Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-06-24
A Circuit in Mapchestsr.


the Older settled towns in Kennebec county.
Settlements were made here as early Is
IVA in which year great activity WAS shown
10 many Of the ksnnebee county towns in
occupying the land and commencing the
work Of farm making and mill
building which hiss resulted in
the beautiful farms and prosperous
villages in which old Kennebec now
rejoices. Originally the larger part Of
Manchester belonged to Hallowell, and the
little village at "the Forks" was for years
called "Hsllowell Cross Roads" Here
was an old time hostelry which in the
afties, when the country trade from Frank
lin county sill came down to HaIlowell, was
always filled with teams and teamsters. II
was the custom in those days for the tote
teams from the Franklin county villages to
drive to the Gross Rords" one day; stop
over night Il. the old Parker Tavern, take
an early start next morning. 20 to "the
Hook" and do their business. then back to
Psrkers again for the night and home next
day. This was the way those old country
tsverns obtained their great patronage
and became noted. And although this bus.
mess 10 now all diverted to other channels,
there is no road more largely travelled in
Kennebec county than the Western Avenue
leading out Of this city. The Winthrop,
Lev iston. Rssdfeld. Vienns, Pennington
and Hammond's Grove travels large
annual volume-all goes over the Western
Avenue turnpike; and it Was this road
which we took on = recent outing
a circuit through portion Of the town
Of Manchester; town which for four years
re ioiced in the name of Kennebec and WAS
then change, to that which it now bears.
The town has = very uniform outline IL
miles by about three wide, in striking con-
trast to the usual six mile square towns so
numerous in Maine. Our first call that
charming Saturday morning was at the
Elmvood Farm Of Mr.. Frank Beck,
formerly the well-known Msj. Chissm place,
where is one Of the best and most conven-
lent stands Of farm buildings in the State
house, sheds and stable all new .
year or two ago, and finely located.
Unfortunately Mr.. Beck WAS not at home
and our call was q brief one. From Mr..
Becks we went to the HsllowelI quArries
tha m iatf rs old
road, near the residence Of Mr.. C. c.
Cummings rough, narrow, steep incline,
but giving ample compensation for all its
discomforts by magnificent view of county
to east, north and west, the range taking in
the Camden hills to the east, old Mount
Blue to the north and the White mount
aims to the west, on day when the atmos-
phere is clear and the ranges distinct; and
its wealth Of wild roses which lined the
road on either side for rods and loaded the
Air with their exquisite perfume. The
Archie companies were busy at their
quarry. At the Hallowell cuarfies brief
call was made at the office Of the superin'
tendent, Mr.. B. J, Richards, where . half
hour was spent very pleasantly. Mr.. Rich
ards is one Of the msst competent superin-
tendents CT granite quarry work in New
England, having had long experience at
the Fox Islands and at Hallowell. His
beautiful residence at the Hsllowei quar-
ries. . new Queen Anne house Of ample
dimensions and artistic outlines, 10 one Of
the finest private residences in Kennebec
county just at TIE foot Of the hill to the
west Of Mr. Richards house, We took the
old road to Manchester Forks" leading
up over the hill where is the old Ssnbofn
farm, the Isaac varney place, and the old
homestead Of the late Sullivan Kilbreth,
nov owned BY his son. Mr.. George II. Kill
breth. Here Mr.. Kilbfeth. the elder. lived
for nearly Fifty years. He was well known
and prominent parsonage in his day. much
interested in agriculture, . member Of the
State Board, for twenty years connected
with the old Kennebec Agricultural Society
and for twenty-one years holding vsri-
Gus town Offices. Mr.. George Kilbfeth
10 now town clerk, has been postmaster, and
il An active, hard working farmer. The
location Of the Kilbresh farm on this high
ridge commands wide view to the north,
the soil is strong, furnishing good pssturase
and productive fields. and large orchard.
Just under the hill are the extensive farms
Of Mr.. Frank Hswins, with lines Of thrifty
apple trees all along the fences, and good
orchards on the north cant Of the hill sids.
Mr.. Hevins is one Of the leading men in
Msncht star, is in town business, and has
large privass interests. II was our intention
to have made calls 1t the Fearnsught Farm
Of Mr.. 3. L. .Norcross and st the
Great Orchards
Of the Messrs. Pope; but before going mp
on the Readfeld road ne learned that Mr..
Nofcfoss vss absent attending toe Canton
races. and this decided us to somewhat
change oar plans for the dsy. Being -