Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-04-05
Letter From Illinois.
HIGHLAND PARK, Ill, Mar. s, ISIS

HIGHLAND PARK, H., Mar. s, 1880.
To the Editor Of the JoR1ual:.
Nothing else seems so much like visiting
home as the perusal Of the old family paper
Among my first and pleasantest recolections
of home life in Augusta is the weekly visit of
the Kennebec Journal, then edited by Luther
Severance. The educating influence Of pa
per which presented the best thoughts ofsuch
a man had much to do in forming the polit-
cal sentiment Of the young men of his time.
1t is a satisfaction to know that the journal
has well sustained the high reputation of
its early days and is now power for good in
the State.
| came west the first week Of January. The
fields in Maine were covered with snow, the
sleighing excellent; but since that day have
not seen half inch of snow upon the ground.
1t has been an uncommony mild winter
in the west The nature OF the soil is such that
mild weather and rain have made the roads
almost impossible. We know nothing of mud
in New England. The roads here are as soft
and the mud as deep as the most mellow
plowed field in Maine. Wheels sink half
way to the hub and the rims become as large
As peek measure, with the accumulated mud.
Walking is almost impossible off the side
walks.
During most of the winter the farmers have
not been able to draw their corn and wheat to
market il several miles away. The spring
promises to open early but appearances are
decetfu This city is on the west side of
Lake Michigan, twenty miles north Of
Chicago. The Chicago ( North Western r.
X. runs parallel to the lake, half a mile
- III
city is mostly between the X. Il. and lake.
The land is about seventy-fve feet above
the water. giving an elevation not found else
where near Chicago Numerous ravnes run
to the lake, affording excellent natural drain
age. The original proprietors of the town
ship would not allow the trees to be cut, and
as result the city is beautiful park of
oak-every house is in a grove, and the
grounds are extensive. varying from half an
| acre to four acres. The ravines are heavily
wooded and in the spring the ground is car
peted with most beautiful flowers. Most of
the ravines are crossed by bridges, and down
| some of them are delightful drives to the
lake.
This is a beautiful sheet of water, APPARENT
ly as boundless as the ocean, but lacking the
rocky shores of Maine, the beautiful islands
| and the restless roll of the sea. Having
of Maine, the lake disappoints me. 1t is
beautiful. but not grand. 1t has no islands
and the shores are monotonous-but it fur
nishes fertility to the great praries and
| transportation for their immense productions
Most of the residents of Highland Park do
business in Chicago, and with returning pros
perity to that great city, the park must grow.
| The people are wealthy. cultured and social.
Professor Elisha Gray, the inventor of the
telephone, resides here.
| The business on the railroads is immense,
trains running day and night. Navigation
will soon open, there is but little ice in
the northern akes-none in lake Michigan
| have visited Chicago several times, and in
my next will speak of the Queen of the West,
and when spring opens, give my farmer
friends pen and ink profuse of prairie farm
| ing. G. T. FLETCHER.
we received during the session of the Leg
islature, many letters and articles written for
publication i'll our columns. winch. for want
of space, we were obliged to throw aside.
The above letter was laid aside for the reason
before stated, but, as age has not injured it.
we insert it at this time.-Editor