The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1869-09-17


Mr.. EDIToR,-Alfred is one of the quietest
and pleasantest towns within an easy ride of
Portland. Leaving by the IT'S morning train
on the Rochester road, we were whirled
through the pleasant meadows of Westbrook
and by the sunny slopes of Gorham, till we
reached the shores of the Saco river. Here
Conductor O'Bren consigned our party to
the care of Mr.. Foy, who took up in his dunn
my, 'the Little Shaker" with commendable
speed to the hillside on which the peaceful fol-
lowers of Mother Ann" reside
Entering their grounds, we were struck with
the same air of neatness and repose which
characterizes the parent society at New Leba-
non, N. Y, which we visited several years ago
The green, grassy door yard was bright and
sunny. and only needed to add to its attrac-
tons group of gamboling children. Entering
the main enclosure, we were directed to the
joiner's shop, where "Uncle Ben" kind and
genial old man, received us. In this old shop
wheels and sleeves and measures have been
made for many year. Close by the door is
Jlg-saw, the rude spring of which is a tree
limb, nailed to the joist overhead. 1t has been
a good Shaker and though in use for fifty
years is as full of snap as ever. Mr. Bailey in
troduced US to Elder Vance, who has a face
which indicates man of more than ordinary
ability. He then took us to large barn, $50
feet long, With a capacity of 200 tons. From
the rear door beautiful view of the Indian
lake Massabesic opens. (How anybody could
be sick in such healthful spot is marvel)
Here Uncle Ben told us about the Indians and
other matters interesting to stranger in AL
fred. The old Shakers possess much valuable
information about the early settlers and their
suferings from the savages
West of the old meeting house stood the
"picture-tree,' on which was rough picture
of child's head. A child was gathering hem
lock when surprised by the red men. Fright
ened, she screamed. Their tomahawks instant
ly quieted her. The murderers then cut the
rude portrait of their victim on the above
mentioned tree. A mile from the post office is
q spot by the roadside where an older female
captive was slaughtered. But enough of this.
Uncle Ben had attentive hearers and that
philadelphia editor" asked questions enough
to keep him busy, to say nothing of another
newspaper man who now and then got
chance at cross examining.
The Shakers have 700 acres at Alfred and
400 more at Marlborough. The two families
at the former place number less than hun
bred. There is planning and grist mill now
going up. AS an illustration of the increase of
the value of land since 1892, the year they
came, Mr.. B. told of $75 lot from which
$50, 900 worth of lumber had been taken. The
building Of the Rutland road, now no longer
an uncertainty, must enhance the value of this
property. And yet the Shakers talk of seek
ing a still more productive locality. Some
years they have raised 5000 bushels of apples,
but this year none of any consequence.
The slaughter house, the museum of curious
handiwork, the school house, garden, the site
fthe old wigwam and other objects must not
be described in detail.
Having interviewed" our aged friend TO the
fullest extent, we left his hospitable quarters
fully determined to repeat at no distant day
the pleasure of a trip alike delightful in its
its scenic attractions and its social hosptali-
ties. CAsco