Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-03-23
noMAEeaM ISLAND.
~ Peculiafisies, Inc People who Live Upss
Il. Features Of Past Years.

~ PecuIiasities, Inc People who Live Upsa
/ u, Features Of Past Year,.
eThere are . great many peculiarities
about the island Of MonhegaD," said gen.
tleman yesterday, who recently returned
from there. This island 10 about twelve
miles from the mainland, Port Clyde or
South Thomaston, being the nearest point
along the coast. In the vicinity Of this
island is excellent fishing ground and the
inhabitants generally gain livelihood by
catching fish. This is not the place for
tenderfoot when raging storm is at full
blast and strong nor'easter is sweeping
along with its chilling blast.
At the southeast extremity of the island
are high bluffs, against which the spray
dashes With force that throws it about so
feetinto the air when there is high sea
which is the first the steamers see aftir
leaving the Boston light, sends its warning
rays to distance of about 40 miles over
the blue waters. In one of the large rocks.
near the waters base, is hole about three
feet deep, and will probably measure Is
inches across the top. At the bottom of
this hole are three stones little larger than
hens eggs. 1t is said that this cavity has
been worn in the rock by these stones being
moved by the waves. For years they have
been at work grinding away. 1t is one of
those interesting natural phenomena one
will frequently see along the Maine coast.
At the northeast extremity of the leland is
large barrier of rock, presenting the ap-
pearance of white quartz fecked with little
pebbles of light blue, and presenting q
most beautiful appearance. All about this
island are curious and peculiarly interest
ing things which show the wonderful freaks
of nature.
Many summer tourist finds renewed
strength and vigor in the cool, invigorating
breezes of Monhegan, during hot summer
months. 1t has become quite favorite
seaside resort.
At the southern end is sand-bar
upon which the steamer Cambridge be-
came fastened one time and a lad
der was pushed over the bow and
one of the sturdy seamen waded ashore for
the novelty of the thing. This steamer
was afterward wrecked on Old Mans Ledge,
about eight miles from the island, during a
dense fog. Relics and pieces of the Cam
bridge may be found about the homes Of
some of the old settlers today. June is the
month of roses Cd the mainland, but in
August the roses are in full bloom on Mon
hogan.
An amusing story is told which elbows
how close tie of friendship prevailed
among these people. There was only one
doctor upon the island, and he had gone
away on particular day when one Of the
women who had been very i'll for some
time, was taken suddenly worse, and
the physicians aid might save her
life. There happened to be a
porgy steamer at the wharf and several of
the fishermen made up purse of $50 to
charter the owner of the boat to push out
Immediately for the mainland and procure
the doctor. lie refused to 60 for the $50,
and thinking he had the advantage of them
offered to cross the channel for 500. They
were offended by his unmanly refusal and
at once showed their anger by ordering he
and his small crew to depart at once and
never to return. With clubs and rocks they
drove him away and up to the present time
he has never put in q temperance.
Eight of the fishermen took a seine
boat and rowed across to Port Clydd,
10 miles, and returned with the doctor, but
he arrived too late and was unable to rem
der any help for the poor woman.
The steamers of the Boston & Bangor
Steamboat Co., pass within about 100 feet
of the island. There is a neat little Episco-
pal church upon the island which is occu-
pied dur ng the summer by some clergy man
who may be passing the summer months at
this resort. The mail boat from Boothbay
arrives twice a week. Captain Will
Humphrey. an old seaman. who manages
the mail boat, showed to the people of
Monhegan that he was man of remarkable
courage and endurance about two
years ago during fierce storm. He start
ed out for Boothbsy with his boat, crew,
mail etc., while this terrific gale was at
full blast. When few miles out
from the island one Of the crew was
washed overheard. Part of the rigging
was broken by the heavy wind and
they were obliged to return and
make repairs, which was done and second
attempt was made when the main sail split
and again sail back for repairs was nee
essary. third and successful tour was
made and the mail and the exhausted sea-