Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1898-09-13
RAMBLes At RANeeLeY, NO. 2.
,ould but climb where Slocum stood,
A "a ,.lax~r ,hn In uAacsn, nsav


And view the landscape DER.
Not Bemis stream, nor deaths cold nood,
Could fright US from the shore"
Tune -Teedle.dum.
Our former visit to this delightful,
ms jestic region was In the cool days OF
May. This time In the sultry days OF
August, elsewhere oppressive and dis
agreeable, here, comfortable and de-
lightful.
Boarding train at the East Sumner
station on the p. and X. +. line we were
hustled at rapid pace to Rumford Falls.
thence by the X. +. & X. l.. road to
Bemis, arriving In season for one OF those
fiue dinners always assured at Capt.
Bsrker's hospitsble camp hotel.
After dinner, we took one Of the steam
ers that ply the lake from this point, the
captain himself at the wheel, and pass
ing down the lake, past the forest be-
decked Toothsker's Island, We were soon
at Upper Dam, where brief stop was
made, then our boat WAS headed for that
most lovely island Of the whole lake
region, well known as the "Birches," J"
but really Students Island.
We had before passed on former trip
stop. This time the captain gave us
ample time TO look over the pleasant
spot, situated In the lake centre, like An
oasis In the desert. and afiording the de-
lighted visitor fine view OF the large
lake in all directions. From the shore
the ground rises and sffords the finest
location for camps to be found. Capt.
Barker has improved this, Natures
lovely isle" by erecting several finely
fitted and furnished log cottages (cslled
here camps hut really cosy, comforta-
bic homes for his enraptured guests.
Right here before we describe farther,
our poeticAl pain comes on and We must
say,
Transported with the view.
I'm lost In wonder. love and praise"
Now that We feel better We will 60 on
and say further that here Is most de-
lightful place to spend few dsys, or
even the entire season. Elevated, shady,
with cool breezes and balsam-laden air,
IL must also be healthful, rs well as at
trsctive.
But the boat is waiting for us, and we
must journey on up the lake some eight
terminus Of this line Of steamers. Here,
We stop and are very courteously enter
tained over night at the fine commo-
dious house bearing the same long name
Of the lake which il overlooks-the big
lake Of the Rsngeley chain known "a the
"Mooseloosmeguntic."
Visitors desiring 10 go farther on, can
cross the carry over TO the "Mountain
View House." OF which place we have
only pleasant memories by q former very
pleasant trip. or can 90 still farther up
the RaDgeley lake seven miles to the
metropolitan Rrngeley Lake House, so
admirably furnished and managed by
the Messrs. Marble.
At Hsines' Landing the "Billy Soule"
line OF steamers from Cupsuptic Lake
arrive and depart each way daily. By
this line the tourist can visit Indian
Rock, Senstor Frye's camp, the Oquos-
sue Angling Associations camps, and
other attractive private camps, and
finally stop at BILLY Soule's" famous
camps on Pleasant Island, at the upper
end Of the lake.
At the "Mooselookmeguntic House" Is
one OF the most extended views OF the
big lake afforded. The house fronts the
lake, being only q few feet from ii,
where good fishing, boating or bathing
facilities are at hand. Why, fine catches
have been made In the very doorysrd, so
to speak. We can cheerfully and truth
fully attes, to the hospitality and
courtesy Of the house and Its present
manager, Fred B. Burns. We had good
rooms and the table service was excel
lent.
At the tea table we met Fish and Game
Commissioners Henry O. Stanley and
Chss. E Oak, aud had q very pleasant
interview. Messrs. Stanley and Oak and
their associate. Carleton, appear to be
efficient AMI faithful servants Of the
state In the fish and game interests.
They seemed to be willing to discuss any
proposed changes 10 laws, and fish and
game interests, and freely listened to
views expressed by the lake guides and
visitors, that In some instances c0nfiicted
with their own ideas. The amount Of
cold cash left In our state every year by
tourists and srortsmen Is estimated to be
from all sources connected with the
business, about ten million dollars. Is
it not wise and expedient to maintain,
preserve and improve the attractions that
draw them here?
But to return. At "a. NJ. on Wednes-
day We started on our return to Bemis,
calling again at the "Birches" and Up
per Dam. At the latter place we took
on board Fred A. Porter and wife and
their friends, Mr.. and Mrs. Virgin. At
Bemis we took time to look over the
unique railroad station, which, for Its
construction and novelty probably has
no equal. City visitors, and 10 fact, all
people, are delighted with It. 1t Is Of
itself veritable museum and an artistic
accomplishment OF backwoOds art. Two
large bull moose heads with wide spread
ing antlers adorn the walls, and look
like mighty forest sentinels guarding
the quaint, rustic surroundings Of the
station. Several fine mounted birds
common to the lakes, surmount the tick
ct Office, while the rustic furniture skill
fully constructed of native woods and
roots Is q elimination Of rough forest
handiwork. The station is made Of logs
vet so finely constructed and finished
throughout as to be an object Of admira-
ton.
We were shown much courtesy by the
genial and pleasant station agent, Mr..
r. E. Taylor, and the short walt here