Old Memories: Amusing and HistoricalMacPherson, Daniel, Mrs.
History
Old Memories: Amusing and Historical
MacPherson, Daniel, Mrs.
Québec (Québec) -- Description and travel
I was unfortunately prevented from visiting Roberval until late in the
season—in fact, only a few weeks before the hotel closed—but I saw
enough to confirm my first impressions as to its desirability as a
summer resort for people who really need to recuperate after the wear
and tear of town life. It was late in August, a cold spell was on; we
arrived per railroad on Pullman car, which brings you to the very gate
of the hotel premises. A dull heavy rain came down as we got off the
cars, but what of that? you are ushered into a hallway where burns a
generous grate fire. Courteous officials greet you and inquire your
wants. Shown to a comfortable bedroom, and then to a supper as good in
quality as meals served in most town hotels, with excellent attendance,
you fancy you are in fairy land, as, gazing on the wild country around,
you remember that this locality a few years ago was not even inhabited
by farmers, but all was bush. Ushered into the ladies’ parlor you are
greeted by a most winning hostess, Mrs. Scott, daughter of the Honorable
Mr. Shehyn, who, residing here at present with her children, does the
honors, and welcomes you as if to her own private parlor. The season
was so nearly over there were comparatively few guests, but those of the
most pleasant—Dr. and Mrs. Lovely, Rev. Mr. —— and his wife, and several
members of the Beemer family, who by their musical talents contributed
largely to our enjoyment. Roberval I am sure has a grand future before
it. Dr. Lovely, one of the most eminent physicians of the United States,
assured me that he had discovered coal-oil there, not five miles from
the hotel, and also some stone (I forget what) of which he was taking
specimens away with him. He said if it was what he thought, it would
indeed be a bonanza.
It appears to me that Roberval would be especially beneficial for those
suffering from nervous exhaustion or debility, or tendency to
consumption. The pure mountain air, the quiet, the absence of rush and
excitement, must surely be most grateful to such parties, while for
those who want a livelier existence, the trips in excursion steam-boats,
the visits to various other fishing grounds, the power of jumping on the
railroad that comes to your door and whirls you off for a few hours to
other lakes, is a matter not to be lost sight of. Added to the perfect
inside comfort of this hotel—baths on your bedroom flat—the immense
piazza runs the full length of the building, affording in wet weather an
excellent promenade, with a view of the lovely lake, and what I much
appreciated was the absence of the horrid gong calling you to meals.
Here you are told the time for meals, and if you so desire a civil
waiter calls you at the hour you name, but the fearful din that
elsewhere rouses you from your pet morning sleep is absent.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
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