SUMMERING AT GRIMSBY PARK

[Welland Tribune, 23 July 1897]

GRIMSBY PARK, July 20-The season at this pretty summer home is at its height, and the month of August promises to be one of the most successful in its history. Those who come for a day have no idea of its attractions or comforts. Guests must become inmates of one of its excellent hotels or cozy cottages to enjoy the fullness of its health and rest-giving virtues. The public buildings and grounds are lighted with electricity, and pure spring water is in abundance. The lake in all its varying moods is a constant source of interest, and furnishes ample bathing, boating and fishing. The shady park and walks and picnic and play grounds are a veritable paradise for children-safe and inviting-where they may roam at their own sweet will. The driveways and bicycle paths in the parks, and the roads running in all directions-to Grimsby, Beamsville, Winona, Hamilton-furnish sport for the wheelwomen and wheelmen, who bowl over the smooth roads as over asphalted city streets. But the Temple is the centre of all attraction at this pretty place, and afternoon and evening programs of pleasure and profit are free to every “citizen” who supplies himself or herself with a ticket-the cost of which is 65 cents per week or $1.50 for the entire season (children under 13 years free). The recreation delightful, and gives just the right spice to the quiet and restful life at hotel and cottage. During this week two of the brightest little people on this continent have interested and amused large audiences at the auditorium-Master George Wills (soloist) of Chicago and Miss Winnifred G. Mills (elocutionist) of Hamilton. Better entertainers of such tender years are seldom seen on any stage or platform. It has been a week doubly delightful for the children. This week will close with a brilliant musical program by the famous 13^th battalion band of Hamilton on Saturday evening. Next week illustrated lectures by such well known orators as Rev. Dr. Geo. Peck, Rev. B. Fay Mills, Frank Yeigh and others, will be followed by another concert (on Friday) by the noble 13th battalion band- a soul-stirring musical treat. And through August the interest increases. No wonder the managers of hotels and owners of cottages look for a large and enthusiastic company of guests from now until the season closes. Few people have the proper idea of what a prominent watering place Grimsby Park has become, Grand Trunk trains, trolley cars, steamboats and all classes of vehicles land passengers at its very gates, and one can come and go at almost any hour. Within the park, happy contentment reigns supreme. There is no rush of electric cars, no smoke or dust to speak of, no liquor, no rough or rowdy element-the daily life is close to the ideal. President Phelps and his staff are tireless in their efforts to protect and to please patrons who make this their home for a day, a week, or a month. Kindly courtesy permeates the demeanor of every official, and visitors seem to be imbued with the same commendable affability. To the delightful surroundings, interesting services and good wholesome amusements, one must add another attraction-the park hotels. It is surprising how moderately one can live, and live well, at these well managed hotels. The Lakeview is located on the water front and the Park house is situated just south of the Temple. Both houses are managed by J.D. Strawn of Toronto, a gentleman who has made these hotels a pleasant summer abiding place for hosts of visitors. Mr. Strawn has also sole control of the restaurants and stores, and we hear naught but praise of his management. He supervises the business of all, but gives his personal attention largely to the Lakeview house, while Mr. Vanatter looks well after the comforts of the Park house guests. Furnished cottages may be rented at reasonable rates and splendid table board secured at the hotel at from $3.50 to $4.50 per week. If families prefer to provide their own meals, a first class general store, meat shop, daily produce market, dairy and every requisite are at their disposal, with prices no higher than in your own town. Comfortably housed in a roomy, flag-bedecked cottage overlooking the lake, we can, from experience, heartily recommend Grimsby Park as a model place for solid comfort during the sweltering months yet to come.  ROVER