Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-06-26
NEW SWEDEN.
Noted Maine Colony Celebrates
Its Goth Anniversary.
Hon. VIM. Thomas, Gov. Powers and
Other Distinguished Guests.
Account OF Celebration and Brief History Of
The Famous Colony.

New Sweden was celebrated. today, ana
the event was one that will go down in
history as one of the most notable and
successful ever held by these indus
trious and honest toilers of the Maine
woods. Nothing has happened since the
Swedes landed in the wilds of northern
Maine, which has excited so much in
terest. The occasion was graced by the
presence Of many distinguished per-
sonages chief among which was Hon.
William Widgery Thomas of Portland,
American minister to Sweden, father of
the colony in the Maine woods. and
who came here as special envoy of King
Oscar and is the representative of
President William Mckinley Of the
United States.
Maine people well remember the
coming of this colony from the shores
of Sweden, 80 years ago, and Of the
events which led up to their leaving
that country for Maine Maine men
who were members OF the Legislature
Of this State during the War of the Re
beIlion. will never forget the persistent
efforts of Mr.. Thomas in his cndeavor
- 81 l4l' AT lis1't " ili' II ''IsibA''
him to bring the Swedes to Maine
Once he had everything arranged for
the passage Of the act ana il failed. He
kept at it and was finally successful,
ana to him alone is due the establish
mcnt in Maine Of one Of the finest col
onies of foreigners to be found in the
whole United States. When the colony
left Gothcnburg. June p, 1870. il con
sisted of II souls. Ii had been formed
in Sweden by Mr.. Thomas. after weeks
of labor and anxiety and. within four
months from the day the Maine Leg
islaturc passed the act which allowed
the coming Of the people here. Mr..
Thomas and his children had landed on
American soil. They sailed from Swr-
den in the morning. following a festi
val which had been given in their hon
or by Mr. Thomas, the night before. on
the steamship Orlando.
They landed At Halifax ana then pro
cecded by rail and steamer to Fred
cricton. There they We're to take
steamers up the st. John river. hut
when they arrived. they found that the
water in the river was SO low that it
Was not navigablc for steamers. Ac-
cordingly Mr.. Thomas chartered two
fiat boats ana placing the colonists on
board started up the river, two horses
being used in towing the boats. The
party landed At Tobigue. ana immedi-
ately proceeded across country in large
wagons to Maine. ON the way up river.
the first death in the party occurred.
it being that of little girl. The body
was prepared for burial ana the cask"t
l..
placed was taken along.
When the party crossed the line be
tween Maine and New Brunswick ana
arrived ut the stone post which marks
the boundary line an American flag
was unfurlcd from the first wagon in
the line and cheers We're given for the
United States ana thanks to God We're
offered for the safe arrival Of the
party in the country which was to BE-
their future home.
The party proceeded on its way ana
on arriving at Fort Fairfield it was
given its first rousing American wei
come by the citizens of that town.
Dinner was served there and then the
colony started for Caribou arriving
there just before supper. Bands of
music and a big party of citizens of
the town met the new corners on the
outskirts Of the village. ana escorted
them to the public hall. where an cIab-
crate supper was served them, ana in
which building they passed the night |
The next morning. the colnnists pro
recded to the woods. seven miles from |
Caribou, ana arrived there at noon |
when the party stopped 1T the spot |
which was to be their home forever af- |
ter. The scene was one that has prob
ably never been equaled in this coun-
try Cheer after cheer was given for |
this glorious old State: cheers were
given for the old home country and for
quite Il period the ColnnistS held a
praise service ana thanked God for
having safely arrived ana asked Him
to forever aid them in the establish
mont Of their new home. \ little spot
was cleared ana the remains Of the
child. which had died en- route. were
with proper ceremonies. The
n NJ morning, the colonists went at
work in clearing places for the erection
of log cabins, etc, and 50 well did
everything progress that, in a few days,
h. entire party was easily quarterei.
1t was but few days after the arrival
of the party before the first native
colonist was born. This event was one
which uccasioned much rejoicing ana
in the honor Of the founder of the col
ony, the new conner, and he was
bouncing little Swede. was named for
him. Closely following this event,
there was a wedding Of two colonists.
Mr. Thomas himself performing the
and when month had
passed it was found that the three
greatest events in the life Of man had
taken place-death, birth and mar
riagc.
The grand progress which this colony
has made since it came here 50 years
ago. will probably never be equaled in
this country or any other. The impress
sion which a man gets on visiting New
Sweden today, is one that makes him
think Of a little city in fairyland where
all the people live in fine houses, with
everything fine to go with it, The people
here are the most happy lot that one