The Republican journal., 1898-08-18
Over the Hills of Waldo County to
Windermere Park.

We left our home in North Searsport Aug
18th to attend the anniversary OF the Clough
Veteran Association at Windermere Park,
Aug 18th, and took the road by way of
Monroe village, which passes through fine
farming country. We could not help MOTTO
ing the well kept and nicely painted houses,
the beautiful lawns, and other evidences of
thrift and enterprise. We kept on over the
Dolliff hill, so-called, until we came to the
lively little village of Brooks, nestled among
the hills in an excellent farming region.
Books Is noted for its manufacturing en-
t-rprises, and as passed the pant factory
f John H Gordon we wished that Brooks,
and other towns had more such business
men. 1t was about dinner time as we We're
passing Mr.. Gordon's beautiful residence,
and out came John with his mouth full of
pie. "Stinson, you going to Winder-
mere" was his salutation. Johns latch
string is always out for the veterans; and
for everybody else, | guess. Climbing the
feathers hill we reached brother Changers
somewhat past noon. He was away from
home, but his better half, who is good
Granger, was equal to the occasion and soon
had tea and coffee and cream ready for five
hungry pilgrims. Our lunch baskets We're
drawn upon, and after the inner man was
satisfied we rested awhile and then left for
the Park, where we arrived in good season
for supper
The good janter, Joe Libby, known to
everybody in the western part of Waldo
county and to some III the eastern part by
his record in the 4th Maine Volunteers, was
on hand to show the ladies' to their room.
Now l am not going to praise Joe any, as he
would not hkeit, but he is certainly the right
man in the right place. Mrs. Libby, his
wife, has charge of The kitchen, dining and
Sleeping rooms, and can but thank her
for the many favors shown while on the
grounds.
Friday morning dawned thick. 1t looked
stormy, and some thought the gathering
might not be as large as formerly; but all
doubts We're dispelled when the crowd be-
gan to arrive. At 10 O'Clock President A. j.
Billings called the meeting to order. The
Monroe Band furnished music for the occa-
sion and filled the bill handsomely. With
their white uniforms and soldierly appear
ance on the march to escort the Department
Commander to the hall We could but ex-
CLAIM, well done, Monroe Band" On the
way they stopped to serenade the widow of
Gorham Clough, W no took so much interest
in and for our home and gave his money
freely when it was most needed to carry on
the work. Mrs. Clough was equal to the oc-
casion, with a fine collation. and financial
gift for the band which they will long re-
member. First on the program for the day
was the presentation of portraits of the late
Gorham Clough and Of DIR. Billings, the faith
er of the Association. They We're accepted
by the Association with much feeling. Hon.
Warren c. Philbrook of Waterville was then
introduced and gave an able Grafton which
was highly appreciated. Then came the
dinner call
At > o'clock j. O. johnson of Liberty was
called to preside at the afternoon exercises.
Comrade Johnson made some good remarks,
and introduced Dept. Commander c. H.
Southland of Lewiston. Words cannot ex-
press the mastery speech of Comrade
his audience for about an hour. Then came
remarks by Past Dept Commander Gilman
of Oakland, Dr. A. J. Billings OF Freedom,
John II. Gordon of Brooks and A. Stinson
o. Searsport. The band gave excellent music,
and Comrade Southland sang The Army
Bean which was received with pleasure by
the comrades. This closed the program, and
all called it fine time. The ball in the even
ing was a success in every respect, more
than 120 couples attending. We had the sat-
isfaction of hearing those who came for the
first time say they were much pleased with
the place and all connected l wish to say
to those who have no share in the building
that $2,50 worth of stock entities you to all
privileges. Nature has done much for this
spot, and what she has not done, Dr. A. J.
Billings and the comrades of Waldo county
and others have done.
Saturday morning we left for our home,
feeling that the time had been we'll spent,
and if we live until another year rolls
around it will find us again at Windermere
ONE OF THE BOYS.