Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1896-07-08

Alter sumptuous supper had been
served the Barton band appeared in front
OF the house in new uniforms, which were
very attractive, and gave concert which
was much enjoyed by all After night of
refreshing sleep the company was astir
early SO as to get look at this pretty and
thriving village. Editor Blake Of the Bar
ton Monitor had them in charge and first
took the party up to Col. Cutters resi-
dence which stands on high ground and
commands an excellent view of Black river
valley, and related the story Of Runaway
pond, an incident which occurred about 80
years ago. The pond was situated about
six miles from Barton and the waters ran
down the Lamoille valley in an opposite
direction. There was saw and grist mill
in the valley toward Barton which needed
more power than it had, so the citizens
combined and went to the pond tor the
purpose of cutting channel to let por-
ton of the water run this way. They did
SO, but the land proved to be quicksand
and Immediately the waters of the pond
were rushing through the channel, cutting
it down to the depth of so feet and the
valley was flooded; rocks and trees were
carried along with it at a rapid rate. The
man who owned the mill had left his family
there and he had race with the water for
their rescue and succeeded in saving them,
but the machinery of The mill was buried
and never found. After this exciting mar
rative, the party were taken to Crystal
lake, fine sheet of water three miles long
and on board of small steamers, made a
tour of the lake, which was pleasant feat
ure of the day. After brief run through
a mandatory of ladies' cotton wear, which
employs some 200 women and men, and
other places of interest, teams were taken
for Willoughby lake eight miles away. 1t
was our good fortune to get into team
driven by Editor Blake and he showed he
could handle the reins as well as the pen !;
and as he was familiar with all the sur
roundings he made the route more inter-
esting than it would otherwise have been,
although it abounds with interesting views
all the way. Upon reaching the head of
the lake the party embarked upon the
steamer "Keewaydin," owned by Capt.
Averill, new boat which will carry nearly
hundred passengers, and taken to the
lower end of the lake to the Willoughby
house kept by Mrs. Francis Richardson,
where they remained until Friday morning.
Thursday afternoon Capt Averill again
took the party about the lake and pointed
out places of interest and gave interesting
"reminiscences of bygone days. Willoughby
lake is between two mountains, the highest
of which is 2600 feet and presents nearly a
perpendicular rocky face, with narrow
highway along its base and lake shore.
The scenery cannot be eXcelled in New
England, and as a resort for rest and quiet
is unsurpassed. Many cottages are upon
its shores and several are being erected
this season of a substantial character, while
the Willoughby house will accommodate
about 100 guests and is often crowded to
overflowing. which goes to show that
many people appreciate the pleasures to
be derived in this locality. Mrs Richard
son thoroughly understands how to run a
hotel and no guest OF her house lacks
proper attention, while the table service is
of the best. In times before we have
found this so.
On Friday morning the party regretfully
took leave of this charming spot for their
several destinations, all asserting that the
trip had been one of pleasure and long tc
be remembered.
One little incident that took place which
cast some reflection on the president of the
association, l.. P. Thayer of the Bellows
Falls TIMES. After getting aboard of the
steamer he looked about for some souvenir
to take along with him and finally pocketet
coal of fire. All would have been well i
the fire had not given him away, which i
did by burning one side of his coat nearly
off and spelling his handkerchief, when h'
threw it overheard and concluded he coult
| remember the occasion without souvenir
DAVIS.