Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-03
Mr.. DINclEY AT SQUIRREL.
Enjoying Rest After His Recent Arduous
Duties in Congress.

In cosey little cottage on Squirrel
Island. surrounded by the odorous fir
and spruce trees characteristic of his
native State. the father Of the
rest after eight long months of arduous
labor in Congress. When the Herald
representative called. Mr.. Dingley was
Just entering the house after a stroll with
Mrs. Dinsicy around the beautiful
islands He was cordial and hospitabe
usual. and responded willingly to a re-
quest for just few words He sat
down on the spacious veranda which
commands Il magnificent view Of the har-
Dor, Boothbay and the isianos. Mrs
Dingicy brought out her embroidery and
seated herself beside her husband join
Ing now and then in the conversation.
Having been here only a few days. Mr..
Dingleys first thoughts were of the
island and its attractiveness. This Is
the 26th year | have been coming to this
island he said. The place is very dear
to me. and always enjoy coming and re-
newing acquaintances year after year"
Mr.. Dingley was one of the original ten
who purchased Squirrel Island In ISL ana
the lot on which his house stands was
the second choice of locations. At the
first meeting after the incorporation OF
the Squirrel Island Association, Mr.. Ding
ley was elected treasurer. Since that
time he has been heartily interested in
all that concerned the island, and has
witnessed its growth with much pleasure
q
association. and is now member of the
board of directors.
When questioned with regard to his
health he said that early in the winter
he suffered considerably from an affec-
ton of the throat. occasioned by so much
outdoor speaking. but that he had quite
recovered, and that Il few weeks of SPUR
rel air would put him in his usual trim.
The strain during this session had been
very severe, and not few had sue
eumbcd to the effects of close attention
for IA hours day during the intensely
hot weather of the last few weeks.
How did you happen to go into poll
tics. Mr.. Dingley?" He replied: From
a boy. l always felt keen interest in
the political questions of the day. and
through my interest kept myself in
formed as TO the current events, read the
newspapers carefully and at u years old
did my first active work. stump speech
ing"
He said he was born near Lewiston. in
a little town of Durham. on the Andres
coggin. When, he was about five years
old his family moved to Unity in Waldo
county, where they lived until 1854. when
they removed to Auburn. and subsequent
ly to Lewiston. just across the river,
where he has lived ever since. He was
graduated from Dartmouth in 1850. He
was member of the fraternity of Ieta
Psi Chief Justice Field of Massachu-
sets was his ciassmate.
MIR. DingIey speaks with much pride OF
ms ScnoOl teacninE during ms coHtst HE.
and says it is to be regretted that the
young men of this generation do not do
more of 1t. Why" he said. "two-thirds
of the boys in my class We're teaching al
very moderate salaries. just to help them
selves through college. My first school
was away out in the country. and | re-
ceived the princely sum of $l5 month.
consider earned my wages. A man now
would get $50 for a similar position
After leaving college. he read law and
was admitted to the bar. but never prac-
tised. He went Immediately into jour
nalism. where he has remained ever
since being associated with his brother.
Frank l.. Dingley, in the Lewiston Jour
nal for 10 years.
when | was 90 years old ! was in the
Legislature. and speaker of the House OF
representatives of the State of Maine. Al
80 ! was elected governor of Maine, and
for the past II years | have been in Con-
greSS.
Mr.. Dingley Is planning to remain here
for about a month. then he will go up to
the Rangeleys for a few weeks. lie Is
looking forward to much pleasure. as he
is an enthusiastic huntsman and devoted
to fishing.-Special to Boston Herald.