The Portland daily press., 1870-06-03
DAILY PRESS.
FcHG'LAND.
Friday Morning, June 8, 1870
Letter from zsridgtou.
BRIDGTON, May 81. 1870

BRlDGToN, May 81, 1870.
To the Editor Of tse Press;
Iknow of no town or city in the State that
exhibits more vitality than this. buildings
of different descriptions are going up or being
remodeled and improved in every section of
the village. l am not aware that the people
of this village have heretofore been more re-
gardless of their religious obligations and du-
ties than in the neishboring towns, or have
been deficient il their educational advantages,
but for some cause or other the religious and
educational interests of the town ale receiving
especial attention this season.
BUILDING.
There are four churches being erected in
town. A Congregational, the foundation of
which is being laid where the old church for
merly stood. is to be an elegant structure. cost
ing about $4,000 The Universalist, is TO be
completed by the first of August 1t will De a
beautiful church in model and finish. Work
on the Methodist church is suspended for the
present. soon to be resumed, as that denomi-
nation rarely fail to do what industry and per-
severance are capable of accomplishing. The
Congregationalists at South Bridgton are also
building church, but how far it is advanced
l have not learned. Two school houses are
u
building as soon as the necessary arrange
ments can be made. Mr.. VIM. Perry is erect
ing beautiful residence on the lot in the CEN
tire OF the village on which the Davis house
Stood 1t will cost, when completed, about
$4,000. Mr.. Nathan Cleaves Is laying the
foundation for dwelling, TO be completed this
season. Other buildings OF various sizes and
for various purposes are being erected in every
part OF the village.
RAILROADS, STEAMBOAT AND STAGES.
The business men of this town have been
very active in their efforts to secure an easier
and more direct line of communication with
the outside world. They offered 10 raise
100000 if the directors of the Portland and
Ogdensbnrg Road would lay out that road
through their village or within five miles of it,
but the offer was not accepted. They have
since obtained a charter to build branch
road connecting with the main road at Hiram,
about II miles distant, but no attempt will be
made at present to raise the amount lec assa-
ry to build it. The steamer Oriental, Capt.
Wales, made her first trip OF the season on
Wednesday last. Her machinery has been in
creased in power about one-third and every
part is as neat as parlOr, and her accommo-
dations ample for 100 passengers. She leaves
Harrison at 1-2 o'clock in the morning,
touching at North Bridgton, where there is
stage connection from Waterford and at Bridg-
ton Centre, Wnere there is stage connection
with Fryeburs and Lowell; also stopping at
Naples, arriving at the foot OF Long Pond,
crossing Brandy pond, and passing over
Crooked, Songo and Dead rivers into Sebago
lake, making distance of over thirty niles
in three hours. AT the foot of Sebago lake
passengers take Davis's stage to Gorham,
when train of cars is in readiness to take
them TO Portland, where they arrive about
IL O'Clock. Passengers take the Is train
on the Portland &c Rochester road to Gorham
and Davs's stage to the foot OF the lake and
the steamer Oriental to Naples, Bridgton and
Harrison, making the stage connections l
have mentioned. The trip across the lake
and ponds and through the winding rivers is
most delightful, and it is now by far the quick
est and pleasanlest route TO the principal towns
northwest of Portland for pleasure trip.
Hon. Charles Gibbs has invested largely in
this enterprise, having put on elegant coaches,
fine horses and careful and accommodating
drivers on the routes connecting with the
boat. The running of the boat and lis en-
tire management is in the hands OF expert
| enced men, who understand the route thor
| oushiy and who will do all that can be done
| to contribute to the comfort and safety OF
passengers.