j-u-ra-u CavwS &orP°r a.Vcr». ; j-ujravi , Va.. The BEAUTIFUL CAVERNS ol LURAY LURAY, VIRGINIA In the Shenandoah Valley Three Miles of Subterranean Splendor Brilliantly Lighted b y . Electricity .J* SEE AMERICA FIRST 1HE BALL ROOM Vl3 2- SIDE TRIP FROM WASHINGTON, D. C. Visitors to the NATIONAL CAPITAL can arrange a trip by rail to the Luray Caverns with small outlay of money or time. The route lies through grounds of great beauty and historic interest. Detailed information can be had at Norfolk & Western Railway Ticket Office, 1419 New York Avenue, or Baltimore & Ohio Railroad Ticket Office, 13th and F Streets, or at Union Station. AUTOMOBILE TOUR. THE VALLEY TURNPIKE— through Winchester to Staunton, Virginia, is one of the best long stretches of road in the country. Turning east at New Market and crossing the Massanutten Mountain, it is only four- teen miles to Luray. The scenery rivals that in Switzerland. The road over the mountain is good all the way to Luray. It is one of the finest trips in the country for motorists. The landscape is not surpassed by any scenery in America. Many thousand people visit the Cave by this road every year. Cars drive right to the Cave House, which is fitted with Rest Room, Toilet Rooms and every convenience for the comfort of visitors. The temperature of the Cave is 54 degrees Fahr. winter and summer. Clothing appropriate for street wear, when temperature outside is 54, with no wind blowing, is suitable for a trip through the Cave. There are only a few Caves in the world that are lighted by Electricity. Of these Luray Cave is very much the largest and also the most beautiful. It is probably true that Luray Cave has more visitors each year than all other Caves in the United States combined. Any standard book of reference will tell you this cave is more richly adorned with stalactite formations than any other cave known. See Encyclopedia Britannica, Baedeker's Guide, etc. "No one has traveled wisely who has not seen the Beautiful Caverns of Luray." :■■.-■- 14 1925 Ml THE BEAUTIFUL CAVERNS OF LURAY Here Nature, with her magic wand, Dispens'd her gifts with lavish hand; Her largess filled the earth and air. When further space could not be found, She carved these Caverns, underground, And stored a world of grandeur there! (By H. S. Spindle) INTRODUCTION We here reproduce our little booklet which has had in other issues wide circulation, and favorable reception. With some pride and much pleasure we state that in the winter of 1923-24, we have at considerable expense opened, on the route of travel, a new room in the cave. This room con- tains "Dream Lake" and presents what we believe to be the most bear tiful spectacle afforded by Nature, underground or above. Under the direction of Dr. Ryan, and his able assistant, Mr. Shaffer, of the General Elec- tric Illuminating Laboratories, the old system of lighting has been removed and replaced with a system of indirect lighting, revealing new beauty along the entire route through the cave. To old friends and to new we offer a revelation of grandeur and entrancing beaut}' nowhere in the world surpassed. LURAY CAVERNS CORPORATION, Luray, Va. "In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree, Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man, Down to a sunless sea." — Coleridge. SITUATED at Luray, Page County, Virginia, in the famous Shenandoah Valley, on the line of the Norfolk & Western Railway, in a region renowned for picturesque scenery, and cele- brated for its historical associations, are the CAVERNS The caves were discovered in 1878, and shortly thereafter were opened to OF LURAY the public. Their great extent was not then known, or even dreamed of; and not until thoroughly equipped exploring parties had penetrated seem- ingly endless chambers and labyrinthine passage were their boundless riches disclosed and made accessible to visitors. Since that time the fame of the Caverns has penetrated the uttermost parts of the earth. It is now the most famous cave in the world. During the year 1922 the number of visitors was about fifty thousand. Persons from all quar- ters of the globe — scientists, explorers, and tourists have walked through the wonderful cham- bers, and the general verdict of their united testimony is that Luray Caverns excel all others in the combined extent, variety, scientific interest, and beauty of their calcite formation. A party sent out from the Smithsonian Institution reports that, "Comparing this great natural curiosity with others of the same class it is safe to say there is probably no cave in the world more com- ENTRANCE AVENUE pletely and profusely decorated with stalactitic and stalagmitic ornamentation than that of Luray." Recognizing the inestimable value of their remarkable possession, the management of the Caverns has provided every facility for visitors to see all the wonders in the most comfortable manner. Cement walks have been laid, stairways, bridges, and iron railings have been erected where such help was necessary, and the entire route through this subterranean palace is illu- minated by brilliant electric lights. The interior is singularly free from dampness or dripping water, and no special preparation for the visit is needed in the matter of clothing. The tem- perature remains, winter and summer, at abou 54 degrees. The atmosphere is not oppres- sive, on the contrary, it is singularly exhilarating and delightful. IN THE Entering the grand vestibule, the first emotion felt by the visitor is one FAIRY REALM of mute wonder. The mind fails to grasp the grandeur revealed in such majestic manner, until it gradually accustoms itself to the fantastic shapes, the almost perceptible silence and the weird influence of this subterranean realm. Queer shapes present themselves at every turn, aping grotesquely the objects of the outer world, now suggesting some growth of animal life, now resembling some familiar vegetable formation, or taking the shape and form of some creation of man. Glittering stalactites blaze in front, fluted columns, draperies in broad folds, and a thousand tints, cascades of snow-white stone, illuminated by the electric light, fill the mind with curious sensations of wonder and admiration. Awe and reverence possess the beholder. He stands amazed in the royal chambers of the King of Nature. P""! HI£B&9MHlwiK ' jR- JH ■ '■■'.-' '•dS'lil i/tll !*■'■ ' ft #: 1 : - -■ al ■'• "■' i \i '." ■'■■ 1^ |'W ,' "':-,'/'■■'.', ■:=■ : i ; If . 1 ;;f ffi if™!* 'Bylr filrMBipB raaa* '""'• '^ f !'f&*~ t^iH < . Jfv* 1 : ' \. ■ . ]^ •.-«-,' in ''r ' 1 nJIB^^^ - K^.^SHj ^siv. .;■ lij» ': 'r ■'■ J- ; i ;/.'. H ." .,''* it ' -J •', -- - jpn ^ ^'i :■ F '.. vM f- ■ if i (, ■*>;■ i Sf'lfc f rJVs 1- " ■" ■V i ;■' ■V ; j m ■ linlt' : ' IWliwBm . -^^te^ai ■'■■ ' ft •if , . ■ -.* vV j^f^Hi^ n '-' .- ■•^•■ii-{ ^ — ^ ■"/;,/ '^f^; : -..., . ' 1 ■ . ■ gw~ cc >PyRI§tfT l'506 .,;,'■ :. ' . " -.CAVERNS Ok U ^■.'■■''^"wsHIH 1 -'-, RAY NO. S APPROACH TO THE BALL ROOM Various apartments and objects have been named in honor of some distinguished personage or after some thing to which they bear a striking resemblance. The Elfin Ramble, an open plateau nearly four hundred feet long by one hundred and twenty- five in breadth, is the playground of the princesses of this fairy realm. Pluto's Chasm, a wide rift in the walls, contains a spectre clothed in shadowy draperies. Hovey's Hall is adorned with statuary and stalactite draperies, which, for beauty of coloring, translucency and symmetrical fold- ing, are unexcelled by anything in the cave. Giant's Hall is a vast space, embracing several cham- bers. Heroic sentinel forms loom up on every side, guarding the marvelous beauty of Titania's Veil, and watching over the crystal waters of Diana's Bath. The Saracen's Tent, the Cathedral, with its grand organ, and the Bridal Chamber, all bear striking resemblance to the objects for which they are named. Hades, a region sparkling with limpid lakes and peopled with goblins, receives its name from the bewildering windings and labyrinthine meanderings through which the tourist must tread his way. Notwithstanding its uninviting name, it is a very attractive portion of the cave and contains many wonderful formations. The Ball Room, a magnificent apartment, gorgeously fur- nished, is full of interest, while Campbell's Hall, named for the discoverer of the cave, is rich in beautiful and enchanting ornamentation. SILVER ^ n Edition to the solid formations of stone and crystal, a number of beautiful LAKES lakes are found in various parts of the caves. Crystal Lake is a body of pellucid water in a setting of sparkling stalactites, and the Imperial Spring is a silver pool richly enclosed in a forest of columns. It is arched above with myriads of stalactites, reflected with most beautiful effect in the calm flood of the spring. FISH MARKET The transparent waters of these lakes are so deceptive that rash visitors have been known to subject themselves to a wetting in order to convince their skeptical minds of the genuineness of the fluid. No other caverns are known in which there can be found such an infinite variety of quaint, curious, and wonderful formations. Almost every object in nature is here reproduced in startling similarity, while the curious shapes and indescribable grouping of thousands of others seem to be the handiwork of Nature in a playful mood. Fantastic, grotesque, beautiful, weird, grand, and superb, are words which find expression on the lips of every one who gazes upon the treasures of this "house not made with hands." LATER During the winter of 1897 and 1898 new portions of this underground EXPLORATIONS wonder, heretofore unexplored, were opened and made accessible to visi- tors. In this newly developed section the high arching and richly ornamented domes found in other parts of the Caverns are a leading attraction, but the decorations of those here found are unique and surpass any previously discovered. Instead of the chandelier effect, with its bewildering and glittering array of translucent pendants which characterize the ceiling of the Ball Room, Giant's Hall and others, the surface here is a mosaic of rich patches in form like seaweed and coral, but in varied hues, from rich seal brown and deep salmon to the most delicate tint of rose. These formations, appearing at close intervals, are massed in a brilliant mosaic by great waves of frothy white and cream, like the foam of the ocean tossed and whirled by the waves. Sur- mounting all this rich ornamentation that bids defiance to works of Art, are exquisite flutings of the richest and most delicate order, in pearly white and cream. OVERLOOKING SKELETON GORGE In 1920 one of the largest and highest rooms in the Cave, long known but hitherto inac- cessible, was at considerable expense opened to the public. This room is named the Palace of Splendors. In it is a column which in size and beauty of proportions is unrivaled probably by any calcite formation in the world. Here is a wonderful natural image of the Madonna, from which it might well be imagined the masters of sculpture and painting somehow drew their in- spiration. The soft shading and rich blending of color in the Palace of Splendors, is revealed by a system of indirect lighting. In 1921, after many surveys and much expense there was opened to visitors an entirely new route. This is so joined to the old route, that what little retracing of steps was before required is now avoided. Departing from Entrance chamber by a passage to the right, the traveller now con- stantly progresses in a circuit through a series of avenues and rooms a distance of about one and one-half miles, coming back to the entrance through a passage to the left. New beauty faces the visitor every step of the way. There is no retracing of steps. There is no other cave known where a complete circuit is thus possible. All this newly-opened part of the cave is lighted with artistic effect by indirect lighting. LATEST This latest development in the cave takes the traveller through chambers DEVELOPMENT of strangely delicate and fantastic beauty. The contrast with the massive splendor of other portions of the cave, gives to these grottoes of Dreamland added charm. It is as if one had passed from the playground of giants to the garden of fairies. The Sacred River ! the Silver Sea ! the Sunken City ! There can be nothing more beautiful under 10 THE NATURAL BRIDGE the stars. See these scenes of amazing beauty. Let them be painted upon the walls of memory. You can never forget them ; nor would you if you could. The Beautiful Caverns of Luray have long been described in all books of reference as un- rivaled in beauty. That undisputed claim has now received added strength. CONCLU- It is a task of recognized difficulty to describe the indescribable. This difficulty SION is enhanced, if possible, in the case of cave scenery by the fact that the impressions it leaves upon the mind of the beholder differ not so much in degree as in kind from those of past experience. A new order of sensations, ideas and emotions demands, of course, a new vocabulary. No straining or expansion of a terminology derived from the upper world will enable it to describe adequately the wonderful phenomena presented in this realm of Stalacta. The visitor who attempts description must be content, therefore, with seeking to impart enthusiasm without hoping to trace fully its causes. This only will remain clearly understood — the felicity of having experienced a sensation altogether novel. The Persian monarch's desire — a new pleasure — is secured at length to the world in the Cav- erns of Luray. 12 ORGAN AND CHIMES IN CATHEDRAL THE QUIDS PLATS ON THESE FORMATIONS OF STONE AND PBODUOBS MTTSIO LIKE CHIMES OF BELLS IN OATHEDEAL TOWEBS HOW THE CAVERNS WERE DISCOVERED ^THE BEAUTIFUL CAVERNS OF LURAY are formed under a great hill in Page Valley. This hill has an elevation of about 1,200 feet above sea level ; and rises about 200 feet above the surrounding valley. It has been known as "Cave Hill" from an early day, because of a smaller cave variously called "Ruffner's Cave" or "The Old Cave," which has been known since pioneer times. Mr. Andrew Campbell and Mr. Benton Stebbins, of Luray, became convinced from the structure of Cave Hill and certain geological evidences that a larger cave might exist under Cave Hill. Accordingly, in 1878, inviting Mr. William Campbell, also of Luray, to join them, they began a careful exploration of the surface of the hill. After much search in an old sinkhole or depression, among briars and fragments of stone, they found a place where cool air came through the crevices in the rock, escaping into the warmer outside at- mosphere. They correctly judged this to be an indication of a cavity underneath containing a body of air cooled to earth temperature. At this point they dug until they opened into a fissure large enough to permit entrance. Mr. Andrew Campbell was lowered by a rope into the dark and mysterious Chambers of Silence. When finally he found a foothold and looked about him, his dim candle revealed unexpected splendors, and he knew that their dream had come true. This was August 13, 1878. Then followed patient and long-con- tinued explorations, until nearly three miles of underground passage was discovered. The Caverns consist of many large rooms, connected by natural corridors, or passageways. These do not lie in a straightaway course, but radiate from a central space. A small map of the Cave looks something like the web of a spider. Yet the tour requires no retracing of steps. The route is continuous though circuitous, leaving Entrance Hall by an avenue to the right and returning by another avenue to the left. Those who wish to study these Caverns from a scientific point will find material information in any of the principal encyclopedias, under "Luray Caverns." We also suggest a book entitled "Celebrated American Cav- erns," by H. H. Hovey, published by Clark & Sons, Cincinnati. Doctor Hovey is a recognized authority upon the subject of caverns, and has made special study of the Caverns of Luray. 14 PLEASE READ ALL THIS PAGE CAREFULLY TO AVOID MISUNDERSTANDINGS TERMS OF ADMISSION TO THE BEAUTIFUL CAVERNS OF LURAY Effective January 1, 1925 OPEN EVEKT DAY AND NIGHT, INCLUDING SUNDAY— ALL THE YEAR PARTIES (ONE OE MORE PERSONS*) ARE ADMITTED EVERY HOUR ON THE HOUR, 8:00 A. M. TO 9:00 P. M. INCLUSIVE. ADMISSION PRICE n ADULTS, $1.50 EACH, PLUS WAR, TAX, 15c; TOTAL, $1.65. EOR SCHEDULED t CHILDREN UNDER TWELVE YEARS OP AGE, HALE PRICE (75e PLUS WAR HOURS ABOVE / TAX, 8e) ; TOTAL 83e. SPECIAL PARTIES- IE DESIRED, ARRANGEMENTS MAY BE MADE UPON APPLICATION TO THE MANAGEMENT EOR A GUIDE FOR SPECIAL PARTIES AT OTHER TIMES THAN ABOVE NAMED, THAT IS: BETWEEN HOURS. SPECIAL EXCURSION PARTIES: UPON GUARANTEE OP ONE HUNDRED OR MORE PERSONS VISIT- ING THE CAVERNS AT SAME TIME, PROVIDING SUCH GUARANTEE IS ARRANGED THREE DAYS IN ADVANCE OE ARRIVAL OP SAID PARTY, -WE OEPER OUR SPECIAL EXCURSION RATE OP ADMISSION EOR ADULTS, $1.00 Each, Including War Tax. Children Under 12 Years of Age, 50c Each (No War Tax). Above charges include the service of guides, and will secure every necessary attention. Please remember that employees do not make these prices, nor have they power to change them. Excellent Modern Hotel accommodations can be had at several Luray Hotels at Moderate Rates. The Entrance to the Caverns is about one mile distant from the Norfolk & Western Railway Station, where busses meet all trains. This Corporation reserves the right to change and rearrange the above schedule, if conditions seem to us to require, agreeably to its best judgment, and it will not be responsible for delays or inconvenience beyond its control. For any further information, or assistance that can be rendered to visitors, address LURAY CAVERNS CORPORATION, LURAY, VA. ACCOMMODATIONS FOR TRAVELLERS TO AND FROM "THE BEAUTIFUL CAVERNS OF LURAY" VIRGINIA CITY STATE HOTEL ROOMS RATES GARAGE RAILROADS . REMARKS Hagerstown Md. Hamilton 125 2 to 3 E Yes Penn., N&W, B&O Entirely remodeled it ' ' Colonial 100 2 up E ii ii ii Chicken and Waffles < i " Dagmar 110 1.50 E ii ti tt Fireproof absolutely Frederick < i Francis Scott Key 200 2 up E Penn. & B&O Million Dollar Hotel Gettysburg Penn. Gettysburg 60 1.50 E— 3.50 A Phila. & Rd. Western Md. On the Square " " Eagle 200 1.50 up E Western Md. Chicken and Waffles Martinsbtirg W.Va. Berkeley 100 1.50 up E t( tt Tourist Headquarters Charles-Town ' ' Jefferson 50 1.25 up E N&W & B&O Chicken and Waffles Winchester Va. Jack 60 2.00 up E Penn. & B&O Absolutely Modern Bartonville White Sulphur Inn 25 Rooms 1.50 Meals land 1.50 B&O Chicken and Waffles Middletown " Wayside Inn 26 2.00 up E it Motorists Exclusively Woodstock " Woodstock 50 3.00 A Southern Chicken Dinners Harrisonburg " Kavanaugh 125 1.75 up E tt Meals at All Hours Staunton Virginia 118 1.50 up E C&O, B&O Half Million Addition open Easter 1924 tt Beverley 75 1.50 to 2 E tt (t Meals 50c each for guests with rooms Lexington < * Dutch Inn 25 1.50 up E it It Home Cooking 1 1 ' ' Lexington 45 3.25 A tt it Tourist Headquarters Natural Bridge " Natural Bridge 160 5.00 up A C&O, N&W Open All Year Luray " Mansion Inn 3.50 to 4.50 A N&W Open All Year i< " Laurance 3.50 to 4.50 A t< Open Apr. 1 to Nov. 30 tt " Commercial 23 2.50 A No tt Open All Year tt Skyland — Rates on Appl. Yes 4000 feet elevation Open May 15 to Oct. 15 SCENE IX CATHEDRAL READY REFERENCE ROUTES TO THE LURAY CAVERNS PROM ) Via Baltimore & Ohio R. R. r Washington and J Shenandoah Valley Route Washington Harpers Perry ) Via Baltimore & Ohio R. R. V and L Shenandoah Valley Route Chattanooga / Via Queen & Crescent Route, V Southern Ry. and \ Shenandoah Valley Route ] Via Southern Ry. [■ and ] Shenandoah Valley Route Old Point Comfort. . . ] Via Chesapeake & Ohio Ry. J- and ) Shenandoah Valley Route \ Via Norfolk & Western Ry. J Shenandoah Valley Route Reading \ Via Philadelphia & Reading Ry ( Western Maryland R. R. ) Shenandoah Valley Route FROM Portsmouth, Ohio. Kenova, W. Va.. . Louisville, Ky. . . . *} New York Philadelphia . Elmira Williamsport . Harrisburg . . Hagerstown . . Baltimore and. . . Pen Mar Via Hagerstown . Jacksonville . Savannah. . . Charleston . . Augusta .... Columbus . . . Atlanta Charlotte Danville Lynchburg .... Charlottesville . Via Norfolk & Western Ry. Shenandoah Valley Route Via Pennsylvania R. R. and Shenandoah Valley Route. Via Western Maryland R. R. and Shenandoah Valley Route. Via Atlantic Coast Line or Southern Ry. Chesapeake & Ohio Ry. and Shenandoah Valley Route Via Southern Ry. Chesapeake & Ohio Ry. and Shenandoah Valley Route. PULLMAN VESTIBULED SLEEPERS AND COACHES ON ALL THROUGH TRAINS Excursion Tickets are Sold by all Railroads and Steamship Lines to the Luray Caverns Straight one-way and Excursion Tickets allow stop-over at Luray upon application to conductor. The scenery through the "Shenandoah Valley" and adjacent to the Caverns of Luray is magnificent, and second to no other section in the world. 20 ACCOMMODATIONS FOR TRAVELERS. /WOOD HOTELS and boarding houses with all modern conveniences can be had in Luray. \& None better in any town in the Valley of Virginia, probably. No other town in the Valley entertains so many world-wide travelers. Not far from fifty-five thousand persons visited Luray last year. These were from all parts of the civilized world. To entertain this throng of people keeps our hotels and board- ing houses on the alert to please. And gives them a wide and valuable experience. Any vis- itor may rely on finding a place adapted to his taste or his means. Luray is also a popular resort, especially in summer, because of its high altitude and cool nights, and its unrivaled splendor of landscape and sky. Here is the popular mountain resort, Skyland. For descriptive booklet of Skyland address : Skyland, Luray, Va. FREE CAMPING GROUND IN OUR BEAUTIFUL FARK OFFERED TO CAMPERS GOOD WATER. ELECTRIC LIGHT NEAR THE CAVE HOUSE WHERE TOILET PRIVILEGES ARE CONVENIENT ^ Hi $z :$; * For attractive description of Luray in free booklet, address Secretary Luray Board of Trade. LIBRARY OF CONGRESS For Ready Reference, Railroad Routes, sec page 20. For list of Hotels and Board For Terms of Admission, see page .10. NORFOLK & WESTERN RAILWAY 014 432 949 if "The Shenandoah Valley Route" Between the North and South Via New York, Philadelphia, Harrislmrg, Luray, Natural Bridge, Roanoke, Bristol. Through Pullman Sleeping Car Line, New York and Winston-Salem, N. C. ; and Philadelphia and Williamson, W. Va. Summer and All Year Excursion Tickets to Luray on sale at all Principal Points. Stop-over Allowed at Luray Caverns on all Through Tickets. OFFICES 152 W. 42d St., Knickerbocker Bldg., New York 703 Hartman Bldg Columbus, Ohio 415 Marquette Bldg Chicago, 111. 516 Trac. Terminal Bldg Indianapolis, Ind. 309 American Bldg Baltimore 629 Union Trust Bldg Cincinnati, Ohio 1419 New York Avenue Washington 832 Main Street Richmond, Virginia 1124 Volunteer Bldg. . . .' Chattanooga Virginian Hotel Lynchburg, Virginia 14 West Third St Winston-Salem, N. C. City Hall Ave. Entrance Monticello Hotel, Norfolk, Virginia W. B. BEVILL, Passenger Tra*Hc Manager W. C. SAUNDERS, General Passenger Agent ROANOKE, VIRGINIA THIS BOOK IS FOR FREE DISTRIBUTION. IT WILL BE MAILED TO ANY ADDRESS UPON APPLICATION. ANY ATTEMPT TO SELL IT IS AN IMPOSITION ON THE PUBLIC. Luray Caverns Corporation, Luray, Virginia.