News and citizen. [volume] (Morrisville, Vt. ;) 1881-current, 1882-07-13
Letter from Old Orchard.
OLhORCHARD BEACH, Me.
Inlnr Tfh 1880


OLpORCHARD BEACH, Me.
July 9TH, 1882.
Doubtless many readers of the
News & CITIZEN have visited this ia
nous resort, and all probably have
some knowledge of the place; yet
perhaps a brief notice of the beach
and its present surroundings may not
be amiss.
1t was our good fortune to luXuriate
here a while several years ago. Since
that time many noticeable changes
and improvements have taken place.
We shall not attempt to say how long
the restless waters have been tossing
and rolling upon these magnificent
sands; but it was about thirty-five
years ago, we are told, that a little
party from Boston, driving this way,
called at farm house and persuaded
the good wife to prepare clam chow
der. From that time the little house
was opened to the public, and soon
was known as the Old Orchard House.
1t was not, however, until about 1870
that building began generally. Since
that time work has progressed yigor-
ously, and now there are twenty or
more hotels and many private cot
tages-about 800 buildings, all told.
The place has its church, graded
school, markets, stores, curiosity ba-
Ears, restaurants, and peanut stands
without number. Here it is that all
classes meet at this season, on a lev
ell, so to speak. The hale fisherman
and the dyspeptic millionaire with his
roguish daughters the corpulent loaf
er and the sallow professor; the bux-
ON matron and the wiry spinster-all
following the same voca:ion-all
splashing in the same water.
A bright afternoon on the beach af-
fords sight worth taking in. The
children come down from the farm
with Bob, ;" and rattle along beside
the New Yorker with his four-in-hand,
or perhaps the milkman drops down
and has a brush with his aristocratic
neighbor.
Bathing is the chief attraction with
most tourists. just before dinner,
hundreds Of people of all shapes and
ages may be seen enjoying the exhil-
Grating effect of plunge in the surf.
BY the way, there is nothing deceptive
about bathing suit. 1t gets down
squarely to the fact at once-tollowing
Natures lines to the letter. A lady
thin by nature, remains so. No other
roll can be assumed; while she who
is comely does not depreciate much in
tasty bathing suit.
This beach at low tide is some thir-
ty rods wide and stretches away some
four and a half miles in either direc-
ton. Its surface is as smooth and
firm as floor, on which the wheels of
carriage scarcely make an impress
sion. Upon this highway there are no
dangerous crossings, or fines imposed
for fast driving. Several ponds of
interest may be reached by o drive
along the shore. Ferry Beach, de-
lightful little spot, lies three miles
away, and drive Of two and half
miles in an opposite direction brings
you to Pine Point. The Old Orchard
R. R. Co. runs car hourly to Saco
river, connecting with steamer for
Biddeford Pool, six miles away, max
ing a delightful little trip.
If one desires little experience at
sea, let them take q sailing craft, al
ways at hand, and sail away for Woods |
Island Light, seven miles out. Prout's
Neck, six and half miles, or STRAIT
ton Island, five miles away. The lat
ter will be quite fa- enough unless
ones interior arrangements have been
educated up to the work.
We must mention the camp-meet-
ing ground, which certainly is one of
the chief attractions to many, meet |
ings being held at different times
through the season. This famous
ground covers about thirty acres of
land, shaded throughout by a charms
ing grove. There is an auditorium
formed by curving slopes, capable of
seating about 10000. Streets are
laid out Systematically throughout the
grove, and many permanent cottages
hdhC OCCu ClCCGCus EcIH AIM 81 |
called, is near at hand, and adds much |
to the attractiveness of this Metho- |
dIstic retreat. There are other places |
of interest about that we have not
and will not attempt TO de-
scribe.
The new Fiske House which has
been spoken of in these columns be-
fore, Is receiving its merited share of
public patronage. 1t is, we think, be-
coming the favorite location with Yer
mont people, many of whom have al
ready registered. The genial pro-
prietor and his amiable wife are peo-
pie who warm the hearts of those
they meet, and give to their house an
air of home comfort that is little known
In most hotels. The DEACON.