Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-06-03
Notes From the Camp Ground.

June l, 1880.
We are making our first visit here this
season, and are pleased to find everything in
jured by the frost and rains, as is usually the
case. and all is in the very best order. Much
labor has been bestowed upon the streets in
past years, to get them properly graded, so
the water would not gully them, and it has
been a good investment. Some three or four
acres, next to the county road, has been
burned over and it affords pleasing change
to the passcr-by. The land here is hard and
stony, and is of very little value aside from
the part it performs in holding the world to-
gether. Several acres yet remain to burn,
but it is dangerous to set fire, as woodland is
on nearly all sides. This property is becom-
ing more valuable each year.
The Superintendent, Mr.. Brown, who has
had charge of the property during the past
year, has made many important changes that
have much enhanced the value of the
grounds. Comfortable settees. or benches
with backs, have been made, sufficient to seat
an audience as large as the tabernacle will
hold; also new stand, or platform for the
tabernacle; and It was suggested that people
will like cloudy weather, 80 meetings may
be held where they can sit with comfort. The
tabernacle will hold very large audience.
but when the sun shines the stand in the
grove is more comfortable, and several
thousand can be seated.
Already cottagers are here ''fixing up
things generally. Some improvements are
made each year. An addition has been
made to cottage that was built last season
on Park avenue, and parties have been here
md fod lots slow
avenue upon which to build cottages at once.
Nor is the time to build instead of waiting
until August, when all is hurry and confus-
ion. 1t is hoped large number of cottagers
will be here. on the 9th inst. and make it as
pleasant as possible for the members of the
Association. who will be here in large force
to attend the meeting, called for the purpose
of taking into consideration the matter of
making joint stock compay of the Associa-
ton.
This is plan the Association has long had
under consideration. and seems to be the
only plan by which the Executive
Committee can be relieved Of a debt of
$500, that has been upon the property since
1871. Over half of the sum needed has been
pledged already, and as soon as an organiza-
ton is effected the balance will undoubtedly
be taken by cottage owners, as it will be very
important that property owners have a
voice in the management the same as at pres
ent. The expenses are more of late as it
seems advisable that family be kept on the
grounds through the year to care for the
property. and ground rents have been kept at
so low price that all the committee have
been able to do is to pay the interest on the
debt. For the past two years, little has been
saved beside the interests. but it has been by
the strictest economy in every department,
the committee giving their services.
The Maine Central Railroad Co. are ready
to do all possible for the comfort of those who
attend the meetings, and have the lumber on
/ the spot to build platform the entire length
between the two stations which will be verv
great improvement.
Superintendent Tucker has ordered tickets
to be sold at all the stations at the same rates
as during the meetings, and doubtless many
will avail themselves of the opportunity to
visit the place. In my next I hope to give
some information in regard to meetings to be
held here this season. S.