Ez^^ Class Book Aj-J^s: AiKeri, So. Ca, ■'l|li-'l||l'i|||r.|||r-i|||r.| Its Great Attractions as a Winter Resort. South Carolina, has deservedly become one of the (^j^l^ are in search of pleasure or health, or only desire to escape the inclement weather of the North. In regard to its won- derful fall and winter climate, Aiken stands unequalled by any other place in the United States, and by few in any part of the world. There is no doubt that there is something peculiar to this climate that is not found elsewhere, at least in this country. The town occupies the highest point of land between Charleston and Augusta, being five hundred and sixty-five feet above the level of the sea, and four hundred feet above Augusta — only seventeen miles distant. Graniteville, only five and one-half miles away, is three hun- dred feet lower than Aiken. These figures give some idea of the very elevated location of the town, which is sufficient to secure the bracing atmosphere so grateful to invalids, yet not to produce the discomfort so often experienced by them in greater heights. For many years the town has been noted for the dryness and tonic qualities of its climate — just such a one as is usually sought by persons suffering from throat or pulmonary ailments. Its softness and balminess are most soothing to irritated throats or lungs, while its tonic qualities, to which the late Dr. Wm. H. Geddings attached so much importance, are such as are not to be found near the coast or in southern Georgia or Florida. For a radius of twenty miles the town is surrounded by a pine forest, which protects it to a great extent from bleak winds, and gives a sweet aroma. The long leaf yellow pine is the characteristic growth of this region, and to the exhalations from this tree tne climate of Aiken doubtless owes much of its well deserved reputation. The dryness of the air is its greatest and most valuable character- istic. Statistical reports of the humidity of the different health resorts of this country and Europe prove this to be a drier climate than that of any of the other places in this country east of the Rocky Mountains, or of any one of the principal resorts reported in Europe. (I) ^0ti4 1 RESIDENCE OP DR. T, G. CROFT. The following meteorological record, taken at Aiken by Dr. C. F. McGahan, Voluntary Observer United States Signal Service, gives the information so often desired by physicians : •^ Id ;., U KH o cu c 0) a c^ Xi OS an iture ths a Num ainy dy D ll Me mpen MOE Dire( ivailir go CUVM Average of R and Clou oj e 0) S > < November. . 53.54 29.623 s. W. 59.65 27 3 1.33 December.. . 48. 89 29.540 w. & s. w. 58. 58 26 5 2.65 January 45.75 29.615 N. E. 63.17 23 8 4.68 February. , . 50.27 29.622 S. W. 60.31 24 4 4.35 March 54.02 29.494 s. yv. 57.90 26 5 6.07 April 58.88 29.547 s. w. 52.78 58.73 29 2 2.33 Mean 51.89 29.573 These observations were taken with U. S. Signal Service instru- ments, and according to their regulations. Thermometers being exposed on north side of the house in the shade, and protected from reflected sun rays. (2) Table comparing the Tetuperature and Relative Humidity of Aiken and ot/ier Resorts. MEAN TEMPERATURE. (Nov., Dec, Jan., Feb., Mar,, Apr.) Aiken 52° Jacksonville 6i%warmer than Aiken, 9° Thomasville 59^ " " " 7° Los Angeles 55° " " " 3'' Mentone 5 1"" colder " " 1° Nice 53" warmer " " 1° Asheville 43° colder " " 9° Atlantic City 39^" " " " 13° Lakewood 42° " " " lo"* MEAN RELATIVE HUMIDITY. (Nov., Dec, Jan., Feb., Mar., Apr.) PER cent. per cent. Aiken 59 Jacksonville 71, moister than Aiken, 12 Thomasville. 63 " "' " 4 Los Angeles : 65 " " " 6 Mentone 70 " " " 11 Nice 71 " " " 12 Asheville 65 " " " 6 Atlantic City So " " " 21 Lakewood 64 " " " 5 The temperature in winter is mild, and the observations of the thermometer in the open air show the average daily mean for the cold season, from 15th December to 15th March, to be about 49 degrees. Of course ice is formed on many days, and once or twice nearly every winter snaps of cold will send the mercury down as low as 15 or 18 degrees above zero. Perhaps once or twice during the winter a little snow may fall, but its white sheet is soon rolled off by the bright sunshine. In fact sunshine is a characteristic of the place, and it does seem as if in this spot the sun puts forth its best efforts to be bright and cheering. As to that insidious enemy of the white race, malaria, the physi- cians of Aiken will testify that they have never known a case of mala- rial disease to originate here. The nature of the soil contributes almost as much to the salubrity of the place as the climate. Being of loose sand mixed largely with gravel to a great depth, lying upon a stratum of red clay or kaolin, the rains soak in at once, and are carried off to the creeks and distant rivers, so that almost immediately after a heavy rain little water remains on the surface, and persons can walk out with impunity. (3) RESIDENCE OP DR. CHAS. F. M GAHAN. Aiken's Water Supply.— The Purest Water in the United States. — Next in importance to the climate is the water supply of any place, and in this, as in all other respects, Aiken can justly claim pre-eminence. It is not exaggeration to say that the city is supplied with wonderfully pure water. The water is obtained from an artesian well of 8 inches in diameter and 760 feet deep, of which the last 160 feet are in solid granite rock, from which the water is obtained. The following is the analysis made by Dr. J. A. Bachman, a chemist of high repute : Parts per iVlillion Total solids 1.4210 Loss on ignition 0300 Chlorine 0130 Free ammonia oioi Albuminoid ammonia 0080 Dr. Bachman states that this analysis indicates a water of very great purity, and he says that in fact it is the purest water he has ever seen, and the purest ever analyzed in this country. The purest water analyzed either in Europe or America is that of Loka, in Sweden, which contains 1.400 parts solids to i.cco,coo, only a trifle better than our own, and which like ours is obtaijied out of abed of granite rock. The good effects of our artesian water have already been proved in many ways by the improvement in health of persons suffering from dyspepsia and rheumatism, and it is said there have been several cures effected by its use. This pure water is distributed through the city by an excellent system of water-mains, and is in use in all the hotels, boarding-houses and most private houses. (4) "^Recreations. — As most of the visitors who come to Aiken are not invalids, but only in pursuit of pleasure, they naturally wish to know what recreations can be had here. To provide these the place is supplied withseveral excellent livery stables, where vehicles and horses for driving and riding may be had at all times. There are several good roads leading through as attractive bits of forest and highly cultivated farms as can be found anywhere. Among the most attractive of these roads are that along the old track of the vSouth Carolina Railway by the mill pond, bought a few years ago by Miss Eustis ; that known as the lower road to Graniteville ; and those through the farms on the Levels. During the months of March and April the woods along the first two of these roads more particularly, are filled with the beautiful and fra- grant jessamines and the dazzling kalmias and azalias. In the southeastern part of the town are the extensive polo grounds where frequent games of polo are played during the season ; and on the southern outskirts are the golf links which are patronized by the players of this popular Scotch game. Occasionally horse races are arranged, and some of the best horses of the neighborhood are entered, affording much innocent entertain- ment to the large number of spectators who gather to see them. The Aiken Public Library also affords much pleasure to many visitors, and is well patronized. It has a collection of about 1,400 volumes of the latest publications; and the books selected for it by the committee are of an unusually excellent character. Places of Interest.— Among the most attractive points of interest to visitors are Mr. H. M. Dibble's beautiful place, Vale of Montmorenci; the Eustis pond; the manufacturing towns of Bath, Graniteville and Langley, and Kalmia Hill. The city of Augusta is only 17 miles distant, and there are four passenger trains running each way daily between it and Aiken. Banking Facilities.— visitors to Aiken have every banking facility afforded them by the Bank of Aiken, an institution incorpor- ated understate laws, with capital and surplus of $65,oob. This bank is a designated State depository, and is managed with great prudence. Educational Advantages.— The educational advantages of the city are among the best. At their head stands the Aiken Insti- tute, an institution managed by a board of directors, and having a corps of teachers of high repute. In this school are taught all the usual branches of English, together with the ancient classics, modern Euro- pean languages and music. Discipline is well maintained, and the standard of the school is recognized as a. high one. In addition to this public institute there are several private schools, where residents for a few months can always have their children well taught. The education of the youth of the colored people is well cared for by two excellent institutions, the Schofield Normal and Industrial School, and the Immanuel Training School. The former is under the management of Miss Martha Schofield, and in addition to the ordinary branches of education special attention is given to teaching mechanic work, such as printing, carpentering, harness-making, blacksmithing, etc., for the boys, and laundry work, mantua-making, etc., for the girls. (5) THE AIKEN INSTITUTE. The Immanuel Training School is conducted by Rev. W. R. Coles, colored, as an important adjunct of the Presbyterian Mission, colored, and during the past fourteen years has done much good. At present the industrial training is confined only to a sewing department, but it is the intention to add other industries to the institution. As a mission- ary enterprise it fills an important place in the community, and is worthy of every help. „ ^ Churches. — in the matter of churches all the leading denomi- nations are well represented: Baptist, Episcopal, Methodist, Presby- terian and Romanist. All of the church buildings are more or less churchly structures, and presided over by earnest, active clergymen. In addition to these churches for whites there are four for negroes of the Baptist, Methodist and Presbyterian denominations. The Sanitarium. — The benevolent enterprise of establishing a sanitarium in Aiken, for invalids, is well under way. Suggested a few years ago, the project has grown through the untiring energy of a Northern lady, until now over $14,500 have been assured, and a fine lot 264 feet by 750, has been purchased in one of the most advantageous locations in the town. The object of tliose in charge of this enterprise is to enable invalids of small means at the North to enjoy the benefit of Aiken's wonderful climate, and the institution will be conducted on a plan similar to that of the one in the Adirondacks, N. Y. (6) Hotels and Boarding Houses.— Being one of the most noted winter resorts in the South, as may be supposed, Aiken is well supplied with hotels and boarding houses. The Highland Park Hotel, Busch House, Bell House, York House and West View are the most important among the hotels, while Pebble Ledge is ane of the hand- somest among the boarding houses. At all of these houses as well as at the many other private boarding houses most comfortable accom- modations can be obtained at the following rates: Highland Park Hotel — Rates on application. West View— $io to $25 per week. Pebble Ledge — Sio to $15 per week. Mrs. Allison's — $10 to $15 per week. Busch House — $2 per day, $10 to $14 per week. Elmwood— $8 to $15 per week. Evergreen Cottage — $10 per week. Mrs. E.J. C. Wood's — $10 per week. York House — $8 and Sio per week. Orange Grove — $7 to $10 per week. Sunny Cliff — From $10 per week upwards. Bell House — $2 per day, special rates per week. Mrs. G. W. Foster's— $8 to $10 per week. Manufacturing Industries.— Aiken County boasts five of the most important industries in the South — four cotton factories^ located respectively at Bath, Langley, Graniteville and Vaucluse, all within 5 or g miles of the city, and the brick and tile works of the Aiken Brick and Ornamental Brick Company, located about 2^ miles distant. All of these industries are in a very flourishing condition, give employment to a large number of people, and pay handsome dividends to their stockholders. There is yet abundant room for many more of the same kind, Aiken County is traversed in many portions by bold streams, that furnish a great amount of water power, and never run low even in the driest periods. Farming Lands.— ah around the city farming lands of good quality can be had at prices varying of course with circumstances. Along what are known as the Levels, southeast of the city, the lands are especially fertile, and have the rare combination of high fertility, with good health. The main crops are cotton, corn,' melons, oats, sugar-cane and fruit. Small farmers will find all around Aiken a plenty of cheap land, from $5 to $25 per acre, good society, good schools and churches, and the most healthy climate in the United States, where the white man does work profitably in the open field all the year round. All the con- ditions for successful agriculture or fruit culture exist here. Testimonials. — As an evidence of the good results obtained from the climate of Aiken by those who have come here, we include a few of the many testimonials in the hands of our people: Extract from a private letter from Sir Morrell Mackenzie to a resident physician at Aiken: (S) 1 9 Harley Street, Cavendish Square, W. lam already aware of some cases that have derived great benefit from a residence at Aiken, which place appears to compare favorably with the best winter residences in the south of Europe. Believe me, dear sir. Yours truly, MoRRELL Mackenzie. Letter from Gen. W. B. Hazen, U. S. A., Chief Signal Officer: In reply to your letter of August ist, received while I was absent from the country — I am glad to say, that having placed my family at Aiken for the winter of 1S85-6, and from my knowledge of the pkice as a winter residence, I consider it in point of temperature and climate the most desirable place in the United States. Yours very respectfuUv, W. B. Hazen, Chief Signal Officer. Letter from Joseph Pulitzer, of the New York World, dated November 28, 1886: Dear Sir: — The health of one of my children compelled me to spend the winter in Aiken, and I can bear testimony to its advantages, attractions and importance as a winter resort. Those who are unfor- tunate enough to suffer from bronchial or lung troubles may regard themselves as fortunate if they are able to spend at least the harshest part of the winter in Aiken. Yours truly, Joseph Pulitzer. I am glad to say I think Aiken is especially adapted to persons afflicted with maladies needing a dry, bracing and comparatively mild climate. Geo. F. Edmunds, Senator from Vermont. How to Reach Aiken.— Aiken is situated on the South Carolina & Georgia Railway, 120 miles from Charleston, and 17 miles from Augusta, Ga. Routes are as follows: From New York, via Southern Railway to Aiken Junction (5 miles from Aiken) where connection is made with South Carolina & Georgia Railway for Aiken. Via Atlantic Coast Line direct to Aiken. Bay Line or Old Dominion Line of Steamers, and rail via Atlantic Coast Line. Clyde Line of Steamers to Charleston, then South Carolina & Georgia Railway. Savannah Line of Steamers and Georgia Central Railway, connect- ing at Augusta with South Carolina & Georgia Railway. From the West and Northwest, via the various routes to At- lanta, Ga., thence by Georgia R. R., connecting at Augusta with South Carolina & Georgia Railway. From Chicago and Vicinity a pleasant route is also via Limited Train to Washington, thence by Southern Railway or Atlantic Coast Line to Aiken. From Thomasville or Florida to Savannah, thence by Georgia Central R. R. through Augusta, or Atlantic Coast Line through Charleston. (9) SEIGLER & LIGON, I R EAL ESTATE AGENTS |- .A^ii^Eisr, soxjxia: g^b^^flcdt^zist .^. GOOD FARMING LANDS, CITY PROPERTY, WATER POWERS AND MILL SITES FOR SALE. Parties desiring to purchase, if they will let us know their . I , wishes, we will endeavor to suit them as to loca- ^ tion, size and prices. Lands are cheaper in Aiken County now than they will likely be a year hence. Office in the Journal & ReYlew Building, Aiken, S. C. ^M.3edgwick':s \ .^^' ^ 3t. Tbaddea:^ Square, Accommodations for 20. (lO) Capital, $.^0,000.00. Surplus, ^1 ?,000.00. Deposit your Money in the @ 4glaQH of giHeO^ AIKEN, S. C, ^^^^ © And send it your Collections. DOES > »^« ■ ^ « — — ■ A General Banking Business. State, County and City Depository. Henry M. Dibble, President. James Powell, Vice-President. W. W. MucKENPUSS, Cashier. Henderson Bros., Solicitors. :^^ O I R SCTO R S .--^^iri F. B. Henderson. James Aldi'ich. Jno. Gary Evans. J. H. Biisch. W. W, Miickenfuss. .James Powell. C. K. Henderson. H. M. Dioble. J. H. Becknian. W. J. Piatt. WATER POWER FOR SEE H- A fine water power of 4?0 h. p. on Shaw's Creek, 3^ i^^iil^s from Aiken, with as much land, at reasonable prices, as may be de- sired.^=== ai? Dam already there, needing only slight repairs. Healthy location. Steady stream all the year. Water analyzed, and found singularly suited for bleaching goods. Land well wooded with pine, oak, maple and poplar. Address GEOROE WILLIS, OR THE SCHOFIELD SCHOOL, (II) ^:-3^erx. We3t View. LOCATED NEAR H iGHLAND Park, Large and Attractive Grounds. . . . Private Board. . . . For particulars and terms, address Mi's. P. G. ROCKWELL. 'Orange Qrove House." Winter Resort. ^"^—v^-^ ^ Transfer Coaches Meet All Trains. (12) C.K. -DEALER IN- il Hats, Clothing^ Shoes. Real Fst^te apd losdraoce J^^ency. J. W. ASHHURST, jr .|||i. 'illl. ilijl' 'i|||i -.lill' 'llll. i|||l 'l|||i i|||r 'illl. Mir 'llll' 'li|l' 'llll' ''III'' 'l||l' %<• W 'W 'V W W V ''I AIKEN, s! C. Property bought and sold. - Houses rented, Rents collected. Investments given prompt and careful attention. (13) Pebble lyedge. %|rHIS is a new house built of wood and finished in beau- <^ tiful yellow pine. It has large rooms and hallways. Heated throughout by open fireplaces and a furnace. There are electric bells in each room. Piazzas are on each side of the building, and sunrooms on both floors. The bedrooms are single or en suite. There are waterworks, giving a sup- ply of soft water, also bath rooms and water closets — all modern and first-class. Sanitary conditions are perfect. The situation is fine, being on the brow of a hill sur- rounded by a growth of pines, a short distance from busi- ness street, postoffice and'churches. 6) The Table is Well Supplied. @ ADDRESS Dr. B, H. TEAGUE, P. O. Box 176. (14) ^'^' -H'^Oscfi i|o(ise,-N- HENRY BUSCH, PROPRIETOR. t- Aiken, §. C, * ^ -y^ -^ -^ tJ'c tK- 7^ ► Conveniently Located. :i Lighted by Electric Lights. ^ * ^ ► ^ ^ ^ ^ Passengers transferred to and from the House free of charge. 'BUS MEETS ALL TRAINS. (15) IHE HICmiNB PARK ITEL K- ^it^iuso^ -t- THIS FIRST CLASS TOURIST HOTEL has capacity for 300 guests. Lighted by electricity and gas. Water supply pure and abundant. Sani- tary arrangements of latest and most approved pat- tern. Cuisine of the very best. Open from Novem- ber to May. For terms and particulars, address PRIEST & EAGER, PROPRIETORS. (16) Southern ^ Railway Grcatest^oa thcrn 3y?^tcm. ^Direct Through Car Line^ BETWEEN WASHINGTON, NEW YORPTHE EAST, -AND- AIKEN JUNCTION, AUGUSTA, =^^ETC. - WINTER TOURIST TICKETS FOR ALL POINTS DURING THE SEASON. J. M. CULP, Traffic Manager, Washington, D. C. W. A. TURK, Gen. Pass. Agt., Washington, I). C. ROBT. W. HUNT, S. H. HARDWICK, Travelling Pass. Agt., Asst. General Pass. Agt., Augnsta, G.a. Atlanta, Ga. T SHORTEST ROLTE AND Only Line Running" Througli Pullman Buffet Car BETWEEN EASTERN CITIES m_ Aiken, Angusta and AND '^m= Middle Georgia. QUICKEST TO Only liine .Ruiiniatg, Solid TraiU!^ hctweeii FLORIDA AND CUBA. .^^mmi^mMm^m^^^^^mMmim^mr NcW York & Florida 300 Washington Stfeet, Boston. 229 Broadway, New York, 31 South Third St., Philadelphia. 107 East German St., Baltimore. 601 Penna. Ave., Washington, D. C. HBRARY OF CONGRESS W|i 014 418 580 8 # -r^^^ m