Morning journal and courier., 1892-07-26
DOWN THE CONNECTICUT.
A Flying Trip Through COnnecticut's
Most Fertile and Beautiful Valley
From &Ea rtfOrd n tho COnRt

A Flying Trip Through COnnectfcut's
Most Fertile and Beautiful Valley
From Hartford to the Coast.
1t is thoroughfare of travel, but little
known toNewHaven people considering its
proximity-theVal alley division of the Con-
solidated-yet there is not an opportunity
in the state for more thoroughly enjoy
able trip, the broad blue waters of the
Connecticut winding through the valley in
snake-like curves and on either hand rich
alluvial fields sloping up and away as far
as the eye can reach.
Leaving Hartford with the gilded dome
of the capitol glistening in the sunlight
above the city we strike out along the
rivers banks into the open country. After
a few minutes run the trainman shouts
out "Wethersfeld." We are Immediately
reminded OF onions. But the sophisticated
know that here was the cradle of the Con-
necticut colopy-the first permanent set
Element in 1896. It is beautiful little
village lying about half a mile from tho
station on rising ground and now contains
some {, 200 people.
Cromwell is the next place that particu-
larly attracts the attention. It is noted
for the brown stone which ia found here
in large quantities. Maromae, the next
place, is beautiful little town nesting on
the opposite bank of the river, which here
broadens into more stately proportions.
Middletown is the next stop. This city
is we'll known to nearly all lying in a most
beautiful position overlooking the noble
river, 30 more than passing mention would
be superfuous.
Higganum, little ways below, is clus-
ter of forty or fifty houses which lies on q
round mobilize hill in the midst of To-
cality of unsurpassed loneliness. Below
this place the railway crosses a road that
is noticeable for its rural and rustic beau
ty. It leads along the foot of wooded
hill and is guarded on its upper side by a
stone wall about fifteen feet high. The
forest makes perfect arch over it SO that
the rustic highway seems like as studied
q specimen of arborage as could be found
in Central park.
The railroad here is built at slight ele-
walton, and one can command most impos-
ing view off across the hills opposite the
river, crowned with farm houses and ham
let's and in many places the typical old
New England meeting houses lifting up
their spires to heaven. Here it might be
noted that the church architecture Of New
England is steadily growing more modern
lied, and except in the rural districts and
the Oldest towns it is hard to find speci-
men of the old fashioned church or "meet-
ing house."
Haddam, lying in little wooded glen,
is the next place. There are only three
houses in sight here, one apparently tav-
ern.
Next we come to Goodspeed's Landing
and Moodus. Here are two quite famous
summer resorts with several large hotels
The river is broader here than at any other
point and is covered with boats and
steam launches. The hills from here
down become lower and at last
cease altogether, which betoken the ap-
proach to the coast. In few minutes you
are at Saybrook Junction, waiting to take
the train for New Haven or else on your
way to Fenwick Point, which has become
famous as summer resort.
After taking this trip you will acknowl-
edge that there is not a more beautiful
one in Connecticut, and will only regret
that it was not longer.