Tonawanda Island description, N. P. Willis (Ephemera, Complete Works of N. P. Willis, c. 1850), transcription.jpg

Tonawanda Island description, N. P. Willis (Ephemera, Complete Works of N. P. Willis, c. 1850), transcription.jpg

Apropos—I observe a spot advertised for sale that I have always looked upon as the most beautiful and aristocratic property in this country—an island cradled by the Niagara, and in itself the best cradle nature could possibly form for the family of a luxurious exclusive. It is about eleven miles above the falls, an arrow-shot from the American shore (with Grand island between it and the Canadas), and contains a hundred acres of land, charmingly wooded and varied, which have been turned into a paradise by one of the most refined gentlemen of this country. A beautiful villa crowns it, and baths, hot-houses, and all appliances to luxury, are there, and all fenced in by the bright water about to rush over Niagara. The island is called Tonawanda—a delicious word for the name of a home. One sighs to think that a little money could buy such a paradise for one’s own.

1850