The Portland daily press., 1875-07-22
sEBAGO LAKE.
Excursion of the L. A, II. A.

The excursion of the Irish American Relief
Association to Sebago Lake yesterday was a
success in every particular. The first train in
the morning took out six car loads, and the
special train at ten o'clock carried twenty car
loads, and the afternoon train had nine cars
crowded. La all there were upwards of $500
people at the Lake. The day was all that
could be wished for picnic. The arrange
ments for transportation were almost perfect,
as there were plenty of cars, and they ran as
near on time as possible. Supt Hamilton was
on hand, as usual. and gave the matter his
personal supervision.
Soon after the arrival of the special train in
the morning game of base ball was played
between the Mountaineers and the West End
Club, for a silver cup. For several innings the
game was quite exciting, but towards the close
the Mountaineers led the game, and won by a
score of q tot. The afternoon train brought
number of boating men, and the arrange
ments for the four-oared working boat race
were completed after some delay. The dis
lance was about mile and return, and the
prizes were 500 to first and $15 to second boat.
Only two boats started-the Pilot and the
Speed Away. At the word ''go" every oar in
the Pilot took water, and the boat fairly leaped
out of the water. The crew of the Speed Away
did not appear to be prepared, and failed to
catch the stroke at first, but they soon re-
deemed themselves and shot ahead of their
rival. They steered straight for the stake
boat while the Pilot kept in shore out of the
course, and at last went beyond the stake boat
long distance and returned. The Speed Away
turned the stake boat handsomely and returned
to the starting place long distance in advance
of the Pilot, taking the first prize. The crew
of the Pilot claimed that theyi mistook the
stake boat
1t was expected there would be swimming
match, but no one cared to compete. The
jumping match, for spy glass, was very in
teresting, and some fearful leaps were made.
William Sampson was considered the cham
pion and took the prize.
A gentleman's walking cane was offered as a
prize for the foot race. The distance was 100
yards and return, and three young men pre-
pared to start. Tue first trial was failure, as
the men started before the word was given.
The second time a good start was had, and
James O'Neil won the race by few feet.
pipe, and was taken by William Sampson.
Chandler's Band was in attendance all day,
and furnished music for dancing in the Pa
vilion. 1t was warm work, but the young
people enjoyed it hugely.
During the day number of swings were in
constant use, while number of persons
amused themselves in dancing jgs on a plat.
form in the grove. The boys amused them
selves bathing in the lake throughout the day.
There were no Intoxicating liquors on the
grounds, and good order prevailed.
The committee were on hand, and have the
satisfaction of knowing that the excursion was
one of the most successful that ever left this
city. Mr.. Richard III. Parker did thriving
business at the restaurant.
1t required three trains to bring the party
back to the city, and as far as can be learned
not an accident happened.