In Paradise: A Trip to Chipola (Dead) Lakes, Florida, 1892

Chipola Lakes (Fla.) -- Description and travel

Lakes--Florida--Gulf County--Dead Lakes

Tourism

Pamphlet promoting Dead Lakes as a tourist attraction. Tourists could ride a steamer along the Chattahoochee River and stop at various towns along the way. The final destination was a two-week stay at the Lake View Hotel in Iola, Florida.

Gilbert, J.T.

State Library of Florida, Florida Collection

Thomas Gilbert (Columbus, Ga.)

1892

pamphlets

eng-US

Text

flc_917.59947-g465

Late 19th-Century Florida (1877-1900)

Dead Lakes (Fla.)

Gulf County (Fla.)

Iola (Fla.)

Columbus (Ga.)

Omaha (Ga.)

Eufaula (Ga.)

Fort Gaines (Ga.)

Columbia (Ala.)

Gordon (Ala.)

Neal's Landing (Fla.)

Blountstown (Fla.)

Chattahoochee (Fla.)

Calhoun County (Fla.)

Gadsden County (Fla.)

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Tourism And Attractions

Savannah, Florida & Western Railway

Lake View Hotel J.T. GILBERT, Manager, Iola, Fla. IN PARADISE. A TRIP TO CHIPOLA (DEAD) LAKES, FLORIDA. 800 MILES RIDE ON A BEAUTIFUL STEAMER, AND TWO WEEKS BOARD FOR ABOUT $16.50. COLUMBUS, GA: THOS GILBERT, PRINTER AND STATIONER. 1892.

Parties intending to visit the Lake on Fishing or Hunting Excursions, are requested to correspond with me sometime before coming, so that I may prepare ample accommodations for them. Address all communications to J.T. GILBERT. Iola, Fla. IN PARADISE A TRIP TO CHIPOLA (DEAD) LAKES, FLORIDA. 800 MILES RIDE ON A BEAUTIFUL STEAMER, AND TWO WEEKS BOARD FOR ABOUT $16.50. IN MAKING this trip you leave Columbus, Ga., on Saturdays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 8 A.M., arriving at the Chipola Lakes on Mondays, Thursdays and Saturdays. The gray mists of the morning hang over the beautiful Chattahoochee River as the gallant steamer ploughs her way bravely through the shining waters, leaving a track of white foam behind her.

-2- After leaving Columbus, the first place of importance is the new town of Omaha, Ga., with its handsome new bridge spanning the river. Along the river banks lie the richest agricultural lands in the State of Alabama, Georgia, Florida. Next comes Eufaula, Ala., with its wide streets, and then Fort Gaines, Ga., the "Bluff City of the Chattahoochee," lying two hundred feet above the river level; then Columbia and Gordon, Ala., both prosperous town. Next Neal's Landing, Fla., the home of the Florida syrup; then the village of Chattahoochee, where is located the Insane Asylum of Florida. Chattahoochee is the terminus of the Savannah, Florida & Western Railway. Forty miles distant up Flint River you can come to Bainbridge, Ga., which is on a big tobacco boom, where is located the large tobacco packing houses. Several thousand dollars a month is paid out here in wages account. The next place of importance is Ochesee, Fla., where two magnificent live oaks cover several acres of ground. Next is Blountstown, Bristol and Rico's Bluff. Next comes Iola, where you leave the steamer and take a hack ride of one and a half miles through beautiful pine forest, orange groves, etc., to the Lake View Hotel, located one hundred and fifty yards from the famous Lakes. The Lakes. The Chipola Lakes are a part of the Chipola River, a veritable sea in the woods, four miles wide at widest point and fifteen miles long; within sixteen miles of the Gulf of Mexico; in the same latitude as New Orleans, La., -3- and near the old Spanish town of Apalachicola, Fla. This is emphatically the Sportsman's Paradise. No finer hunting and fishing in the world can be found than here. There is an abundance of bear, deer, wild turkeys, and all kinds of sea birds -the beautiful pink curlew, the blue heron, wild geese, and so many other kinds that want of space forbids mention. Magnificent orange groves surround the lakes, the golden fruit hanging lusciously on the trees, while the early morning sun glitters across the water; long festoons of gray moss hang gracefully from the old trees that stand like grim sentinels on its banks. Beautiful spot! Long will its picture hang in your memory. The lakes cover an area of forty-five square miles, filled with the finest fish in the world, embracing every variety -bream, shell-crackers, trout, channel cat, pickerel, and many others. It is nothing to catch a hundred pounds of fish in an hour or two. Lake View Hotel, J.T. Gilbert, manager, is located one and a half miles from Lola (where you leave the steamer), and just one hundred and fifty yards from the Chipola Lakes. it will be opened to the public about the 1st of February, 1892. The Hotel will be very comfortable, and the very best of fare will be furnished. Freedom from city conventionalities, and hunting and fishing, and rowing on the Lakes, will be sure to furnish the

-4- appetite. No need to bring your ammunition with you. Ammunition, as well as cigars, cigarettes and tobacco, furnished at Hotel at lowest market prices. Telegraph office in the Hotel. Rates of board in reach of all. The scenery around the Lakes is beautiful and romantic. Last winter several hundred gentlemen, ladies and children visited these Lakes and went away delighted to repeat their visit. Coming from the snow-clad yellow oranges hanging side by side with green ones, and the rich creamy orange buds emitting a delicious fragrance at the same time. There is but one Florida in the world, and the remembrance of a few weeks spent in this heavenly clime will linger around like the memory of a dream. There is no finer place in the world to spend a few weeks than at the Lake View Hotel. Your ticket includes a trip to Apalachicola, Fla., overlooking the beautiful bay, where you can have the pleasure of seeing ships from all parts of the world. Here are the large oyster and fish packing houses, immense lumber mills, shingle mills, etc.; millions of feet of lumber are shipped annually. The sponge interest is of considerable importance here. Apalachicola has a history. At one time it was the third largest cotton market in the world. It has now about four thousand population. The points of interest in coming and returning from Columbus to Apalachicola, -5- with a week at Lake View Hotel, is well worth the money. Read what some of the leading physicians, health-seekers and sporting men say about the Lakes. Dr. E.D. Pitman, ex-Mayor of LaGrange, Ga., a celebrated physician of forty-five years' active practice in chronic diseases, writes as follows: LAGRANGE, GA., Dec. 7 1891. J.T. Gilbert, Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -In reply to your inquiry as to the Chipola Lake, I will say that I have spent twenty consecutive winters at the Lake and its immediate vicinity, and expect to spend the remaining winters of my life there. I believe it the best sanitary resort in winter that exists on the American continent. For those who suffer from indigestion, nervous weakness, weak lungs, or any kind of broken down constitution and general debility, this is certainly the place to renovate and recuperate. I have never known an invalid to visit the Chipola Lakes (and I have known many), who was not materially benefited. The Lake is in Calhoun county, two miles from the Iola Landing, on the Apalachicola River, and fifteen miles from the Gulf of Mexico. The bromine Gulf breeze comes to the Lakes daily, loaded with the balsamic influence of the intervening belt of pine forest, and gives new vital powers at each inspiration. The Lake abounds with the finest of fresh water fish, such as trout, pickerel, bream, and other scale fish, that can be taken in abundance during all the winter months by angling only, as it is impossible to use nets of any kind. Game is abundant, such as deer, ducks, turkeys, wild geese and other game of smaller size.

-6- When I first settled a winter home on the Lake it was a wilderness, with but few inhabitants; now it is a thriving village and growing with an astonishing rapidity. Ample accommodations now exist to accommodate a large number of pleasure and health-seekers, for both gentlemen, ladies and children. Respectfully, E.D. PITMAN, M.D. Read what George W. Truitt, the big Georgia farmer, has to say: LAGRANGE, GA., Dec. 7, 1891. J.T. Gilbert, Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -I was a sufferer for several years with indigestion, nervous prostration and loss of flesh. I spent the last two winters on the Chipola Lake, under advice of my physician, with hope the hope of having my health restored. The result surpassed my expectations, for I have completely recovered, and attribute my recovery solely to my stay at the Chipola Lakes. I shall leave again for the Lakes in a few days, with my family, for a pleasure trip this time. Respectfully, GEORGE W. TRUITT. LA GRANGE, GA., Dec. 7, 1891. J.T. Gilbert, Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -I first visited your Lake in 1884, solely for the pleasure of fishing and hunting. After making several visits I erected a cabin, for then there were no boarding houses. Since then I have met many distinguished Alabamians and Georgians there, many with their families. I have visited pleasure resorts from the Canadian lakes to the Gulf, and at no point were the guests so universally delighted as at your place. I could furnish -7- you hundred of names of parties who would gladly join me in what i say of the Lakes and vicinity. Respectfully, A.T. DALLIS. ATLANTA, GA., Dec. 11 1891. J.T. Gilbert, Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -For many years past, in the short intervals of rest from the labors of the Bench, I have sought up and down, in Georgia and neighboring States, for a place where fresh-water fish could be caught without consuming my vacation between bites. My opinion is our business men, particularly lawyers, merchants, doctors, etc., do not rest enough, and many early break-downs of valuable men are consequence. Fishing is the most effective rest for the zealous toilers who are standing in the penumbra of the shadow of nervous prostration. But where to go? that is the question. The fish and catch noting is as wearing as selling goods below cost and attempting to agree upon a composition with creditors. I have gone again and again, here and there, to places highly recommended, only to be informed, when the angling enterprise had failed, that I came a week too soon, or a week too late. The Southern States are dotted over in my memory with "sooner or later" fishing drops. But once I went to Iola, Fla. It was in April, 1891 and to be exact, was in the time of full moon. My criticism of Iola is this: The facility with which which fish of the usual fresh-water Southern varieties are caught there is the only draw-back to the sport. To men who have been repeatedly imposed on, this will be excused as a pardonable fault. The cheap trip down the Chattahoochee from Columbus or intermediate points, the cleverness of the steamboat officers, and the charm of the ever-changing river scenery, makes Iola, in my opinion, the paradise of amateur fishermen.

-8- I can and do heartily recommend it to sensible men that way inclined. Sincerely yours, HOWARD VAN EEPS. LAGRANGE, GA., Dec. 12, 1891 J.T. Gilbert, Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -In reply to yours of the 7th inst., permit me to say that I do not believe there is to be found anywhere a climate better suited to weak lungs, for the cure of incipient consumption, asthmas, bronchitis, etc., than that to be found in the vicinity of Iola, and no body of water in the world which affords such quantities and numerous varieties of fish, and therefore, such rare sport to fishermen, as Lake Chipola, Fla. Since the war between the States, I have suffered a great deal with my lungs and throat, consequent, I think, upon the exposure endured as a soldier; have had many hemorrages and great trouble in breathing, etc. Three winters in Calhoun county, Fla., wrought in my case such improvement that for four winters last past I have had but little inconvenience from this source; no hemorrages and but little trouble of any sort with respiratory organs; weight 175 pounds, and am in better health than I remember ever to have before. Dr. Wm. E. Murphy, then of this place, now deceased, spent the three winters with me in Florida. He was over sixty years of age, and a great sufferer with asthma. He never had a symptom of this distressing disease after leaving the boat at Iola, though I have frequently seen him fish for half a day in the rain. Respectfully yours, W.W. TURNER. IOLA, FLA. J.T. Gilbert, manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -It affords me pleasure to be able to add my testimonial to that of many others in -9- regard to the many attractions of this section of the "Land of Flowers." In the first place, i will state that seven years ago I was brought to this section of Florida nearly dead with bronchial affection, and now I am as sound as a new silver dollar. In the seven years I have paid for doctors' bills only nine and a half dollars, whereas before I came here the proceeds of my labor, and many dollars besides, all went for physic and to pay doctors for treatment. During the seven years of my residence in this favored section I have lived easy, and lived well, and have accumulated some property. I am an enthusiast in regard to the future of this section, as the outside world is beginning to see its many natural advantages and are investing their money among us. Oranges, bees and vegetables all pay a handsome profit. and in a few months, or years, I expect to see this section blossom as a flower garden. The hunting is fine, game being abundant, and the fishing cannot be excelled anywhere; and now, since we have nice conveyances to meet every boat at Iola to carry passengers out to the hotels and boarding houses at the Lake, those wishing to come among us for health or pleasure have no reason for staying away. Yours truly, H.A. RISH. CARTERSVILLE, GA., Dec. 18, 1891. J.T. Gilbert, Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -It affords me great pleasure to hear of the popularity of your health resort, believing as I do, that I owe my life to-day to the fact that I found my way, through the kindness of friends, to its gentle breezes and soft, genial clime, together with its clever people. If i ever break down again with indigestion or any nervous trouble, look for me, I am coming. Yours truly, A.P. JONES.

-10- GREENVILLE, GA., Dec. 21, 1891. J.T. Gilbert Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla,: DEAR SIR -I am glad you have seen fit to put up a hotel on the banks of Dead Lake. It supplies me comforts to pleasure seekers that have been needed for a long while. i have been visiting the Lake for several years. I go solely for the purpose of hunting and fishing. Each visit I make there only increases the desire to go again. I find fish in abundance, and game of different kinds abound in that section. To those who enjoy such sport, I cheerfully recommend them to spend a few weeks there, and I am sure the visit will be repeated. You may look for me down next Spring. Yours, etc., R.M. McCASLAN. CHIPLEY, GA., Dec. 24, 1891. J.T. Gilbert, Manager Lake View Hotel, Iola, Fla.: DEAR SIR -A recent trip to your place afforded me much pleasure. I know of no place where more amusement, recreation and health can be obtained at so small a cost. The place is very accessible -three steamboats from Columbus and other points for Iola six times a week, with the best of fare and attention. The Lakes abound in fish of every variety and the fishing cannot be surpassed. To realize how easily and rapidly the fish are caught, one must try for himself. The hunting is fine -deer, turkeys, ducks, and squirrels, and occasionally a bear. Orange culture is taking large proportions, and in the near future will be avaluable and profitable industry. Yours, A.A. ALLEN. Any information in regard to a trip to the Lakes, not given in this book will be cheerfully furnished by addressing J.T. GILBERT, Iola, Fla. THE COST Of a Trip to Apalachicola, with a Week's Board at the Lake View Hotel. FROM Columbus, Ga ..... $16.50 Florence, Ga ..... 15.75 Eufaula, Ala ..... 15.75 Fort Gaines, Ga ..... 15.00 Howard's Landing, Ga ..... 14.62 Columbia, Ala ..... 14.25 Gordon, Ala ..... 13.87 Neal's Landing, Fla ..... 13.50 Steam Mills, Ga ..... 13.50 Hywood's Landing ..... 13.13 Port Jackson ..... 13.13 Chattahoochee, Fla ..... 12.75 Bainbridge, Ga ..... 13.13 Ochesee, Fla ..... 12.00 Bristol, Fla ..... 11.25 Rico's Bluff, Fla ..... 10.50 Children and servants half rates. The above rates include hack hire to and from the Boat to the Hotel. The Boat part of the round trip ticket is good to return any time until June, 1892.

RISH & PRIDGEON, DEALERS IN GENERAL MERCHANDISE, AND AGENTS FOR THE SALE OF FLORIDA LANDS. IOLA, FLORIDA. Parties wishing to buy GOOD GOODS, at bottom prices, would do well to call on the above firm before making their purchases They can also fit you up with Lands adapted to the culture of ORANGES Or VEGETABLES, if you wish to invest; and will be pleased to give you information in regard to Orange Culture and Bee-Keeping -the two principal industries of their section of the State.