Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1874-11-09

West Waterviile.
The village of West Watcrvillc is one Of the
most thriving in the county; it seems to enjoy
degree of prosperity only second to its mother
town-Watervle. Nine new dwelling houses
have been built since last spring. Like most
growing villages, it bears q somewhat unfinished
appearance the streets lack Quaker regularity
but the residences are all neat, attractive and
homelke; and the public buildings also unmistsk-
ably indicate community of industry, intelli-
gence, and good morals.
There are four religious societies in the village,
namely Universaist-no pastor at present; Free
Will Bap,ist-Rev. Mr.. Manson. recently from
Topsham Methodst-Rev. n. {. Clifford, pastor
Baptist-Rev. Dr. Smith of Colby University, pa
tor The Free Baptists, Universalists and Bap
tsts have each neat church building; they are
pleasantly located side by side, and form unique
group of peaceable neighbors. The Methodists
sold their old church edifce last summer and are
now building $4,000 one on School ST. The
vestry will be ready for occupancy the coming
winter. The tower Of this church will have pub
lie clock. The Baptists have just been favored
with the gift of new 900 lbs. bell. from William
and David Houston, of Providence, r. l., two
wealthy and benevolent brothers, formerly Of
West Waterville.
There are FIVE graded schools in the village dis
trict. A large three story school building, cen
trally located, contains the Intermediate, Gram
mar and High Schools. The latter is now in
charge of Mr.. Howard, graduate of Bowdoin.
The supper Mills" and Lower Mills, have each
primary school.
There is good hall in the village called Memo
rial Hall built by the Soldiers Monument Associa-
citation; the building was begun in 1870; the ball
has now been used two years. Iii durable and
attractive structure, of granite slate and brick
1t is an honor to the town as well as noble mon
ument to the memory of those Waterville soldiers
who fell in defense Of the flag. The basement Of
the Memorial Hall building is occupied by the
West Watervlle Savings Bank, and for other pur-
poses. This bank was organized in 1869, and has
about 100000 on deposit. John Aver is Prcsi-
dent, and Mai. G. T. Stevens, the only lawyer in
town. and who is now representative elect, is
treasurer.
The health of the town is cared for by two ply
.icians,-Drs. Allen and North. DR.. North is son
ofDr Joseph II. North, formerly of Augusta, we
believe.
The manufactures of West Waterville are ex-
tensve and important. Those operated by water
mower. are situated on the Messalonskee river
which issues from the pond Of that name short
distance above the fret water power at Upper
Mills. There are eight water powers within TWO
miles of the foot of the pond, with total fall OF
Ill feet Not one fourth Of the power has ever yet
been improved. 1t is a series of the bes' water
powers in New England. The reservoirs are al
most beyond estimate. The Messalonskee or
Snow ponds miles long from Belgrade depot to
West Waterville, and is connected with six or
eight other large ponds in Smi,hfcld, and Rome.
There are no dangerous freshcts here such as are
frequently experienced on the large rivers, and
dams are built and maintained at small cost and
with little labor. fs e aFEgr
The Dunn Edge Tool Co., Hubbard, Blake &