The Republican journal. [volume] (Belfast, Me.) 1829-current, 1886-06-03
Letter from Norridgewock.
\ PLEASANT LITTLE TOWN FOR SUMNER RE-
SORT. THE HOME OF SOPHIE MAY. At

SORT. THE HOME OF SOPHIE MAY. At
FRACTIONS AND INDUSTRIES.
Correspondence of the journal.
NoERIDGEwoCK, Me-, May u, 1856 Leav-
ing Wnterport in her new spring costume of
brilliant green. embroidered here and there
with apple blossoms, | arrived in the Queen
City" after a delightful trip up the PcnobScot
in the old Katahdin Continuing my journey
next morning over the B. 4 NJ. via Oakland.
arrived in this place at noon. was told that
the kennebec was more beautiful than the Pc
nobscot but did not quite believe it, for river
can ever be 80 beautiful to me as the dear old
Penob>cot. There is no place like home. you
know, especially if that home contain much
that is near and dear to lis.
This little town is very Economically situated
OH both sides of the river. connected by a sub
stantial wooden bridge resting on stone piers.
The river ut this point is not more than five
hundred feet wide. The population is about
1900 and it is quite an active place for its size.
1t has never fully recovered from the blow re-
ceived when the Court House was removed to
Skowhcgan. Those most interested are now
endeaVorng to restore it to its former activity
by increasing its business interests and adding
to the attractiveneS> of the place as Il summer
resort. There are two hotels. and the one on
the north side of the river is distant from it
only about twenty-five feet. 1t is under the
excellent management of Mr. and Mrs. Osborne.
formerly of Watervillc. An ohiging host and
Il charming. ho>pitable hostess cause one to feel
thoroughly at home-and these the stranger
will find here.
My room looks directly cut upon the water,
giving view that is both romantic and restful.
On the opposite side. the bank slopes gradually
to the waters edge and is covered with a thick
land is more precipitouS but there is Il similar
growth Of trees and bushes.
Just above the hotel is the cosy but unpreten-
tious home of our well known 'Sophc May"
Its location is picturesque. 1t has the river
with its green setting in the front. and rolling,
verdure clad hills at the back.
Below the hotel We find the home Of the
Rev. DR.. Tappan who for many wears has been
the faithful and well-bcloved pastor of the
Orthodox church. and who short time ago
preached his farewell sermon much to the re-
gret of his people. His resignation is caused
by i'll health and increasing years. The Bap-
fists and Advents also have Il church. The
Mcthod>t> hold their meetings in Il hail but
have no regular organization, the preacher COM
ing from Skowhegam. The schools are very
good. The Eaton High School prepares its
pupils for college The tuition is free to the
children of the town. Beside this there is the
ordinary common school. stores of all kinds
and several factories are found on the south
side The corn factory is the largest of the
kind i'll this part of the country, and employs
during the season as many as four thousand
men, women and children. There are quite Il
number of fine residences here for SO small
town. The most worthy of mention is that of
Warren Hathaway, a large house of graceful
proportions, surrounded by extensive grounds
upon Which Improvements are being made and
which when completed will form one of the
most attractive homes to be found any where.
The roads generally are in good condition.
nearly all OF them have trees on either side.
some of which have attained an immense size
The place abounds iii pleasant walks and fine
drives. The attractions are not 50 numerous
as to surfeit one OF SO monotonous as to pro-
duce feeling of cnnui. A short sojourn here
will bring peace to the Borrowing, give rest to
the wearied and fill with quiet the disturbed
and longing soul. All need change at this
season of the year and we can have it just as
well near home AS afar off. A short trip from
your native town and two weeks visit will
benefit your health without emptying YOUR
purse. Beauty lies all around lis if we will
but search for it; search for it in the sunshine
and bright pure air in the quiet wood--by the
flowing stream-in the lowering meadow and
Oh the everlasting hills that are TO be found in
our own glorious State:
"lf thou art worn and hard besct
w lth sorroWs, that thou wouldst forget,
IL thou wouldst read Il lesson, that will keep
Thy heart from fainting and thy soul from sleep,
Go to the woods and hills! No tears
Dim the sweet look that Nature wears
TRAVELLER.