The Donaldsonville chief. [volume] (Donaldsonville, La.) 1871-current, 1880-10-23
Notes from Aunt Chats Portfolio.

sojourning at Poland Spring, "'Way down
in Maine NATURAL and Social Attrac-
tions of the Place-Unclc John Personates
Gen. Garf;eld-Nortllern NIisconception
of Southern sentiment-A Visit to the
Shakers.
POLAND SPRING. Me-, Sept. -, 1880.
EDITOR CHIEF:
anticipated no pleasure in coming to
Poland Spring, simply looked npon it
as resttnl, quiet place; but was never
more pleased with summer resort, and
l wish that all who are afflicted with
kidney trouble could know ofits delight
fnl location and it's reputed health Civ
ing properties. 1t is comparatively lit
tie known as yet and many suppose it is
rough place il the woods, lacking the
comforts necessary for invalids know
OF one lady who came here with that
impression. She; left her good clothes
at home and filled her trunks with
sheets, pillow-cases, candles and every
thing that could conduce to the comfort
OF u sick friend whom she accompanied.
1t is customary here-as at all watering
places-when stage arrives, for every
body to rush to the front and see who
comes. Pity the poor, worn, dusty trav-
ellers who must run the gauntlet!
protest that it is very bad manners. Such
was the case Oh the evening in question.
The stage stopped, the proprietor stood
at the open door ready to assist the pas
sengers. The lady looked at the beaut-
fnl, large hotel, brilliantly lighted with
gas; the throng of elegant looking peo-
pie, and said, No, l don't wish to stop
here, wish to 60 to the Poland Spring
House." When assured that this was the
place, she said words were Inadequate to
express her surprise. And she could
think of nothing but the sheets and pill
low cases in her trunks, wish they were
at home and her nice dresses in their
place.
Poland is not town or village, but
township with several post-offices-
North Poland, Poland Centre and South
Poland. The Spring is at South Poland
and about thirty miles from Portland.
At Portland we took the Maine Central
Railroad as far as Lewistown junction,
then stage three miles over hilly
but very good road. The Poland Spring
House is rather imposing in appearance,
having high tower, and situated on
hill, is i'll view for miles in every direc-
tion. It was built abont five years ago,
at cost, including out buildings, of fifty
thousand dollars. 1t is exceedingly nice
in all its appointments, good table, good
clean beds, well furnished rooms and
good attention. 1t is kept by Messrs.
Kicker & Young, who are at all times
considerate, genial and agreeable. The
Mansion House, near by, or the old
hotel, where the post-office is located,
and which was wayside tavern forty
years ago, is kept at lower rates by Mr..
Ricker Sr., the owner Of the spring
there are also neighboring
farm houses, neat and comfortable, with
still lower rates.
The spring gushes out of strata of
rock at the foot of the hill, few rods
from the hotel-it is cold, clear as crys-
tai, perfectly colorless and tasteless, al
though analysis proves it is mineral
water. Mr.. Kicker, Sr., character by
the way, who will talk all day on the
subject of the water, insists that the
water is a cure for any disease, even in
cipient consumption, scarlet and typhoid
fever, ETC., but, while there is much truth
in what he says, and every body grants
it is fine water, much allowance must
be made for the speech of an enthusiast.
We have met several persons who feel
that the water cured them of
Bright's and other kidney disease, and
many have such faith in the water
that they use no other at home, and come
here for several weeks every summer.
The water keeps perfectly well and is
shipped to all the large cities of the Uni
ted States, but Of course there is advan-
tase in drinking at the fountain head,
having the benefit of the cool, invigora-
ting climate, rest and mental diversion.
This is truly charming spot. Nature
has encircled it with panorama so
beautiful, that, turn in any direction,
there is refreshing feast for the eye. |