The Portland daily press. [volume] (Portland, Me.) 1862-1921, 1882-08-23
A Charming Retreat.

MATTHIAS GROVE,
FRYEBURG, Aug. %, 1882.
To the Editor Of the Press:
Among your many correspondents is there
yet room for one more? For the benefit OF
those who may not have heard Of this quiet re-
treat, where one may escape from the care and
toll of business life, and enjoy that repose
which is SO much needed after months of ac-
tivity spent in the busy city, we would state
that this grove is situated about two miles
from the ancient and picturesque village of
Fryeburg, one of the Oldest settlements in
Maine, the village and surrounding country
being replete with legends and facts of historic
interest.
Having arrived at the Fryeburg depot by
way of the Portland & Ogdensbug Railroad,
we mount the carriage which we find in wait
ing and start for Marthas Grove. The ride
itself might be considered delightful even If
we did not expect to be outdops by many an
other which we anticipated taking during our
stay
After passing through part Of the pretty
and quiet village our road lies over a plain,
on the left of which may be seen range OF
mountains about ten miles Distant the highest
peak of which, Mt Kearsarge stands out
against the sky in bold relief. Back of this
range Mt Washington's lofty summit is
plainly visible on clear day. Quietly gliding
along between us and the mountains we may
catch occasional glimpses of the Saeo river,
which although at this place not very rapid or
deep, on account of its many windings and its
sloping, sandy banks, is an interesting feature
Of the landscape.
On the right of the road and situated appar-
emily in the midst of broad plain, entirely
isalased from al! the mountains, hills and ele-
vations of any kind, towers the huge rock
known to the settlers as Jockey-cap, this name
having been applied to it on account of tho
striking resemblance which it bears to cap
when viewed from certain point at its base.
From the top of this rock, which is more
easily gained than one would at first imagine,
may be obtained one Of the most delightful
views to be had anywhere in these parts.
rest, the Martha's Grove campground. This
we gain at last and glad to greet the familiar
scenes once more. The commodious lodging
house, the airy and neat dining hall which is
built in such a novel style, the rows of cottages
occupied by campers and boarders, the
winding river which runs along the western
boundary of the grounds, the mountains be-
yond, and the majestic naples, which with
few pines Interpreted, form the grove, are
among the pleasing features that meet our
longing eyes.
People seem to be becoming aware of the
benefits to be derived from stay of few
weeks in this charming dell during the dog
days so proverbially disagreable at the sea
shore, for we find goodly number of people
enjoying themselves here, where the time
passes lightly away while the boarders are en-
gagged in some lawn game or concert is being
held in the evening out on the river bank For
artists this is grand resort, there being al
most countless opportunities for welding the
brush or pencil.
Excursions are always in order and their
length may be varied according to the caprice
OF the excursionists Kearsarge, the Lodges
Echo Lake, Diana's Baths, the DEVILS Dew,
the Cathedral and Mt. Pleasant being anon,
the more distant points to be visited, while
LovePs Pond, Jockey-cap, Highland Park and
the falls are near enough for persevering
pedestrians, or furnish entertainment for an
afternoon drive, party being able to visit
several, If not all of these places in one pleasure
ride.
We omitted speaking of the water to be had
on the camp ground, but which forms an inn
portant item, 1t being considered by some even
superior to Poland. The wells are all bored
wells, and the water in the warmest weather
is as cold as ice water. There is also stable
on the grounds where horses may be had Tor
either large or small parties.
"Blithe were it then to water here,
A summer night in greenwood SPENT
Here but to-morrows merriment." EVA.