Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1888-09-14
EARLY KENNEBEC.
RiTer BaTisahon In "Ye 0lden Time. .
Interesting Facts and Personal Remtnis-
cenceS
Related to a Journal scribe by Mr.
Hiram Reed.

Hiram Reed.
1There is probably no man now living who
remembers so clearly and infinitely the
events and characters of early Kennebec
history as Mr. Hiram Reed, formerly of thi.
city but now of Boston. Mass. Mr.. Reed
has been spending a few days In this city
and in conversation with Journal reporter
related. in a most entertaining manner many
facts and incidents of Augusta in her earlier
lays.
II was born on the banks of the Kennebec"
aid Mr.. Reed livery near the present resi-
ience Of Mr.. o. d. Lambard. The old
cellar of my fathers house may still be
zen there. The river channel at that time
sas deepest on the East side"
Then most of the commerce was there
was IT,"
Eyes, practically all of it. Vessels used to
load in great numbers there with wood and
lumber and bark. No coal was then used in
this section. Every one burned wood. As
result an enormous wood trade sprang up
along the Kennebec and great number of
vessels were constantly engaged in carrying
it. A large amount of it found a market in
Boston, Salem and Lynn"
WAS the east side channel deeper than
the pr, sent west side channel?"
Certainly, very much deeper. Why,
remember when a large bark was built and
launched in front of the present residence of
Mr.. Lambard in an abundant depth of water.
That was the great center for shipping in
those days. If you will notice some distance
below the point opposite Mr.. Lambard's house
you will see the remains of one of the
wharves that formerly stood there. The
ferry was there too, which used to be run by
an eccentric old fellow named Jones"
There isn't as much shipping on the river
now then as there was formerly"
mo, not nearly as much. | have seen
the river when it looked like perfect forest
If masts. In addition to the vessels-and
there were some good sized ones in the river
lumber of steamers and tugs
We used also to do most of our trading along
the river by means of what we called long
boats, a craft very similar 10 what are now
called SHOWS. These boats were rugged
quare sails and before the wind were capable
of making fairly good time. Goods used to
ne carried in these boats between Halowell,
augusta and Watervlle. The water was
conside sably deeper then than it is now, and
small steamers piled up and down its length
I, ON Bath TO Watervile. Speaking of
.teamers reminds me of the time when the
Halifax was blown up in the lock and several
persons killed. 1t was a frightful accident.
The long boats used to have masts that
ould be lowered in going under the bridge.
lust above the present dam used to be one
If the greatest SEEMING places on the
river Lots of fish were taken
here every year. This place is now entirely
Try. little beyond the dam was also
famous rock known as Old Coon's Rock. |
rhe current was quite rapid in the vicinity |
If this rock and oxen used to be used TO tow
he long boats up to the smooth water be-
ond by means of heavy cables. OF course
here was considerable danger attached TO
his work, and considerable skill required to
carry it through successfully. If the tow
Inc drew towards the shore at too sharp an
tnge it was sure to bring the boat side to in
The current, and then it was pretty sure to be
GhA ~ nrIa m n
seeing such catastrophe overtake a long
boat in the narrows opposite Old Coons Rock |
me time. 1t was when was boy and |
.as up there on a fishing excursion. The
,oa, WAS a large one going from Hallowell to
,yatervile. and was heavily loaded with
.argo of pots and kettles. There were sew
raj yoke of heavy oxen attached TO
he tow rope, and they had all they |
could do to pull it along. just as
he boat got opposite the straining hawser
broke. The unwieldly craft Immediately |
,wung to in the rapid current and upset. The
men on board succeeded in getting ashore but
he cargo was almost complete loss. For
. long time afterwards people were fishing
,ff Old Coon Rock for pots and kettles and
for all know there may be some there now.
IL was quite loss to the owners of the cargo
out we bows who witnessed the affair looked
,nly at its ludicrous side and regarded it as
huge Joke. notice in arecent Journal that
Mr. Mason explains the presence OF the logs
hat were found at the foot of Bridge Hill
hen the Water street sewer was being built
, short time ago. His explanation was just
right. remember very well myself when
The trees We're chopped down to fill gully
hat was there and through which brook
ran. 1t was marsby, damp place there al
WAYS until it was filed in.
The changes in navigation on the Kenne-
bee have been very great within my remem-
brance. recall distinctly when the best
channel in the river was on the East side of
tho island between the bridge
and the sawmil. That very fact will show
what a decrease there has been in the depth
of the water"
Mr.. Reed also related many other inter-
esting "reminiscences OF Augusta anu 'ieini'y
in the olden times before the railway hal
so far in Maine, and when stage
coaches served as the only means of travel
from one point to another. These facts we
shall in due time present to the Journal
readers.
Tennis Tournament.