A view of which we herewith present, is one of the finest hotels, both
in point of its general arrangements and the natural advantages afforded
by its location, to be found at any pleasure resort on the river. It is
built on the solid rock, near the steamboat landing, and its windows
command an extensive prospect, both up and down the river and across the
Bay to Westminster Park. The view is still further expanded by
ascending the lofty tower which adorns the center of the structure,
rising 160 feet above the foundation, and surmounted with a balcony,
affording an outlook of surpassing loveliness and grandeur. The hotel is
the largest on the river, and will accommodate 700 guests.
[Illustration: THOUSAND ISLAND HOUSE, ALEXANDRIA BAY.]
Leaving Alexandria Bay, we are now in the midst of the most fashionable
part of the Thousand Island group. The residences are elegant in style
of architecture and general appointments, some of them being very
costly, their wealthy proprietors having lavished expenditure upon them
with unstinted hand. The captain will call many of them by name, the
islands having received their titles mostly from their present owners
and occupants, and are somewhat fanciful and often appropriate. For
instance “Fairy Land” seems a fitting abode for elfin sprites, although
equally attractive to humanity. Arcadia, Sport Island, Summerland,
Manhattan, Imperial, Welcome, Cozy, Nobby, and a host of other
cognomens, have been bestowed upon the charming spots where taste,
elegance, and refinement are exhibited, as art has united with nature in
making them veritable summer paradises, where, let us hope, no serpent’s
trail may mar the happiness of their possessors.
The last of the Thousand Islands are called the Three Sisters, from
their resemblance and proximity to each other. They are nearly opposite
Brockville on the Canada shore and Morristown on the New York side, the
two towns being directly opposite each other, the former the terminus of
the Canadian Pacific Railway, and the latter of the Utica & Black River
Railroad, needing only a bridge, with these islands as resting places
for the abutments, to unite the two roads in one continuous line.
Brockville, named in honor of General Brock, is called the “Queen City
of the St. Lawrence,” and there is something regal in its appearance to
warrant the bestowment of the title. Its glittering towers and church
spires give an appearance of splendor, which the tourist will observe as
a peculiarity of the Canadian cities to be seen in his trip, the metal
with which they are covered retaining its brightness in a remarkable
degree, owing to the purity and dryness of the atmosphere.