gardens. That portion near the station possesses the usual assortment of stores and shops found in villages. Looking East from the station, we have a good view of the " meadows" we have just crossed, and to the South, the cone of Sugar Loaf Mountain towers up in bold relief. Design No. 8. — Irregular Cottage. First Floor. Secoxu Floor DESIGN No. 8 . Here is shown a compact, convenieut cottage, having a conservatory attached for those wlio love to gratifj^ their taste for flowers. Each room has a cross draft, and can be abundantly ventilated in warm weather. A passage between the kitchen and dining room cuts oflf the smell of cooking, and the doors from the kitchen are double, with spring-hinges, and without locks or other fastenings ; they are opened with the foot, and close immediately after passing. The servant can pass in the kitchen through one door and out through the other with a large tray of dishes, and thus avoid meeting any one, while flies and the aroma of cooking have little chance of getting into the main part of the house. We think during the summer months it adds much to the comfort of all country houses to put in the windows the neat, modern wire-gauze window- guard, which does not obstruct air or sight, and keeps out effectually flies, millers, gnats, l)eetles, spiders, mosquitoes, bats, cats, and the whole list of nuisances against which we make our rooms close and dismal, and mope in summer evening darkness to avoid. The safety, cleanliness, and comfort of an open country house, night and day, can thus be enjoy- ed ; light, sunshine and fresh air can be had in abundance, and a feeling of comfort insured which those who have once tried it would never be without. This design can be built for about S'4,800. — See Woodward's ArchitectKrc and Rural Art, Ko, 1, far 1867, SUBURBAN HOMES, 41 Chester has 2 churches, Presbyterian aud Methodist, both of which buildings are nearly new. It has also 1 academy, 3 schools well attend- ed and having good teachers, 1 bank, and 2 hotels. The quality of the soil for raising produce is unsurpassed. The lands adjoining the meadows, rise gently to a height of 200 feet. On their summit are tine building lots of ft-om 1 to 10 acres each, worth from S300 to $500 per acre. The drives around Chester are equal to any in the country — over good level roads and through a splendid farming region. Fishing ponds and streams are convenient. Farming lands are held at from SlOO to $200 per acre. Passing now through meadows, with picturesque bridges, by smooth slopes, open plains, or beside quiet brooks, we come shortly to one of the finest villages on the whole road, GOSHEN. Let the tourist but alight fi'om the cars, walk up and down the broad streets with their grassy sides, and under the over-hanging canopy of magnificent trees, ascend some of the adjoining hills, and from their crests behold the pretty cottages, or noble palaces, nestling quietly in the shadows beneath, and then tell us if within many hundred leagues, a better spot for a country home can be found. The following elaborate description of the place we extract from the Goshen He^mblicr/n : " Goshen is located in the centre of the vast, fertile and productive re- gion known as the great Wallkill Valley. It is surrounded by a country of much fruitfiilness and beauty, presenting natural attractions and ap- pearances superior to those of the famed New York Central Park. The coun- try round about for miles is gently undulating, and its hill-sides and val- leys, from bottom to top, in summer, are covered with grass. Here is produced the famed Goshen butter and cheese, the rich and luscious cream, the pure Orange County Milk, which has such a world-wide repu- tation, and which has contributed to make Orange County one of the richest and most populous counties in the State of New York. From the Wallkill to the Otter-Kill, embracing the whole of the beautiful Valley and intervale lands spreading out like a green carpet between the moun- tains of the Blue Ridge and the Highlands, nature formed it and fashioned it into a vast natural Park. With intervening hills, forest-groves, high- ways, sparkling streams and gushing fountains, country homes and ham- lets,, nothing is waiiting to complete the picture of rural, or siiburban life, 42 SUBURBAN HOMES. which every where abounds for miles in the A'icinit}^ The town of Go- shen itself, though not large, is one of the most important commercial centres on the Eastern Division of the Erie Railway. It is the natural centre of the great Milk trade of the Wallkill, and a large portion of the Otter-Kill valleys. At this point from four to five hundred cans of milk are transported daily, exclusive of the receipts from the Montgomery branch of the Erie Railwaj^, and the business is rapidly increasing. The milk receipts at this place will be more than doubled in amount upon the completion of the Goshen and Deckertown road, which runs through an unsurpassed dairy country. Goshen is located on a broad and beautiful tal)Ie land, which composes the Valley, surrounded with an amphitheatre of moderatelj^ ascending hills. The town has broad and well shaded avenues and streets. Its population is in the highest degree moral and intelligent, and uncontam- inated with corrupting influences of any kind. It has no poor, but little or no crime, and little use for jails or prisons on its own account. Being distantly located from stagnant pools and marshes, it is said to be one of the most healthful and desirable places for a residence in the United States. Like a diamond set in a casket, the town is most to be admired for the exceeding beauty of its surroundings. The salubrity of the soil, the luxuriance of the grasses, the perpetual beauty of its private parks, its leafy avenues and ever-green hedges, and tasteful private residences, invest it with a quiet charm and beauty unknown to but few of our other suburban towns and villages. As Goshen is one of the oldest, so it is also one of the wealthiest tOAvns of its size in the State of New York. Three alone of its citizens are said to represent a capital of twelve mil- lions of dollars. Of course such men are lavish in their expenditures to improve and beautify a town wherein they, like other gentlemen of less pretentions to wealth, have established elegant country homes, not only for their own comfort, but for the education and improvement of their children. At this place Robert H. Berdell, Ex-President of the Erie Rail- way, has a palatial residence, surrounded with a princely estate of up- wards of three hundred acres of very valuable land, adjoining the village, which he is now engaged in improving. David H. Haight, owner of the St. Nicholas Hotel, New York, has also an elegant estate of three hundred and sixty acres, ornamented with a fine country seat, a large and mag- nificent park, summer houses, grottoes, water-fountains, gardens, hot- houses, conservatory, etc., and the farm abounds with the finest breeds of cattle, horses, &c. John and Alex. Stewart, of New York, bankers and nierchant princes, have an elegant summer residence, together with a SUBURBAN HOMES. 43 large and valuable farming estate exceeding four hundred acres, princi- pally stocked Avith cattle, abounding with beautiful mowing lands, and a magnificent forest of ancient white-oak, hickory and chestnut timber, adjoining the old " Stewart Homestead." Henry Young, an old New York merchant, has a beautiful country seat a short distance from town. Charles Backman, Esq., a New York merchant, has a beautiful estate of six hundred acres, summer-houses, gardens, and a fine park, rivaling in elegance the famed Elysian Fields, fitted up with all that modern taste and elegance could suggest at his elegant villa at Stoney Ford, four miles north of Goshen. Of the excellent drives, the well-kept and extensive hotels and summer boarding houses, health-giving atmosphere, chalybeate Avaters, ' pure Or- ange County Milk,' sweet butter, delicious ' strawberries and cream,' fresh mountain berries, excellent vegetables, etc., abounding in the vi- cinity of Goshen, it is hardly necessary to speak, farther than to say, that strangers or invalids, will, at all times, find excellent accommodations, and at very moderate prices, compared with our " fashionable Avatering places," and go aAvay far better satisfied. The trout-fishing streams of Sullivan and Ulster maj^ be reached in a few hours time from Goshen, A^a the Montgomery and Erie Road, and by stage to Ellenville, one of the most sequestered and beautiful tOAvns Avithin the bounds of the Blue Ridge. " Sam's Point," Montgomery and Walden, and otlrer interesting localities, in the vicinitj', are equally accessible by the same route. GreeuAvood Lake, Mount Basha Lake, the Wallkill, Otter-Kill, Pochuck Creek and tributaries, the " Warwick Woodlands," the " Great Wild Mead- OAvs," the " Big Spring" in the trackless " Cedar SAA^amp," which forms a natural cover, and Avhere haunt ploA'er, Avood-cock and quail, are all lo- cated " within hailing distance " of Goshen, AAiiere either the angler or hunter may range OA'er an immense extent of God's domain, in (piest of fish or fowl, Avitli " no one to molest or make him afraid." The town is amply provided with the best of schools and churches, and is, Avithal. a most exemplary and moral place. It has long been eminent as a seat of learning and science. Some of the most eminent men of the country either lived, AA'ere born, or obtained the rudiments of their education at Goshen. Noah Webster, the great lexicographer, Avas once a teacher of old " Farmer's Hall Academy." De Witt Clinton, one of the most distinguished Governors and engineers of the State of Ncav York, AA-as a native of Orange County, and received his education at this in- stitution. Its female seminaries have been no less successfully taught. Many of 44 SUBURBAN HOMES. the most elegant and accomplished women of the country received their education within the pure and refining influences wiiich have always been a distinguishing feature of Goshen society. Goshen is also the birth-place of the ancestry of the Winans' broth- ers, Avho sprang from the same stock, and whose mechanical skill and ingenuity, like that of the famous and philosophical Boyden, out-crop- ped at Goshen, next at Vernon, then at Baltimore, and lastly at St. Pe- tersburgh, and as successful railroad builders and engineers, equally astonishing themselves and the world with the results of their mechan- ism. We might fill pages with the reminiscences of eminent men and women whose birth-place was in the great and beautiful Wallkill Valley, in Orange County, where the conditions of a higher, purer, and more perfect civilization abound — were nobler and higher thoughts animate the genus homo — from the highest and loftiest creations of man down to the brute species — (vide "Dexter") — where men obtain nobler propor- tions, the women develop more perfect grace and beauty, than in any other region of the earth. This result is not alone due to education, but to the joint product of the remarkable geological position of the Valley, and its surroundings, which directly and indirectlj^ through ages, have transmitted their marked characteristics, upon the races of men and women of that locality. Its population is al)out 2,000 ; contains about fifty stores, including groceries, shops, &c.; eight hotels ; three freighting houses ; two banks ; two printing offices ; eight schools, including one classical school, one graded school, two common or free schools, three private schools, one female Seminary, and a school for colored children ; four churches, viz : One Presbyterian ; one Episcopalian ; one Methodist ; and one Catholic. It also has a variety of manufacturing establishments, including one iron foundry, steam saw-mill, steam turning lathes for wood and iron, car- riage making, wheelwright, cabinet ware, stone-cutting, and various other mechanical branches. The town has a large and flourishing com- merce in connection with the wealthy and extensive farming neighbor- hoods which surround it. At this place is located the Court House, Jail, Clerk's and Surrogate's offices, wherein is transacted the principal por- tion of the legal business of the County. Its public buildings are eligibly situated, centrally located in the County, and very convenient for the transaction of public business. The County Poor House Farm, consist^ ing of 267 acres of excellent land, and containing accommodations for 300 Inmates, lies three miles south of this place. The West Side, or what is now known ^s the Montgomery and Erie rodd, coijijeets with the Erie '1 M |l|l't I'l I Eco>;]; Fj.ooit. DESIGN No. 9. This design, for a timber cottage, is simple and at the same time pic- turesque, and built upon a site adapted to it, and in harmony with the architectural expression, the effect could not fail to be in a high degree pleasing. It will be seen that some of the principal timbers of the frame are in- tended to show on the outside, and that there is a designed contrast be- tween the horizontal siding extending to the top of the posts, and the vertical and battened covering of the pediment above the ornamental string course. The brackets and posts which support the roof of the porches, should be chamfered, and these timbers should be of sufficient thickness to avoid any appearance of meanness, while at the same time, they should not be too heavy, and so destroy the proportion of the design. The roof should be covered with shingles having their ends clipped and rounded. The interior accommodations and conveniences are readily seen on inspection of the plans. There is no waste of room, and for the use of a small family, the accommodations would be found as ample as could well be obtained in a cottage of such size and cost. It can be built for about ^3,500. — See WoodivarcVs Country Homes. Railway at Goshen. Its present terminus is at Montgomery, 10 miles north of Goshen, embracing in its route Hamptonburgh, Campbell Hall, and Neeleytown, as intermediate stations, with a prospect of soon con. necting with the Wallkill Valley Railway at Walden. South of Goshen is also projected the Goshen and Deckertown Railway, connecting the great Wallkill Valley with the mineral fields, and internal improvements of northern New Jersey. A railway company has been organized, and a capital of $200,000 subscribed to extend the Erie Railway connections to the counties of Sussex and Warren on the Delaware River. But 27 miles more of railway are needed to make connection with the Sussex Exten- sion, now building down the Wallkill Valley, thus realizing the accom- plishment of the project of connecting the waters of the Hudson and Delaware, long since entertained by that eminent statesman and engineer, DeWitt Clinton. Three miles south-west of Goshen is also located the northern boundary of the largest and most extensive peat formation known in the United States. It embraces some 17,000 acres, resting on a lime-stone basin, from 10 to 30 feet in depth, subject to overflows of the Wallkill River, which runs directly through the peaty region, and ex- tends to the New Jersey State line. Peat Company organizations have been projected to work these beds, but none, as yet, are in actual opera- tion. Surrounding this immense peat field, is one of the richest and most interesting mineral regions in the United States. White and blue limestone, granite, white marble, interspered with red and black oxide of zinc, franklinite, hematite, and oxidized iron ore, out-crop extensively in the vicinity of Amity, Hamburgh, Franklin, and other points of the Wall- kill Valley south of Goshen, extending into the counties of Sussex and Morris, the product of which already enters largely into the iron and zinc paint manufacture of New Jersey and Pennsylvania." Two large and flourishing newspapers are printed at this place : The "Independent Eepuhlican,'" (established in 1788,) owned and edited by James J. McNally, Esq ; and the " Goshen Democrat,'' (established in 1736) owned and edited by Messrs. Charles Mead & Son. Building lots are worth from S300 to $600, and land by the acre frcm S200 to $1000. From Goshen the road runs almost level. Passing by the ruins of a mill, we come fairly into the valley of the Wallkill river, that runs north through Orange and Ulster counties, and empties into the Hudson near Rondout. From here to Mlddletown, we pass at one time by the bed of a stream, 46 SUBURBAN HOMEi^. again by groves of trees, over meadows, between hills, bj' fields of grass or w^lieat, and over bridges. Our course is interrupted onlj' by one small station, NEW HAMPTON. It is 4 miles from Goshen, and stands upon the west bank of the AVall- kilL It contains a church, 2 public schools, a good hotel, and carries on a small local business. Land in the vicinity is worth from $100 to ^50 per acre. At the left, as we leave the station, is a very fine ridge, suitable for nice residences. From hence, 3 miles, the land is uneven, 1)ut afibrding fine grazing grounds. As we approach a long curve, we obtain a pretty view of MIDDLE TOWN. Whate^^er terms of rapture we may have bestowed on the picturesque beautj^ of Turner's or the loveliness of Goshen, yet we must render a full share of praise to the enterprising and active village of Middletown. On the occasion of the writer's first visit to this pleasant place there were so many objects of beauty and interest presented, that he could hardly realize he was in any other than a populous suburl) of the great citj". The excursionist's attention would first be called to the great variety and the beautiful architectural styles of the houses. He should so di- rect his walk as to pass up and down ever}' street, on either side of whicl) may be seen all that is ornamental and lovely. Hour after hour may be spent walking leisurely through the streets. At one time the observer will be in love with a pretty cottage, a mor'^ desirable one than which he w^ould declare could not be found, until after proceeding a few steps farther, he catches a view of some magnifi- cent villa, surrounded with so many pleasureable sights of flowers, lawn, trees and shrubbery, that all former delights are lost in the con- templation of this and other similarly occurring views. In no place, that is to say, in no inland town, have I found so fine col tage architecture as in this ; and judging from these outside appearances only, what might a stranger augur of those who dwell within ? He would imagine, and correctly too, that they were a people of superior character, of fine tastes and refinement, lovers of beauty in earth, air and inanimate forms, gifted with great abilities, and possessed of that love of enter- prise, good order and government, which is so essential to the prosperity and thrift of country villages. SUBTTRBAN 1I03IES. 47 Micidletowu lias made up in business life and energ}^ what Goshen has lost. Here are gathered some of the most enterprising men of the county, and it is not strange that they should spend their money in the laudable purpose of erecting happy and attractive homes. Walking up and down the clean sidewalks, under the rows of fast- growing trees, on the heights, and looking down upon the pleasant sight below^ what a pleasing prospect greets the eye ! A business man could here hud every element of attraction to induce him to purchase or liuild a suburl)an home, and with his wife and happy children live in calm and undisturl^ed enjoyment. INIany citizens of New York have done so al- read}^ going to their business but once, twice, or three times during the week. Many families of wealth have given up the city altogether, and live here year after jenv in perfect contentment. There are many fine villas in this town whose cost proves that other than native wealth has built them. New ones are going up every day, showing that the popu- lation is increasing rapidly. Already it is about 6,000, the largest of anj- station on the division, excepting Paterson. A few years since it mo- destly claimed only 2,000 population. To the south-west is a Cemetery — a miniature Greenwood — of 100 acres, and the whole is arranged in the most pleasing manner, with Maca- damized walks and roads, adorned and draped with the loveliest of na- ture's luxuriant foliage. This enterprise originated with Mr. James N. Pronk, an attorney at law, and for many years a resident of the village. Middletown is the centre of considerable manufacturing interests, there being ten or more engaged in the manufacture of saws, nails, files, carpets, carpet bags, hats and caps, paper collars, wooden ware, and agricultural implements. The operatives are mostly English. There are 4 first class hotels and a host of minor ones. The town is supplied with gas of good quality, with pure water, and has a good fire department. Great interest is taken in literary matters. A lyceum, with a reading room, and a large and well-filled library, together with literary meetings and debates, keep the intellectual spirit ever-moving, while three active and influential newspapers, " T/ie Orange County Press,'' " The Murcury''' and " The Signs of the Times,''' have each a good local circulation. The place contains an academj^, a ladies' seminary, and 7 private schools, having a reputation for superior management. The people are evidently church-goers, as will be seen b}' the number of churches : 2 Presbyterian, 1 Episcopalian, 1 Congi'egational, 1 Metho- dist, 2 Baptist, 1 Catholic, and 1 Colored, all well supported and in a flourishing condition. 48 SUBURBAN HOJlfiS. There are three banks, the MidcUetown, Wallkill, and First National. A Board of Health discharges its duties in a very commendable man- ner, which results in keeping the streets clean, well swept, and free from every nuisance. The work of building a railroad between Middletown and Unionville, a distance of 14 miles, has been commenced. The road will run through a beautiful farming country, and if found profitable, may be extended to Water Gap and Scranton, Pa. It is much needed, and when completed will doubtless attract much of the traffic which now goes by way of Easton. Stages run from Middletown to Monticello, Sullivan County, and EUen- ville, Ulster County. Farming lands outside the village limits are worth from S130 to $200 per acre; building lots in town, 60 by 150 feet, from S600 to S700; by the acre $1000. Leaving Middletown, the country for 8 or 9 miles is irregular and rolling, a succession of uplands and meadows, in which may be seen herds of grazing cattle. To the south are several prominent peaks, on whose sides are farms, and whose summits are clothed with a dense and picturesque growth of trees. Four miles from Middletown is HOWELL'S, A village of perhaps 250 inhabitants, containing a Congregational church, a public school, hotel, and several stores. It is a station, whose importance is derived from the milk interests of the surrounding farming region. Farms are worth from $100 to $120 per acre, village lots from $300 to $500. We have hitherto been passing through pleasant fields, and have had fine views of the rich farms which have given the citizens of Orange County an envious reputation, but soon we are to exchange these for sights of sterner material. From an embankment just beyond and to the right of Howell's, we catch a glimpse of a pleasant little village, the height of whose church steeples bears no contrast to the magnificent heights bej'ond, which we approach by a long and heavy curve. While passing along, we look North and behold a vast cultivated valley ; in the distance rise the blue hills, and before us the lofty Shawangunk Mountains. We are now on the verge of Orange County, and must bid adieu to all the pastoral beauties of landscape which have hitherto, delighted us, and enter upon scenes of a wilder character. This great mountain which looms up before us, as though forbidding Design Xo. 10.— An Okxamental Cottage. I BED R 1 12 X, 5 fcARKET h 1 L_ sIbed rL First Fldok. Second Fi.oou. DESIGN No. 10. Chimneys are au important feature in tlie exterior design of a dwelling; and we like to see them treated boldly — good solid base, shaft, and pro- jections, and of sufficient height above the roof to overlook all other obstructions, and thus insure a good draft. The flimsy stove-pipe look of chimney-pots we do not admire, and would prefer not to make use of them. A well-built brick chimney can be put up cheaper, and is much more eflective. In this cottage considerable exterior ornamentation is show^n, which may be omitted by those who do not like so much of it. The finials and crest on the roof help the appearance very much, and make a good finish ; the drapery on the cornice may be plainer. Hoods over the vvdndows, to some extent, take the place of outside blinds, and relieve, by their shad- ows, what might otherwise appear to be a very plain exterior. The rooms, as shown on the plan, would probably be better if increas- ed in size ; though if one undertakes to build low-priced houses, he must adhere firmly to the plan, a little here and a little there will, wiien all bills are paid, be found to double the cost. Cost at present about S3,500. — See Wood'Ward'' s Architecture and Rural Art, No. 1, for 1867. SUBURBAN HOMES. 49 US to cross its path, has an extraordinary appearance ; from foot to sum- mit of its Eastern slope every inch of soil lias been brought into the highest state of fertility and cultivation, the very tops being clothed with fields of waving grain, and stirring grass, or interspersed here and there with groups of cattle. A short distance on the other side is revealed to us its western face, a mass of rock and forest, uniit for purposes of cultivation, and remaining in a state of primitive wildness and solitude. T I S y I L L E , A small village of perhaps 500 inhabitants, contains 3 churches, a public school and one or two hotels. From its elevated position, it presents Avith its neat cottages a pretty appearance to those approaching it. It derives its importance principally from the fact of its being the western terminus of the milk region of Orange County. Proceeding West from this place we prepare to enter a new region. For a long time, the passage of the great Shawangunk ridge was con- sidered a difficult feat, and almost a permanent obstacle to the progress of the road. The tunneling of the mountain was at first proposed, and inasmuch as the western side is much lower than the Eastern, it was designed that the tunnel should be 2,700 feet in length, with grades of 40 feet per mile for curves and 80 feet for straight sections. This plan was recommended bj^ a board of Engineers and for a long time was considered the best and only feasible one of reaching the valley on the western side, but it Avas found after mature deliberation that by making a deep^ rock cut, a passage could be opened near the summit; then by descending the Western side, by an extensiA^e curve on an in- clined plane, the difficulty could be more easily overcome. Perhaps the best description of the remaining portion of the route, is that given by the Avriter of Harper's Guide Book of the Erie Raihvay, AA'hich Ave quote : " Leaving Otisville, aa'c ascend a grade of 40 feet to the mile, leading to this great passage of the mountain : at the distance of a mile, we come to the point AAiiere the first struggle with the barrier occurs. This is a thorough rock cutting, 50 feet deep and 2,500 feet in length. Its prodi- gious pass is intersected tAvice by a turnpike leading from Goshen to Port Jervis, in the valley AvestAvard, Avhich shoAvs the round-about style of traA^el made necessary by the old modes of couA^eyance. Emerging from this great cut, Ave find ourselves on the summit of the ascent, and tlie road, curving soutliAvardly, proceeds by a slope of many 50 SUBURBAN HOMES. miles along the niouutaiu's side to the valley below. We uow catch a glimpse of the ShawaugunJc, in all its savage and untamed grandeur. Tlie word Shawmignnk is Indian and means '•'white rocks,''' alluding to the color of the rocks to be seen in its breast to the North-East. A little further on we look down upon the valley we are approaching — an un- broken sea of forest, with not a solitary hut to humanize the scene. No change could be more sudden or complete, than what the prospect has undergone in ten minutes, since looking at the East front of the Shaw- angunk. At a distance of about two miles from Otisville we see the next specimen of heavy work this mountain passage has made necessary. It is a heavy embankment, supported by a retaining wall 1,000 feet in length and 30 feet high. We are now descending the slope of ten miles before us, and the scenery of the vallej^ below is rapidly improving in interest aud cultivation. A smile gradually breaks over the dull cheek of nature. Farm houses and meadows relieve the solitude of this valley, to which the Neversink River gives its name. One of these views is of remarkable beauty. We perceive on the opposite side of the vale a shining strip of water curving round a spur of the mountains, with a small village ad- jacent ; it is called Cuddeback. This is the first glimpse we have of the Delaware and Hudson Canal, extending from Rondout to the coal and iron mines at Carbondale in Pennsylvania. Cuddeback was settled by the Dutch, and is one of the thriving little communities that have sprung up along that important canal. This part of the valley figures conspicuously in the history of Indian Avarfare." Five miles beyond Otisville is G U Y IVI A R D , A new Station and without a depot. Here is located a very attractive Hotel, intended to accommodate those guests who wish to enjoy beauti- ful scenery, and breathe pure mountain air. Near by is a small pond which is said to contain a large number of the finest of trout. The Hotel is well kept, and popular among those who know of its excel- lencies. On the opposite side of the track, are located the '• Erie and Wallkill Lead Mines," owned mostly by English capitalists who commenced work on them several years ago, and keep silently at it yet. The lead is fully 85 per cent pure metal, and is shipped to England. Suflicient silver is found in the ore to pay the entire expenses of transportation and mining. The whole of the western side of the mountain is said to be owned by three brothers, from whom land can be leased, but not bought. SUBURBAN HOMES. 51 Eight miles beyond Otisville we come to what is called " Shin Hollow Switch:' Here there is a deep cut through a soft soil three fourths of a mile in length and 30 feet deep. This portion of the road is of the most oppres- sive loneliness, for the valley is completely shut out of sight, soon, how- ever to re-appear in heightened beauty and interest, after passing the great rock-cutting just two miles ahead of.us. The approach to this last formidable barrier in the descent of the mountain is very fine. We reach it by a high curved embankment, and see on each side of us a steep wall of slate rock, 50 feet in height and 2,600 feet in length. And now let the traveler place himself on the right side of the train (going westward,) to catch the noble prospect prepared for him on em- erging from this dark pass. At its very portal the road makes a sudden cui-\'e southward, and from the precipitous mountain side, along the edge of which we descend, he beholds the enchanting Valley of Never- sink in all its cultivated beauty, its western verge bordered by a chain of mountains, at the foot of which gleams the village of Port Jervis, and its level fields losing themselves ftir in the south, where rolls the Dela- ware River; ])eyond which again, the town of Milford, Pa., may ]:>e seen in the misty horizon. A winding grove of trees runs southward over this fair plain, marking the course of the Neversiuk. A few rods beyond this " cut," the traveler looking north, may see another superb view, of an opposite character, the mountains swelling- upward in their grandest forms. The descent of the Shawangunk is nearly ten miles iu extent and offers a succession of pleasing views, though becoming more and more contracted in extent. When the slope ceases, our road turns again to the west, and crosses the Meversink by a l3ridge 55 feet high, with a span of 150 feet, when we are brought in full view of PORT JERVIS, Which lies beautifully at the foot of a range of bold and picturesque mountains. Perhaps the best point from which to view Port Jervis, is from the rocky clifl'just over the Mountain House. It is an eminence fully 500 feet above the level of the village, and its edge being clear of trees, gives the observer an uninterrupted view of the scenery in every direction. Below us and immediately close to the foot of the mountain, winds a smooth wagon road, lined with neat and pretty cottages embosomed 52 SUBURBAN HOMES. among the trees, pictures of contentment and rustic beautj'. Just be- yond is a small meadow, around which passes the Delaware and Hudson Canal, supported by a high embankment, and constantly alive at every hour of the day ^vith the ever-passing canal boats. Further still, but on a lower level, at the right hand is the Railway with its many tracks and work-shops. Here are two engine-houses, one a complete circle, and the other a semi-circle, both capable of accom- modating GO locomotives. Gathering on either side, is spread out the village. Most of the houses adjoining the railroad ai-e plain, either homes for the workmen or stores, while some of a neater character are interspersed between. Back from the village, the wagon road running at the foot of the mountain, takes a semi-circular course, passing out over the plain, and curving toward the south, passes the track at the bridge over the Neversink River. Just below this bridge is laid out a beautiful Ceme- tery, and no tourist should fail to follow the path through the Cemetery to the furtlier end of Carpenter's Point, and stand on the ftirthest rock, the identical point at which the three States of New York, New Jersey and Pennsylvania meet. Upon this road, and other village streets branching therefrom, are lo- cated many very prettj^ houses, some of an exceedingly neat and orna- mental character, with yards full of fruits, flowers and shrubbery. Beyond the village rolls the Delaware, at one place smooth and quiet, but farther down, its course is disturbed by shoals or dams, over which it goes with a rippling murmur or lashed to foam. On the other side of the river is spread out a beautiful valley, hemmed in between the mountains, stretching away to the south, either laid out in grassy meadows, or covered with fertile cultivated fields, while beyond, on the slope of the hills, are seen farm houses hiding among the trees, and farms opening up among the forests which reach even to their tops. While away up to the north is spread out that peaceful vt^Uey of the Neversink, aad on its further edge are the mountains, dow^n whose sides perchance, while you are looking, is gliding swiftly the iron horse and his long train. The whole panorama is one of great natural beauty, and which every visitor to the place should certainly behold. An opportunity is here pre- sented to the artist for the exercise of his pencil. The population of Port Jervis is about 5,000, and as a class the inhab- itants are industrious and thrift}'. There are seven churches in the village, viz. : First Presbyterian, Ger- Desigx No. 11.— a Tillage Residence. Si-.coNu Floou DESIGN No. 11. Here is a design by Robt. Mook, architect, for a medium sized cottage, such as one might build on a village lot of sixty or a hundred feet in width. It is a frame building, filled in with brick laid on their edges iu mor- tar, and covered externally with weather boarding; the roof covered with shingles cut in patterns. The framing may be of spruce or hemlock timber (the former is the best, although the latter is generally used,) and the finishing of white pine ; the details few, simple, and bold, with the roof quite steep, and the eaves of broad projection to shield tlie sides, and the windows wide and airy. A light ridge ornament at the peak of the j'oof, a fluial of iron over the dormer, and the piazza railing of scroll- sawed penetrations, give a character to the design. The exterior should be painted of a warm, rich brown, or j-^ellowish brown, using four tints, the brightest for the whole body of the house ; the next darkest for the eaves, veranda, window-trimmings, etc.; the third darkest for window-sashes, blinds, &c.; and the darkest only for touching up here and there to make it appear lively. Cost is about S6.500. — From WoodivarcVs Architecture and Rural Art, No. 2^ for 1868. SUBURBAN HOMES. 53 man Reformed, Methodist Episcopal, Baptist, Roman Catholic, German Lutheran and Universalist, all of which possess a large mcml)ership. Of public schools there are twelve, with an average attendance of 1,200 pupils. There are numerous private schools and institutes ; among the latter most worthy of mention is the Mountain Home Institute, un- der the management of Prof. A. Byron Wilbur. The building is one of the finest in this section of country, beautifully situated, in a romantic grove of tall trees, at the base of a high and commanding mountain, and out of the din and bustle of the town. All its surroundings are such as to lead an observer to think that nature had destined them to lessen the dull routine and monotonj^ of the school-room by the soothing influence which natural beauty always, more or less, sways over the mind. This Institute has at present about 75 students, and is steadily increasing in popularity. The business of Port Jervis is principally mercantile, carried on in all its usual branches, and in many cases, quite extensively. Under the head of manufactories, there are in the village two extensive steam iron foundries, two bedstead factories, one glass factory, one sawing mill, one sash and blind factor}^ and numerous smaller manufactories of various kinds. Several lumber yards do a large business in that branch of trade. Among many other advantages possessed by Port Jervis, that of its facilities for water-power is the leading one. The Delaware and Hudson Canal lies above a portion of the village, and by feeders therefrom, power to run machinery by water may be extended to any number of manu- factories. Such facilities are possessed but by few other places along the line of the Erie Railway. The soil, as a general thing, in the vicinity of Port Jervis, is good. Outside of the village land for farming purposes brings $200 per acre. Near the depot, lots suitable for residences or places of business, 50x100 feet, can be purchased for from $300 to $2,000, according to location. There are small villages on the outskirts of Port Jervis — Carpenter's Point, Matamoras and Sparrowbush — where building lots, 50x100 may be obtained for $50. These places are all within a few minutes' walk of the depot. The hotels of Port Jervis are favorably known to the traveling public, far and wide. The leading one, at present, is the Delaware House, di- rectly opposite the depot. It has capacity for the accommodation of one hundred guests. Board S3.00 per day. The other hotels are respectively : the Neversink House, which has the advantage of a quiet location, Minisink House, Quassaic 3* 54 SUBURBAN HOME?. House, Exchange Hotel, American Hotel, and Union House, whose rates are $2.00 per day. They have all accommodations for from thirty to forty guests each. There is but one newspaper published in Port Jervis. '' The Tri-Statof Union'' D. Holbrook, editor. It. is well sustained on a.ccount of its en- terprise and merit. An enthusiastic writer, thus truthfully speaks of the natural beauty of the whole valley : " The scenery surrounding Port Jervis is truly beautiful — a blending together of the picturesque and grand in one mag-uiticent display of na- ture — mountains, valleys, rocks, streams and woods. On the north of the village. Point Peter and Mount William, two high mountains clad in green in winter as in summer, lift their majestic heads towards the clouds, and stand like giant sentinels, guarding the village at their feet. The summits of these mountains are easy of access, b}^ laurel-skirted paths, which wind beneath aged pines and hemlocks, down through whose thick boughs the hot rays of the summer sun scarcely penetrate. A spirit of refreshing coolness always lingers here, which is only forgot- ten in the scene that breaks upon the eye when the summit is gained. Look from Point Peter ! At its foot nestles the village, secure in the guardianship of those rugged hills, its highest spires far below% and its noise and bustle unheard. For miles doAvn through the valley the noble Delaware can be seen, winding on its course to the sea, by forests, dense and dark, by fields, green and waving ; now running still, dark and deep, now rushing and roaring over rocks and through narrow places, the white-capped waves leaping up, and glistening in the sun like molten silver. Now gliding behind a hill, the stream hides from sight awhile, then breaks on the eye again, until it gradually fades from view in the distance. In the season when tjae grain-fields are golden, and bowed with their burdens of treasure ; w'heu the wind sways the corn in gentle waves, and hay-fields are merry with the voice of many reapers, the scene up and down the valley, and to the east and west, is one of almost indescribable beauty. Fields, in all the various hues, spread out in every direction, a gorgeous patchwork of nature, which undulating hills and wooded valleys bring into more striking relief. As far as the eye can reach to the south, the Blue Mountains can be seen, beginning in a haze of blue and purple, wiiich gradually disappears as the vision comes nearer. North, east, south, and west, some new and striking feature greets the eye, and one is loth to break the charm of the scene by returning to the world beneath. Nowhere can scenery more varied and beautiful be SUBURBAN HOMES. 55 found than in this region. Port Jervis has not only its immediate resorts^ Vjut others as beautiful more distant. Five miles from the village, on a splendid carriage road, are the well-known Chilton Chalybeate Springs, which Prof. Chilton asserts, contain the most valuable medicinal qual- ities. A large hotel, capable of accommodating one hundred guests in ■first class style, is a leading feature at the springs. A few miles below Port Jervis, the delightful little village of Milford — reached by one of the finest roads in the world, running along the base of a high and rocky range of mountains, and following the course of the Delaware River most of the way — audits unequalled surroundings, also attract hundreds of worshipers at Nature's shrine from the dust and tumult of confined cities. The Sawkill Falls, awful, grand, majestic ; the Cliffs, looming up hun- dreds of feet of solid, perpendicular rock, from which Port Jervis, and miles beyond it, can be seen ; the Reimer skill Falls, with their wild, weird surroundings ; the Knob, standing out, large and grim, against the sky, covered with high i)ines and mossy rocks, laurel-tangled and rugged; and hundreds of other places, wild and romantic, add to the lavishness with wliich nature has scattered her treasures around Port Jervis, making it a spot where every attraction is oflered to the excur- sionist to tarry a while and enjoy them. The prospective resident would have to go far to find a more pleasant spot to spend his daj-s. Trout streams are numerous, and the pride of the country. The " spotted beauties " abound in abundance, and this vicinity has long been the Mecca of all disciples of Izaack Walton. Guides to any of the streams can always be procured, where fine pickerel fishing can be found." Port Jervis is within easy access of New York, and its claims upon public attention are thus well deserved. Many improvements are now^ being made in the place, the most im- portant of which is the erection of fifty buildings. Among these are se- veral large brick stores, a new Baptist Church, and the Drew Centennial Methodist Church, all of which are to be first class structures. It contains also the Deerpark Union Musical Association, having a membership of about three hundred; this with the Literary Association of 150 members, gives evidence of the tastes of the people for music and literature. Port Jervis is well-lighted with gas and in the possession of other modern improvements, among them a fire department, which is fully alive to the necessities of the day. A Railroad has been proposed to pass through Milford, to Stroudsburg, connecting directly with Scranton, and having uninterrupted communi- cation with Philadelphia. 56 SUBUllBAN HOMES. Port Jervis is 88 miles from New York, has seven trains daily, time by express, 3 hours oO minutes. RETROSPECT. Looking back over the vast range of territory we have sketched, the inquiry comes naturally from some anxious reader, Which is the best place ? In answering this question several considerations present themselves, which circumstances alone can readily determine. If yonv hours of bus- iness in the city will admit, no better selection can be made for a sum- mer residence than the region of country immediately surrounding Turner's, Monroe, Warwick, Washingtonville, Newburgh, Goshen, Mid- dletown or Port Jervis; but if you desire a permanent home in the country, which will enable you to reach New York at 7 or 8 in the morning, the region east from Suffern presents many pleasant and prom- ising towns and villages from which to make a selection. For the speedy and eft'ectual recuperation and restoration of health, do not hesitate to select the region of the Ramapo Valley and Orange County as the most auspicious and attractive. No section in the immediate vicinity of New York is more justly celebrated for its salubrious and invigorating atmosphere ; for the choice quality and variety of its pro- ducts, or the enlivening character of its surroundings. The drives rank amongst the best in the State, and the hunting is excellent, while lakes and streams in abundance aflbrd the finest fishing imaginable. No more exhilarating or appetizing sports can be indulged in thant hose common to this whole neighborhood, and we are confident that no beter locality can be found within convenient access of the city where the Invalid can derive greater benefit than from the free inspiration of the pure moun- tain air of this country. A residence upon the Hudson or even upon the Sound may be desira- ble, and the salt water breezes arising therefrom may be beneficial to ^ some, but to the many a residence where the mountain air freely circu- lates is preferable and particularly conducive to health. In the free ex- pression of this opinion the most eminent physicians of the city unite, and invariably recommend to their patients who reside in the citj' during the winter, a change of air in the spring and summer season as particu- larly beneficial. No one need fear of losing money by the decline in prices of land. On the contrary it is one of the best openings for investment presented, as improved land is sure to increase In value 10 per cent, or more per annum. Design T^o. 12. — A Couxtiiy IIouse or Parsonage. I SHrn . ^'10 First Floor. Second Floor. DESIGN No. 12. The desire to produce pleasing effects in the structure of country houses has much increased in the past few years. The gratifying evidence of this is forced upon our attention on every line of travel. Every one who contributes to this taste is so far a benefactor of his kind. It has this plea for universal adoption, that while it violates no principle of utility, it elevates mentally and morally, only by the exei'cise of correct judg- ment without expense. It is thought that the plan here submitted will commend itself to the taste of those who, having a moderate income — and such constitute the bulk of society — and who, having no money to lavish upon merely useless show, would have enough variety in style, solid embellishments, convenience of arrangement, rooms of suitable size and number, — affording sufficient retirement and accommodation as shall combine to produce a pleasing impression, and make the happy and con- tented family feel that they have a home, the endearing remembrance of which will never leave them. The walls are filled in with brick. The roof projects, and the gables have large boards of stout plank. This de- sign has great advantages, and deserves to be popular. Its present cost is about .f i,500. — From WoochvarcV s Country Homes. SUBURBAN HOMES. 57 Houses and lots which three years ago cost from S3, 500 to $5,000, are now selling at from 06,500 to 010,000. The following hints will be of some service and are therefore given with pleasure : 1st. To those who are prospctive settlers. Lose no time in choosing your property, even if it be a year before you purpose building or im- proving it ; see that you obtain all the land you want at the time of your first purchase, for it will not answer to trust to time to secure any addi- tional space immediately adjoining. 2d. Land owners and companies should be warned against speculation, that great curse to the prosperity of so many communities. Simply ask reasonable prices, and sell the land for acUml settlement only. Better do this and so dispose of your property quickly, than to ask exhorlDitant rates and experience difficulty in making sales. 3d. In making a purchase always compel the seller to relinquish any right or interest in the crops which may have been planted. A deed of land otherwise does not give to the purchaser the crops already planted thereon. Neglect of this precaution, may subject you to much incon- venience, and possibly prevent immediate improvement. 4tli. Do not hesitate about making your choice. All the places named are desirable and healthful, and property therein will increase in value. There are constant improvements going on, and ere j'ou are aware of it you will find yourself surrounded with pleasant neighbors and desirable conveniences. 5th. If you think you cannot submit to the fiincied persecution of the mosquitoes, let us propound a question of 2}olicy. Is it better to live in the city, and spend nearly all your money for rent, board, &c., or to go to the country, bear the few mosquitoes that come, and be each year from |500 to $1,000 better oft"? Notmthstanding all the uncharitable things said against New Jersey, on account of its mosquitoes, we state the truth in saying that beyond the Passaic River, there are few or none, and little or no trouble is experienced. Throw away that despicable prejudice which many love to entertain, and manifest in taunting and insulting reproaches of the State of New Jersey. However much occasion there may have been in former days, from the peculiar characteristics of the Dutch settlers and their descendants, and likewise the singular State legislative management, it must be admitted that at the present day New Jersey is fiist taking an active and prominent part in all matters of reform and progress. Southern and Central New Jersey is fast filling up with a class of ^energetic right-minded people, 58 SUBURBAN IIOMEg. wliose votes and influence are helping carry the current of liberal enter- prise forward. The suburbs of New York, reaching far out into New Jersey along the lines of the railways, are rapidly filling up with a class of independent, liberal, enterprising men and families, Miiose presence is fast overcoming the dull sluggishness of the native stock, and mani- festing itself in the energetic projection and completion of works of pub- lic improvement and benefit. Year after year is adding to their number, and we may candidly say that no section of the surrounding country contains a more desirable society, or possesses greater advantages to suburban residents. The Legislature, once in the interest of monopolies, is now becoming actuated with lilDeral principles ; charters for railroads are freely given, and everything done to encourage the rapid settlement and development of all parts of her domain. 6th, If you settle down in some nice little cottage, do not carry your city exclusiveness with you ; throw it aside. Remember there are neigh- bors around just as good and as well oft' as you. Make yourselves kind, genial, good-hearted ; be sociable, take a proper interest in your neigh- bors, and assist in establishing a reputation for your village, which will be a source of pride and congratulation to you. City manners are not always congenial to country life, and exclusiveness is often a terra of reproach. Finally, to the actual purchaser, we say, choose the prettiest design for your cottage you can find, and by so doing you will give j^our neigh- borhood an ornamental appearance, wliich will greatly enhance the value of its property. Improve your lots or acres, as soon as you can, by the setting out of choice trees, shrubs and flowers. Nothing can make home so attractive to your fiimily, and so delightful to yourself, as the cultivation of a few of Nature's fairest gifts. Twine the honeysuckle or jessamine around your porch, and in summer sit on the piazza and watch the humming- bird and bee fly in and out gathering their fragrant store. Deck your lawn with beautiful tulips, peonies, roses, pansies, dahlias and other flowers, and see how your neighbors will stop before your gate and gaze with admiring eyes on the delicious sight. What a charm your cottage immediately possesses, and how popular it becomes as a visiting place for friends. Plant out handsome variegated shrubs, the Japan quince, snow-ball and others, that when flowers fiiil, there shall still be some- ■thing left to give a pleasure. Plant out evei greens that when both flow- ers and shrubs are gone, there shall still be left an element of life and beauty, and your grounds seem not altogether bare and desolate. There SUBURBAN UOMES. 59 is scarcely a place, large or small, from a single lot to a villa site of sev- eral acres, but can possess either few or manj^ of these charming adorn- ments and indispensable accompaniments of a well-kept country home. When the quiet Sabbath comes, and the lord of the manor can spend it in peace and enjoy with hoi}'- quietness the luxury of such a rural life, the influence of these simple yet beautiful charms will V)c productive of an everlasting good in both mind and heart. We have the pleasure of presenting to the readers of this Guide, and to prospective residents along this Railwaj'^, a few specimens of cottage architecture, of an exceedingly neat, tasteful, and yet economical char- acter. It would be a perfect pleasure to see the whole of this country filled with beautiful cottages, ever^^ one a specimen of excellent taste, and painted in appropriate colors. For the engravings and descriptive matter of houses and plans shown, we are greatly indebted to Mr. Geo. E. Woodward, Architect, No. 191 Broadway, New York, who is the author and publisher of the most popu- lar books on architecture of the day. Should the reader desire fuller in- formation or a greater varietj^ of designs he will find the following books very desirable for his purpose. They are all published by Mr. Woodward, and it is hoped that many of the exceedingly pretty designs given therein may be extensively copied. Woodward's Country Homes, ' Jacques' Manuel of The House, Rural Art, No. 1—1867, ''■ 2—1868, Wheeler's Rural Homes, *•' Homes for The People. To our many readers we say, during the fine days of Spring, Summer or Autumn, buy excursion tickets, and take frequent rides over the Erie Railway; examine the country, and see for yourselves if it be not a iOOodly land. D E.SIGN No. 13. The associations of the school-room, if pleasant, are of a lasting and beneficial nature. Those educational institutions possess the most at- tractions, that are so situated that all the surroundings shall have a fa- vorable influence ; and there is nothing like example in early training. Bring up and educate a child among those who know nothing of the re- finements of life, away from the progressive examples of art and taste, in a tumble-down, unplastered, ill-heated and ill- ventilated apartment, and it never can become, with all the aid of books and teachers, as thor- oughly cultivated and fitted for the duties of life as one who has enjoyed associations of a higher order. School architecture has a meaning in it ; there is value, proportion, harmony, beauty, light and shade, as applied to school buildings, that is not comprehended by all. Shabby school liouses induce slovenly habits. Ill-constructed benches may not only distort the body, but by reflex influence, the mind as well. On the other hand, neat, comfortable places for study may help to awaken the associ- ations reclaiming the mind and heart to learning and virtuous instruc- tion with " links of gold brightening forever." The cost of this school house at present prices is about ^-3,500. — From Woodward'' s Country Romcs. ^7? '*;S^M s>m^^iyk a< 3£^ ^^ i^s^^-:'i3sr'ibt^ m m; ■^•S? i^im^ W^ .^X>J»'- ^ si >>^j>>j> — ->-:^ '^^:^ K^^ 7 >^ LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 112 748 2