,". ^^^rS oV^^^^»"" ^^1.^^ ^^M^.:. '^At<^ o'^J^J^^a--. '^oV^ 'vi-O^ * ^' ^\^ °"'%/-o >^\c:^/"^^ /..is^>>o ,/\y:^%\, '°^ "hv v^o^ ' ■• * ' -^^ 'V * o « o - O, ^^dy' ^»^.'. "-^^.^ oV^^^^^l^i'- ^ov^ :^m^\ '-n^-o^ V-^' "^'=,' < o if ^m v-G* 'bV w .^^ ^-..uilt an expensive residence. The architecture is (juaint and some- what ii'regular. He lias about his buildings spacious and ehgible grounds, which he has already highly improved and adorned. 20 BuyhiLThs of Cz-izGz-nnati' . Nearly oj^posite Mr. Cleneay's is tlie residence of Mrs. W. C. INIann. A^erandas run quite around the building, and the premises are attractive. She has five acres about her dweUing, which are weU set with shade trees, the maple and poplar predominating. On the north-west corner of Main and Forest avenues, adjoining Mr. Cleneay's on the south, J. A. Pomeroy has elegant premises. He has a lot of about one acre and a half, well laid off and set in shrubbery, and a tasteful residence with veranda looking to the avenue. On Glenwood avenue, which is passed on the left coming south, Dr. George C. Blackman has a residence, erected three years ago. It is a spacious, pleasant-looking home, with verandas covering the whole first-story front. A mate to this, the former home of H. H. Gibson, has recently passed into the hands of Captain Collier. East of Dr. Blackman's is the dwelhng of Dr. I. S. Dodge, erected five years ago, upon a lot of about two acres. Nearly opposite Dr. Blackman's, John W. Dale has a dweUing of inviting appearance, which is about four years old. Near Mr. Dale's, on the south side of the avenue, is the tasteful residence of the Rev. Joseph Gam- ble, pastor of the Presbyterian Church ; and in the same locality the pleas- ant home of John Roberts. Judge Price has also a handsome dwellmg. On the north side of Glenwood avenue is the residence of M. T. Antram, a two-story brick edifice with tower and elegant verandas. While the archi- tecture of Mr. Antram's is novel, the whole premises are attractive. Immediatel}^ adjoining the latter, with a lot extending to Main avenue, is the mate to Mr. Antram's residence, now occupied by William Stewart. On Forest avenue there is the residence of E. A. Herod, erected three years ago ; also, those of George Hafer and J. AV. G. Stackpole. On the north-east corner of Forest and Washington avenues is the residence of William A. AYebb, with about two acres of land. The north-west corner is graced with one of the handsomest pieces of property in Avondale — that of Charles Hofer. He has about two acres of land, upon which he erected, three years ago, an expensive residence. It is well finished throughout, has a Mansard roof, and is surrounded by attractive grounds. His evergreens are Jluondoyle. 21 very beautiful. In his yard are twelve Norway r^pruce, some of which are forty years old. In addition to these, the larch, cedar, and Avhite pine abound. Going north, on Wasliington avenue, first comes the residence of L. H. Sargent, erected about five years ago, upon a large lot. Adjoining this is the John Mears property, which is occupied by Mr. IMetirs' wid()\\'. The building is an old one, but the beautiful orchard and splendid evergreens grow more attractive by age. To the right are the premises of Judge "W. Y. Gholson, a time-honored dwelling in the midst of fifteen acres of fruit and other trees. It was the for- mer residence of Dr. William Smith, one of the early citizens of Avondale. Judge Gholson has resided here about ten years, and no doubt finds unusual pleasure in the retirement which this quiet, comfortable home afibrds. On the same avenue, are the residences of H. M. MagiU, F. C. Ben- nett, and H. A. Johnston, all of them tasteful homes with fine surround- ings. On the north-west corner of Washington and Mom-oe avenues, is the residence of Frederick Schultze, erected three years ago. It has a ver- anda looking out on Washington avenue, and is surrounded by ample grounds. At the foot of IMonroe avenue, Godfrey Holterhofi' has an expen- sive dwelling, with Mansard roof and tower. His building fiices the east, and occupies a position which commands an extensive view of the ^liUcreek vaUey and higlilands beyond. Keturning to Forest avenue, and proceeduig to the west, we pass the resi- dence of A. B. Johnson, a neat two-story frame edifice, with plenty of shrub- i)cry and fruit; and that of Lester Taylor, with evergreens and fruit trees surrounding. Near thom, George W. Guysi has a residence of irregular out- line, erected in 18()7, upon a lot of two acres. The improvements surround- ing the house are new, and the landscape to the north very beautiful. Gleu- dale, seven miles away, can be distinctly i^eew. Still farther to the west is the dweUing of John Gaff', erected about foiu- years ago. !Mr. Gaff has a circular drive and a very pretty lawn, with evergreens and shrubbery wcW. distributed throughout his grounds. At the east end of the avenue is the former residence of Allen Collier, 22 SiLOUy-rhs of OzTzozizizcoti. i-ecently purchased by Mr. Cleneay, very tasteful, with an abundance of ever- greens about it, and surroundings of no ordinary attraction. There are about fifteen acres of land, to the rear of wliich is a grove of native forest trees. Few places in Avondale are so picturesque as this. On Rockdale avenue, AViUiara Horsely erected a dwelling in 1867. Near it is the Williams property, a large residence on the north side. Still further to the westward, on Rockdale avenue, are the residences of J. L. Haven and Theopliilus Wilson, both comfortable frame dwelUngs, surrounded by beautiful grounds. On the same avenue, near Washington avenue, the Rev. James Stevenson, pastor of the jNIethodist Episcopal Church, has a neat two-story frame resi- dence, erected two years ago. Near Main avenue are the residences of J. E. AVynne and Gomer Wynne, tasteful in their external appearance, and neat in all their appointments. The residences of these brothers are adjoining, and just west of the Presby- terian Church, which is also on this avenue. Reaching Main avenue, and proceeding to the south, four improvements are soon approached that will compare favoral^ly with any in the \'illage. They are on the west side of Main avenue, and near each other. The first is that of John Grubb, at the head of Maple avenue, a very pretty little street running west from Main. Mr. Grubb has about three acres of land, well improved, with a residence erected nearly six years ago. His location is a very desirable one. He is away from the main thoroughfare, yet very accessible. Next, on the south, is the residence of John Dickson, erected six years ago. He has a lot of about three acres, well laid out, through which his dwelling is approached by a neatly-kept drive. His house has heavy double porticoes looking to the avenue. South of Mr. Dickson's are the premises of Andrew Lamb, Avho has three and a half acres handsomely laid out and kept in admirable order. His dwelling is brick, with tower, and veranda on lower front, from which he looks over his lawn to the avenue. The house, Hke those on either side, is n J- vondcble. 23 well removed from the street, and occupies a beautiful position, which is attained by a gradual and easy ascent. Adjoining ]\lr. Lamb's is the residence of H. F. West, which was recently finished at a heavy cost. It is a fine edifice, with Mansard roof. From his broad verandas, that embrace both the south and east of the building, the land foils rapidly both to ]\Iain avenue on the east and Linden avenue on the south, and exliibits one of the prettiest slopes that is seen in Avondale. ^Ir. West has about six acres of land within liis inclosure, all of which presents a favorable appearance from the south and east. On Linden avenue, \\\\\q\\ bounds Mr. Wesf s property on the south, are the residences of R. A. John- ston, Simpson Glenn, and William Glenn. They are pleasantly situated, in the midst of handsome grounds. The locations of the ^lessrs. Glenn are on the summit of the elevation which Linden avenue surmounts, and besides having very neatly-kept lawns, have superb landscapes stretching away to the east. On Linden avenue, Samuel J. Hale has recently erected a commodious and elegant residence, with all the modern conveniences and improvements. The location is an admirable one, and time only is needed to develop a spot of surpassing beauty. Opposite ]Mi-. Hale's is a tiisteful two-story brick residence, erected by ]\Ir. Lamb for liis son John Lamb, and now occupied by Dr. T. R. Spence. The dweUing occupies an eligible position, and the premises are (juite attractive. East of these improvements are the residences on Ridgway street. One of these, belonging to Dr. Scudder, lately completed, occupies a position from which it appears equally well from both 3Iain avenue and Ridgway street. Fayette Smith has also a new, commodious edifice on the same street. On the west side of Main avenue, south of Linden avenue, as we approach Cincinnati, is the dwelling of F. W. Dury and that lately occupied by B. F. Raddack, both substantial edifices, weU liidden by thick shrubbery and occasional forest trees, and approached through picturesque drives. IS'ear the southern boundary of the vUlage, on the east side, is the residence of the family of the late General ^I. S. AVade, a roomy edifice, well laiown to those familiar with the early history of the Lebanon Pike, as the place improved by Horace Gooch, about the year 1835, then called Beech Grove Female Seminaiy. 24 8'bih'hLThs of CzTiGzmxati. On the east side of Burnet avenue, is the residence of Henry Niemeyer, erected about five years ago. Mr. Niemeyer has a location wliich has few superiors in this locality. The residence of H. J. Hickman on ]Main aveinie south of Linden avenue, is a neat edifice surrounded with shrubbery and well removed from the street. On Grove street, near Rockdale avenue, John Kennett, two years ago, erected a tasteful residence. Mr. Kennett selected a locust grove for the site of his building. There are other places which must l)e left unmentioned, some of wliich are scarcely less attractive than those which have been described. CHURCHES. Avondale has three church organizations, all of which now have places of worship. The Presbyterian Church, lately Old School, a very tastefid brick edifice, was completed and occupied about the first of February, 1868. It is situated on the north side of Rockdale avenue, a short distance from Main avenue. The building is forty-three by sixty-three feet. The audience room is furnished with pine and black walnut pews, cushioned with crimson damask. It has inside shutters, and a neat pulpit, constructed of the same material, the panels of the latter being covered with crimson. The church is nicely carpeted, and is, withal, a very cozy house of worship. The pastor. Rev. Joseph Gam- ble, formerly of St. Louis, has been Avith the ci^ngregation since November, 1867. The Grace jNIethodist Episcopal Church, formerly Mears Chapel, is a neat edifice forty feet by sixty feet, situated on the south side of Forest avenue, west of AVashington avenue. The building was thoroughly repaired and much improved two years ago at an expense of twenty-two hmidred dollars. Two porticoes were added, and the inside neatly finished and furnished. The society is not large, yet it maintains a stationed minister, Avho receives a salary of fifteen hundred dollars per annum. Rev, James Stevenson jivondcble. 2o Iia,s been the pastor of the church since the conference of 1807. The Sab- bath school is under the charge of Stephen H. Burton. Grace Protestant Episcopal Church has been erected during tlie past year, and was first occupied Sunday, February 27, 1870, on which occasion the ser- mon was preached by the Rev. AVm. A. Snively, Rector of Christ Church. The edifice is a gothic chapel, with a steep slate roof, and bell turret in the rear. The material is blue limestone, undressed, with the freestone trimmings that so handsomely relieve the severity of the dark stone now largely usc%'l in our public buildings. The front is furnished with a large decorated window of stained glass, the main windows in the audience room being of the same material. The entrance to the main room is by two lateral stone porches. The chancel is of medium size, with tlie choir on the one side and tiie vestr}' room on the other. In the rear, the chancel is adorned Avith a handsome, decorated window. The interior of the church is as neat and chaste as the exterior is tasteful. The pews are cowered with crimson, terrv, and are elegant in all respects. The room, wliich Avill seat two hundred and fifty persons, is handsomely car- peted, and the whole presents the appearance of a sul)u;-ban church-home that would do credit to any congregation. The edifice is on a lot two acres in extent, on ^lain avenue, north of Glenwood avenue. The cost of lot and churcli, when entirely completed, will retich 025,000. The rector, the Rev. A. F. Blake, has been with the congregation since its organization in April, 1866. The present membership is about twenty. The Sabbath school, in cliai-ge of B. F. Lewis, averages thirtv scholars. SCHOOLS. The public school of Avondale is a lai-ge one, and will liear comparison with any in the country. It is under the charge of A. B. Johnson, wirh five assistant teachers, ons of whom i< his accomplished wife. The Avhole number of pupil^ enrolled is four hundred and fifty-eight ; in regular attend- ance, three hundred and fifty. Fifteen years ago the number in attendance 26 S'LohzoTjbs of OzTioznizcbtz. Avas thirty-three. The school building is of brick, about seventy feet by thirty, witli haU and six rooms. It was remodeled three years ago, to afford accommodations for the increased number of children. It is eligibly located on the west side of Main avenue, south of Rockdale avenue, and the grounds upon which it stands have recently been enlarged by the purchase of lands extending to the latter avenue. APPROACHES. The approaches to Avondale are much the same as those to Walnut Hills. The main route is by the Lebanon turnpilie, though it can easily be reached both from INIt. Auburn and Walnut Hills. Omnibuses run at regular intervals during the day, passing through the entire village, which is about one mile and a half in length. The time will soon come when it A\all have a street railway. A through route is entirely practicable, and an extension of the Mount Auburn road among the probabilities. POPULATION. The population of Avondale, in the absence of a census, can only be con- jectured. It probably ranges from twelve to fifteen hundred. It is composed largely of the families of business men who are actively employed in Cincin- nati. There are comparatively few of any other class. The society of the place is good, and there is every facility for social culture and enjoyment. The follomng gentlemen are the municipal officers of Avondale for 1870-71 : Mayor — Robert A. Johnston. Recorder — ^A. B. Johnson. Council — Robert Mitchell, Seth Evans, John Gaff, John Dickson, James L. Haven, and W. J. Berne. Marshal — Jeremiah Twohig. i:^il?T'PJ^ MONG the many suburbs of Cincinnati, there is no one that is more favorably known than Clifton. Its beautiful drives, splendid improvements, and fine prospects, have been for years among the chief attractions of Cincinnati's surroundings. W. G. W. Gano may be considered the pioneer of Clifton. He removed to the place he now occupies, at the foot of Crescent avenue, in the year 1838, and has resided there uninterruptedly since that time. In 1843, Robert Buchanan purchased forty- three acres of land, which he noAV occupies, thirty-three acres of which he bought of Nicholas Longworth at $40 per acre, and the remainder of Mr. Avery at $60 per acre. The country then was much inilike the Clifton of to-day. The Carthage road was but partially completed, and a part of this route, during the wet season, was almost impassable. Clifton avenue was an unimproved mud road that had recently been changed from the old Ir\\'in ^lill route to the section line. Mr. Buchanan put up a house at once, and in July of the same year removed with his family. He, however, for years, used it oidy as a summer residence, spending the winters in Cincinnati. He soon felt the need of neighbors, and set liimself at work to devise means to procure them. The Lafayette Bank had come into possession of five hundred acres of land, which embraced those west of the present Clifton and Crescent avenues, and north of William Gibson's. The land was valued at $75 per acre for that which was cleared, and $50 for the timber. 28 SiihiMThs of CinGinnchtz. In 184o, a committee was sent out, that, ^^■ith the assistance of ?ilr. Buchanan, located the present Lafayette avenue, naming it for the bank, and di^nded the lands into tracts of from ten to forty acres, to which the}- affixed prices. The division was about the same that now exists. The lot^; \\c\; owned by ^lessrs. Probasco, Ellis, Taylor, and Bennett, were woodland, valued at $65 per acre ; that of INIr. Rhoenberger, $46 ; Bishop Mcllvaine, s75 ; Mr. DeLand, $80 ; I\Ir. Sherlock, $81 ; while that now owned by ]\Irs. Xeave, on account of its elevation and the land having l:)een cleared, was \'alued at $104, which was the highest valuation placed upon any tract. The lot where Mrs. Bowler's house stands Avas valued at $45 per acre. .Vt these prices, which now seem incredibly low, the lands were generally dis- posed of during the years of 1848 and 1844. Flameu Ball, Esq., in the summer of 1843, purchased twenty-two acres of what was known as the Ireland property, made improvements, and removed to it in August of that year. Mr. Ball has resided there ever since, and is thus one of the oldest residents of CUfton. He Avas soon followed by B. B. Whiteman, who purchased the land where he no^v resides in the same year, and removed with his family in 1844. In 1844, Winthrop B. Smith purchased the lot owned by Mr. DeLand, erected the residence noAv there, and removed to it the same year. Bisho]) ^icllvaine purchased his lot in 1844, erected buildings, and removed to them in 1846. About the same time, or soon thereafter, purchases and imj)rove- ments were made by Dr. John A. Warder, William B. Dodds, tiamilton Harbaugh, John. W. Burrows, Daniel Bowdell, and J. B. Schroeder. The work of building having fairly begun in this suburb, tlie want of incor- l)oration soon became apparent. Streets needed to be improved, the public- peace preserved, and citizens protected against stock running at large. Ste}is were accordingly taken to procure an act of incorporation, which, in 184!:', t'nrough the unremitting exertions of Flamen Ball, was obtained. ^i\\ Dall was electej)('rty of Mrs. Bowler, has on one side an asphaltum pavement as sohd and beautiful as can anywhere be found. 32 Siyih'ui''hs of C^TLGijhizcLtz-. DESCRIPTION. Beginning at the south end of Clifton avenue, there is first on the east side the residence of James Andrews, a substantial structure, facing both the south and west. On the south, the building is broad, and is a})i)roached through a 'porie cochere, which leads immediately into the base of the tower, through which the main part of the edifice is entered. There is, west of the tower, along ihe south part, a veranda, and on the upper side of the west front a suljstantial porch, su^^ported l)y heavy freestone pillars. The building has freestone quoins, and trimmings generally of the same material. His house, being well back toward Brookline avenue, is approached from Clifton avenue through an extensive lawn well planted with shrubbery and evergreens, and adorned with flowers. Glenway passes along the north line of Mr. AndrcAVs' tract, wliicli comprises fourteen acres, beyond which, on Clifton avenue, are tlie beautiful premises of Captain James Bugher. His dwelling fronts on the avenue ; has small gables looking to the south, and a light veranda along the entire front. The grounds are tasteful, well shaded with forest trees, embellished with flowers and statuary, and mtersected by gravel and shell walks and drives, and contain a good conservatory. The dwelling was erected, about the year 1852, by William B. Shattuck and A. G. Richardson. ^n, Nearly opposite Captain Bughei- is the residence of^Iheodore Cook, erected about fifteen years ago. This is a noble edifice, with to^vcr on the south, and spacious veranda on the lower front. The grounds through which the buildings are approached by a circular graveled drive, are handsomely embellished with forest trees, evergreens, shrubbery and flower,>. In the lawn, which is broad and beautiful, are several pieces of statuary. Grace- ful young maples skirt the drives, and the whole jricmises, of four acres, are decidedly tasteful and beautiful. Olifton. 33 On the east side of the avenue, a;lj(MiHiig Captain Buu-her on the north, is the home of B. B. "Wliitenian, who has been alluded to as among the earl}' Cincinuatiaus who souglit Clifton. Mi-. Whiteman purchased these grounds of six acres in 1843. The following year he began to spend the summer here with his fomily, and continued thus until l\Ir. Bowler's place, where thoy turn sharply to the south. All these locations are of the most beautiful character. They begin in Clifton with Mr, Buchanan's premises, and continue around to the residence of Mrs. Bowler. These sites are very much the same. They are varied somewhat by the forest trees and ornamental gardening, but all preserve a common lookout to the INIillcreek Valley and distant highlands beyond. Mr. Bennett has an abundance of original forest trees, well- improved grounds and a larg:' conservatory. Adjoining on the west, as one passes up Lafiiyette avenue, is the resi- dence of the late Griffin Taylor, Avhieh, since his death, has continued to be occupied by his family. The house was erected by H. W. Derby, in 1855, who, in that year, paid about .^1,000 per acre for the land, which, twelve years before, had been sold by the Lafayette Bank for '^Qo. These grounds, eighteen acres in extent, are handsomely laid out and kept in excellent repair. As you approach them from the avenue, you are con- fronted by thick foliage which quite hides the beautiful premises until you are well AHthin the enclosure; then, as you turn to right or left, the broad lawn suddenly bursts upon you with its green carpet, its old forest trees, and beautiful shrubbeiy and flowers. This place enjoys the lookout to the west and north, the same as the neighboring tracts. Adjoining the Taylor propei-t\' on the w'est are the residence and groimds of John AV. Ellis. The latter consist of twenty-one acres, handsomely laid out, with broad circular drive, grand native forest trees, many of the forest trees of England and other countries, besides a fine variety of evergreens. Mr. Ellis' lawn, which is one of the most beautifid in Clifton, is laid out so as to appear to the best advantage, and is kept in admirable order. He has a very tasteful flower garden, and in front of his promises a very fine hedge, with half-grown forest trees planted at regular intervals along the avenue. The house, wliich was erected by ^^^ B. Smith, about fifteen years ago, is of the Italian villa style, with verandas on three sides of the main building. 38 BzihiLThs of OiixGiTincLt^ . It has a convenient interior arrangement, ample room, a general appear- ance of comfort and repose, and a magnificent prospect to the northward. On the same side of Lafayette avenue, and immediately adjoining Mr. Ellis, are the premises of Henry Probasco. They are the finest in the sub- urbs of Cincinnati. The gTounds are spacious and varied in their attrac- tions, and the house rich in all that delights the eye. In 1857 Mr. Probasco purchased land on the opposite side of the avenue, and began its improvement. It soon, however, became apparent that the place would not equal his expectations, so that, in the following year, he purchased, for $25,000, the tliu'ty acres upon which his palatial residence now stands, and at once began his preparations for improvement. Having selected an architect, AVilliam Tinsley, and determined upon plans, he began, in 1859, the erection of his house. This continued through several years, and was finally completed in 1866. It is constructed of blue limestone. The quoins, angles and buttresses are of freestone, each piece of which is hammer-marked to make it harmonize w'ith the rough limestone. The walls are of rubble-work, the face of the stone having been untouched by chisel or hammer. The general style of the house is Anglo-Norman. It is one hundred and twenty feet long by seventy feet in width, fronting southwardly. In front is a massive stone terrace, which extends the entire length of the building. The house is entered through a magnificent stone porch, Avith elegant Nor- man arches. At the north-east end of the edifice is a y)orie cochere, con- structed of freestone, and the building is siu'mounted by a round tower, which springs from the walls of the main stairway. The whole external appearance of the building is one of spaciousness without useless room, of dignity without coldness, of variety without the loss of harmony. Running through the building from the main porch is the grand hall, seventy by fifteen feet. Tliis is wainscoted with oak, cedar and white pine, and ceiled with white pine and oak. These materials are all finished in the highest degree. Intersecting the main haU on the right, as you enter tlie building from CUfton. 39 the front, 'is a side hall, capacious, though of less width than the principal one. This leads directly to the j;ojfe cochere. From this hall two large arched doors lead, the one to tlie north into the library, the other to the south into the parlor. The library is thirty-five by twenty-five feet, termin- ating on the north in a spacious bay window. The walls, shelves and sides are of cedar, and the air is loaded with tlie grateful perfume of the wood. The books are contained on shelves that are intersected at short intervals by oak columns. The latter are surmounted by capitals of solid oak, upon whicli are exquisitely carved representative leaves and flowers of the flora of this country. From these columns spring arches which contain niches for busts and statuettes. All the panels of the room are red cedar, while the ceiling is frescoed in harmony with the architectural character of the room. Tlie liln-ary table is constructed of the best quality of oak, carved in an elaborate and unique manner, and is a masterpiece of art. Immediately opposite the library is the parlor, a room thirty by twenty- four feet, entered from the side hall through a massive circular doorway of exquisite workmanship. The room itself, independent of its expensive pic- tures, its rare mosaics and its superb furniture, is a woi'k of art. The cor- nice is of varied finish, and in the ceiling there is a wonderful combination of colors and shades. This room contains tA\o massive bay windows, which are approached through arches of oak supported by highly-polished pillars of the same material. The soffit of the arch in the front bay window is embellished throughout its length with a representation of the honeysuckle carved in oak, wliich is a work of rare perfection. The capitals of the pil- lars are also carved to harmonize with the remainder of the work. The reception room, dining room and bed chambers are all in unison Avith the remainder of the house. The stairway is a superb design and a tri- umph of mechanical skill. The wood-^vork of the kitchen and laundr}-, like the remainder of the house, even to the sash of the windows, is of solid oak. Mr. Frobasco's ample grounds are in keeping with the house erected upon them. The improvement of them was begun immediately after the pur- 40 Szihioi^hs of C-bThG-bixixcLti . chase ; and the present perfect state, with the gentle slopes, the gradual rise and fall of the surface, has been attained by years of labor and large expend- iture. Deep ravines have been filled, elevations cut down and inequal- ities reconciled, until the present grounds bear no resemblance to their con- dition ten years ago. Besides the beautiful lawns which surround Mr. Pro- linsco's residence, he has almost every thing in the shape of shade and orna- in'Bntal trees. In addition to the forest trees of our own country, he has a large collection of foreign beech, ash, oak, elm and maple, and a valuable ollection of evergreens, gathered from various countries of the globe. The Pyrenees, the Himalayas and the Rocky Mountains have each made their contribution. Besides these, Mr. Probasco has a rosarium, in which he has four thou- sand roses. He has also a beautiful collection of variegated-leaf plants and hardy shrubs, together with many hardy ferns. This is a meager descrip- tion of the floral beauties of this place. If space would permit, there could 1)9 given a formidable list of plants and flowers which the forests and gar- den^ of the world have contributed. In addition to other treasures, Mr. Probasco has been quietly but rapidly collecting one of the richest and most valuable libraries in the United States, and adorning his residence with some of the most expensive and meritorious works of art ever brought to this country. Before entei'ing the house, we meet upon the terrace Kiss's Amazon, in bronze. Of these there are but three in existence : the colossal one before the palace in Berlin, one in possession of the King of Prussia, and the one here alluded to, purchased of the widow of the artist by Mr. Probasco, during his recent visit to Europe. In marble, there are "San Souci," by Ives; "Reading Girl," by Magni; "Cordelia," a bust of exquisite workmanship, by Gonolly; the "Reading Girl," by Tnntardini; "Innocence," by Prof. Fedi, of Florence; "Ruth," by Rogers. In addition to these are splendid mosaics, one of them representing Rome from the forum to the Coliseum — a work of unusual excellence. Clifton. 41 There are also two Mosaic tables — one Roman and the other Florentine — which are rare and expensive works of art. To the snperb gallery of paintings, comprising some of tlie most costly and beantiful ever brouglit to this country, no m()r(> than a })assing notice can be given. The library is filled with books of remote antiquity, as well as many volumes, attractive and useful, of modern times. It contains nearly one hundred copies of the various editions of the Bilile, a few of which are upoji vellum, comprising those in Hebrew, CJreek, Latin, English, German, French, Irish, etc. The collection is particularly rich in early illuminatctl manuscripts, com- mencing with a matchless copy of the Greek Testament of the twelfth cen- tury. It also contains exquisite and rare Missal>: of the thirteenth, four- teenth and fifteenth centuries; the earliest printed copies of the Old and New Testaments; a magnificent Latin Bible, printed on vellum, in Venice, in 1480 ; the first Bible printed in Greek, by Aldus, in 1518 ; rare and complete English Bibles, of 1589, 1541, 1549, 1568, 1585, and splendid copies of the present version of 1011; the " Hohe Bible, conteynyng the Old Testament and the ISTewe," of 1568, called the Bishop's Bible, and the magnificent Poly- glot of Walton, in eight volunies. The collection is likewise rich in the vari- ous editions of Shakespeare, commencing with a very valuable first folio of 1623, as well as the works of Dante, beginning with the superb folio of 1481, containing nineteen copper-plates. Copper-plates were used in print- ing in that year for the first time. Then there are at least one hundred and fifty copies of the earliest printing, among them specimens of the ear- liest of Aldine, Elzevir and Pynson, and coming down to the most superb specimens of modern times, including copies of works that took the medals at the French Exposition, to Avliich may be added rare specimens of rich and expensive binding. Natural history, too, is specially repre-ented in this collection. Here are found Audubon's Birds, elephant iblio, Gould's Hum- ming-birds, etc., besides a rare collection of illustrated works generally. 4 42 Svbhiyb'rhs of GiixGiixnatz. From this enumeration, meager as it is, the reader may form an idea of the richness of this collection of literature and art. To it might be added almost indefinitely books, works of art, souvenirs and curiosities. Among the latter is found the gold medal which the King of Prussia gave Hum- boldt. This, by the will of that illustrious man, passed to one of his ser- vants, who sold it to Asher & Co., booksellers of Berlin, from whom it was purchased by Mr. Probasco. To complete the rare attractions of Mr. Probasco's place, he enjoys to the full extent the splendid panorama of the valley to the northward from his re?:idence ; thus combining in one home, the sublime attractions of nature with the rich contributions of literature and art. Adjoining Mr. Probasco's on the west are the premises of George K. Shoenberger. Mr. Bhoenberger has forty acres of land, the general char- acteristics of which are not unlike the remainder of the locations that are found on the brow of this hill — Mr. Shoenberger, however, having for his house the advantage of a location upon a spur, that gives him a superb out- look. He selected for the new residence which he is now finishing a part of his lands admirably adapted to the purpose. The ground falls suddenly to the south-west and north, leaving the house on the point of a long spur run- ning from the east. The edifice wiU be one of the most expensive and beautiful within the suburbs of Cincinnati. The style of the building is Gothic, of the French domestic order. The work is approaching completion under the superin- tendence of the architect, James K. Wil-on. The house is built of blue limestone, with freestone trimmings of an elaborate character. The walls are uncoursed ashlar Avork. The entire building is one hundred and twenty-six feet in length by one hundred and twenty-six feet in width. This is the measurement from the outer points. The area of the ground floor is about ten thousand square feet. The building faces the north, and is entered through a magnificent cut-stone porch, twelve by eighteen feet, that opens immediately to the main hall, which is twenty feet wide and twenty-six feet deep. This hall leads to a lateral one, ten by fifty-two feet, CUfton. 43 and is coiitinuou?; with one running south, ten feet wide l)y fifty-seven feet in length. The main hall is open to the roof, with a gallery around it at the second story. This is to be paneled, richly frescoed and oi3en-timbered at the ceiling. The mam hall opens to the parlor, on the riglit — a room fort\- feet long by twenty-seven feet wide. The front of this room consists of two magnificent bay windows. On the left of the hall is the library, eighteen liy twenty-six feet, to be finished to correspond with the remainder of the building. In the lateral hall, to which allusion has been made, will be the grand stairway. It will consist of two flights, approaching each other from opposite ends of the hall to a common landing, from Avhich retm-n flights will conduct to the second story. This arrangement will I)e unique and lieautiful. The same hall commmiicates with the picture gallery, which i.- immediately on the south. The latter will be fifty feet in length by twenty- five in width; it will have a ceiling not less than twenty feet in hight, and 1)6 finished in a style to best serve the purposes for which it is to be used. Connecting with the main hall on the right will be a billiard room twenty l)y thirty feet, and, on the left, a dining room, eighteen by twenty-five feet, the latter connecting with a breakfast room by two sets of double doors. The porte cochere, sixteen by twenty-six feet, will be constructed almost entirely of cut freestone, and, in architectural beauty, will not be inferior to any other part of the building. The ceilings of the lower floor arc fifteen feet in hight ; of the second floor, fourteen feet. The arrangement of the rooms of the second floor conforms generally to that of the first. The bed chambers Avill be large, and furnished with all the modern conven- iences. The basement will contain kitchen, laundry, etc., with ample cel- lars. The general finish of the building inside will lie very elaborate and l)icturesque. Hard woods will enter largely into the composition, and the liost materials will be used throughout. The building is covered with slate. The main tower, rising from the end of the west hall, is fourteen l\v twent\' feet, with staircase-turret attached. The whole ri^es eighty feet from the ground. In front of the entire building there will be a mai>nificent .stone terrace. ■44 8'LLhiLi''hs of CinGin-rLCbti . fifty feet Avide, upon which a carriage drive will be constructed. There will be a stone terrace on the east also, twenty feet wide. This description will give an idea of Avhat "Scarlet Oaks," which this coiuitry seat is called, will Ijecome, when Mr. Bhoenberger shall have com- |)leted a work which he has so liberally begun. Opposite ]Mr. Ellis', on the south side of Lafliyette avenue, is the residence of Mrs. Charles Neave. The location is a high and commanding one, and the surroundings attractive. There are six acres of handsomely-rolling lands, shaded with forest trees and ornamented with evergreens. Adjoining Mrs, Neave's, on the west, is the home of the Rev. Charles P. Mcllvaine, D.D., Bishop of Ohio. He has fourteen acres of land, well covered with forest trees of many years' growth. He has a comfortable mansion, free from ostentation, erected in 1845, surrounded by evergreens and shaded by the great oaks, among which one drives in approaching his residence. Adjoining this is the pleasant home of J. H. Hewson, erected on four aci'es of land, eight years ago. This has a broad veranda on the west, which is shaded by a spreading oak, with verandas also on the east, and portions of the north, front. The premises are cpiiet and pleasant, with a neat graveled drive leading to the dwelling. The next place is William C. Neff's, on the south side of the avenue, consisting of twenty-five acres of land, well covered with forest timber. Mr. Neff 1ms just completed one of the finest residences in Clifton. The new building is constructed of blue limestone, with walls of broken ashlar work and hmestone trimmings. Unlike jNIr. Probasco's, it is exclusively of limestone. The greater number of the corners of the building, including the windows and doors, are splayed, the margin rendered smooth with the chisel, and the panel rough-tooled. The main building, exclusive of veranda, is one hundred and twenty-two feet long by seventy-two feet at its greatest width, the medium width being fifty-eight feet. The hight of the main walls is thirty-two feet, and the whole buildinsj; is covered with a metallic roof. The tower, the summit of Ciifton. 4-' which is sixty-four feet from the ground, exdusive of the observatory, whicli adds twenty-one feet, is square, twenty-three feet from out to out, and has at each angle octagonal buttresses. The building faces the avenue, which is on the north. The ^oHe cocheve connects immediately 'with the main front, and is about nineteen feet square. This opens to a vestibule, whicli communicates immediately with the main hall, thirty-two feet in length and fifteen feet in width. The first room after entering the main hall is the library, thirty-two l^y twenty-three feet, with a large bay window looking to the north, and a French window opening upon the porch, which describes the entire west front of the edifice. To the rear of this is the parlor, thirty -six by twenty- three feet, ^nth a recess on the west of eleven by five feet. On the south the parlor terminates in a spacious bay window. The hall leads to a boudoir fifteen feet square, which has three sets of folding doors — one open- ing into the hall, the others into the parlor on the one side and the dining room upon the other. The latter room, in the south-east part of the main building, is thirty by twenty-two feet. The family room, separated from the dining room by a hall thirteen feet in width, is nineteen by twenty-five feet. It is furnished with a large bay window looking out from the main front, and on the south communicates with an arcade of Avood and glass, fourteen by twenty-six feet. To the south are the kitchens, pantry and ser- vants' dining room. The second floor conforms in general to the plan of the first. The attic is large and the cellar the size of the entire building. The whole edifice inside is finished with oak, white and black walnut, and supplied with hot and cold water. Mr. Neflf's house is set well back from the avenue, and commands a fine view of the country to the westward. The work has been under the imme- diate superintendence of the architect, Thomas Sargent. Near by is the residence of WUliam H. Shoenberger, which is an elegant edifice, trimmed with freestone, entered by a roomy porch, and partially surrounded by verandas. This was erected by John A. D. Burrows, al)Out the year 1847, and subsequently improved by K. A. Whetstone. Mr. 46 ■ SlMhlMThs of CirLG'LTLlXCLt'b . Shoenberger has eighteen acres of land, and enjoys a fine hiwn, evergreens, flowers and forest trees, among which rustic seats have been erected. Beyond Mr. Shoenberger's, on the right, just as the avenue turns sharply to the left, is the place of the late R. B. Bowler. Here Mr. Bowler, in 1844, purchased about seventy acres, upon which, in 1846, he built a resi- dence, to which he soon thereafter removed. At the gate is the porter's lodge, now occupied by Mr. Rice, the gardener of the premises. This passed, a smooth graveled drive, skirting the brow of the hill, leads to the family mansion. To the right is the valley far below, with beautiful gar- dens. Spring Grove Cemetery, the remote farms, the hill-sides and distant villages; to the left, the beautiful green lawn, intersected by graveled walks, with here and there an old forest tree, and, at intervals, groups of young native and foreign trees, which invite one to then- refreshing shade or their rich and rare foliage. The dwelhng is a large two-story brick edi- fice, stuccoed in imitation of stone, with broad porches looking out to the west and north, and an extensive terrace on the south. Though the house is superbly finished, and within has rare attractions, it is not the sole dis- tinguishing feature. Claiming a share of the honors of the place are the splendid landscapes that open up and down the valley; the distant hills of Kentucky upon the south and the highlands on the north ; the profusion of foreign forest and ornamental trees, and the ten extensive green-houses, filled with the richest flowers of our country and the rarest varieties of for- eign lands. In one house are collected ninety varieties of camelias, sixty of begonias, and the sago palm, with trunk a foot in diameter, together with a splendid specimen of the century plant. Then there is the orchid- house, containing the largest collection of orchids, or plants that live with- out soil or moisture, save what is contained in the atmosphere, that is found in the United States. In addition to these is the banana-house, containing eight banana trees, whose green, fleshy-looking trunks are now full grown. Here, the year round, may be seen the fruit of the tropics, abundant under the warm skies of the South, but rare enough amidst the ice and snows of this latitude. CUfbon. 47 Among the rich collection of trees there are eleven varieties of magnolia one of the few variegated weeping lindens of the country ; the mountain, vari" egated, and striped-bark English maple; Tartarian maple; the curled-leaf, willow-leaf, walnut-leaf, black, weeping dwarf, and variegated English ash ; a great variety of the Englisli elm, besides five varieties of the linden. There are also the hardy pines of this country, England and Norway. This is but an allusion to a part of the rich collection Avhich stud these grounds. In the lake on these ^jremises are one pair each of black and white swans, the former now the oldest that are in this country. The Bowler property has had the same superintendent, James Cluxton, for twenty years. These premises, during the absence of Mrs. Bowler in Europo, have been the hospitable home of her brother, the Hon. Geo. H. Pendleton. On Crescent avenue, near the base of the hill, is the residence of J. C. Ringwalt — a substantial edifice, with tower, veranda on the south, and pleasant surroundings. Mr. Ringwalt has evergreens and shrul)bery, besides a pretty lakelet wliieh lie has formed in the ravine that passes through his premises in the rear. He ha^^ about eight acres of land, and enjoys a place of unusual retirement and beauty. Below him are the premises of Thomas L. Brown, consisting of six acres of land and a spacious dwelling, with comfortable surroundings. Beyond this is the old home of W. G. W. Gano, who, in tliis retired sj^ot, has lived from the earliest history of Clifton. On Resor avenue, after passing Theodore Cook's property, on the south side of the avenue, is the place of Mrs. C. W. Ellis, consisting of an ele- gant building, with Mansard roof and tower. Tlie grounds are handsome, and a rustic fence separates the property from the avenue. West of this is the dwelling and comfortable suri'oundings of General Yorke. Immediately adjoining are the premises of George W. McAlpin, consist- ing of two and a half acres of land, and a spacious residence, with French 48 BibhiuTh s of Oznoii%n.cbi-L . roof, and verandas on the north and east. INIr. INIcAlpin's grounds are attractive, and his home one of comfort and taste. At the end of the avenue, on one of the most ehgible sites in CHfton, is the residence of David Gibson, built about sixteen years ago by Eeuben Resor. Mr. Gibson has here made very valuable improvements. The house is a spacious one, with an ample veranda, and an exterior both imposing and attractive. The interior finish of the building is of a beau- tiful cliaracter. The halls are wide and airy, and the rooms large and well finished. The landscape from this place, embracing Mt. Auburn and the valley of Millcreek, and parts of Avondale, is unusually attractive. Returning to Glenway, on the north side is the dwelling of James R. Smith, an edifice surrounded by verandas, about which vines and flowers are skillfully trained. The lands, comprising six acres, he high and hand- somely, and are well covered with forest trees and evergreens. Mr. Smith has also a beautiful lawn. Next on the east are about three acres, owned by S. Holmes, on which he has erected a handsome residence, with verandas looking both to front and west. His grounds are well shaded and set with evergreens and flowers. The next improvement on Glenway is that of S. C. Foster, with verandas frontiiig both on Glenway and Carthage road. This is a tasteful resi- dence, two stories, with Mansard roof, built on an elevation that rises sud- denly from the Carthage road on the east, and beautifully from Glen- way. Mr. Foster has twelve acres, well covered with young forest trees and evergreens. All these places to which we have alluded on Glenway have well-con- structed carriage drives intersecting their grounds, by Avhich the buildings are approached. North of Mr. Holmes', S. G. Sterling has recently erected a handsome dwelling. Mr, Sterling has a lot of four acres, which is approached by Biddle street, a short, new street running north between Mr. Holmes' and Mr, Foster's premises. CUfton. 49 On the south-east corner of Glenway and Bvookline avenue, E. T. Kidd, of the Cincinnati Gazette, last year finished a very tasteful residence. The house is a two-story brick, amply supplied with verandas, and, in addi- tion, has what is beautiful, but rare in this country, a bay window at the angle. His dwelling is furnished with the modern improvements, and his couimanding lot of five acres gives him an outlc^ok which is exceedingly desirable. Between Brookline avenue and the Carthage road, Alexander Lewis has a tract of about twelve acres. Though jNIr. Lewis' residence is near and immediately above the Carthage road, it is api)roached through his ample grounds, which are entered at the intersection of Brookline and Ludlow avenues. He has a lakelet, plenty of fruit trees, and a very eligible location. On the Carthage road is the place of Judge William Johnson, who has twenty-eight acres, upon which is a stone dwelling, built many years ago. On Ludlow avenue is the dwelling of Willitun ^Veighell and the new residence of P. McAvoy; on the south-east corner of Clifton avenue, the neat dwelling of P. ^L Hirst; diagonally opposite the latter, the Bryant premises, lately much improved. On the south side of Ludlow avenue, west of Clifton avenue, is the new residence of Richard Smith, of the Cincinnati Gazette, Few persons have been so fortunate iu the selection of sites. From an elevated position, jNIr. Smith looks out upon the splendid improvements on the north, and enjoys the distant landscapes in which this locality is so rich. His residence is of brick, two stories, Avith observatory, and spacious portico looking to the ave- nue. His parlors, librar}', and every thing, indeed, pertaining to the prem- ises, are characterized by simple elegance. Tlie entire house is suppUed with hot and cold water, and no appointment seems wanting to make it one of the most complete suburban homes. Following, successively, are the cottage of Mr. Nash ami the residences of Charles jVI. Shays and John G. Brotherton. StiU farther west, Howell Gano has purchased ten acres, and has erected 50 BiyihiMThs of CiTboinncbtz . a pleasant frame dwelling, which he will occupy until he makes the more valuable improvements, which are in contemplation. On the opposite side of Ludlow avenue, Theophilus Jones has a lot of five and three-quarters acres, and a desirable residence. Not remote from tliis, but on Lafayette avenue, are the premises of Daniel Bowdle, consisting of twenty-six acres of land and two dwellings — one occupied by his son and the other by himself. CHURCHES. The first churcli was erected in Clifton twenty years ago, and was known as CHfton Chapel. This was the old buUding recently vacated, at the inter- section of Lafayette and Crescent avenues. In this Bishop Mcllvaine officiated uutU Rev. Wm. F. Lloyd was procured, about wliich time a par- ish was regularly organized. This was occuj^ied until the 19th of January, 1868, when Calvary Church was completed. This new church edifice is ele- gant in its proportions and beautiful in design. It is built of blue limestone, with rich freestone quoins and angles. The general style is Gothic, with nave and small transepts. Looking to the avenue is a cluster of elegant, narrow, longitudinal windows. The roof is steep and covered with slate. The tower, for symmetry and elegance, has among the smaller church edi- fices of the country, few equals. Unlike the less enduring slate, with which many towers and spires are now covered, it is built of freestone to the very summit, and conveys to the mind the idea of grace combined with solidity and safety. Throughout generations, without the interposition of mechanic or artisan, it will stand the same enduring monument to the taste and liber- ality of the people. The interior is neat and tasteful. The pews are open, and the wood-work is composed largely of oak and other white woods. The entire cost of the edifice was about $60,000. This congregation has also a parsonage, located on Crescent avenue, between Mr. Ring^valt's premises and Mr. Buchanan's. It is a neat cot- tage, nestled in a little nook of about two acres, with pleasant surroundings. C Lift on. ol The rector is Rev. G. D. E. Mortimer. The Sabbath-school is in charge of Caldwell Neave. SCHOOLS. Clifton has an excellent public school. The old building, a two-story l)rick, erected about ten years ago, has recently been supplanted by a build- ing that would do honor to any place. This is known as Resor Academy and Clifton Literary Institute. It was completed in February, 1870, and on the evening of the second of that month was dedicated with approj^riate cere- monies, in the presence of a large audience. The edifice is a very large two- .story brick, with a main building presenting its fi-ont to Chfton avenue, and commodious wings stretching on either side. The hea^y brick walls are relieved by ashlar Avork of freestone. A heavy square tower rises from the south wing, bearing a bell of considerable dimensions, and also displaying a town clock of unique construction. Besides being w'ell supplied with rooms for study and recitation, the building contains one of the most elegant halls in the comity. In this the citizens of this delightful suburb have their lec- tures, concerts, etc., and by its aid have little trouble in finding compensa- tion for absence from the amusements of the city. The school has been until recently under the charge of Mr. S. G. Ster- ling, with one female assistant, Ish. Sterling was a teacher in Clifton twenty years. No greater tribute could be paid any teacher than to employ him for a period so long. The school has been eminently successful, and it is largely due to his untiring labors. A wonderful advance has taken place in the price of lauds in this locality since public attention was first turned in this direction. In the year 1844 James Robb, of New Orleans, a prominent banker, now of New York City, purchased about sixty-five acres of land, comprising what is now the Bennett, Taylor and Ellis property, for which he paid 665 per acre. In 1849 this was sold by him for $275 per acre, and six years afterward a portion of the same lands was sold for $1,000 per acre. Early 52 SiMhiMThs of 0^->^G^7^^^0yt^. in 1868 lands belonging to the Bryant estate, on Clifton and Ludlow ave- nues, sold at an average of about $3,000 per acre. This indicates that eligible lands in this locality have increased about forty-six hundred per cent, in twenty-four years. Tlie following gentlemen are officers of Clifton for 1870-71 : Mayor — Robert Hosea. Clerk— S. G. Sterling. Trustees of Council — William Resor, James Bugher, Henry Pro- BASCO, Thomas Sherlock, Richard Smith, S. C. Foster. School Directors— Gazzam Gano, J. L. Wayne, Jr., Theodore Cook. j:.Oi.^-i;Q-E; jiiJ,i OLLEGE HILL is a name with which nearly every one acquainted with Cincinnati is fomiliar. The location of one of the largest ,, W' female schools in the West; the seat of a once popular college, (^eJ and at an early period the possessor of a large academy from which the former grew, it needs, as an educational point, no introduction. In the history of the place the Gary family have performed an important part. ]Much of the land upon ^\•hich the village is built was originally owned by Wm. Gary. Freeman G. Gary, the son, was the founder of Gary's Acad- emy and Farmers' College, and both he and his brother have been identified with the educational history and progress of the place from the beginning. College Hill is about five miles from the northern limits of the city, a few degrees west of north from the court-house, and embraces a little less than a section of land. It includes a fraction more than the west half of section thirty of Millcreek township, besides about one-third of section thirty-six, which lies immediately west. The place is square, with the exception that nearly thirty acres, belonging to Zebulon f^trong, are taken froni the south-east cor- ner. William Gary, as far back as September 8, 1813, purchased four hundred and ninety-one and one-half acres, from section thirty, of Jabez G. Tunis, who procured his title from Xehemiah Tunis. The latter purchased both this and section thirty-six from John Cleves Synnnes, in October, 179(1. For this large tract Mr. Gary paid S3,440, a sum which would now scarcely 54 Szohzoi-Jjs of CzThGznrzcL-t'b. buy an eKgible lot in the same locality. Its schools created the village. Allusion has been made to Gary's Academy, which was established by and named for Freeman G. Cary. A good school brought with it, one by one, desirable families, who came to the place to educate their children and enjoy the general benefits to be derived from proximity to educational institutions. About the year 1855 many Cincinnati ^^eople began to feel like seeking country homes. At this time there came to College Hill such men as Charles Cist, D. B. Pierson, G. Y. Roots, Rev. Clement E. Babb, George C. Knight, Norris S. Knight, Charles E. Cist, J. C. C. Holenshade, and A. D. E. Tweed. It was not long before it began to be seen how railroads were to almost annihilate distance, equalize values, and sweeji population out over the hills, where they could have the fresh air of heaven and revel amid the beauties of nature. College HiU had enterprising citizens, who took hold of matters in earnest, and soon gave the village a new life. An event trifling in itself had not a little to do in acquainting people with the singular beauty and desirableness of this locahty. This was the opening to boarders, during the summer vacation, of the Ohio Female College. Hundreds visited College Hill for the first time; and many, after having enjoyed the cool nights, pure air and splendid landscape, returned to the city with reluctance. People learned, too, that though the hiUs were high, they were by no means as difiicult of ascent as the Alps. Thus iDublic attention was directed to College Hill, and a new impetus given to its progress. In 1866 the village was incorporated, and since that time the authorities have entered upon a general system of improvement. Sti-eets have been laid out and macadamized, sidewalks authorized and constructed, new school buildings projected, and a general advance made in all that pertains to the growth and prosperity of a village. The location of College Hill is among the highest in Hamilton county. The air is salubrious, and the locality one generally of remarkable health. The scenery is not excelled, if, indeed, it is equaled, by any about C'incin- College Hill. 55 nati. From tlie eligible points of the hiU, panoramas are spread out which almost rival mountain regions in beauty and extent. FARMERS COLLEGE. Farmers' College is an institution that has been well known throughout Ohio and adjoining states for twenty years. It has seen times of great prosperity, when its halls were crowded with students, and again when it has had little more than an existence. The effort, years ago, to endow an agricultural professorship was by no means successful, and the college labored under the embarrassment of a debt it could not pay. This was the situation five years ago, when an effort was made by its friends to relieve it of its indebtedness and restore it to its former prosperity. It was thought by them tlie better com'se to convert the unprofitable real jDroperty of the col- lege into money with which the debts could be paid, and to use the residue for the benefit of the school. Accordingly, an act was procured from the legislature enabhng them to seU the lands, and, after the payment of the debts, to provide an irreducible fund, the interest of which was to be faith- fully used for the conduct of the school. The land used for agricultural and horticultural purposes was sold under this authority, and fi-om the ninety-two acres was realized a sum sufficient to pay the indebtedness and leave a balance of about fifty-two thousand dollars, which will constitute a fund, the interest of which will be a source of constant revenue to the insti- tution. In 1867-8 two professors were employed, J. C. Brodfuehrer and jNIr. Hoffman. Since then Mr. Hoffman has retired and C\ H. Gerard become liis successor. The average attendance during the past two years has been about thirty-five scholars. Professor C. D. Curtis was re-elected President of the Faculty at the reorganization, and has held the position to the present time. It wiU thus be seen that this institution of learning is placed in a situation where it can, with proper management on the part of those engaged in the actual educational labor of the school, either tui-n its attention to creating an academy with facilities for taking a fi'ont rank 56 KDZohuyThs of CijzGZTzizcLti. among such institutions of the land, or even aspiring to a collegiate position iiot inferior to the one occupied by it during its palmiest days. The building is one hundred and twenty feet front by forty-eight feet in depth, is three stories, and is j)i"ovided vdth a large chapel and two good, well-furnished society rooms. OHIO FEMALE COLLEGE. The charter of this institution was procured in 1848, Justice ]\IcLean being the first president of the board of trustees. Originally it was an individual enterprise, with a board of trustees having only advisory power. This state of things continued until the year 1865, at which time the prop- erty was owned by Samuel F. Cary, Franklin Y. Vail and Joseph Brown. Late in this year the interests of the two former were purchased by the board of trustee-, witli means raised l)y subscription for this purpose. In the following year Mr. Brown's interest was also purchased, when the entire institution was vested in the president and board of trustees. Tins disposition of the i^roperty was regarded as a favorable change, and the school was progressing admirably under the ncAv administration, when, on the 23d of April, 1868, the main building Avas completely destroyed by fire, it being the second time a calamity of this kind had befallen the institution. AVhile the building was yet burning, a meeting of the board of trustees and citizens was called at the house of J. C C. Holenshade, at which, with a courage and liberality equally commendable, it was determined to con- tinue the school to the close of that collegiate year. The citizens generally came forward, and made provision at their own houses for the houseless young ladies until the close of the following June. At the same meeting it was also determined to make an attempt to rebuild. Energetic efforts were at once put forth, and within a few months a new building arose out of the ashes of the old, far exceeding it in beauty of architecture and convenience of arrangement. OolleQ;e Hill. 57 The new building is constructed of brick, with freestone (juoins and trimmings, tower and INIansard roof The style is composite. The build- ing has, including the basement, four stories, and consists of three divis- ions — the central sixty by sixty-five feet, and two wings forty by fifty feet each. In the central part are the reception room, lilirary and reading rooms, oflices of president, superintendent, board of trustees, etc. These are all in the basement and on the first floor. In the north Aving, occupying both the basement and the first floor, is the chapel, the full size of the Aving. The remainder of the first floor is devoted to recitation and society rooms. In the south Aving, in the basement is the dining room, the full size of that Aving. The rest of the building is used for dormitories. Each room is large enough for tAvo young ladies, and has one or two AvindoAvs hung Avith A'enetian blinds, Avith transom in the door, and a complete system of A-entilation. Running around the entire building, on each floor, saA'e A\here interrupted by the chapel and dining room, are c:)rridors, eight feet Avide, by which all the dormitories are brought into direct and convenient communication Avith the chapel and recitation rooms. The rooms for the teachers are so arranged as to command a full view of the corridor Avith A\hich they are connected. Each floor is proAaded Avith water closets, and the bath rooms are supplied Avith hot and cold Avater. The entire building is heated by steam generated in a separate building, and the cook- ing is done in an apartment remoA'cd from the main structure, so that there is no fire Avhatever about the building. Fire plugs and hose are provided cm each floor, so that a recurrence of the late calamity Avill hardly be pr»- sible. The building is lighted Avith gas, and furnished Avith all the modern couA'eniences. The toAver is called the Alunma? ToAver, each gi'aduate of the institution having furnished one of the stone quoins that enter into its construction. This is surmounted by an observatory, and the roof of the center building is surrounded by an iron lialustrade, in order to allow the area to be used for promenading. The grounds surroundiiiir the building consist of scA-enteen acres of hand- 58 S'U'h'bL'rhs of GinQinixcLt'i . somelv-i'olling lands, with well-grown forest, shade and ornamental trees, and an artificial lake. In 1868 Rev. N. C Burt, D.D., was elected to the presidency of the institution. His well-known abilities, varied attainments, high character and excellent reputation, all combined to make the selection one of singular fitness, and to secure the success of the college under his administration. AVENUES. The principal streets are the old Hamilton road, now called Hamilton avenue, and Colerain avenue, which leaves the Hamilton road at the site of the old Gary's Academy. The former is sixty feet wide, well macadam- ized, and has graveled sidewalks, ten feet in width, finished as far north as Linden avenue. Colerain avenue, which bears ofi' to the west from Ham- ilton avenue, is fifty feet wide. The streets are macadamized and sidewalks constructed generally eight feet in width. Running across from Hamilton to Colerain avenue, immediately opposite Farmers' College, is Locust ave- nue, recently well graded and macadamized. On the north side of this is the post-office and two or three dwelhngs, while on the south is a beautiful locust grove of perhaps two acres. The next avenue, on the north, run- ning east and west, is Laurel, fifty feet in width. Running parallel with this is Maple avenue, sixty feet wide. Next is Cedar avenue, the western part of which was laid out in 1866. Nearly all of these new avenues have young shade trees upon either side, affording already an earnest of the com- fort and beauty which are ultimately to be enjoyed in this part of College Hill. Last, on the north, is North Bend road, which runs east and west on the section line, and is the northern boundary of the village. About a fourth of a mile from the western limits of the corporation, Knight avenue, formerly Badgley road, intersects, at right angles. North Bend road. This avenue runs south, and intersects Colerain avenue, near the residence of Mr. Knight. The lands in this locality have all been laid oflf in large lots, upon which the owners contemplate the erection of dwellings at no distant day. College Hill. 59 After reaching the Colerain road, having passed Kiiight uveinie, Badgley road is attained. This leads southwardly to Cuniininsville. Thus have been named the avenues west of Hamilton avenue. But the.'e are not all. Leaving the latter at the Presbyterian Church is Linden ave- nue, a well-paved street, that runs to the east corporation line, and con- tinues thence to Spring Grove Cemetery. Cedar avenue and Xorth Bend road run eastwardly from Hamilton avenue, the former intersecting the Arnold and the latter the Winton road. A street railway has been projected from Cuniminsville to jMt. Pleasant, via Badgley valley, west of the HamiUon road. It is intended to reach Col- lege Hill in the western part of the village, and will, if completed, not onh- open up at once a new and popular avenue along the route, but give an increased impetus to the growth of tliis place. RESIDENCES. College Hill can boast of u nundjer of handsome residences. That of J. C. C. Holenshade, for beauty of situation and architectural grace, will bear a favorable compariscm with any about Cincinnati. Those fomiliar with College Hill will remember this as the former residence of Freeman G. Gary. It was purchased in 1861 by Mr. Holenshade, who at once began improvements, Avhicli liave materially contributed to the beauty of the premises. A wide stone pavement, skirted by shade trees, extends along the entire front on Hamilton avenue, while from his residence the lawn, with its green carpet, rolls aAvay to the east and south in graceful undula- tions. AVell-grown evergreens adorn the grounds, and occasional fruit trees furnish ample shade, while they combine utility with comfort and beauty. South of the dwelling, near the avenue, is an artificial lake. The house is a large two-story brick building, with a basement of cut free- stone, which, being principally above ground, gives the edifice substantially three stories. The entire front is embraced by a porch supported by Cor- inthian ])illars. In the interior arrangement comfort and good taste have been 60 BiAyhuyThs of O'inG'LTincLt'b . equal]}' consulted. From the observator}' one looks upon the village spread out at his feet, while in the distance suburban places, villages and farms succeed each other, until he asks himself if there is really any limit to the beautiful landscapes that seem every where to unfold themselves. South-east of Mr. Holenshade's, on the opposite side of Hamilton avenue, is the residence of D. B. Pierson, erected three years ago, decidedly tasteful, and surrounded by beautiful grounds. Mr. Pierson has about ten acres of land and a fine lawn, through which a well-kept drive winds to his house. He enjoys a charming view in the direction of Cincinnati. North of Mr. Pierson's are the residences of the Rev. Robert Crossette, INIrs. Sarah Wilson and G. F. Sadd, all of them comfortable homes, on lots of from four to five acres, with beautiful surroundings. Immediately north of the Female College, on Hamilton avenue, is the residence of Mr. Hayden, ]"»leasantlv situated on a lot of about two acres. Oi^posite this, on the west side of the avenue, is the dwelling of Dr. A. G. McChesney, a neat, com- fortable home. North of the public school building, on the east side of the avenue, are the residences of Lawrence Deininger, Amos Worthington and John W. Hammitt, all of them tasteful — the two latter on large lots, ^vitli beautiful shrubbery. On the west side of the avenue, near the northern boundary of tlie village, is the old residence of William Cary, by whose widow it i-; yet occupied. On the north-west corner of Hamilton and Laurel avenues John R. Davy has about seven acres of the Farmers' College tract, upon which, in 1868, lie ei'ected a fine residence. It is a handsome structure, of the Italian style, uniting elegance and convenience in all its appointments. From the tower a magnificent prospect is obtained. Mr. Davy has a beautiful site for his dwelling, having procured that part of the farm upon which a large amount of money and labor Avas expended in creating a botanical garden in connection with the college. The lands lie handsomely, and are well cov- ered with all kinds of shade and ornamental trees. This is one of the most desirable places in College Hill. Among the notable places of C'ollege Hill is the well-known one of tlie College IIzll. 61 Hun. Samuel F. C'arv. Occupying u good position uj)on tlie hill, which begins to descend .southwardly near this point, he enjoys a fine landscape to the south-east. His dwelling is unpretentious but neat, and surrounded l\v beautifid shrul)bery. He has about twenty-seven acres of land. Immediately upon the south is the property of the Davis heirs, now occu- pied by O. J. AVilson. The grounds, consisting of five acres, are covered with shrubbery and shade trees. On Colerain avenue are some pleasant homes. That of the late Cha.^. Cist, on the east, is a neat dwelling, surrounded by well-shaded, ample grounds. On this avenue, too, is the former residence of the late General i-'. J. McGroarty, a snug cottage, ^vith a veranda in front, well covered with vines and flowers. The neatness of the house is no less observable than the com- plete order and good taste displayed in its sm'roun dings. On the north side of Laurel avenue, near Colerain, Mrs. Wild and Pro- fessor J. H. Wilson have pleasant homes. Here, too, Robert Simpson is no^v• finishing a two-stor}' frame residence, with tower and ample verandas. The new building is tasteful and attractive. On Cedar avenue, where it makes the angle, E. P. Strong, in 1869, erected a neat two-story frame cottage. The site is among the best on Col- lege Hill. Captain A. D. E. Tweed, on (Jolerain avenue, has one of the finest sites on the hill. It is said to be exceeded in altitude by but one location in Hamilton county. From the observatory of his dwelling a panorama of rare beauty and extent is unfolded. The Kentucky hills ai-e in open view for miles; the lower part of Cincinnati can be easily seen ; while the fine suburbs of the city complete a picture wliicli certainly luis no superior in Cincimiati's surroundings. Captain Tweed has twenty acres of land, and a spacious dw'elling, erected in 1>^(>5. Among the handsome new places of the hill is that recently sold by George C. Knight to Mrs. Sarah J. Kennedy, on the corner of Colerain and Knight avenues, situated ui)on a beautiful elevation, from which are 62 SzohiiThs of Ci^noinncLti. enjoyed extensive views. There are here a fine conservatory and flower garden, and a pleasant lawn. Immediately east, fronting Cedar avenue, is the residence of James Skardon, erected in 1867, occup}ang a very eligible position, on five acres (if land that decline gracefully to the south. On the south-west corner of Coleram avenue and Badgley road is the neat cottage of Captain Kates, with shrubbery and pleasant surroundings. On the west side of the latter road is the comfortable home of George Henshaw, while immediately adjoining it on the south is a new dwelling erected by Mr. Knight, who has also erected at the head of this road, on Colerain avenue, a tasteful residence, with such appointments as make it a desirable property. Farther south, on a site of rare beauty, is the resi- dence of Wm. C. Huntington. 3Ir. Huntington looks down in the direc- tion of the Ohio river, upon a landscape of unusual beauty, enjoying, upon the one hand, the prospect of his own farm of sixty acres, and, upon the other, the handsomely-rolling lands of Mrs. Jane J. Kennedy, the estate of E. C. Morris, and Charles E. Cist, that lie off to the south and east. On the south-east corner of Colerain avenue and Badgley road is u dwelling owned by Mrs. Jane J. Kennedy, well sii})plied with verandas and surrounded by a profusion of shrubbery. The place is a very pretty one, and eligibly located. On Colerain avenue Mr. D'Oisy has a tasteful c(jttage. The home of the Rev. E. L. Davies, on the corner of Locust and Cole- rain avenues, is a pleasant one, surrounded with flowers and plants of our own country, besides many valuable exotics. Daniel Flannn, on the east side of Colerain avenue, between Maple and Cedar avenues, has a neat frame residence and five acres of eligible land. At the intersection of Colerain and Hamilton avenues, N. 8killman, last year erected a large frame storeroom, to the north and rear of which he has also a neat two-story dwelling. On Linden avenue there are several pleasant dwellings. Among them are those of ]\Irs. Dr. Litzenberg, Mrs. S. B. Brooks ( now occupied by O. F. College Hzll. 63 Gordon), Prof. Jacob Tuckernian (occupied by Mrs. Locke), Josiah Wilder, Frank Howard (the present residence of C. S. Bates), and Mrs. Williams. On the south-east corner of this and Hamilton avenue is the residence of Mrs. Judge Miller. The catalogue of property holders, with tlieir improvements, is now well nigh complete. A few places, however, remain, to which not more than an allusion has been made, namely: The post-office, on Locust avenue, pre- sided over by Edward DeSerisy; the tasteful home of W. E. Watson, on the same avenue ; and the pleasant dwelling of Mrs. Wheelock. On the east side of Colerain avenue are the residences occupied by Mrs. Snowden and A. A. Upson. Near the junction of this and Hamilton avenue is the dwelling of Rev. W. H. Rogers. On the North Bend road, near the north-eastern coi-porate limits, E. I\ Strong has a place of twelve acres, with a pleasant dwelling, surrounded by shrubbery. J. C. Morrison, on Knight avenue, has a nice two-story frame cottage and an eligible lot of six acres. The surroundings are noticeable for their neatness, as well as natural beauty. Still farther west, but on Colerain avenue, William Donnelly is prepar- ing to build, and will, during the approaching season, put up a fine resi- dence. But we must not forget the ancient landmarks ; and other persons, who are almost, yet not quite citizens, will forgive this exception. Though the venerable Zebulon Strong is outside the corporate limits, his place of thirty acres is contiguous on the south. The old farm house is simple and plain, but nature offers what palatial splendor can not supply, distant landscapes of the rarest beauty. CHURCHES. The First Presbyterian Church was organized in the year 1858, by thirty- three members of the Presbyterian ( 'luircli of Mt. Pleasant. One of the prime movers in the matter was the Rev. \\. H. Bishop, D.D., then of Farmer.s' 64 BiyLhuy'/^hs of CiixGinizcLt', College. For some time following they worshiped in the college chapel, from which they removed to their present church edifice about fifteen years ago. Tlieir i)astor, the Rev. E. L. Davies, who has recently resigned to enter upon another field of labor, has been with them about five years. The church building is a capacious brick structure, well finished, with gallery, white pine pews, good furniture, neat lecture room on the same floor, and a thousand-dollar organ. Like the beautiful church at Clifton, the spire is the prominent object of the village. Grace Episcopal Church was organized in 1866. The congregation occu- pied the chapel of Farmers' College until early in 1867, when they com- pleted, on the site of the old Cary's Academy, on the corner of Hamilton and Colerain avenues, at an expense, including lot, of $16,000, a beautiful brick echfice, which is a great credit to the society. Its extreme length, including porch, is seventy-eight feet ; length of transept, sixty-five feet. The pews are neatly constructed of pine and black Avalnut, and cushioned Avith red damask. The lecturns are neat pieces of workmanship, in black walnut, while the white marble font, which stands just outside the chancel, is a work of simple elegance which every one will admire who visits the church. The rector is the Rev. R. T. Kerfoot, formerly of Dayton, Ohio. There is, in addition, a church erected on Cedar avenue, for the use of the various denominations of the colored people. Service is held here from time to time, and a colored school, in charge of the Rev. W. H. Rogers, occupies the building during the week. Both the Presbyterian and Episcopal Churches sustain good Sabbath- schools. The understanding between the denominations is such, too, that each helps the otlier in this commendable Avork. PUBLIC SCHOOLS. While this pleasant village is distmguished for its colleges, its public schools have by no means been neglected. Immediately north of the Pres- b}terian Church, on Hamilton avenue, in an unpretending brick structure, College Hzll. . 65 an excellent school has been in operation, in charge of Miss Harriet N. Wilson, aided by two assistants. There is a large attendance of scholars, and the course is one that reflects credit on all concerned. The present (quarters are not equal to their wants, Init tliis will soon he remedied by the erection of a spacious new school buikUiiM, I'oi- whicli funds have been accumulating during a period of several years. The authorities have already acquired a lot for the purpose, on Maple avenue. The most direct route to College Hill is by way of the Hamilton turn- pike. Omnibuses leave the city regularly fjr this place, and also connect several times during the day with the trains at C'umminsville, which is two miles from College Hill. The village has a population of about eight hundred, and has the advantage of having neither liquor shop nor any tiling of the kind A\itliin its limits. A better index to the character of its population could, per- haps, not be found than the latter fact. The society is good, and must continue so. To a certain extent, indeed, it revolves about the educational institutions, and finds them a never-failing source of protit and plea. ure. The mimicipal ofticers of College Hill for 1870-71 are as follows: 3Iayor — Cyrus S. Bates. Council — Long Term : D. B. Piekson, W. C. Huntington, E. De- Serisy. Short Term : Eber Strong, A. A. Upson, R. Simpson. Recorder — W. S. Ro