Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-01-11
LETTER FROM BOSTON.


To the Editor Of the Kennedec Journal;
Business being very quiet last week ac-
cepted an invitation from friend TO visit
with him the enterprising little town Of Wake
field, about ten miles out on the Boston and
Maine Railroad. Wakefield was formerly
South Reading. The name was changed to
Wakefield several years ago in honor Of one
Of its most distinguished citizens, Cyrus
Wakefield. Esq. The town has two beautiful
lakes which add to its attractions. In the
summer the largest Of these-Quannipoit--is
the scene of many exciting regattas. 1t con-
tains several fine churches, the Congregation
alist being over one hundred and twenty-five
years old. The society is over two hundred
years old. Every year they celebrate "Fore-
fathers Day." when the hardships Of the Pill
grims are rehearsed and the violin and bass
viol take fireplace Of the organ in the service.
The Baptist church also is over one hun
dred years old, but by far the finest building
in the town is the new town hall. It is the
unconditional and princely gift Of Mr.. Wake
field. 1t is the most magnifcente edifce Of the
kind in New England outside of Boston, and
when completed will cost one hundred and
twenty-five thousand dollars.
Mr.. Wakefield began business in this little
town some twenty years ago as I1anufac-
turer Of rattan. He started in a small way
but by unremitting diligence and perseverance
he has obtained the monopoly of this business
and now controls the masket for such goods.
His buildings used in manufacturing and
storing the goods cover larger space than
the Pacific Mills at Lawrence.
He employs, in this branch Of his business,
about one thousand persons daily. A great
many girls work here and was surprised to
find that many of them were from Maine and
several even from Augusta. A Maine girl
can obtain employment here any time.
Very tasteful and elegant articles of orna-
ment and use are produced in great variety,
such as easy chairs, fancy and work baskets,
sofas and basket carriages. Mr.. w. has the
reputation of not only having invented some
of these articles, but also of having perfected
the machinery with which some Of them are
ulaue. 4 ne TeIuse HalteF inciuuluk every
shaving of rattan is saved and spun into rope
and then made into carpetings and mats.
Mr.. Wakeield's success is partly owing to
his industrious and gentlemanly superintend-
ent, Mr.. Chapman, who is both esteemed and
valued by his employer and respected by the
numerous employees.
All of this however constitutes but part
of Mr.. VS. immense business transactions.
During the past year he imported, ! was told,
upwards of twenty cargoes of East India
goods, all Of which was sold in Boston. His
own town has not alone been the recipient of
his regal muniticence. Not long since he
gave five thousand dollars to Harvard College.
When we were returning to Boston the next
morning we met Mr.. Wakefield on the train.
He is tall, bland gentleman OF about fifty
years CT age. He was very finely dressed, but
there was something in the keen eye, clear
cut features and even the iron-gray mustache
thst took away all foppishness from his ap-
pearance and left the impression on my mind
that he is able to contend with the world for
some years to come.
Tom MORRISON