f 197 10386 ^ 'llllllllIillllllilllililH' 014 434 351 7 rnncprvntinn Resources Blue Mountain House, In the Blue Ridge Motcntains, ::^ WasUington County, Md. Located 72 miles West of Baltimore, and J 5 miles East of Hagerstown, Md., on the Main Line of the WESTERN MARYLAND RAILROAD |]N the ''dreamy summer time'' the desire to ''go away for the benefit of your health" becomes almost universal. The wish is commendable. Where to ^o is always a question for deliberation and thoughtful reflection. Naturally you will give the sub- jects of personal comfort, convenience and accessibility your earnest consideration. To aid you in reaching a correct decision this booklet is submitted for your timely perusal. BLUB MOUNTAIN HOUSE FROM THE VALLEY. ^0^S^^i^^^i^^ An Enchanting Haven of Rest, Diversion and Recreation, . » , BLUE MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Washington Co., Md., Ne«r the summit of the BLUE RIDGE MOUNTAINS. " So sweet a spot of eartfi, you migfit, I ween, Have guessed some congregation of tfie elves, To sport by summer moons, had shaped it for themselves." Amid the picturesque and inspiring scenery of the Blue Ridge Mountains, majestically located at an elevation of nearly 1,500 feet above tidewater, the Blue Mountain House com- mands a superb and unobstructed view of the world-famed Cumberland and Shenandoah Valleys. AVords are inadequate to describe the gorgeous and radiant beauty of the scenic splendors that greet the enraptured gaze of the tourist or visitor to the renowned Blue Mountain locality. Poets have attempted to describe these scenes of matchless enchantment in the rhythm of inspired verse, and noted travelers have proclaimed this magnificent region "^ miniature universe of nature s most sublime and enchanting charms." ' Here the majesty of nature in her sublimest mood has touched with her fairy wand these enchanted scenes of reality/' . . . BLUE MOUNTAIN HOUSE, Cl)c Queen Kcsort of the Blue Ridge. The Blue Mountain House is justly classed among the most noted summer resorts of America. One can scarcely pict- ure a more delightful spot wherein to while away the sultry days of summer. Its superb elevation, its accessibility, its superior conveniences, its inspiring surroundings, and the many facilities afforded for perfect restful contentment and healthful and exhilarating diversion, at once commend this famous retreat as an ideal and unsurpassed Mountain resort. The days are pleasant and enjoyable, the perennial breezes impregnated with the appetizing aroma of the forest arouse the vital forces to vigorous action, and create a buoyancy of spirits that makes you realize an existence under most favored conditions. From BALTIMORE To BLUE MOUNTAIN. Lovers of grand natural scenery and picturesque beauty can traverse no section of the country that presents so many varied pictures of panoramic enchantment, as are witnessed during the interesting trip of 72 miles over the Western Mary- land Railroad to the Blue Ridge Mountains. The traveler passes through fertile valleys and undulating lands, teeming with a luxuriance of vegetation that can only be compared with one continuous garden of natural beauties. Passing from the low-lands by gradual ascent the rugged grandeur of the Blue Ridge opens to view at Thurmont, " the guicway io the mountains." ' No poet's pen can paint in numbers rhythmical, and no artist could find canvas sufficient to delay upon the beauti- ful scenery of the Cumberland and Shenandoah Valleys. It is sweetly superb, blending the picturesque with the supreme delicacy of beauty." At Thurmont the ascent of the Blue Ridge commences, with gently swelling hills, tracing with graceful curves their outlines against the sky, the mountain streamlet dashing its merry way with ceaseless murmur over its rock-bound course, the views increase in interest until the scene culminates in the Blue Mountain region in one grand and unrivalled panorama of scenic magnificence that bursts upon the now enraptured gaze like a vision of an enchanted world. Just time enough for a swiftly fleeting glance at this radiant expanse of nature's glories ere the train stops at Blue Mountain station. A brief ride of three minutes from the station, in the hotel conveyance, along a broad, winding driveway on the Mountain slope, and within the area of the Blue Mountain House grounds, and the guests have reached their destination, to be cordially greeted by '^^ mine host'" Shannon. You linger almost spell- bound a few moments on the broad and breezy portico ere entering the hotel, to look with mingled sensations of awe and admiration upon the vast and beauteous panorama of scenic splendor that now greets your sweeping gaze across the mag- nificent expanse of the Cumberland and Shenandoah Valleys. It is a glance to be remembered for the lifetime of those who have not seen it before, and a fresh joy to those who are familiar with the charm and fascination of its impressive rich- ness and beauty. In construction, appointments and management the Blue Mountain House is truly the practical exemplification of a Model Summer Resort, besides possessing many exclusive ad- vantages, realized through eligibility of location and proximity to historic and interesting points, made quickly accessible by the excellent train sfervice of the Western Maryland Railroad, or by delightful drives over well-kept roads. In architectural *Twas pleasant througk the loopholes of retreat To peep on such a world." beauty and interior adornment the Bluk Mountain House pre- sents many pleasing features. The hotel has ample accommo- dations for five hundred guests. The advantage gained by its extensive frontage is evident from the fact that only three sleeping floors are required, and that every room is therefore desirable. The sleeping rooms or chambers are spacious, with high ceilings. I>ight, sunshine, pure air and perfect ventilation are rightly considered prime factors in the promotion of health. These important aids to physical recuperation are secured at The Blue Mountain House to a far greater extent than is experienced in many other large hotels. BLUE MOUNTAIN PORCH. To maintain the high standard of the Blue Mountain House in every feature contributing to the comfort of its guests, it is the policy of the owners to be always prompt and progres- sive in adopting such improvements as will enhance the natural attractiveness of the resort and add to its conveniences. The ' I have crossed the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevadas and the Alleghany spine at all its railroad passes, yet I think that for boldness and beauty in miniature the scenic glories of the Blue Ridge surpass them aU." — Gath. Electric Light Plant on the Blue Mountain House grounds is a feature that can- not fail to be appreciated. The plant operates over five hun- dred lights on the main floor and also illuminates the spacious porch fronting the hotel. Assembly and Conversational Rooms . The Assembly and Conversational rooms on first floor are handsomely and artistically furnished. Each room has its special drapings and ornamentations in crimson, old gold, blue, green, terra cotta, etc., with harmonizing effects and appropri- ate decorations. The Blue Mountain locality is absolutely free from ?nos- quitoes and other annoying insects. While there is but little need for the services of a physician at Blue Mountain, yet it is deemed advisable to be prepared for every possible contingency. A resident physician is, there- fore, in attendance at the Blue Mountain House during the entire season. Halls and Verandas. By the continuous arrangement of halls and verandas, the danger from fire is reduced to a minimum, and accidents from that source are rendered practically impossible. Public Apartments. The public apartments of the Blue Mountain House , "Fields that were a luxury to roam." including parlors, ball-room, reception rooms, reading rooms, billiard hall and smoking rooms, are all spacious and well appointed. CORNER IN PARLOR. The Dining Room. The Blue Mountain Dining Room is on the first floor, in the west end of building, one side facing the valley and the other the mountains. It is bright, cheerful and inviting, and has a seating capacity for five hundred guests. The cuisine and service are strictly first-class in every respect. From its broad windows the guests, while seated at the tables, can view the superb and extensive stretch of charming valleys and the graceful outlines of the far distant Kittatinny and Tuscarora Mountains. " We have wandered in the bamboo hollo'w^ of Japanese mountains, the oak valleys of California and the fern glades of Australia, but we can lay our hands upon our heart and say that no scenery has ever made so deep an impression upon our sense of beauty as the glories of the Blue Ridge in the Blue Mountain region," . . . i. ALL ROADS LEAD TO . ♦ ♦ BLUE MOUNTAIN HOUSE. ♦ The Blue Mountain House is the leading resort of the Blue Ridge Mountains, although the country for miles in every direction is fairly teeming with hotels, cottages, villas and farm houses, accommodating thousands of summer boarders during the season, each providing diversions for its guests, the most interesting of which is a morning or afternoon drive over excellent roads to the picturesque region of Pen-Mar and the Blue Mountain House. A sojourn at any point on the Blue Ridge in this locality is not deemed complete without seeing these renowned resorts and their many varied and attractive features. " llV/crc are you , goi/ig this after7ioon2 Where shall we go lo-iiiommil" "J Veil go to Blue Mountain; 7(.'e'll take a bracing drive to Blue Mountain Jfouse." All roads lead to the "Queen Resort" of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Truly the creation of the Blue Mountain House was an inspiration. Peaches and Cream Within two miles of Blue Mountain House is the famous Edgemont Peach Region. The orchards cover thousands of acres of fruit bearing trees. The industry of peach culture in the Blue Mountain region is as important as the cultivation of oranges in Florida. The Edgemont locality is popularly called the land of " peaches and cream." " Then resuming, we steamed south, went like a needle through a bag of emery, in many rock cuttings, and all at once before us rolled away a plain of roads and towns, flowers and gardens, as far as the eye could see, the Cum- berland Valley— far down, far up, beneath our feet, and as far as the inclined horizon. The limestone paradise blew out steeples and cupolas, villages and bams, crossed by so many white roads that it looked like a great moss agate. We folded our arms and said, like Balaam, with closed eyes : * How beautiful are thy camps, O Jacob 1 and thy tents, O Israel!'"— G^//? DIVERSIONS IN THE BLUE RIDGE. ' And he w^ho is on pleasure bent May whims indulge to heart's content.'* ^ Riding and Driving, A perfectly appointed livery stable with both saddle and driving horses and conveyances, is located at a convenient distance from the hotel. The stable is spacious, and is provided with ample accom- modations for the horses and vehicles of guests who prefer using their own " ///r//-^«/j- " during their sojourn at the Blue Mountain House. * To give the scene a description is too much for pen or pencil. You may paint it, but you have not Nature in her changing moods. You may attempt to describe it, and after reading the description you will know nothing about it until you behold it." Music and Dancing. Prof. Zeigler's famous band and stringed orchestra is an enlivening feature of the Blue Mountain House attractions. Morning concerts are given daily on the main porch. A spa- cious ball-room is provided, and dancing can be enjoyed every evening. During the season special balls and other compli- mentary entertainments are given to the guests, who have the privilege of inviting friends to participate in the social features of these occasions. A complete stage is erected in the south end of the ball-room for amateur theatricals, which are presented as talent is available. Romantic Rambles. • I'he piclures(jue and attractive grounds and env of the BLUE MOUNTAIN HOUSE present many viting avenues leading to points of social and enjoyal) interest within easy access. A moonlight ramble down the winding pathway to the station, up the mountain road to High Rock, through the sequestered groves to l^eautiful Pen-Mar Hark, or down the mountain's slope to rustic Gleri Afton Spring, is a i)leasant diversion, popularl appreciated "/// the cool of the e7'ening." The rambles to Pen-Mar Park are mad doubly interesting and enlivening to Blue Mountain guests, when select Moonlitiht Ex- "The panorama of the Cumberland Valley is beyond doubt the grandest afforded in this country. As far as the eye can reach from the Susquehanna River south- ward to the Massanuttan Mountains, miles beyond the Potomac, the valley lies below, studded with towns, villages, hamlets and farm houses." ^ cursions are run to the Park from Hagerstown, only sixteen miles distant. These pleasant social occasions occur almost weekly during the season. Lawn Tennis. The Lawn Tennis (irounds of the Blue Mountain House cover an area extensive enough to enable lovers of that health- ful and exhilarating sport to play the game with uninterrupted k;, v-,. pleasure and satisfaction. The tennis lawn is evenly graded and made cool and inviting by its verdure-clad surface and ample shade. ' Having reached the summit your gaze is greeted with an unbounded prospect, and you can feast your eyes on one of the most ravishing scenes of nature, a scene •which beggars description." , o Bicycle Riding. The riders come from everywhere. The many points of scenic and historic interest easily reached over splendid roads make Bicycle Ridin-g not only a thorough pleasure but a most instructive pastime. The towns of Hagerstown, Chambersburg, Waynesboro, Emmitsburg, Frederick, Gettysburg and Hanover are all within a few hours' ride of the hotel, while many inspiring and romantic retreats of superb scenic beauty can be reached within an hour's ride from the Blue Mountain House. The trip to Blue Mountain House, from many im])ortant points, is relieved of the generally unpleasant feature of night 'It is useless to attempt a description of the view from Blue Mountain, It must be seen to be appreciated. All that any skeptic needs to convince him of God's goodness, grandeur and majesty is to take a trip to this enchanting region/' travel. The resort is so promptly reached that tourists from New York, Philadelphia, Wilmington, Baltimore, Washington, Richmond, Pittsburg and many other localities, arrive at Blue Mountain after an easy journey of from two to ten hours' duration. PITTSBUnG From New York .... . 7 hours, " Philadelphia 4,'/2 " Wilmington 4 " Baltimore 2 " Washington 3 " Richmond 7 " Harrisburg 3 " Cumberland 3^ " Pittsburg S% Season Excui: Tickets. $11 .60 7.60 6.60 3.60 5-60 3-25 430 10.30 The close connections made by trains of Western Mary- land Railroad witli those of the Pennsylvania system at Union '''The whole region is mountainous, but not precipitous enough to be Alpine ; its grandeur is derived less from cliffs, chasms and peaks, than from far-reaching sweeps of outline and continually rising domes that almost mingle with the clouds. We stand in the centre of a scene w^hich seems in spirit as it is in fact lifted above the rest of mankind. We are no longer in the w^orld w^e knew before. A mere pigmy among the stupendous architectural achievements of nature, w^e are impressed with the awful power of the Supreme Being and our own insignificance." Station, Baltimore (also convenient to Mt. Royal Station of the Baltimore & Ohio R.R.), at once place the Blue Mountain House in the lead of all popular mountain resorts for easy and convenient accessibility. W. M. R.R. Parlor Car from Baltimore to Blue Mountain. Secure seats by telegraph or letter. Address B. H. Griswolu, General Passen- ger Agent, W. M. R.R., Baltimore, Md. c^ SIGHT SEEING, ENJOYABLE RAMBLES, , , . EXHILARATING and INTERESTING DRIVES. ♦ It has been said and oft repeated that *' ///c eloquence of a Detnosthenes, combined ivith the poetic genius of a Byron would fail to do justice to an accurate description of the matchless scenery of the ivorld-famed Cumberland and Shenandoah Valleys, as wit- nessed from the eminence of the Blue Ridge Mountai?is, on which the Blue Mountain House is so majestically located." Standing at a central point upon the main porch of the hotel, and gazing at the broad expanse of fertile valleys that extend onward and onward toward the distant mountains, the view is truly inde- scribable. Its vastness, its grandeur and inspiring beauty dawn upon the enraptured mind like a glorious vision revealing a fairyland of radiance and enchantment. ** Never have I gazed upon a concentration of Nature's charms half so enchanting or near so beautiful as the scenic panorama of the Cumberland and Shenandoah Valleys." — Ext. from English tourist's Idier to the Lon- don 7'imes •• High Rock Observatory. TWO MILES FROM BLUE MOUNTAIN HOUSE. The Observatory is a substantial three-story structure sixty feet in length, twenty-five feet wide and forty feet high from its foundation of solid rocks formed in gigantic clusters, to HIGH ROCK OBSERVATORY. " As admired by lover of nature, poet or artist, from the verdant fields of the surrounding counties, from hillside or towering prominence, there is nothing lacking, nothing to subtract or alter," which it is securely anchored by massive bolts and chains. It is 2,000 feet above sea level and has been called " the alti- tude of perpetual breezes," for at all hours one may here enjoy the bracing effects of mountain breezes that ever carry with them the encouraging promise of recuperation and health. A Scene of Panoramic Enchantment. Looking down from either story of the Observatory one sees a precipice nearly two hundred feet in depth. Eight hundred feet below is the railroad winding down the mountain side, while the valley itself is spread out in all its beauty four- teen hundred feet below the rock. Fields and woods, gardens and orchards, farmsteads and hamlets, add varied enchantment to the picture. The view to the south, west and north is unin- terrupted. The steeples of Chambersburg, twenty-four miles distant, can be plainly seen, and also the clustering houses of Hagerstown, the plue peaks of the more distant Appalachian ranges looming as a picturesque background in the distance. THE ASCENT OF THE MOUNTAIN. A PEEP INTO FOUR STATES AND TWENTY-TWO COUNTIES. Leaving High Rock Observatory the driveway continues its gradual ascent until you reach the Summit of Mount Quirauk, where the steel observatory, "Tip-Top Tower" (75 feet high and 2.500 feet above sea level ), is erected. i^!f *^'/-i*-V"r /■-.., :.>^/.-ft»>,v^:£:^: r'- "^^1 MOUNT c,ii iK.M'K, ■ I ir-ini' iiiuh.K . ^^<,■a^l\ ;,.ii o leet al)ove the sea.) * But having viewed the great unsalted seas of the North- west ; having passed over the valley of the Red River of the North and the wonderful plains of Dakota ; having seen the mining towns of Montana, and the snow^*<<^» ;ai, bta which are erected four Observation Towers and over 400 regi- mental, State and other monuments, many of which possess great artistic merit. The distance from Blue Mountain to Gettysburg is only twenty-five miles, and round-trip tickets are sold at the low rate of 80 cents. The route traverses a region famed for its geological and topo- graphical features, while the verdant meadows, sloping hills and cultivated farm lands present a grand panorama of nature's pictures, and give pleasing variety to the landscape. In tact, the entire ride presents a series of superb scenic views that can only be fully appreciated by personal observation. J !• •, THE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG : : is appropriately termed " Thk Greatest Conflict o k Modern Times." The name of Gettysburg has been brought from rural obscurity to world- wide celebrity. The battlefield covers an area of twenty-five square miles ; not only every field but every wood, hill and dale of the surrounding country, and even the town of Gettys- burg itself, were embraced in the territory of that mighty strug- gle. There are excellent walks and drives over the battlefield w|l rf piii il iiiitinm[t])||t|[ iiiiti ^ATIONAL ;.io;;u.MiiNT, Gettysburg. I I have seen the famous view from Sparrow Hill at Moscow and have enjoyed the mag- nificent scenes from the AJhambra in Spain, but never have I beheld anything to equal the peerless view from Pen-Mar." , , made and kept in order by the United States Battlefield Memorial Association. Gettysburg is fast becoming, historically, the most famous place in America. The beau- tiful scenery en route, its easy and convenient access and the excellent accommodations for excursionists, have made Gettysburg an instructive and an interesting place to visit. Pen-Mar Park. A description of the enchanting Blue Mountain region would not and could not be complete without at least inci- dental reference to the far-famed excursion resort Pen- Mar, " The Gem of the Blue Ridge,'' situated one-half mile east of the Blue Mountain House. The resort is under the direct manage- ment of the Western Maryland Railroad Company which has most liberally provided many features of recreation and health- ful diversion for excursionists and visitors, such as can be thoroughly appreciated 'mid the exhilarating altitudes. Music, dancing, and a score of varied amusements are enjoyed by thousands of delighted visitors during the season. Pen-Mar is located directly on the Mason and Dixon line dividing Penn- sylvania and Maryland, and derives its name from a combination of the first three letters of the States named, Pennsylvania — P-K-N and Maryland — M-a-r — Pen-Mar. Excursion trains from Baltimore to Pen-Mar are run daily, arriving shortly before noon and leaving Pen-Mar returning at 6 p.m. Pen-Mar Dining I Room has seating capacity for 500. Excellent meals are served for 50 cents. Licensed conveyances can be secured at nomi- nal prices fixed by the railroad company, for a grand drive of RAGGED EDGE — NEAR PEN-MAR. two miles to peerless High Rock, and beyond to the pict- uresque turning points of Brinkwood and Ragged Edge, thence on to Tip-Top Tower crowning the summit of Mount Quirauk. Blue Mountain House. - - - RATES FOR ROOMS WITH BOARD: SINGLE ROOMS, for one person, .... from 15 to 19 Dollars per ^eek. DOUBLE ROOMS, occupied by one person, . 21 Dollars per week. DOUBLE ROOMS , occupied by two persons, from 28 to 35 Dollars per week. Per Diem. 33.00 to 33.50. Special ArranKements for Families. Peter b. Fiym. A aamss — P, Manager, Blue Mountain, Washington Co., Md., June 15 to October i, ANU AT Ise2t5 B. BaltlaoT^ Baltimore, Md., from October i to June 15. ' Beauty, it is said, has but temporary existence in any one thing. But in the Blue Mountain region it is eternal." o s >■ H Z Q o ?: o 1- ^ o lU z CO I 3 <• O ^ I of z < 2 < Ti J- llJ z 3 o < PLAN OF FIRST FLOOR PLAN OF SECOND FLOOR PLAN OF THIRD FLOOR MAIN BUILDING, BLUE MOUNTAIN HOUSE. PLAN OF FIRST FLOOR PLAN OF THIRD FLOOR PLAN OF FOURTH FLOOR k. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 014 434 351 7 ^ • y