Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-08-24

Editors OF the Kennebec journal!
In the matter OF the proposed route for
the narrow guage railroad from Augusta
to Pennington. 1t seems to the writer q
little strange that Winthrop. the prtnct-
pal town In western Kennebec, should Be
left out of the calculations altogether
Winthrop has some sixty business enter
prises all Of which would necessarily
avail themselves of the cheaper freight
rates which the new road would afford
Winthrop is naturally the center Of In
summer resort region, covered by Lakes
Cobbosseecontee, AnnabesSacOOk and Ma
ranacOok. OF the three lakes mentioned
Annabessacook undoubtedly affords the
best fishing. This lake could not be
touched at all unless the road comes to
Winthrop village, and aslfor Maranacook
lake that can hardly be got at with con-
venience from the Readfeld end All that
could possibly be lost In coming to Win
throp would be the eastern part OF Read
never will have one1tenthsof the business
of Winthrop village alone.
From Hammond Grove, to which
place the route Is already decided upon,
the road could wind along the shore al
Cobbosseecontee past East Winthrop and
Bai.eyville. and across through the valley
of the Narrows pond to the shore al
Lake Anna bessacook near winthrop The
route has already been surveyed Anna.
bessacook lake Is one of the most bea Ut l.
full sheets Of water in Maine ana mlghr
well be developed as location for sum.
mer cottages.
Arriving at this village the road could
cross near the town house where there Is
ample room for a station, and thence
crossing Main street 1t could proceed up
the east shore of Annabessacook to
Craig's Point, and come very near TO Ma
ranacook Grove. and pass under the
tracks of the Maine Central through the
embankment at the end Of The bridge.
', a ora p Inc
This would connect Augusta and Farm
irgton not only with the large village OF
Winthrop but also with Craig's Point and
Maranacook Grove.
From Craigs Point the road could cas-
lily be built along the east shore Of the
lake to Readfield village. On this route
along the east shore of Maranacook lake
between Winthrop village and craig's
Point there is chance for the building
of summer cottages and hotels as good ii
rot better than that at Hammond's
Grove.
Another route from Winthrop to Read
field is one which has often been spoken
of, it is to cross under the tracks OF the
Maine Central near the house of Lev.
Jones. from thence describe curve In
the direction of Jepson's mill factory
where High street would be crossed
then continue along natural road bed.
Passing near Sturtevant hill, thence To
Readfield, approaching that village near
the grist mill and WOODEN mill. This route
would afford at Sturtevant hill. station
near to South Wayne which village car
hardly be accommodated by any road no,
coming to Winthrop that would also ac-
commodate Readfeld in other words you
can hardly have Wayne and Readtield
both without having Winthrop.
So now as we have said. the eastern
Part of Readfield would be the only To-
cality lost by having the road come 10
Winthrop and what would be gained
would he the whole of Mint hrop WI n its
resorts together with much bust
ness from Wayne and from East and
North Monmouth: nor would the distance
be great as 1t would be In an attempf
10 double back from Readfieh to Wayne
and Fayette. thence to Mt. Vernon, as we
the present programme Is.
Winthrop needs the road and the road
needs Winthrop.
vILLAGER.
Winthrop, Me-, Aug. 21.