Democratic Press, Volume 1, Number 46, Decatur, Adams County, 29 August 1895 — Page 5

Mrs Hale at Los Angeles. Thinking it might be of interest to my friends—who are readers of your valuable papers—l will try to give you an account of our trip to the little city of Avalon, on the Santa Catalina Island, one of the gems of the Pacific ocean. As Ethel was making arrangements to return east, we decided to visit the island !• -fore her return, so taking the litti" girls Genevieve and Lucile we started. The trip across to Avalon !rom Los Angeles is short, occupyi' _ r from 4to 5 hours. Two lines <. i , hr<>ad—! he Southern I’a cifie and the Los Angeles Terminal —run from Los Angeles to the whart at San Pedro, a little over 20 miles, > here they connect with the Bteanu rs to Santa Catalina island The boat leaves on the arrival of the trams aril makes the passage of 40 miles in about three hours. Owing to the general calmness of this portion of the Pacific, but few passengers are a: lifted with the discomi rts oi sea sickness, and the trip across v s most delightful to us “inlander.',” bei g our first experience < n the ocean. Little Lu-' eile was quit sea sick oh the return trip, but bore it bravely and patiently, and often laughs about it since. One o the enjoyable experiences of a trip to Santa Catalina is the Hight of flying fish that constant!} toot up out of the water near the ship, often keeping quite mai for some distance, and then plunging into the water again. And they tell me passengers are often favoreu with an occasional glimpse oi a monster whale, but we were not favored with a sight of this mighty sea king. History tells ns that the island was discovered by Calfllo, some 350 years ago, and in many places evidences of a once populous Indian occupation meet the eye, on any of these spots a short search will reveal many int< ■ sting relics, such as beads, arrow heads, stone pestles > and mortars, skulls and other hu . man bones, and such like curios. ! The first thing that entrances our sight as we turn from the sea is the massive grandeur and varied panorama of the mountains, here sloping gently to some wooded can yon or narrow ravine, again ending abruptly in a precipitous decent to the sea. the general aspect captures all senees and we are eager to explore the inner beauties of the island. Many times on our trip overland, as we flew past those mighty towering snow capped peaks, we thought how grand it would l>e to climb to the highest point and look down on the pano ramo below. Now here was our opportunity, if we only have the nerve and strength, Ethel and I decide we have both, and the little girls can hardly wait till we can j start. But we concluded to start early in the morning, so we turn I the remainder of the afternoon to the little town of Avalon, the principal resort of the island. It is situated on a beautiful little crescent shaped bay, on a level plain of some two or three hundred acres, and is intersected at regular intervals by broad macamized streets, with a wide carefully tended piuak or driveway facing the ocean, on this are located most of the hotels and stores. Water is furnished the town in abundance through a well regulated system of tanks and pipes, drawing their supplies from mountain springs and and wells away back in the island, thus affording ample pressure. The town can boast oi a church—congregational —a postoffice and a school, altogether there are some eight hotels headed by the Metripole, which accommodates 250 guests, then the Avalon, with 125, the Grand View, the Sea Beach, the Glenmore, etc, besi les a host of private lodging houses and restaurants, and in the summer sea son hundreds of tents, above all there is a grand pavilion where the celebrated Musso orchestra charms the visitor nightly with their excellent music. In the summer season the hay is alive with boats of every description, from big steamers and yachts to gasoline launches and row boats, quite a flotilla of small boats await the pleasure seeker in pursuit of finny spoils while the gasoline launches are always ready to take parties an excursion round the island or to Seal Rock or to some of the various points of interest along the coast. Fish of every description areabundant but lord of all is is the gallant yellow tail, the pride of the island. These fish weigh from 15 to 20 pounds and are often caught as heavy as 40 to 50 pounds. The coast line of the island presents an ever varying scene, one side of gloomy rocks and caves, another of sunlit brush-covered slopes, pebly wves or sandy beaches, and here and there some isolated rock that has stood the storms of ages. Some of these rocks, especially that known Seal Rock, abound with seal, and to watch these ungainly animals disporting themselves to the music of their discordant barks, is

not one of the least interesting ex- 1 perienees of life on the island. The waters of the bay at Avalon are remarkable for their clearness, and on a clear day the wondrous beauties ami fantastic groupings of sea- ‘ lite are laid bare to the depth of 40 or 50 feet, affording a study as . interesting as it is varied. Santa Catalina island has the Homing ’ pigeon service—commonly known as the carrier pigeon. It is said to lie the only regularly organized service of this kind in the world. | This service consists of 50 well j trained Homing pigeons that con vey your message to Los Angeles ! in 50 minutes. The message is written on thin, light paper and tied under and around one wing, the pigeon is let out of its cage and , it flies immediately to its cage in Los Angeles. There were only two failures in 1891. Money is! often sent in this way. The pigeons are about the size of a dove and are brown and white in color and are I very tame. Early the next morn I ing we began our wonderful ascent up the mountain, as we gradually I climb by the winding trail and an ever varying series of beautiful scenes attract our gaze, far below . us lies the peaceful ocean and the calm and lovely bay of Avalon, guarded by its steadfast sentinel, [ “Sugar-loaf,” which is a steep iso i lated rock at the mouth of the har j bor. On either side are ever as cending mountains with deep canyons between, many of them musical with the tipple of mountain streams, for the island of Santa Catalina is well watered. Occasionally stretches of level land are encountered, but as yet very little cultivation has been attempted, the interior being devoted to pasture for sheep, and the wild goats which abound on the island; quail arc also very plentiful. But as we go peak after peak is reached, only to find one rising still higher above us. But still determined on we go, some places so steep we lifted the little girls from crag to crag, not daring to trust ourselves to look below. At last the highest point is reached and foot sore and weary we seat ourselves on the rugged rocks and look around. We see the ocean on the other side looking to the right or left we behold the blue waters of that myster ioussea stretching as far as the eye can reach, then at our feet far down in the valley below lies the little city of Avalon, its paved streets look like winding threads of silver and the hurry and bustle of hum; i ity look like so many ants; the bay is black with boats of every description, indeed it is an inspiring picture never to be forgotten, and one that seldom comes to us but once in a life time. In breathless silence we sat there, realizing that we were far from “home and native land” and for the first time off the American continent, hardly dareing to trust ourselves to speak to each other, lest it should banish as a dream, when gently there came floating up to us from the j valley below the distant chimes of the church bell. The reverie was broken and we began to wonder how we would ever get down with the little girls. Gathering a few relics, we began the perilous descent, knowing that one mis step would hurl us hundreds of feet below, at last with many bruises aud scratches we reached the valley below, and looking back we sigh to think we never more shall look on that wondrous scene. We are just in time to meet the landing of the “Hermosa,” one of the largest ves seis that land on the island. As that seems to be one of the pastimes of the island everybody is on the wharf to greet the passengers. The inner and western beauties of the island are explored by saddled mountain horses and mules, that are well accustomed to the mountain trails, and expert guides to direct us and call our attention to the many points of iuterrst on the way. Some of these trips take one day and others take four days to return. The island of Santa Cata lina was purchased by Banning Brothers three years ago and they have been improving and beautifying it in every way, making it each day more inviting, more satisfae tory to its constantly increasing throng of visitors. The island which is some 22 miles long by from 5 to 8 miles wide, is mountainous in the extreme, indeed, it presents the appearance of a sue cession of rugged peaks rising to the height of 2,000 feet and over. It is of a very irregular shape being nearly cut in two at one point known as the isthmus. From this point there is a good stage coach to Little Harbor, a distance of 8 miles and on farther side of the island, and a four horse coach makes daily trips during the summerseason which lasts nine months. The climate is wonderful, each day as it comes and goes is a “thing of beauty and a joy forever,” it is impossible in looking across the sea each morning to refrain from exclaiming “what a glorious day, this is perfect,” forgetful that all

the days that have gone before have been equally delightful. The society of Avalon is of a high standard. Some who visit the island for a few days prolong their stay for weeks, every day being filled with pleasant experiences. There is boating, there is bathing and swimming—many ladies of Avalon have become expert swimmers, the buoyancy of the water being of great assistance to beginners in this useful pastime. Then there is fishing and hunting, and mountain climbing, horses for riding, music ami dancing—all of the very best. And all this under a blue and cloudless sky and surrounded by mountain scenery that captivates the heart of the visitor with its magnificance ami grandeur. So it is no wonder we sigh as we reluctantly turn away on a lovely Sabbath afternoon and walk down on the wharf where the “Hermosa” leaves for San Pedro at four o’clock. About 300 passengers are already aboard and all is hurry and life, the wharf is crowded with fashionladies and well dressed men, saying good bye to friends on board, and sending many loving messages to friends at home. And amid the waving of handkerchiefs and many wishes for our safety we sail out into the sea, while the band on the shore srtikes up “Out on the oeean wave.” Mrs. J. D. Hale.

ADDITIONAL LOCALS. The best meals at Martin’s bakery. Decatur races September 19, 20 and 21. Mrs. Pete Forbin is visiting in Toledo. Our public schools open next Monday. Miss Ella Sprang was at Wayne yesterday. Adam Cully of Geneva, was in town Tuesday. R. K. Erwin made Wayne a business visit Saturday. Miss Sadie Hale is a guest of friends at Dayton, Ohio. S. W. Hale of Geneva, was a business visitor in the city Tues day. A bran new stock of furniture, everything complete, at Auten & Gay’s. Dr. S. D. Beavers made Geneva a professional visit Tuesday afternoon. Lloyd Dalrymple of Geneva, was circulating about town Tuesday evening. Charley Murray spent Sunday with friends in Kendallville and Waterloo. J. W. Tyndall was looking after gravel roads in the southern part of the county, Monday. Theodore Lang of St. Mary’s, Ohio, was a Sunday visitor in this city a guest of relatives. Jesse King of Portland, was shaking hands with friends here last Friday and Saturday. Mr. and Mrs. G. W. Petersen went home to Geneva Tuesday, after a short visit with relatives. Parties during attendance on the circuit court will find the best meals in town at Martin’s Star Bakery. Miss May Powers, who has been visiting Miss Helen Kintz, returned yesterday to her home at Fremont, O. A great clearing sale is going on at Holthouse’s shoe store, where bargains can be found in all kinds of foot wear. Prof. A. D. Moffett and wife arrived in town to-day, from a ! lengthy absence with relatives at Spencer, Ind. Surveyor Fulk and J. W. Place went south to Geneva Tuesday afternoon where business was the drawing card. Lawyers and officials, jurors and witnesses, everybody and his wife and family—all find Martin’s Star Bakery the best place to get a good square meal. Martin, of the Star Bakery, is now receiving the finest Michigan peaches in carload lots. A consignment will arrive to-morrow morning and another next Wednesday. Elias Durbin, aged eighty-five years, a resident of the southern part of the city, died Monday and was buried from St. Mary’s church this morning, with interment in the new cemetery. The Chicago & Erie R. R. Co, will sell excursion tickets one fare for round trip, on account of bicycle races and Labor Day celebrations at Lima, Ohio, and Hunting ton, Ind., September 2; return limit September 3. J. W. DeLong, agent.

i After THREE MONTHS! of Daily Wear | $ / - i s \ -—,? i f This Collar j | Is Still in Good Condition, I $ That’sbecaase it’stbe“CE£XULOn>” J | Collar. Its original c >st :i3 25 cts. $ $ and it cost the wearer <a thing after- } } wards to keep it clt ■. soiled, X j simply wipe cl; wi -- age or wet } 5 cloth. ’ S 5 These collars and cu, are Spf'O'y, end are tl:c . waterproof} Cgoods made with 1i interlining of j S linen; theretl re the only ones that? geon lost a d give absolute satisfae-g ot the genuine is | 5 stamped as fellows: } | JA' TRAO£ $ | H’X Mark. * a | > Refuse anything that is not 60S ! marked, audit’ your dealer has not} got the right kind send direct to us, ? enclosing amount, and we will mail ? you a sample postpaid. Collars 25 } e cts. each. Cuffe 50 cts. pair. Give $ 5 size, and state whether stand-up or 5 4 turned-down collar is wanted. | THE CELLULOID COMPANY, | 5 427-29 Broaiwnr, WKW YORK. 5

LAMP AND CLOCK COMBINED. It Was a Cokuoo Contrfvftuoe tn the Seventeenth Century. Os the various examples that have been given of early specimens of the clockmaker’s art not the least interesting’ are the several types of lamp clocks. One of these, says Cassler’s Magazine, was of a kind quite common in the seventeenth century, and consisted of a lamp burner placed at the base of a glass oil receptacle mounted vertically on a suitable standard. The oil reservoir had attached to it a scale, facing the burner and showing the hours, beginning at four o’clock In the afternoon at which time the lamp zas to be lighted In winter, and ending at seven o’clock in the morning. The lamp being lighted, the gradually descending level of the oil, as combustion proceeded, marked the hours. The other device, of later origin, dating back to the beginning of the present century, utilized the same principle. It consisted of two communicating oil chambers, superposed by a clock dial. In one of the chambers was placed a night lamp to illuminate this dial, and in the other was suspended a float from a cord which passed around a small pulley. The latter was mounted on e 1 horizontal axis ending in the center of the dial. The float of course descended as the oil was consumed and carried the index hand along with it, thus making the hours precisely as in the case already cited. At their best, these timepieces could have had only an indifferent degree of accuracy, yet they probably served their purpose well, and certainly are Interesting at the present lime as illustrating some of the expedi ents adopted by mechanicians of an earlier period. ENGLISH DIFFICULT TO LEARN. few Frc’u-*.mon Can Pronounce th* Language Without an Accent. The Frenchman, past or present, who speaks English especially well and does not pronounce English names with an accent that is peculiarly ] French is very rare indeed. President Felix Faure now holds the honors throughout all France for his excellent English, and Englishmen resident in Paris, as well as the public men of London, who have opportunities of knowing, say that; he quite equals Napoleon 111. in his fluency a I’Auglalse. M. Faure, in fact, is the first of the presidents who has been able to pronounce English well. Thiers, MacMahon, Grevy and Carnot had a very imperfect knowledge of that language, and Grevy was especially weak, not only in'his pronunciation but in his handling of English verbs. This is a curious fact, and a rather instructive one, when it comes to be recalled that nearly all the last kings of France were good English scholars. Among French statesmen Baron de Courcel, the present ambassador of the French republic at the court of St. James, has a fine grasp of the language of the country to which he is accredited. This diplomat showed this in a most marked manner during the meetings of the Behring sea fishery arbitration, in which he took a prominent part. Clemenceau, the editor aud deputy, has the reputation of speaking the best English in France, and several times during his visits to London he has addressed deputations of British workmen in their own tong-ue, being able to make hiihself amply understood by the most ignorant man present. Red Cotton fn Georgia. Red cotton has been raised at Alpharetta, Ga., where a planter has quite a quantity of that curious stuff, every stalk of which is a deep red, even the leaf, boll and bloom. This novel crop comes from planting seeds obtained Six or seven years ago from a freak stalk of red cotton found growing in I Florida. A bamboo organ has been built for tho Jesuits’ church at Shanghai, and is said to surpass organs made of metaL As bamboo can be obtained of all dimensions, from the thickness of a pen to pieces ox a foot in diameter, this natural material costs little more than the simple labor, and the notes are beautifully •oft and pleasant to the ear.

ALL THE LATEST NOVELTIES — =?=S=lN~=- — Dress—Goods MOHAIRS, SICILIANS, PLAIN SERGE, STORM SERGE, BOUCLES, BLACK FANCIES. We have just received our line of Dress Goods and we can show you the most complete line that was ever shown in this city. Call early and make your selections. Prices lower than ever. No trouble to show Goods. Ask to see them. JESSE NIBLICK & SON.

J. E. STOOPS. C. L. WALTERS. LEGAL AND GENERAL AGENCY OFFICE. STOOPS & WALTERS HAVE ESTABLISHED A A REAL ESTATE, BUILDING AND LOAN, FIRE, LIFE AND ACCIDENT INSURANCE OFFICE. Any one having legal business; any one wishing to buy, sell, rent or insure property, or carry life or accident insurance, will do well to give them a call. Office:—Monroe street, second door west of the Burt House. Winchester Repeating I i: , V -» Rifles I ° Our Model 1893 Shot-Gun is now used ——■ (by all the most advanced trap Shot-GllflS 3 and game shooters. Single Shot-Rifles | ASK YOUR DEALER TO SHOW YOU THIS GUN. - o Everything that is Newest and Beet in Repeating Arms as well as all oj i® kinds of Ammunition are made by the 3 ° WINCHESTER REPEATING ARMS CO., Winchester Ave., New Haven, Conn. o Send a Fosta) Card with your address for our 112-page Illustrated Catalogue. CkJUULWLWLSLfI. Ki ill i ■■■■iii.i ,i - D. E. STUDEBAKER, AgL S:xe btuun Co. ol J. I; Largest isi hit it ho WH. Writes Insurance on all kinds of Farm Property. Collections of all kinds carefully attended to. Ail wishing to borrow money will benefited by calling and seeing me. Best of references. Office in Studebaker brick block, south >f court b<'use. DECATUR,INDIANA. -st «m -• »■» w»mi i A. K. GHUBB, General Insurance Agent Agent for the Ohio Farmers Insurance Co.; Union Central Life Insurance Co.; Standard Accident Insurance Co.; The Franklin of Philadelphia; Firemans Fund of California and the Western of Toronto. Farm loans without commission and at a low rate of interest with the privilege of partial payment at any time. Give me a call. IF YOU WANT TO BUY—DRY GOODS at ridiculously low prices, see Jacob Martin’s. A. CILLIOM