The Portland daily press., 1867-08-31
Notes by the Way.
[From an Occasional Correspondent


SKowHEGAN, Aug. %, 1867.
This is one of the most beautiful as we'll as
the most thriving and busy towns in the State
Its water-power is magnificent, as the gentle
men of the photographic Survey will assure
you. Precisely how many thousand spindles,
how many lathes and saws these roaring, foam
ing waters are capable of setting in motion
leave it for those scientific gentlemen to com
pute-I never was good at figures; but it is
not difficult for the most careless observer to
see that the facilities for manufacturing
are almost unlimited, and they are
already being improved to very con-
siderable extent Then the situation of the
place at the terminus of the Portland and
Kennebec Railroad, and in the centre of a rich
and extensive farming region, makes it the
natural mart of a very considerable trade in
agricultural products. 1t is very lively and
busting place, and the influx of business and
pleasure travel here, especially in the summer
months, would surprise you. 1t has far out
grown the present hotel accommodations, and
is steadily Increasing but the prospect now is
that the place will soon have hotel capable
of meeting the wants of the public The in
defatifable Mr.. S. B. Brewster, who was burn
ed out of fine hotel here year or two ago,
and afterwards took the International House
In your city only to repeat the same fiery ex-
perience, it seems is not to be discouraged by
several CONGREGATIONS; and, in connection
with others, is now erecting what promises to
be one of the finest public houses in the State.
The building is in such state Of advancement
that one can form good idea of it, and as
sure you it is a noble structure, and when
completed will be an ornament and credit to
the town. 1t has an admirable location on the
corner of Madison ard Elm streets, with a
front of $50 feet on the former, and $50 on the
latter. 1t is four stories in height, including
the basement on Madison street, which is fin
ished into stores, some 10 or II in number. The
design of the exterior is most tasteful, a num-
Der of airy balconies and porticoes giving an
effect of lightness and grace which is extreme
ly pleasing. The roof forms an observatory
from which may be obtained noble view of
the river and country around. The house will
contain ITO rooms, fitted up at great expense,
in the Oe1y best style, and with all the latest
modern improvements. 1t is to be warmed by
steam, lighted by gas, furnished with bath
rooms and water-closets on all the floors and
with all conveniences and appliances for
comfort beyond any other hotel in the State
The architect is Mr.. Thomas Holt and the
building is a worthy monument to his taste
and constructive skill. The painting has been
done by Mr.. Cad Hitchcock the clustering by
Mr.. A. J. Gardiner of Lewiston, both men
who know their business and may be relied on
for thoroughly good work. p
A great deal of money has been expended in
building and fitting. up this house, have
heard the cost variously estimated at from
$4,000 to $65 0OO-and it was certainly an en-
terprise requiring men of good business pluck
to engage in. Mr.. Brewster has been largely
aided in its accomplishment by the capital
and enterprise of Joel Gray Esq, of Boston,
formerly of Embden in this county, gentle
man whose generous public spirit and DISPOSE
ton to be of service to the community have
already had a number of illustrations in this
region. He built at North Anson, year or
two ago, one of the finest public Halls in the
county. Mr.. Gray is the owner of noble farm
in the town OF Embden, pronounced by Hon.
Hannibal Hamlin the finest farm on the Ken
nebec, and the stock on it is the admiration of
all who are wise in the matter of good cattle.
travelling public also, under obligations to him
by assisting Mr.. Brewster to build this beauti-
full and convenient hotel The house is an Or
nament to the county, and credit to the men
by whose public spirit it has been erected It
will be ready for opening about the first of Oc-
tober Mr.. Brewster is landlord who knows
how to please the travelling public, and he is
sure to make an attractive house.
A good deal of other building is going on
here this season. Some nice dwellings are in
process of erection, and the new Methodist
church on the Island is now nearly completed.
This church is really beautiful structure;
and both in design and execution reflects much
credit upon the architect and builder Mr.. c. F.
Douglas. Mr.. Douglas is a comparatively
young man, but the evidences of talent and
skill which this building affords give the most
fatterlng promise for his future career
Business, l am told, has been rather dull
here of late, but is looking up little The
crops look well; the damage from rains will be
less than has been anticipated.
w sH3 fmV wax ad8 la TRAVELLER.