- • A/5" ^ JT •> r, ' 'jjyiMJZeJj -.1*1 = HMoblanb8 anb Sea* *at= "Zhe Bellevue." issued by .Marshall Whjthed, HOST. f/4 H t "XTbe Eellevue." F all the charmingly located spots on the New Jersey coast there are none in which are combined so many attractions as at " The Bellevue," being situated near Bellevue Station, on the line of the New Jersey Southern Division of the Philadelphia and Reading Railroad, midway between ndy Hook and Long Branch, opposite the junction of the Shrewsbury and Neversink Rivers, and in full view of the ocean and Highlands. The site of the hotel was the place selected by Alder- man Van B eve rout (the wealthy burgher of Manhattan 150 years ago) for his " villa" called "Lust in Rust," and so vividly described by Cooper in his interesting tale entitled "Water Witch," — for a further and more elaborate description of which the reader is referred to the above-men- tioned narrative. A sagacious New Yorker, with ever "an eye on the main chance," whether business or pleasure, nearly one hundred years AT "THE BELLEVUE." ago, selected the very spot where "The Bellevue " stands as a desirable- place for a summer resort, and erected l hereon a large hotel called the "Ocean House," which became widely known and justly celebrated as an hostelry where the tired merchant and overtaxed professional man could find pleasure and relaxation. Here he could indulge, with oar or sail, on the ever-placid waters of the Shrewsbury or Neversink, or, with gun in hand, roam at will over hill and dale, and bring to his feet the deer and the eagle, for both are indigenous of the Highland forests. The Ocean House was burned in 1858. In 1878, Mr. Lemuel Smith, a resident of the Highlands and formerly a New York merchant, erected the present elegant hotel, to which he gave the name " Bellevue,'' on account of its magnificent surroundings. Mr. Smith, being a gentle- man of ample means and cultivated taste, expended one hundred thou- sand dollars in building and furnishing this hotel and otherwise improving the grounds about it. This is a large sum considering the size of the building, which will accommodate about two hundred guests. AT " THE BEI.LEVUE." No expense has been spared in making it strictly first-class. The sanitary arrangements, although originally furnished by a competent engineer, have been recently overhauled, and, regardless of expense, perfected with all the skill known to modern plumbing. The drainage of the hotel is into the current of the river, where the tides ebb and flow, thus tak- ing to the ocean all the debris which might otherwise accumulate. The house has a dou- ble front — one on the west facing the river, the other on the east facing the ocean. Ample verandas being on both sides, visitors are sure of a shady porch and a charming view all day long. So admirable is the posi- tion of the hotel, and so beautiful are the views, that one can scarcely tire of the scene. The sight from the river on the west piazza is sublimely grand, and reminds one who has traveled in Europe of a "view on the Rhine." The expansive " Neversink " winds its way from Red Bank to the sea, past the lively villages of Fair Haven and Oceanic and the cultivated fields of Shrewsbury, while directly opposite the house loom up like mountains the world-renowned " High- lands." Standing on the same portico, and on a plane with it, looking to the left, is " Rumsen," which a few years ago was an uncultivated u f^Z w A 'VVa/- up Vkf/iwMM AT " THE BELLEVUE. 7 tract, but is now dotted with some of the finest residences and extensive lawns to be seen near New York. Standing upon the east portico you observe the grand old restless ocean, bearing upon its bosom countless craft, both steam and sail. On a clear day you can easily discern the huge transatlantic steamers which regularly leave our shores for the Eastern Hemisphere. Looking toward the north, and near at hand, is " Highland Light" — a most welcome sight to any visitor approaching our shores — also Coney Island, with its myriad lights illuminating the ISST" heavens. Looking south are to be seen the beautiful cottage settle- ments of Seabright and Monmouth Beach. The drives in the vicinity are particularly charming. The hotel has all the appointments and sur- roundings that are certain to gratify the taste and insure the comfort of its guests. Being situated between river and ocean, there is a con- tinual breeze which is always cool and refreshing. There is hardly a moment that there is not a strong current of air passing through its 8 AT "THE BELLEVUE. broad corridors. The wind which comes from the land is generally warm in summer, but it is not so here, being chilled by the cool and constantly changing waters of the Shrewsbury and Neversink. On account of this favorable situation, the atmosphere is many degrees cooler when the wind is westerly than at other places on the coast. Mos- quitos and other pests are unknown in the steeping apartments of this house. While nature has done so much to make this hotel cool in hot weather, art has been equally lavish in securing com- fort during the period of East- ern storms. The corridors and dining-room are heated by steam, while the parlors and larger sleeping apartments are furnished with ■3 X'xrr i&fi&flg ' k ^ H U- ample fire-places, in which can be burned either coal or wood. gsg; Discomfort from the weather can never be experienced here. The internal ap- pointments of this hotel are fully equal to the demands of ^* { the times, and are adapted to satisfy those who are accustomed to luxurious homes. The sleeping apart- ments are large and comfortably furnished ; no expense has been spared in securing luxurious beds. The ceilings of all the rooms are high and have perfect ventilation throughout. The dining-hall is delightfully cool in summer, and the ample parlors offer full scope to the many peo- ple who nightly gather there. Electric bells are placed in every room. AT THE BELLEVUE. Speaking-tubes and running water are on every floor. The water is furnished by the Long Branch Water Co., and is of the purest and most wholesome quality. It is sufficient to say that the cuisine of this hotel will maintain its past high standard. The services of the staff of former seasons will be retained. Select amusements and entertainments will be arranged during the season and music of a superior character pro- vided. Complete stabling accommodations and a fine livery are near at hand and under the control of the hotel. A fine billiard-hall and ■tsg**^as& Ci\M?'&'nc; orfDv/