Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1873-07-31
East VassaIboro'.

MIR. EDITOR Who says tina. sight seeing,
sound hearing, and soul feeling are not among
the fashions and passions of the age? To see
and be seen, to hear and be heard, to drink
in pure enjoyment and send gladness on its
mission of blessings through the earth is not
a duty we owe to ourselves, our neighbor, and
our God? Most beautiful has God made this
earth on which we dwell; most charming
some spots, and attractive certain ocalities
and to fail in our enjoyment, by neglect or
lack of appreciation, IS to argue strongly in
favor of neither eyes nor SOUL and is it conclu-
sivc proof that we have d.honorcd God and
robbed ourselves.
Tuesday, July 22d, was day to be desired
by traveller and farmer; the lover of nature,
and the lover Of God. The ride had been
long, and the terra" was creating perpetual
changes and short rests, when, just as the
wind was dying away, and the heaven.like
calm preceding sunset hour was settling over
woodland, fed, and lake; just the time to
watch the varying tints and changing charms
of landscape views, we rode over the hill
and along the vale that gave US full view of
the broad lake and its borders, and not far
its shade trees, the village of East Vassal-
Ooro'. For another purpose than sight seeing
had we come, but to shut our eyes now would
be to SIM Religious Improvement was the
aim of our trip, and here was our first oppor-
tunty a foretaste of good things to come from
the works of God.
Is it generally known to your readers that
so beautiful a village nestles in little valley
on the highlands East of the kennebec ?
That an opportunity, so good for a quiet
summer resort is offered so near your city
where the nervous and the invalid, the over
worked, and rest seeking can find all they
desire, so near at home? a Newport without
its folies, Saratoga minus its springs and
vices? The village is a gem of its size, with
every natural advantage to make it one of the
largest and most attractive summer resorts in
New England. We were not surprised when
the gentlemanly proprietor of the Revere
house toldus every room was taken. He ought
to have mammoth house, and a patronage
that would sustain it. Among other good
things, the luxury Of two sails we had; the
first in the morning, the second in the after
noon. Mr. Bradley, the landlord, has two
yachts; the one will accommodate % easily,
the other 80 without being squeezed too hard
for comfort or safety. Here then is sea
where waves never run mountain high, and
where the undertow never intrudes, long or
short, upon the most excellent condition, good
feelings, nor humor of any party but the
bilious. Fine perch abound in these waters,
at least they suited my taste; and pickerel too
can be taken if one is smart enough 10 catch
them. Didn't | en- JOY turning 'Chum" out at
4 o'clock in the morning to go fishing? and
then turning over, finished my morning nap,
and at breakfast time eat Of the fruit of his
| going? | recommend this as being most
| capital way Of taking perch.
The Association was entertained by parties
among whom they were distributed, in man :
| ner worthy of the people. Certainly we have
| reason to speak well Of our entertainment
| at Mr.. Does at Dr. Gates and at his
brothers, who, withal, kindly entertained
| the Bishop during his stay.
The Methodists have a very neat, new
church, fine congregation and good singing,
| and are under the excellent ministraton of
Rev. L. ID. Wardwell. The friends have
substantial and neat brick meeting house, and
| are a strong and excellent society. For the
first time, we attended one of their religious
services. We found them active, and the sea-
son spiritual and profitable. Quite number
of them were in attendance upon the various
meetings of the Association, and appeared to
enjoy them quite as well as ourselves. The
visit was one of more than ordinary interest
in some things, and with more exalted tone
of spirituality, would have been in this re-
spect, one of the very best of our religious
gatherings. We shall long and with pleasant
| thoughts, remember our visit at East Vassal-
| boro'.
b. S. A.
Shecpscott Bridge, July %, 1873.