Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1871-08-23

Quit Of the island, some ten miles, passing
down upon the eastern side and coming up
upon the western side, next the cosy village
of Richmond. Rounding the head of the
island they landed at Little Swan Island, on
which is but one house, occupied by the own
| er and proprietor Of the island, Mr.. Swanton.
This island is distinct from Swan Island. Be-
tween the two runs a good sized channel, suf-
ficient for navigation. The spot selected is
fine place for pic-nics. There is plenty of
open ground, an abundance of forest trees of
many kinds, which furnish ample shade, good
chances for. bathing, pretty views of river
and mainland, and all the scope necessary for
croquet, swinging, and strolling without inter-
ruption. Reaching the grounds about twelve
o'clock, with sharpened appetites. the first
thing in order was dinner. Little groups
formed under the trees, scattering far and
wide, and brought out the contents of their
well filled baskets. After dinner swinging,
boating, rambling, and bathing, occupied the
time.
Across the channel of which we have spok-
en-, on Swan Island, are the summer resi-
dences of Professor W. w. and DR.. James
Hebbard, of Boston, two pretty establishments,
beautifully located, with large grounds under
fine cultivation, and the Accomplishments of
swings, croquet, and sail boats. One of the
coming across the stream of Mr.. Charles
Hebbard and a lady friend, introducing them
selves to Rev. Mr.. Moor, (whose church they
had attended occasionally when in Augusta
and cordially inviting him and the party over
to the grounds and Inequalities of the other
side, an offer which was gladly accepted and
of which the larger share of the excursionists
availed themselves, much to their satisfaction.
Mr.. Hebbard led the way to the residence of
DR.. w. w. Hebbard. The DR.. is in Boston,
unable on account of business to leave, but
we were introduced to Mrs. Hebbard, his ac-
complished wife, who welcomed all with grace
and the largest iberalty to the place. Mrs.
II. is Rockland lady, of one of the oldest
and best families in that place. The house
which she formerly owned and occupied in
Rockland, is now the residence of Francis
Cobb, Esq, President of the famous Cobb
Lime Company. The estate of her husband
at Swan Island contains about two hundred
acres, consisting of.a large field for tillage,
and the remainder mostly handsome forest
growth. 1t is a lovely place. 1t was form
erly owned by a man Of the name of DeMer-
rick. 1t is not without a tragic tale to give
it a mournful interest. In the channel over
which we were ferried, Mrs. DeMerrick, her
daughter, and lady friend, a Miss Dresser
of Gardiner, were drowned. They were bath
ing, when one got into difficulty and danger,
and in the attempt at rescue by the others all
were drowned. Not long afterwards Mr.. De
Merrick was drowned, also the father of Miss
Dresser. The whole casualties taken togeth-
er form singular chain.
Parting from our kind friends at Swan
Island, the company embarked upon the barge
at four o'clock, and at sunset landed in Au-
gusta. The passage homeward was enlivened
by music from the band, dancing, singing,
and lively conversation. The Augusta Band
added greatly to the enjoyment of the occa-
sion, and the gentlemanly bearing of its men,
bers won them much appreciation. When we
go again may the band be there, also those
lively spirits, male and female, that can
laugh, dance or sing, and drive ''dull care
away" from such n company. The arrange
ments for the excursion we're made by
Messrs. j. w. Clapp and Geo. S. Ballard, to
whose thoughtfulness and attention its success
was largely due. The only cause of regret
was that SO many of the friends of the school
who intended to participate in the excursion
were deprived of its pleasures by the threaten
ing weather in the morning, which kept them
at home.
is of no r.