Fayette County Herald

To Bainbridge and the Caves.

On Friday last we had the pleasure of being one of the excursionists who went over the S. J. & P. Ry. to Bainbridge.— The excursion was gotten up in the interest of the Presbyterian Church of this place, and although the number that went down was not as large as could have been desired on such an occasion, it was truly a very pleasant company and a pleasant excursion. The new road is remarkably smooth and the cars first class. The train made good time, and all seemed highly pleased with the gentlemanly treatment they received from the officers and attaches of the train.

Arriving at Bainbridge, through the energy of Rev. Geo. Carpenter, who got up the excursion, carriages had been procured and were in waiting, to take those who desired to go, to the caves, which are about five miles north-westerly from the village. The entire party, with the exception of four or five, availed themselves of this excellent opportunity to see, perhaps, the greatest natural curiosity in Ohio.

We shall not attempt to give a minute description of these rude caverns. Some of them are dry with uneven rocky sides pretty high stories and uneven ceilings. Others are quite wet, large rooms, and so cool as to be uncomfortable after remaining in them a few minutes: the water that runs through these rooms is clear and ice-cold. These caves are covered with a heavy growth of timber, of various kinds. There are some gorges that are from 50 to 75 feet deep, perhaps more, the sides of which are almost perpendicular rock. We noticed one rock, with a narrow base, standing out alone, except that two or three briars were growing by its sides, between which there was an apparent rivalry to out reach each other in height. The caves are scattered about from thirty rods to a mile distant from each other; more than a day can be employed in looking through them, and new curiosities, or strange freaks of nature are to be found at every advance.

After spending several hours on the hills and in the caves, and becoming well fatigued, the party returned to Bainbridge, where we, with several friends, accepted an invitation to take tea at the hospitable residence of Mrs. Taylor, mother of Mrs. A. E. Silcott, of this place. While in Bainbridge, we met with Mr. Price Taylor and his excellent lady. We observed to Mr. Taylor that we supposed he had been a resident of the place for a great many years, and he replied, "74 years." We then remarked that we presumed he was a native of the place, to which he replied that he was born where he now lived. His residence is in the suburbs of the town on a beautiful plain, and he has lived upon it so long that he begins to think he has gained a residence there, and we do not believe that anyone will dispute his title.

Bainbridge is one of the ancient villages of Ohio, having been laid out in 1810. It is situated on a beautiful piece of ground and surrounded by as fine an agricultural country as there is in Ohio, and the scenery of Paint Creek Valley is as beautiful as any in the State.

At 6 p. m. our party again took the cars, and after a delightful ride arrived at home a little before 8 o'clock, all being well pleased with the excursion and thankful to Rev. Mr. Carpenter for affording them the opportunity of visiting Bainbridge and the caves.