Name/Title
AU Harris, Joseph Hastings - 1925-05-17 letter to Dear OnesEntry/Object ID
1990.1.171Context
[No Envelope]
Hotel Ford
Buffalo, N.Y.
May 17, 1925
Dear Ones:-
You will want to hear a little about our trip to Niagara. Conf. adjourned at noon and after a good dinner served by the ladies we were soon into several large touring cars built for that purpose. Most of the cars held 32 persons. Whitcraft, Lockhart and I were together in one. We crossed the Niagara River at Buffalo on a large ferry, but approaching the ferry was a massive iron bridge. After we had crossed it and were waiting for the ferry I looked out and saw the big bridge tipping up to let a boat go under it. We landed at Port Erie on King George's soil. Here the customs officers inspected every auto. Our driver of course stood good for us. These were special policeman on motorcycles to accompany our party. It was a beautiful drive along the Niagara River. We came to the scene of the battle of Lundy's Lane near the Falls. Now we come to the rapids, the water rushing and plunging seemingly making a race to see which one could jump over the falls first. Out in the rapids lay two wrecked boats, one broke loose from Chippewa just above, about three years ago with no one on board, the other had two men on it who after considerable delay were rescued. The boats lodged against the rocks. What a sight! 11 million cubic ft of water per sec plunging 163 ft. The foam and mist as the result of the churning rises seemingly to nearly the top of the falls (on Canadian side). 94% of the water is on the Canadian side. Many of our party (250) went into the tunnel back of the falls. I did not go in. I preferred looking at the falls. "The Maid of the Mist," a boat came struggling up to see how near she could get to the torrent without being swept in. Many people were on board. The mist there is same as a rain and rises high above the falls. We go on to what they call the whirlpool. I went down the inclined elevator. Twelve could ride on a car. There were two tracks with two cars. A man and wife were in seat with me. The lady sitting next to me, when the car started down the lady gasped and grabbed my arm with her right hand and her husband with her left hand. After a bit she came to consciousness and realized that she was hanging on to two men and then of course the apologies were profuse and the husband and I had a hearty laugh.
At the foot of elevator there is a board walk along the gorge where the water very deep flows at rate of 60 mi per hr. (they say). Our next stop is at Aero Cable. I am sending a folder describing this. I did not care for a 75c/ ride. We crossed the river on the bridge (they are building a massive steel bridge) and here are the customs officers eyeing us squarely. On the American side the officials inspected the autos to see how much booze we were carrying, etc. On Canadian side we passed the famous factory of the Rogers silver ware. On the Am. side visited the park above the falls. This was really the most wonderful of all. Note the Telescope. I stood on that remotest point looking down over the falls. At my left is the great horseshoe curve which you can see. It is said the sheet of water is 15 to 18 ft deep as it passes over the edge (I wonder how they measure it). Beyond the falls where you see buildings, etc. is the wonderful Victoria Park. The thin sheet of water at my right is shallow above the falls and one could step from stone to stone in part of it. To my right and back of me somewhat is a park of natural forest. This is the island (Rhode Island) which separates the Canadian falls from the American falls. You do not see the American falls in the picture.
Now we pass the famous Shredded Wheat factory, a beautiful building and I am told is equipped in a remarkable way for the welfare of the employees. There is a new hotel of fine proportions. The ride toward Buffalo is splendid. Most of the ground is laid out for city so that in the near future it will be nearly solidly built between Buffalo and Niagara.
We pass Elm Lawn Cemetery and the guide (who was very witty) called out, "Elm Lawn Cemetery, with 144 acres and the Lord only knows how many feet." We passed the exposition grounds where Pres. McKinley was shot. It is now the golf field with a tablet to show the site where McKinley was. We saw the little hospital where McKinley died, also the house in which Roosevelt immediately was inaugurated. I could tell much more but it takes too long to write it. The round trip fare was 2.15 and well worth while indeed.
It was a little after 8 when we got in and I was in committee until 11, took glass of milk with Mr & Mrs Widdoer and went to sleep and slept until 8:00. Ate grapefruit and toast for breakfast, heard bishop Fout preach, took dinner at Hall and came to hotel. Mr & Mrs Spears came last evening.
The hotel is only a few blocks from the Lake. I can look out on the Lake as far as sight will carry you. It is an inspiring view. As I am on tenth floor, no. 1014, I have quite an outlook over the city. I have had no time to look about except yesterday. The work is very heavy. See picture above for location of my room.
I have no way to know when we shall get through but presume laymen will not be willing to remain longer than Monday, 25th and some will go before then. I trust all goes well at home. May choice blessings rest upon all.
Affectionately,
J. H. Harris
