Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-03-11

Vickery was continually studying pro-
gressive methods in printing and search
ing Tor some way in which his success
could be more extended. and which would
lead to more remuneration. 1t was while
investigating some of these that his mind
became engrossed with the problem of
papers Of extensive circulation to reach
the rural homes. AT that time the con-
dition Of things was much different than
mt the present day. Everything used in
publishing was high priced and it was
seldom, outside the large cities, that
families saw many papers. while books
ana magazines were never published in
editions which made them popular in
price. Mr.. Nickery believed that there
to enter into. If successful he could send
story papers in such large editions that
even published at popular prices. there
would be margin of profit. which with
II great business would make it a large
aggregate. AT the same time he could
give the great middle classes a higher
unless they We're able to buy the high
class magazines which at that time set
the standard of light literature. After
thorough consideration of the question
he decided that Il monthly literary paper
of wholesome character and without the
highly sensational stories of many of the
literary papers of that time. would be
eagerly welcomed by readers in every
part of the country, Inspired with this
idea and having the firmest faith in his
own convictions on this subject. he com
menced in 1874 the publication of Wick
erys. Fireside Visitor. in spirit of en-
terprise and magnitude that seemed phe-
nomenal at that day. The immediate
success of this magazine and the POPULAR
the idea was right and that success was
certain to follow. With customary en-
ersy he pushed the work. and within two
years the publication had reached the
heretofore incredible circulation of 1885,
900 copies every issue, Il feat which at
the commencement of the enterprise
by the inventor of it. With the wonder
full growth of this serial which was
largely aided by the advertising which
he scattered broadcast throughout the
press of the country. the business adj
vanced with immense strides and a plant
which at the beginning was considered
large enough for all probable needs. was
so Overcrowded that it became necessary
TO vacate it to occupy a large publishing
house which he had been building to
meet the evident needs of his enterprise.
As consequence the removal was made
into the larger quarters early in 1879.
Meantime the citizens of Augusta had
not been unmindful of the push and en-
ergy which Mr.. Vickery had shown in
his private business affairs. and DESTROYS
of showing somewhat of their apprecia-
ton of these qualities and his sterling
merits as citizen of the place. had con-
tinuaily elevated him TO positions of pub
lie trust and honor by electing him for
five consecutive years chief engineer of
the fire department to the city council one
year. and to the board of aldermen two
years. In 1873. in view of the fact that
his reputation and financial success had
been attained by integrity. fidelity to
business trusts, and vigilant and perse-
vering industry. he was elected one of
Augustus representatives to the Maine
Legislature. anu reelected in 1879. His
ability in this new position only strength
ened the city's belief in him. and his own
popularity with this caused him to be
elected mayor by large majorities in 1880
and 1881. while in the following year so
great had been his success as chief mag
strate of the city. that he was reelected
to the same office without the slightest
opposition. which in the heated partisan
spirit Of the times was a singular tribute
successful administration of the affairs
of the city. While he was thus rapidly
mounting the ladder of political success.
Mr.. Vickery's publishing business had
grown with such rapidity that he was
obliged to retire from the political arena.
where he was attracting so much atten-
ton by his natural force and able leader
ship, to devote his entire time to his pub
fishing interests and since that time ne
has repeatedly refused to accept any of
the many appointive and elective offices
which have been rendered him. At the
same time he has been power within his
own party and in whatever political mat
tiers interested him he as shown sagacity
and directness which have powerfully
appealed to his friends and made him "A
tower of strength in furtherance of party
ideas and plans.
AT this time his only child daughter.
married a young physician. who had re-
Gently graduated al Bowdoin College and
Long Island College Hospital. Brooklyn.
and who had come to augusta to settle
professionally. This was Or. John F. Hill
IL descendant of one of the Oldest Eng
ish settlers In York county, family
famous throughout New England for
their steadfast perseverance. strict integ-
rity and intense industry which char
acteristics are his to Il marked degree
The introduction of younger blood into