Morning journal and courier. [volume] (New Haven [Conn.]) 1848-1894, 1893-06-09

ueCtou WILL tAA6 C1IA duA bAO OIlAlA u tU0
name of the lake. It Ia said that when the
Chief Momaquin sold his tribes rights to
the early settlers he led the commissioners
to this same rock and told them how,
away back in the aeons Of the past, the
great spirit of tee red man discovered that
the grea. spirit of the pale face would, in
time, instigate his people to invade the
gocdly land of the red man. Anticipating
the fate of his children and his tears flow
ing from this mountain scooped out the
depression forming the lovely lake, known
to the Indians as Lonotoncqust, or the
"Tesr Of the Great Spirit" The whole
surrounding country is rich in romance
and legend and many ara the stories told
of the dusky warriors and maidens who in
former centuries called these glens and
groves their home.
There Is now a delightfully."- romantic
drive along the crest of the ledge of the
mountain above spoken of, and a loop
road, new road, now winds its way down
to the head CT the lake. This west shore
OF the lake is now dignifed with the name
Of Saltonstall park, a beautiful spot, al
though every thing is still in it's natural
state. It contains some 800 acres of land.
Leaving the park drive proper and down
the eteep wooded elevation BY either the
new "loop" road or the old Indian trail
which formerly scouting parties Of Indians
took on their return to their council
ground on the hill, which is now WigWam
grove, one comes to Glen Grove park,
which is at the head of steam navigation.
The winding and circuitous drive by which
one gets to this park from the southern end
of the lake makes a beautiful, leafy ride
through the forests which cover all the
western shore of the lake. Several new
bridges have been built over the ravine on
the new "loop" road at the bottom of the
hill, and everything has been done to put
the entire road in excellent condition, and
the descent gradual and easy. At Glen
Grove park, which is the principal pleasure
resort for picnic parties, convenient build
ings have been erected to accommodate
large parties. There is an eating pavil-
ion in which three long tables can
be set, while there are a large
number of smaller tables built out
under the trees. A dancing pavilion
for the accommodation of parties who en-
| joy the pleasure of Tsrpsiohore enough to
| bring their own music; an Ice cream and
! refreshment ealoon complete the list OF
| artificial attractions which man offers, and
| Mr.. Grannis Is there in charge of the prem
| ises and ever most accommodating and
| cbljging. The buildings are comfor table
| aud attractive, and they are surrounded
by weslth of natural charms with which
| the region sbounds. A little to the east
of the park the inlet TO tbs lake widens
almost to an Estuary, and this placid sheet
of water the pond lily has appropriated for
its home. It is wallsd in from the lake by
a wall built during the past few months.
Over 5000 lily roots have been planted
here, many of which were brought from
Cape Cod and Barnstsble, including large
number of the blue variety, which have
been just set out here. The new causeway
is 400 fest in length, and separates this
water lily pond from the waters of the
lake.
On the other side of the inlet is the bail
and play ground field and Chestnut grove,
the latter Of which Is much frequented in
the fall when the chestnuts are in
season.
Another foot bridge crosses over the
brook to the play ground: The play
ground is about twelve acres in extent and
is almost entirely surrounded by Chestnut
grove. The ground has been cleared from
all distractions and properly separated
for base ball, foot ball and various other
kinds Of open air sports. It has an eleva-
ton of fifteen fest from the level of the
lake.
Oak grove is located on Red bank, at
Still Water bay, and joins the play ground
field forming for some distance the eastern
shore of the lake. The average elevation
OF this delightful grove is about twenty
five feet and 1t contains some twenty five
acres. 1t is covered with aged oaks
and hemlocks, interspersed with laurel,
juniper and cedar. On the ridge the dog
wood trees are brilliant with their burdens
of blossoms.
An Indian story told in 1924 by the old
l.,
incident On the 'Indian Trail" leading
from what is now Lake Saltonstall park.
A friendly Indian was requested to act as
sentinel in the north gap Of Mullen Hill He
borrowed gun and was assured that 1t
YVES we'll loaded. He coon perceived two
hostile Indians descending into the valley.
They passed him, and when he had them
in range, intending to kill both at one
shot, he attempted to fire; but his gun
flashed in the pan. The disappointed war
rior threatened to kill the owner of the
gun for deceiving him in order, as he in
terpreted 1t, that he might be killed; but
the owner of the gun succeeded in convinc-
ing the warrior of his innocence of such
evil intent. A day or two after one of the
spies was found dead on the Indian land,
and was supposed to have been killed by
the enrsged and implacable warrior.
At the southern end of the lake is the
railroad station, where four trains each way
are to stop every day during the season,
also refreshment pavilion and steam
boat landing. North and south Hickory
Groves are located on either side of the
Shore Line railroad tracks, and contain
about twenty-five acres. They form for
about one half a mile the eastern shore of
the lake, and are a part of the original
Gov. Saltonstall manor. The name Lake
Cali k-I1 u
tonstall, the early and able governor of
Connecticut, who held the position of
colonial governor from 1907 until his death
In 1724, and whose descendants until re-
Gently occupied the still we'll preserved
family mansion which stands near the foot
of the lake, among the fields so long titled
by that honored family.
There is still another spot about half
way down the lake, which it would be
amiss not to mention. Lovers Cove"
as it is known to fame ia we'll hidden
little bay, which 1t Is said no small boat,
particularly If any of the fair sex are In it
is ever known to pass, such are its attrae-
tions. Even the swan like little "Cygnet''
hugs the lofty banks more closely when
passing this magic spot. Some say that
the far famed Loreley inhabits the place
and allures hardy wayfarers to their doom.
However, this may be, it seems to draw
with the power of lode. stone, and all
who pass under Its fairy spell report this
beautiful spot.
apart from public hsunt''
veritable bower of paradise.
This is said to be the only lake in the
state which has no awampy grounds around
it. The lake is well stocked with bass and
perch of all sizes. Fair sized roach and
bullheads are abundant. The first black
bass ever known In these waters were
brought here from Winsted in 1858 by the
present proprietor, Mr. George Fl. Town
send, who has used on an average of more
than 2. 900 fish per year for the last thirty
four years for stocking the lake. j
To Mr.. Townsend's enterprise AMI pub
lie spirit the improvements at the lake are
due. He has been indefatigable In beauti-
flying and adding to the attractions Of
this spot 90 alluring to the lover Of nature