The Portland daily press., 1875-09-04
Minnikeni Hall.

On Tuesday morning last, in response to a
cordial invitation from DR.. james r. Nichols
of Haverhill. the famous chemist and inven-
tor, party of gentlemen assembled at New
buryport at about $50 o'clock and put them
selves in the hands of DR.. Nichols. whose
guests they were to be for the day. The party,
about seventy in number, embraced many gen.
tlemen prominent in business, professional and
journalistic life. Among them may be men
toned President White of the Boston & Maine
Railroad, Messrs. Spring, Lord and Stevens of
the B. & NJ. board of directors Of which body
DR.. Nichols is also a member, Mr.. Cogswell,
ex-President of the road, Mr.. Fallon, Superin-
tendent of the Pacific Mills, Lawrence, Mr..
Hyde of New ton, Mr. Baker of Boston, George
Young of Youne's Hotel, Mr.. Waters of the
Boston Advertiser, Mr.. Stockwell of the Jour
nal Mr.. Hovey of the Transcript, Mr.. Merrill
of the Lawrence american and Ben Perley
Poore of Washington fame.
AT 10 o'clock the party embarked on the
barge Queen of the Merrimac, were towed
down the river to the bar whence the trip up
the river was begun. The voyage on the Mer-
r;mac from Newburyport to Haverhill is one Of
the most delightful that can be conceived. The
river is very crooked and the various turns af-
ford TO the sight-seer constant succession Of
surprises. The banks are in some places high
and wooded, in others open and low, while
thrifty looking villages and fine residences are
literally sprinkled along the shores for the en-
tire distance-about eighteen miles.
At one o'clock the boat reached Haverhill
where carriages were in waiting at the wharf
to take the exeursionists to Dr. Nichols coun-
try place about two miles from the river. Here
on the top of high elevation, at the foot of
which, on three sides nestle three beautiful lit
tie lakes stands the summer residence of the
Dr., Winnikeni Hall, large stone structure
recently completed. in the medeval style with
turrets. battlements and all the appurtenances
of castle on the Rhine. except the rivers. The
building can be seen from long distance and
a most striking and attractive feature of the
landscape. The approach is by beautiful
driveway through the spacious grounds and
winding around the hill. On the summit Is
considerable area which is to be laid out with
| shrubbery and walks. On one side is a beauti :
| full grove of young oaks in the midst of which
| is high stand from which the Haverhill Band
| discoursed excellent music The stable and out
| buildings, as well as the main structure, are
| built of stone found on the top of the hill and
| appear most substantial. The house, which Is
spacious, is finished and furnished with perfect
| taste and with view to the greatest comfort
aad convenience.
The party was received by Mrs. Nichols, who
| We'd with her husband in hospitable care of her
numerous guests. The time passed speedily
until three o'clock when the guests led BY the
| band, marched down the hill through the woods
and along the bank of the beautiful Lake Keno
"a to the tables spread under the grateful shade
| of the trees, within sight aud sound Of the rip
| pling waters, stirred by cool breeze which
tempered the heat of this perfect day. This
part of the entertainment was, like all the rest,
eninently successful, aud the lounge on the grass
afterward, the soothing postprandial cigar and
jest story and chatter FILED the time until the
carriages came to take the happy party to the
cars, after most restful aud cheerful day,
the memory of which will be always associated
with delightful sensations and a hearty appre-
citation of DR.. Nichols abundant and elegant
hospitality.