Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1896-09-24

Fannie n. Sargent, LCts.stoH Journal
Every body in the State-I may say the
country heard OF Bar Harbor, but
when we have been away from home and
obliged Ia answer to the inquiry a. to
where w live, upon reply Re always have
to explain where Winter Harbor Is Some
people seem to have the idea it must be
just over the fence from New Brunswick ,
while others are content to let it remain
down least A lady from here. while on
visit to Massachusetts,, told several
HON she met that she lived in Winter
Hsrbor and that it is just across French
mans bay from Bar Hsrbor. She grew
weary = repeated explanation and after
wards merely said he res ided in the far
famed summer resort, thereby saving her
self further annoyance.
Now, Winter Harhor Is not he insignia
cant place it may seem TO some. and IN de-
Tense OF the town tins sketch is presented
to your notice. Until 1895. it WAS a lis
trict In the town of Ciouid- boro. but since
February twenty first OF the betore-me
toned year, Ii became ahsoiyed, aud now
has quite population, teside. many nom
residents.
4 part Of our town perhaps the most
important parts rocky promontory
stretching out into Freuchmsn's bay
The oid tradition OF the origin of the
name Birthstone Point, runs. that '.Once
upon time vessel, loaded with grind
stones, WAS wrecked on the rocks The
only Surviving griHdstoHe of the iil-fated
ship no" rcposes ia the fire place at the
land comPanys Office.
Fifteen years ago, / remember making a
visit to The Old farm house. which vii a
small barn, held pre- niueuce IS the only
buildings on Birthstone Point. Uncle
Edmund Grover, Is lie WAS called, owned
the greater part OF the land. having pur-
chased ii OF Capt. sumner years before
Here Uncle Edmund lived on his farm UNI
molested. tiillng the soil and rearing a
large family.
The road extended only Wit hiu bali
mile OF the dwelling and the pat IA through
the woods WAS dangerous one to me-
lncie Edmund kept hogs, allowing the
tsttening swine to run AZ leisure through
those same woods. However. we a. chill
dreu determined to brave the danger for
black berries sake. The farm was per
feet truit-esrden Tor all kinds OF berries
and part OF our fun was to relieve the
bushes OF their burden. How we'll re-
member the two stiles which must be
climbed They consisted OF rude boards
placed between tue middle logs OF the
fence. each end resting on shorter boards,
thus making steps on either side. II the
porkers CHANGED to appear. the only alter
native was to run, and breat bless We
reached Aunt I9is's, where we were al
ways sure OF Il hearty welcome.
/ never failed TO enjoy meal at the
farm house. The idea of preparing coffee
in the urn with milk and sugar COR per-
chance molssses) was first presented to me
there. Coffee never tasted quite 80 good
anywhere else.
The field surrounding the buildings MAS
large oval enclosure, completely sur
rounded by trees, the water on one side
visible over the tops Of them. Although
short time has already changed the APP
pearance OF the rest OF the Point, this field
is just it used to be except the old
house and barn are gone.
As Maine summer resorts continued to
grow in favor, men conceived the idea OF
buying Birthstone Neck for specu lat ion,
and Mr.. Grover having passed away, his
wife consented to sell. The Point was
afterwards sold to Philadelphia and New
York parties, who formed Goulds boro
Land Improvement company.
Grindstone Neck OF to-day would
scarcely be recognized by old settler OF
Winter Harbor, with its snug cottages
nesting among the trees, where SO re-
Gently stretched wide pasture land. The
cottage OF one Of the New York milton
aires, John q. Moore, stands imposingly
on height OF land as do Others OF no less
renown. Should any one chance to visit
the coy little watering place, after enjoy
Ing the pleasures In which tourists de-
light, ii would seem like visiting an old
tomb TO gaze on the old field, in the lid
die OF which stood the house where one
family kept vigil for years before the
great transformation took place.