SALTBURN – History in 1870.

Accreditation the Middlesbrough Gazette 27/08/1870.

SALTBURN

            This most charming of watering-places increases in attraction every year, and its reputation as a seaside resort grows apace. The present season has been a most remunerative one for the lodging-house keepers, for, like many other spas and watering- places, Saltburn has profited by the wall and the consequent imprisonment in our sea-girt isle of the crowds sue annually rush off to the countries on the Rhine. Those who have found their way to Cleveland’s famed watering-place will have no reason to regret for their own sakes, the unhappy cause which has compelled them to seek at home for health and pleasure. Containing, as it does, the most lavish gifts of nature, with the most profuse adornments which art can suggest, we need not marvel at the triumphant success which has attended the grand idea of transforming Saltburn into a watering-place. Like the busy capital of Cleveland, “Erimus” is the motto of Saltburn; it knows no standing still, and this season. We have to note several important improvements. The convenient hoist now erected at the pier, and which has already been referred to in our columns, has proved a great boon to the promenaders’ on the pier and the beach—the steep and somewhat dangerous declivity by which the sands were formally reached being practically annihilated by the ingenious contrivance. Several very fine mansions are cropping up here and there; and at Hazel Grove, too, remarkably handsome fillers are in course of construction. Here in Garnet Street, the new Convalescent Home, erected by the noble munificence of the Messrs. Please, may be witnessed progressing rapidly towards completion. Some of the streets have been considerably extended, and the town has less of the embryo aspect. It formally wore. In the delightful pleasure-grounds of the Improvement Company, the annual frequent will notice many additions to the beauties of that enchanted ravine. Viewed from the viaduct or from the Albert Temple, this lovely Glenn seems a veritable paradise, and the spectator is tempted to think that any further decoration of this lovely spot would be painting the lily indeed. Wending our way to the top of the garden, we turn aside to the fernery, now watered by a perforated horizontal pipe running along the top, the effect of which is at once novel and striking. The pretty little fountain close at hand has been altered to great advantage; the basin has been enlarged and entirely remodelled, and surrounded by a rockery, besides being filled with a good stock of goldfish; water being laid on from the Cleveland Water Company, a jet of towards of 40 feet as being obtained a pressure of £200 to the square inch beam exhorted. In the sunshine, a beautiful rainbow may be formed by the adjustment of the apparatus. The Italian garden is more beautiful than ever, much refined taste being displayed in the harmonising and blending of various colours. The middle bed is of mild pink and blue tints, with a centre of white foliage plants, while the adjacent geraniums, and the edging of lobelia contribute to the general effect, which is exquisitely chaste. In the croquet ground adjoining, Mr Groening’s band performs, until the election of the new orchestra. This truly fine band now plays every day, and during its performance. There is a large influx of visitors, testifying to the estimation in which it is held. The American garden, laid out with variegated bedding plants, also claims our attention. The new orchestra will be of circular shape, 18 feet in diameter; and the open roof, 141/2 feet high, will be fitted with movable slides, capable of being altered according to the direction of the wind. The noble iron viaduct, spanning the grounds, adds much to the picturesque grandeur of the scene, which is almost enhanced by the wooden slope on the other side of the rivulet, affording as it goes the grateful shade during hot weather. Beyond this is Marske Mill, where, by-the-bye, the railway company is erecting a costly bridge for the accommodation of the mineral traffic. The propagating houses, filled with melons and cucumbers, also deserve a visit. We were struck with the remarkably green appearance of the grounds, notwithstanding the protracted drought of the past summer. The pleasant avenues and neat walks which abound are all in perfect order, and everywhere may be seen evidences of the unremitting care and attention bestowed by Mr Everett, the chief gardener. There is, however, one palatable drawback, and it is a removable evil, it ought to be noticed. The little broke which runs through the grounds is in very dirty state—a mere couple, in fact, and rather detracts from, then adds to, is caused by the washing away of refuse from the mines above; and, being only temporary, we hope next season to see the broke resume its limpid purity.