Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1873-11-06
Silver Lake Cemetery.

W hlie our busy little town j. sweating under
il burdens Of arduous enterprises and its
heart j palpitating Al the tale Of panic-s,ricken
cities; TO seek the cool and quiet OF rest offered
by half-holiday, | strolled beyond the din Of
human industry. into the haunts and work
shops Of Natures Artisans. Fanily ring the
Trlal snvils beneath the stroke Of leafv hsu-
mers, silently flies the shuttle across the maple
warp a. the mysterious weaver put, in his
scarlet threads, and sweeily the merry min
sirelsy Of The harvest-fiy sounds in the willing
ear. The loyliest Of all our Autumn DAYS ha,
hung il mellow tinted drapery above Us and
lake. field and forest lavish Of beauty seem
peopled with gay spirits which have walked
the bridge Of sunbeams.
Leaving the dusty village streets, followed
the country road that winds through the valley
Of Silver Lake. Lettering. here and there. on
some knob Of land 10 catch the assembled
eraces OF island and river. till emerging. At
last. from the travelled road. ! passed into a
carriage-way that led up an abrupt ascent Of \
swell Of land that stands like awatcb-tower
midway the valley. The summit reached-the
hnal purpose of my brief pilgrimage was at
tanned Here was q spot sacred 10 solemn
thought and holy memories. Here affection
had made It's newest choice 10 make its most
precious deposits. | stood in the new cerneter.
Of our village. The new made ,rra,e, and the
pale watchers scattered. mere and there. keep
ing their constant yisis" Of memory srH '-'r
made IL symphonious nsr'~ saver Lake
suggestive 10 me .ne spirit boatman and his
dripnir>- vAr that will one day row Us all
through the gray mists into that peaceful haven
Of the Better Land But its claims 10 the
name do not rest merely on its suggestive
euphony. Set in 1.-THE pomp of groves and
garniture Of hills the CLASSY floor Of a little
lake lays against the rugged walls of its
northern and eastern bases, while at its
western. summer spreads green carpet Of
meadow which autumn covers with the plenty
Of the lake and winters frost-looms weave a
garment of ice which this swell Of land draws.
like lapel, around It's throat
hat charming combination Of views.
The eye is tireless and is constantly catching
new pleasures from the beauty and wild sym-
metry Of the landscape. Skirting the northern
shore Of the lake, are acres Of meadow land
that spread from thence inland toward the
central hills of the town. Eastward circling
among the little valleys may be seen the
peobled aisle Of brook. Following il with
me eye, one fancies that he sees the capricious
waters leaving their nOssy fountain cree ming I
iurtiyely at first, along their uncertain parb
here and there, eoyly lifting the tangled rushes.
IS bashful maiden lifts her veil then desce,d.
ing with dulcet stave the windings Of a ROCKY
stairway, they gather strength and courage and
trip laughingly into the lake CHANGING wester.
ly, dark hill. steep and high. whose sides are
clothed III waving wood, hold and charms the I
eye. Behind il rises the gray-coaied and
solemn sentinel Of the river. Mt Waldo.
southwark the village, shows its white should
ers against the crown of 1.-The Island" Lake.
meadow. brook, the dark hill with its woody
Festure, the gray and solemn mountain.
glmpses Of the village and sleepy crown of
Island What scene TO tantalize the inspira-
ton OF an ARTIST And this is the cheeriest
spot In the whole region, not an unsocial object
In view! But this is not all. Art has been
brought in to add to the grace from Natures
hand. The grounds are tastefully laid out into
family lots, and ali are made easy Of access bv
interesting Avenues. Many lots are sold and
have been made from the old wards. ,
Not only the citizens of our own town arc ,
feeling the need of this cemetery and ;u.,
pTiQe IN lts LOCATION, Dul many from neighbor-
ing towns have purchased lets in it, and are !
preparing TO embeiish.
1t seems 10 ME matter Of rejoicing that a c
shange has been wrought in the public mind in s
his respect No longer is the most desolate b
md dreary spot set apart for death. No longer h
Ire those ghostly embiems and almost hopeless
pitaphs inscribed on the memorial tablet, fit
'nly 10 Gil the mind with dismal thoughts and
ven doubts Of immortality. Above the cheer A
III yesture Of these funeral sods bIes. God n
hat ''old things are passing away that bet. :,
er faith and higher christian feeling is guiding :.
Is. The graves that hold the dust Of our loved 81
mes shall be pleasant place that shall quicken
ur thoughts to higher aims and nobler en- q
eavors. In all sincerity / can repeat the eI
oets invitation. VI
Bring here the dead-a holy spell pervades u
ach grassy dell of these dim solitudes, is
nd in these fragrant bowers, and green ar
cades
eligion's deepest, purest influence broods.
We, bring them here, and let the soulless dust M,
est where there sounds no jar of earthly strife '"
here all things breathe . gentle, heavenly M
trust, n,
nd every bud and leaf with hope il rife, o'
nd even desth itself speaks Of Immortal Life =, sh
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