Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1897-10-15
BETTER HOMES
Where a While Ago Farms Were
Running Down."
The Spirit Of Improvement and Prosperity
Noted in Farminsdale.

In your issue of the 9Th, we notice ar
| article headed abandoned Farms The
writer goes on to tell what has happened
to some of the so-called abandoned farms
situated on two-mile stretch of road ex.
tending from the town line, between
Farmingdale and West Gardiner, to the
Grange hall at Frenchs Corner The
spirit of improvement which seems to an
innate that section of country has beer
especially noticed by many, but would
like to say that the signs of prosperity as
manifested by improvements about farms
and buildings is not bounded by the
town line" but as we step over into
Farmingdale we still see evidences of the
same spirit. Though we have had no
farms that could be called abandoned,
still, there were many that short time
ago were fast going down the road to de-
cay.
The first farm we come to which is sit
uated on both sides of the road was
owned and occupied by Alden Rice for
many years. later by c. J. Higgins and
is now owned by William Rice. This is
one of the most beautiful locations on the
road between Hallowell and Lewiston.
1 he view pelIiS Cilieu ny tTdVeIeTS oHc VI
the finest in the State. AS one looks to-
ward the West. the view reaches out over
many miles of hills and valley, forests
and villages, catching a glimpse now and
then of the beautiful CObbOsseecontee
sparkling in the sunlight. Away to the
Northwest where old Mt. Blue rises dark
and shadowy; while at the extreme West,
Mt. Washington lifts his lofty head above
the Clouds the whole Presidential range
being boldly defined on a clear day. Since
coming into the possession of Mr.. Rice,
this place has been greatly improved. A
piazza and new sheds built barn repaired
etc.
Just under the brow of the hill sets the
comfortable buildings of Mr.. Hiram Av-
rill. Sheltered by towering trees and sur
rounded by fruit orchard this always
situated under the hill the beautiful west
ern view is not lost, but glimpses of lake
and mountain are seen through the trees.
Mr.. Avrill commenced improvements
some years ago, and every year sees
something new added to the comfort and
beauty of the place.
The next farm below is owned and oc-
cupied by f. ID. Patterson. Mr.. Patter
son made some improvements about his
place some years ago and now has only
to see that it's well-kept appearance is
maintained.
Next in order, as we pass down the hill,
is the home of w. w. Cannon. The white
cottage surrounded by trees and bright
flowers is always attractive and repairs
enough are made every year to keep the
place in perfect order and comfort. Just
opposite are buildings of Clarendon Rice.
This place when bought by Mr.. Rice was
sadly out of, repair, but by his industry
and energy the house has been improved;
new windows being put in,new shed built.
chimneys rebuilt. etc. So that now the
house is safe and comfortable. Mr.. Rice
has a blacksmith and carriage repair
shop where at certain seasons he does
quite lively business.
Next are two neat homes opposite each
other owned respectively by Mrs. Dora
Cannon and Mrs KigOre These two
places are no exception to the well-kept
appearance of this part of the neighbor-
hood.
4 Just beyond these we will turn off the
road and go short distance on Bowman
street so-called. These places, though a
little off the main road, are par. OF
this neighborhoOd and should be included
in a description of this kind. We will no.
tice first the Grover farm. This farm was
in a rundown condition when it came in
to hands of Fred Grover; since. then
there has been a great change. A two
stored ell has been built and connected
by shed to very fine barn. Mr.. Grover
has the cellar built and stills laid for
main house, which will be built in the
spring. This will be two-storied and when
buildings in this part of the town. Just
beyond we come to the pleasant homes OF
F. j. Danforth and Samuel w. Rice
These two places were put in excellent
condition, both inside and out and present
picture of thrift and comfort. Still be-
yond is valuable farm owned by Amos
Kinney and at the end Of the road the
home of Frank Lowell Mr. Lowell Is
progressive farmer and this place is con-
stantly improving under his manage
ment If we take a short cut across the
fields to the main road we shall come to
the farm owned and occupied by Reuben
S. Neal. Mr.. Neal has made extensive
improvements to his buildings the past
year and intends putting them in such
thorough repair. both inside and out as
we'll perhaps. carry them through an
other hundred years of existence zee, The ne
here as on the other hill; also an extern
sive view to the East.
Next as we pass along we come to the
farm owned by Warren J. Carter This
place when purchased by him was sadly
out of repair. but in the industrious hands
of Mr. Carter and his family, the farm
has been brought to a high state of Gull