The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1885-10-29
THEY ALL DO II.
CaStine Carrots.

SOME OF THE RELICS AND cuKIosIrIEs FOUND IN
Castne abounds in relics Many of them are
noted outside of the walls of the town. The Castne
coins found in 1910 by the late Samuel p. Grnde
when boy, have well known historical fame and
are in the possession of the Maine Historical
Society. They numbered when found about two
thousand pieces. They were coins of all nations.
The earliest date of any 1925 A gold coin,
probably lost by one of the Castine family,
found by one of our citizens on the beach lust be-
low the Old French Fort. 1t was ''demi Louis
dor" of 1912 and was valued at about two dollars
seventeen cents and five mills. In 1868 piece of
Fort Madison by Mr. W. II. Weeks. He cut of
piece of it with which to mend his boat. However
il was afterwards recovered and fastened to the
plate. 1t was inscribed with Latin of which this is
the translation: "l64S, Jan. ST. Friar Leo, of
Paris, Capuchn Missionary, laid this foundation
in honor Of our Lady of Holy Hope" 1t was
evidently placed In the foundation of a Catholic
chapel in the Old Fort Pentaggt. 1t is now in the
possession of Mr.. Geo. H. Withere.
In 1880, the Maine Historical Society made Cas-
tine the objective point for their annual excursion.
At that time the committee on historical matters of
this town. had the foundation of the Old French
Fo1t laid open and many relics of interest to the
antiquarians we're found Cannon balls, Indian
tomahawks, arrow heads, pipes and bones were
found, besides wood from the old palisades in an
excellent state of preservation 1t is common
Sight to see the old pipes smoked III the time of
peace tomahawks used in many 3n Indian war.
Our town is rich in garrets, numbered with the
wealth of years. The Old fashioned clock IS no
stranger here and its large hand pacidly points TO
the minutes, only little less eagerly than ii did
eighty or a hundred years ago. The quantity
carved cradle the spider legged chair, the faded
embroideries, the mellow Old laces, all are here.
Upon the wall hangs some old musket carried by
Granisre--- during the Revolutionary war,
OF even earlier. Behind the door stands perhaps
harmless looking cane carried by ancestor
Gong since dead Of Castine family. 1t appears
a stout oak cane, which has stood constant use for
than a hundred but mill m. handle
and blade long and thin ami rusty, and who
knows perhaps heckea with blood, slips into sight.
Once It flashed in the sunlight and did good work
for its owner
If the tourist intent In his search on ancient
scenes for things rich i'll age and dust and history
could with q glance take in the town, on the wide
piazza Of our summer cottages he could often see
at the hour of sunset, family gathered around one
of those old wooden tables, round and red, handed
down for years from one son to another an at last
passed into the hands of stranger. After the
per bread is eaten, the top lifts up and presto, An
armchair suitable for the enjoyment of an evening
smoke. Chests, bureaus and cabinets of dark wood
and highly polished brass ornaments with rich Law
ender perfume and fascinating secret drawers, sill
yer ornaments, dishes and Old heirloom, of every
sort, the andirons with their glitterus brass
es, cranes and the dainty old candle sticks rap
Idly passing from their owners into the hands Of
The anttquary. They are generally sold for a sum
that represents but one half of their real value In
later years the think with regret of the time
when they let their property go for money. Meth
er love nor money should induce person to let
these antique gems go from the possession Of their
family.
One of the antiquities of Castine, turned to q
good use was the Oil Transport ship st. Helena,
which wrecked in the harbor in l119, just op-
posite the cottages of the Morey family at the
north end of the town. AT the time of the
wreck all the vauables were taken from the
ship and for a hundred years she lay under
the water, her frame shattered and timhers
buried In the sand and at low tide visible
from the shore. These years beneath the waves
gave to the wood an unwonted color and hardness
The discovery of the beauty of the wood is due to
Mr.. 5. T. Noyes, who has utilized it in dozen diff.
ferent ways. Four large chairs exquisite models
of carving, have been made from it, with the name,
the date and the town inscribed upon them. The
smaller bits have been used for paper cutters, pen
holders, antique vases, canes, book covers to hold
Photographic views of the town. The shades of
the wood are beautiful. 1t changes from black to
when carved the effect Is perfect. AT first zone
was privileged TO take piece of the Transport if
they could procure ii from the water; the demand
is great for it that several dollars is charg
ed for log of it. Some of the wood from the pal
isades of the old French Fort has been used for a
similar purpose, with the date 1926 inscribed, but
the supply of wood has nearly given out. Nearly
everyone who visits Castine, wishes to carry away
some little memeuto and these carved relics have
filled long felt want.
Another ingenious idea was that originated by
Maj. Chas. Greenhalgh of using one of the worm
eaten old spiles from the tumbed down wharves,
for picture Frame The action of the COM
bined with the seaworms has left curious surface
on the logs which, when polished, gives the effect
Of some rich, heavy Fabric This idea has gained
favor rapidly and the old piles are now used for
posts for stair ways and many other unique pur-
poses. Castine Gazette.