Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-08-07
Misfellaaepiis.
MOUNT DESERT.

This popular watering place is well patron.
lied this summer. The means of reaching 1t
by way of the Maine Central to Bangor, or
from Portland by the steamer Lewiston, make
it easily and pleasantly accessible to visitors.
The following from the correspondence Of the
Boston Advertiser gives many facts Of inter-
est.
With the exception of the elaborate resi-
dence erected by Mr.. Veazie Of Bangor, no
new buildings of any importance have gone
up since last summer, nor do know that
there has been any great advance in the price
OF land, of which but few eligible lots in the
immediate vicinity Of the harbor remain for
sale. One lot, as yet un0ccupied, and bought
1ve or six years since for eighty dollars, is,
am told, valued at eight thousand to-day.
should the place ever become fashionable, in
the proper acceptation of the term, the most
desirable situations will be those somewhat
removed from the village, as this is built with
an unusual disregard Of artistic effect and the
fine views offered. Perhaps the most charm
ing spot on the whole island is that owned
and occupied by Judge Brigham, Mr.. Francis
and Mr.. Hale of Boston, at Schooner Head.
Certainly finer view than that from this
point, looking up the bay, cannot be imagin-
ed. The whole shore from Schooner Head to
Otter Creek abounds in the most picturesque
cliffs and caves, which will be appreciated
when good roads and respectable vehicles
are among the luxuries here. Civilization
has already made long strides within the past
few years, and the hotel fare is fully equal to
that at Rye, Conway and other places of the
same class. Instead of dories and dilapidat-
ed yawl boats there is a perfect feet Of grace
full skiffs, the sail boats are fair and an occa-
sional covered vehicle is seen. With this
progress has come in a certain change in dress,
and the blue flannel shirt and flannel walking
dress are not such exclusive costumes -
few years ago. Some of the old habitues re-
uct at this, but the place is still far less dressy
than the average of watering places, and must
be so for years to come. In speaking of the
old habitues might mention that there is now
an old gentleman among the visitors, who
first came to the island in 1904. Mr.. II. re-
members shaking hands with General Wash
ington Tin Haverhill in 1889 think, and is
probably the only man living who can boast
of this honor
This year a telegraph has been opened to
Somesville, thus putting Bar Harbor in inn
mediate communication with the outside
world. The facilities for travel have also
been much improved, as the night train from
Bangor, leaving Portland at one, enables
travellers leaving here at noon to arrive in
Boston in season for the early New York
train of the next morning A new route via
Belfast and steamer (inside the islands and in
still water) to Indian Point, about thirteen
miles from Bar Harbor, has just been estab-
lished, and may be continued to this side of
the island by another summer. In this con-
nection it might be well to say the steam
er journey to Portland is far less formidable
than might be supported, as all open sea pas
sage is about four hours, three of which are
in the night Immediately after leaving Port
land At this time the grand rush of visitors
is just commencing, and one or two more
steamers will probably bring enough to fill all
the most available accommodation; although
sleeping on floors, so common in 1869, will
hardly have to be repeated at present.
President elliot of Harvard College, with
party including ladies, is in camp on an is
land in the bay, and his beautiful little yacht
Jessie, sailed by President Eliot himself,
glides about among the fishing boats like .
city belle at country ball. Religious ser
vices are conducted in the village church on
the union plan, generally with an Espiscopal
service in the afternoon. The Rev. James
Freeman Clarke has preached in the morning
for the last two Sundays.