"Prospectus of the old cincinnati syndicate"
[as appeared in Seaside Topics, 1927, vol 3]
Apropos the death of Major Frank Jones who was one of the original Cincinnati Syndicate of 1886,
which developed a cottage colony out of a Watch Hill farm, the following statement given to Seaside Topics by
Mr. Frank W. Coy, is of interest:
"The present development of the Hill as a cottage colony was initiated by a group of Cincinnatians in 1886,
who were enthusiastic over the possibilities of the place for summer homes. Suffice it to state that the rosy
predictions of these gentlemen as to the future of the resort were fulfilled beyond their wildest
expectations."
Following is the original statement of the promoters:
a cottage by the sea
"For several years inquirers for land for cottages in Watch Hill have been disappointed in their
attempts to purchase. The hotel owners were unwilling to part with any further portion of their valuable sea
front, or to permit cottages to intercept views of the ocean and bay; and all the land beyond the hotel lines,
easterly and northerly, within accessible distances of the steamer landings and bathing beaches, stretching
from bay to ocean, was concentrated in a single estate, whose owner declined to sell in small lots.
"This estate, which has so long retarded the growth of Watch Hill, consisting of 133 acres, has re-
cently been purchased for the express purpose of division into cottage sites, of dimensions, situation and
prices to suit all tastes. Persons of very moderate means and economical habits may now enjoy the
recuperative influence of ocean air and scenery at Watch Hill, in common with the wealthy, if they
desire to do so. In position, variety of surface and magnificent sea views, this property, with frontage of
three-quarters of a mile on the ocean, and half a mile on the bay, offers attractions rarely equaled
on our coast. The estate joins the grounds of the Ocean House on the "East Beach" and of the
Plympton House on the bay. There are many elevations of different heights, varying in extent from
a half acre to five acres, all overlooking the water. Most of the soil has long been cultivated as a farm,
and there are many acres of good pasture. Stone is abundant, on or near the surface, suitable for
walls or foundations. Lumber can be landed here directly from Maine forests. Skilled mechanics at
Westerly and Stonington are eager to contract for the building of summer cottages on very reasonable
terms.
"The extensive ocean beach belonging to this property is to be forever preserved in its natural condition,
subject to no individual occupancy or interference, but as the common property of the associate
owners. The nature of the ground, with its rapidly ascending slopes, will insure to every cottage owner
the unobstructed sea view which gives value to his purchase.
"It being the intention of the owners to guard this estate and the interests of all who purchase from
the objectionable features of many seaside communities, the lots will be sold with covenants against
occupation for objectionable business purposes, and requiring purchasers to drain all waste matter
and fluids into cemented water-tight vaults, to be systematically cleansed.
"The ever-increasing demand for summer homes on our sea coast is steadily absorbing every foot
of beach property within 150 miles of New York City, at prices which annually increase. It is within bounds
to say that the value of the lands now offered will more than double in five years, by the
healthy natural growth of the settlement,
"The plat will show the sub-division made, and the number of the lots already sold, with the names of
the purchasers. Many of these gentlemen have already cottages in process of erection, which
will be ready for their occupancy by the time this summer's season opens.
"The remainder of the lots is for sale at reasonable prices, which may be obtained by addressing
JACOB S. BURNET,
LYNEAS NORTON,
or WALTER ST. JNO. JONES, [sic]
Ocean House, Watch Hill, during the season of 1887, or Cincinnati, Ohio"