Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1883-08-28
A TRIP TO MOOSE CAVE, GRAFTON.
the Editor Of the oxford Democrat:

To the Editor Of the Oxford Democrat:
general invitation was given out for 6
ride to "Moose Cave" Aug. 18th, 1888
We started about 6 l-2 O'Clock q. m. A
nice shower the night previous had laid
the dust, and the cool morning air was all
that could be desired In that direction, as
We left home. Soon we were Joined by
several friends who had started upon the
same trip. There was heavy fog which
covered the low lands aud hid the sun
from our view. A few miles brought US
TO the Androscoggin River. Here we
were to be conveyed across In a rope ferry
boat The signal soon brought the ferry
man, who took two carriages at a time,
until our party was completed with the
addition of enc carriage with four persons
from the other side of the river. We soon
found we had eleven carriages with thir-
ty-four persons vending our way towards
Moose Cave"
care you going a-blueberrying?" was
occasionally asked by a bystander, as We
passed by. or course we answered In the
negative.
As we were congratulating ourselves
upon the road, We soon found that the
shower which had passed over Bethel had
not reached far In Newry, and the dust
was anything but agreeable, and the sun as
1t began to shine through the fog began to
tell Us that We were to encounter very
warm day.
Many of the farmers were still haying
in the fields by the roadside. As they saw
Us approach they generally dropped their
scythes, and as they leaned upon their
snaths, stood as II somewhat astonished
to see such procession passing by. Even
the dogs, which would bark at single
team, remained silent and let US pass along
In quiet.
Passing one field, we saw man upon
his mower, just tipping the jag (of cold
water, we supposed, as we had no reason
To think he had anything stronger).
Soon our foreman halted and We were
told that, while our horses took q little
rest, We would take view OF the site
where once was saw mill. Here We met
two-horse pleasure team from Bethel;
also party from Norway who were going
through 70 the Lakes and pass around by
the White Mountains in n. III.
Here was splendid fall of water and the
high walls on each side of the stream must
have furnished one of the best mill privi-
leges anywhere in this section. Whist
was the fate of the mill that once stood
here | did not learn. Part OF the dam
above WAS still LEFT, as was some OF the
machinery that We saw wedged In among
the rocks in the chssm below. Some Of
Us went down to the water. The high
walls on each side OF the stream and
the ledge showed that the constant flow
ing OF the water had cut many curious
shapes In the rocks. After exploring this
place pretty thoroughly, we started on our
were told, was two or three miles further
up.
Here we encountered some pretty steep
hills, but in a short time we again stopped
As we had reached the end OF our journey
in that direction. While the horses were
being hitched the ladies were making prep
arations for dinner. A nice shady spot
was selected, ard It Is needless for me TO
say that we were soon doing justice TO our
dinner, as the ride had given US an excel
lent appetite. After short rest, few
steps brought Us 10 the cave. This shall
not attempt TO describe, but IL is a rough,
wild place, indeed. AFTER looking about
for while, we returned TO our little grove
and spent an hour or two. As several
good singers were present, the woods
were soon ringing with music; after
which speech was made by the Oldest
member OF our party, who called upon 3
reverend gentleman, who made a very sp-
propriate prayer for the occasion. A re-
citation was furnished by Que OF the la-
dies, which was well received by all.
" May We all live long long TO remember
the meeting at Moose Csve" WAS expressed
by one. which OF course was the sentiment
of US sll.
Soon we started homewsrd. Stopped
and visited the Jail" few miles below
this. We concluded il was rightly named,
As We descended down into it; and If there
were no other entrance than that by which
We went, door could be very easily sup
piled that would make it quite secure for
criminals. As we came out through IL,
We might heve looked bad enough to be
escaped criminals; we did not, OF course,
claim the honor" OF being.
At 4 As o'clock, we again started. A
slight breeze had cooled the air somewhat,
but the dust was fearful. Just as the sun
was going behind the mouuteins, We again
reached the river. Soon the ferryman was
on our shore, and took Us back as quickly
As possible, and we took our several roads
toward home, having realized very pleas
ant trip on the whole, and one which will
probably never be forgotten by any OF US.
ONE OF THE NUMBER.