Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1881-11-29

FOkD OOUNII-OHAk4CIk tiSo VI = ~
COUNTRY AND THE PEOPLE
HKBRox, Ne, Nov. 81, 1ssl.-Hebron y
one OF the best known and yet one or the
smaller towns In Maine. In population the
town has lost rather than gained during
the past two decades. 1t II 30 far removed
nom the larger towns that It retains the
customs and much OF the simplicity OF the
early part OF the generation. The pastor
Ia man who takes part and has an In
fuence In secular affairs. The principal
Of the academy is still the "preceptor.'
The inhabitants are, ~ q rule, men OF pos
tive convictions, oil natives and 80 INTEL
ligent withal that they are not given 10
running AFTER new theories. When tho
Greenback craze swept Oxford county,
plotting out the Republican majority OF
seven hundred, for two years, tho farmers
Of Hebron stood firm and retained nearly
their accustomed decided Republican ma
jority. When asked by the party commit
tee to increase the Republican majority,
the town committeeman replied that IL
was impossible, since nearly every kepuo'
lican voted, aud there was no ground Tor
making converts, the few Democrats In
town being OF the fast color variety.
Hebron is well up among the bills OF
Oxford county. The surface II billy, the
soil is generally hard TO work but good,
the farmers raising good crops OF corn,
wheat, potatoes, etc. There Is no better
apple region In New England, and good
crop this wear has lined or will line the
pocket-books Of those who make apple
culture prominent feature OF the'r iarh,
Inc. Sugar orchards are quite as plentiiui
as those OF fruit. Hundreds, II not thou-
sands, OF gallons OF maple syrup are made
in Hebron every year. Thus the sweet
season begins early in this favored place
and lasts till the wild berries and fruit are
gone. Fine pears and good grapes are
grown here by those who take pleasure IN
caring for such Injuries. The whole re-
eion is well adapted TO sheep husbandry,
but as vet comparatively little has been
done In that direction. This Is very strange
when IL Is remembered that the country Is
full OF wide-awske Y ankees AFTER the dollar.
The region Is one OF the healthiest 10 New
England fact which summer tourists are
anding out. Hebron, Paris and other
surrounding towns are famous FOR Their
minerals. The finest tourmslins In the
country are found there. Rev. MT. klch-
srd,o.i OF Hebron, and Postmaster Bearce
OF West Minot, have very flne and valuable
collections. Buckfeld Is the trading town
In that locality. 1t has also several snaii
manufacturing interests, and now that the
Bucktield Branch Railway Is well man
aged corporation II has very promising
future. The canning factories In Buckne'd
and many other towns afford employment
and markets. This year large quantities
OF apples and pumpkins were canned after
the corn season was over.
The locality Is famou. for its excellent
water, many springs having medicinal VIZ
tues. The famous Poland springs are onl y
n few miles, while In n valley near 10y IL
another spring, whose waters arc sold In
Boston. Just now considerable quantities
OF water are shipped from spring IN Hart
ford. In fact, IL 1t Is difficult 20 get inton'
icatinC drinks hereabout, there IL an aoun-
dance Of pure sparkling water and some
sweet cider.
Hebron Academy Is known all through
Maine. X was one OF the first OF the acad-
emies planted In the State, and while 9TH
ers have died out this old institution con-
iinues to hold It's own. or late 1t has been
recognized by Colby University as one OF
its fiiiin. schools, and receives the support
otthat institution. Good classical teachers
are employed, and thus this old SC, DOL
10 kept alive In spite OF the multiplicity OF
high schools. Here Hannibal Hsmlin fitted
for college. Here your excellent Governor
Long, 4 native OF Bnckheld, fitted for col
lege when a mere lad. Congressman Dun
nell OF Minnesota was once n teacher here.
Senator Hale, born IN the adjoining town,
is remembered by those older than himself
as one OF Hebron's most studious pupils.
A large number OF men who are prominent
in the business, political and professional
world, first went 20 school 81 this old
&C ademy, which so modesuy nestles among
the hills nca. the Baptist church, and sur
rounded by grove OF maple and oak. II
Is an excellent place to send boys because
the discipline Is good, the instruction eI-
cellent, the Influences the best and the ex-
pense the lowest.
While Franklin Pierce was in college he
strayed from Brunswick up TO Hebron.
There was vacancy In the district school
and Pierce engaged as teacher AZ Sl4 per
month. One day he was confronted with
. problem In one OF the srthmetics which
he could not solve. He took IL home and
struggled with IL, but In vain. The next
day he gave the class lecture upon the
necessity OF perseverance In the matter OF
solving hard problems. At night, howev-
er. he betook himself 10 his task. but the
struggle was hopeless. Finally he opened
. closet door In his room, which had been
occupied 10y previous teacher, and. See
ing sheet OF paper covered with agures,
took 1t up, and to his grea, Joy found that
IL was q solution OF the "sum which had
become q source OF anxiety 10 him. The