Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1876-04-03
SQUIRREL ISLAND.

The Effects OF the Severe Gales-HOw the
Cottages stood the Test.
Mr.. EDITOR NO doubt all of your readers have
heard Of Squirrel Island as famous summer re-
sort, and many Of them are personally interested
in some particular spot on it where they have here
tofore thrown off dull care for time, and renew
ed their youth and strength, while being famed
by the refreshing breezes of "South Shore"
But venture to say, that but few if any of them
have visited it in the winter, although l imagine
that all who own "a cottage by the sea-" have
anxious]y thought Of their chances for occupying
the same the coming season, and wondered which
side up the late severe gales had left them.
Having occasion to visit Boothbay recently, l
could not resist the desire to see Squirrel Island
in its winter dress, and spend day with Capt.
John Sidney, Pres. pro tenn, and with his family,
sole residents at this time of the island.
l arrived there about eight in the evening, and
not having sent up my card, had the pleasure of
surprising them completely at the farm house ;
but true to their reputation for hospitabe enter
tainmsnt they were equal to the emergency, and in
less time than | am in writing this narrative,
had placed before me all that could be desired for
an evening meal. After q chat of an hour or two
with the Capt and wife, l was shown into the
"spare room" and was lulled to rest by
"The patter of the raindrops overhead
and the deeper music of old oceans diapason.
In the morning after = substantial Square
meal" donned the captains rubber cape and
started out TO view the ruins. But IMAGINATION
had again outdone the reality. In the place of
shattered wrecks and gables all awry, of posts
assnt and roofess domiciles. saw and viewed
each work of art. and called it good. Even my
own Balloon" stood firm and the scriptures were
again vindicated, "For it was founded on rock"
And to the dear five hundred who have had
anxious thoughts in regard to their chances for
summer recreation, l will say that Capt. John
sends greeting, and AYERS that his best Bow An
Choir" is out to windward and his deck load is Sc
cure. Perhaps had ought to qualify my report
by adding that several of those ornamental out
houses which like sentries have guarded the rear
of some of the houses, have been trying to "play
circus" and have succeeded in assuming grotesque
attitudes. If it shall result in better arrange
ment of onr line Of BATTLE the assault will have
complished some good. After another evening 8
chat with "minc host" and nights rest, which
comes only to the just, resumed my connection
with the outside world well satisfied with my at
tempt at insestigation-better at least than our
democratic friends seem to be with theirs.
cannot close this already prolix letter, without
word of commentator for Capt Sidney. For
honesty and faithful attendance to the duties OF
his isolated position, l am confident his equal
would be hard to find and may the day be far dis
toni when Squirrel Island Association shall lose
his valuable services; and would Recommend as
substantial token of our confidence and esteem
the purchase and presentation to him OF small
lifeboat, which will enable him to at least contin-
ue his connection,with the mails during the severe
winter weather, and so enable those interested in
the island, to hear occasionally from "our coast
guard" Ii.
Bath March 80, 1876.