Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-06-29
The Coming Season at Squirrel Island
Facilities for Travel.

Squirrel Island is row in its summer glory, not
indeed lively with company, as the season has
scarcely opened, but green and beautiful, ceanly,
and inviting with welcoming sea breezes its tired
children The gales and storms of winter have
swept over this bright gem in old ocean, leaving
its cottages and other property unframed Sir
John Sidney, the king of the island" whose
watchful care and isilance is proverbial, reports
scenes of unsurpassed grandeur, during the win
ter, at the south shore, amid the arful storms
that have prevailed. Compelled to visit the main
land, occasionally for the purchase of supplies, he
has often been storm. stayed, and only ventured
back at the iis of his life and the danger of los
ing his favorite boat. lie has made an addition to
his premises and says he never rejoiced more to
see company coming after the long and lonesome
embargo.
The popularity of the island is steadily in
creasng. This season will witness the erection
of several cottages. A gentleman from OHIO
will build a house Mr.. S. S. Brooks Of Augusta
will enlarge his; Mr.. Ethan Chase will probably
erect another house; Mr.. Harmon Smith Of
Richmond, will Immediately proceed to the cree
ton of a house. Others. whose names We did not
learn have lumber on the spot for building pur-
poses. Mr.. Freeman Barker has made some i'm
provements on the interior of bis house. He has
the only house that is lahed and plastered on the
island the walls of most of them cons listing OF
planed boards. The cottages are various IN size,
style and expense, according to the taste or
length of purse of the owner. The costiiest do
| not 60 over $1,000, while some Of the Squirrel
Islanders are happy beneath roofs of domiciles
that did not cost over $500. Those who do not
occupy their houses the entire season, easily rent
them for from one to two dollars day. Charlie
Kendrck is to continue to trade on the island fur
nshipg groceries and other supplies to the island
ers. The Sunday and praise meetings will be
maintained; The bowling allies, swings and sail
ing and fishing parties will offer diversion, and
quiet strolls to the various interesting points viii
continue to be made. The healthfulness OF the
island is remarkable, and continues one OF Its
chief attractions. Indeed, a gentleman from
Richmond came near making martyr OF himself
fer the sake Of demonstrating beyond doubt
that persons in the most exposed positions could
not take cold on the island. He informs us that
on Monday evening he sat in the open air, until
very late in a thin linen coat, lust 10 see If he
could take cold!" Instead of being subject for
|
monument" attesting to the unexamped health
fulness of Squirrel Island atmosphere.
A very convenient means Of reaching the
island from the Kcnnebec is by the large and ele-
CANT steamer "IIenry Morrison" that has just
been purchased by C. A. White, Esq Capt. Col
Inns and others, and placed for the summer on the
route from the towns and cities on the Kernebec
river to Mouse, Squirrel, Five Islands and Booth
bay. The boat is probably the most elegant one
that has ever been placed upon a local route on
this river. Its complete safety may be depended
upon its fittings perfect, and she is thorough
ly equipped with all the fixtures that belong to Q
first class steamer. Now that our people have
been furnished, at great cost, with good boat
for this route, we trust they may patronze it. 1t
W i'll help to develop trade on the Kennebec. The
freight taken on the first days passage of the
steamer, was very encouraging. This fine steamer
is commanded by Capt. Geo. W. Snowman, a
careful, cool and competent master of his business
Mr.. VIM. B. Neal of Gardiner, is clerk. and he
will make an obliging officer.
A few families have already gone to the
Island though the season will not fairly open I'M
til next week, when the tired ones will flock to
their summer homes by the sounding sea- Ken
nebec shares with Androscoggin in building up
the island AT one time last season, there was a
population of five hundred on the Island. 1t is
intended by the Association to limit the popua-
ton to one thousand. When that number is
reached, no more lots will DO sold.