The Portland daily press., 1888-06-30
THE NEW OTTAWA
Opened Most AuspIcIousIy Yester-
day Afternoon.
Mayor Chapman PresIdes Over the
Feast.
Many Excellent Speeches Made and
Songs Sung.

Two years ago one of Portland's most
charming summer resorts, the Ottawa
House. ON Cushing's Island, was destroyed
by fire. The proprietors lost no time in
making arrangements to rebuild on scale
far exceeding that on which the old house
was erected. Not only had the owners of the
island, the Gushing family of Montreal, laid
out the grounds all over the island, on sys-
TEN of landscape gardening, that brought
out in bold relief all the beauties of the
place, but they were not content to let well
enough alone. So, while the new Ottawa
was In process Of erection. the work of i'm
provement went on. until there cannot be
found on the coast more charming place,
with its hooks. walks and drives than the
Cushings island of today.
The new Ottawa stands on the highest
point of land on the island, commanding
tremendous sweep of ocean in every direc-
tion in its vista. delightful winding
driveway and walk conducts the tourist
from the landing to the House, which was
begun February 18th, and opened to the pub
lie yesterday. A description of the building
was given in the PRESS some time since.
The Hotel cost $4,000, and contains $50
rooms. The dining room will seat 800 peo-
pie and is ITO by AZ feet in size.
A beautiful June day shone upon compa-
ny of $50 gentlemen, including many of the
most distinguished citizens of Portland, as
they walked from the steamer up to the
wide open door Of the new Ottawa, where
Mr.. Gibson's familiar face and outstretched
hand extended hearty welcome to one and
all. After pleasant hour spent in inspect
ing the Hotel and its many attractions, the
company filed into the beautiful dining hall
of the new Ottawa.
The guests were called to order by the
chairman, Mayor Chapman. After the
song, "Glad Summer Time" given by Shaw's
Quartette in admirable style, the invocation
was offered by the Rev. DIR. N. 7. Whitaker.
and then the party devoted THEMSELVES TO the
the very pleasant task of discussing the
banquet. For this it is enough to say that it
sustained Mr.. Gibson's excellent record as
hotel manager
At the close of the banquet the chairman,
Mayor Chapman, called the assemblage to
order, saying, Il think voice the sentiment
of all present when extend our heartiest
thanks aud congratulations to our landlord
on this occasion. He has provided for us
grand treat in placing at our disposal this
magnificent hotel and its surroundings, and
preparing for our entertainment this splen-
did banquet. Everything has contributed to
our enjoyment and added to our already high
appreciation of mine host" The speaker
continued with an eloquent description of
the advantages of Cushing's island as sum-
mer resort, and the advantages to our city
in having an elegant hotel like the Ottawa
to bring strangers among us who may see
the resources of our city.
Mr.. Chapman's remarks were greeted with
great applause.
Alderman William Fl. Smith, who served
as POSTMASTER, followed the chairman, and
said: Il would like to say few words in be-
half of Messrs. Gibson & Cushing. 1t is a
grand example they have set, and it will be
followed 1t is such men who will develop
the future greatness and success of our city,"
The POSTMASTER then called upon Mr. Glib
son, who responded to the toast, "Our Host
and the following sentiment:
The Pine Tree State has not within its borders
a truer gentleman or superior landlord; in short,
he Is hne fellow, stirring fellow, and jolly
good fellow; which nobody can deny; and he
knows how to keep hotel.
Mr.. Gibson was greeted with cheers, and
responded briefly.
After the song, $40 Gibson andsHis
Guests by Shaw's Quartette, Mr.. Gibson
was put into the charge of Mr.. Isaac c. At
kinson and blindfolded While in this con-
dition, an elegant painting of the VALLEY of
the Wyoming was placed upon the table be-
fore him and the binder removed. As the
beautiful painting broke upon the astonished
gaze of Mr.. Gibson, three hearty cheers and
a tiger broke upon his ear.
Mr.. William II. Smith addressing Mr..
Gibson, said:
However high we appreciate you as
business man, we appreciate you more as
personal friend; and this elegant picture, to
adorn the walls of your house, is given to
you by friends as personal friend"
Mr.. Gibson was much surprised, but re-
sponded with an expression of his thanks
for, and appreciation of the kindness of the
donors.
Hon. George f, Emery responded to the
toast "Our State" and the sentiment:
Rich in historic lore, in culture unsurpassed In
Infl1I ABUNDANT, III DeneV0lence unriydlled. whose
sons and daughters have enriched the worlds
literature both in song and story, it has abundant
cause at this time for pride in its natural scenery
which attracts so large an amount of summer
travel to enjoy the rejuyenating breezes of its
many bays, lakes, islands and seashore retreats.
Mr.. Emery's remarks were greeted with
great applause and especially his reference
to the great men of Maine
delightful piano duet by Messrs. Kotz-
SEMINAR and Murray followed.
In the absence of Mr.. Blabon, Mr.. M. N.
Rich responded in behalf of the toast:
'Portland's Board of Trade" and this sem
timent:
Let us hope that with the unriyalled adyan-s
Zens will use their utmost endeayors to make
them available for her growth. ~
Mr.. Rich urged with force the great natur-
alresources of Portland.
Mr.. Albro E. Chase responded to the
toast: "The Schools of Portland" and the
sentiment
In the steady march of time our places must
soon pe nlled , py the yopnsters who are pressing
pancy better than we found them.
Great applause greeted Mr.. Chase.
Shaw's Quartette sang "The School of
Fish and Fishermen"
w. III. Looney, Esq, responded to the
toast sour Railroads and Steamboats," and
the sentiment:
A credit to our enterprising age. May their
efforts TO care for their patrons be met with such
success that fat dividends will be their portion
Mr.. Looney was listened to with interest
and spoke eloquently of Portland's enter
prise in this direction.
Mr.. Fred w. Adams was well received,
and with great applause, while he read the