"Come, and trip it, as you go,
On the light fantastic toe;
An in thy right hand bring with thee
The Mountain nymph, sweet Liberty."
[Milton 'L'Allegro'.
On Wednesday evening, the 18th. inst. the
first annual ball was opened at the Pine Orchard,
on the Catskill Mountains. Besides the ordinary
incidents of an Assembly, there was a novelty
and pleasure attached to this, which were altogether peculiar.
It was one of those clear and beautiful autumnal
days that seem to diffuse life and gladness
everywhere; the mountain scenery was in the
fulness of pride, and unusually imposing; and
the several parties arriving in the course of the
afternoon, were enabled to take views from the
Pine Orchard and South Mountain, which
for extent and variety are not surpassed by those
of any country. Fronting the ball-room, itself
at an elevation 2800 feet from the level of the
river, was the valley of the Hudson, traced by
the eye for a hundred miles, and embracing within
the area, cities and villages, the coursing of the
craft upon the river, and innumerable rich and
variegated landscapes, and all mellowed by the
pure atmosphere and the setting sun. Beyond,
were the distant high grounds of Vermont, New
Hampshire and Massachusetts. And all around
were the visible accomplishments of the bold and
powerful hand of Nature.
The ball-room had been added to the other
temporary buildings, within the last month. It
is 60 feet in length; and on this evening was
fancifully decorated ith the evergreens of the
mountain and lighted and prepared in excellent
taste. At seven the dance commenced agreeably
to the previous arrangements, attended by a
large number of ladies and gentlemen of the first
fashion and respectability, from the counties of
Albany, Columbia, Dutchess and Greene. The
Ancient Solitude of the Mountain seemed to
have been driven from this her favorite abode,
and to have retreated to the higher and denser
forests. None thought of sadness -
-"or made the night
A gloomy vigil, but a festal time,
Merrier than day."
Nothing can be more enlivening than the
appearance of this ample green arbour, radiant
with life and beauty, resounding with music, and
reflecting with its numerous lights the lively
and animating gestures of its inmates. Coffee
and refreshments were served in the course of the
evening; and at 2 o'clock the company retired
to their respective lodgings. The pleasure
depicted upon every countenance - the animation
and joy which prevailed every where - and the
striking display of beauty and taste - gave to this
first attempt the happiest and truest effect.
It is simple pastimes such as these that the
mind loves to dwell upon. It is then that the
feelings go abroad, and extend the links of that
chain of nice affinities that give a charm and
perfume to existence. Selfishness puts aside
its grossness, and learns to meet liberally and
warmly. Very narrow and pliable is the heart
that cannot share the proffered friendliness of a
fellow heart. Throughout, the scene was a novel
and happy one. And when one remembers
the cheerful and smiling faces around him,
the abounding gaiety and good humour, and the
beauty that animated the whole; and reflects
upon the friendships that are formed, the sympathies
that are enlarged, and the kindlier feelings
that are awakened; surely the thoughts of
these festive will not be hastily chased
away, nor the repetition of them be deemed
unwelcome.
[Catskill Recorder.
Webmaster's note: The ball was held to attract additional investors by a group of Catskill businessmen interested in building a hotel on the site. And it worked, for after the ball the Catskill Mountain Association was formed, and the Catskill Mountain House was built a year and a half later.
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