Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-12-11
The DISPOSITION OF Abandoned Farms.


such farms have already been pur-
chased Tor summer homes by city
residents On some of them the
original farm buildings have been
utilized FOR the vacation housekeep-
ing: but on many of them expensive
and beautiful residences have been
are closed through the summer
months; but, in many instances peo-
pie are employed to look after them
the year round. 1t is needless to say
that such a disposition of farms
which are not adapted to successful
agriculture. is a great source of profit
to any community. Not only does i.
bring about a large increase of taxa
BILE property, but it also puts a con-
siderable amount of money in Circula-
ton. The summer resident usually
wants the best of everything and is
rarely attempts any farming on his
own account. but prefers to pay n
good price for the products of his
neighbors who do. In this way the
local market is enlarged. and some
thing contributed to the general
prosperity of the community.
Not long ago the writer passed a
week in one of the large rural towns
in New Hampshire. where within the
past decade about twenty abandoned
farms have been purchased for
country residences by people in the
large cities.
On one of these a beautiful
ten thousand dollar house was in pro-
cess of construction at that time. AS it
furnishes striking example of the ad-
vantages which accrue to COM
nunity by such a disposition of an
abandoned farm. a brief history of
this place may be of interest. Like
most farms of its class. it was never
adapted to successful agriculture, and.
had il been viewed at the start, from
the standpoint of modern conditions
it would doubtless, never have been
cleared. Situated upon the brow of a
high hill. it's fields were a tangle OF
large boulders and out cropping
ledge, which not only preciuded any
possible use Of machinery, but en-
forced thin coil nd n al
petual condition of summer drouth.
1t had, however, one constant delight
in the magnificent view it command
cd Of the surrounding mountains. with
the lakes and streams in the inter-
vcning valleys. 1t was a prospect GER
tainly inspiring in its grand and rug
ged beauty, in a locality we'll calcu-
lated to secure the benefits Of the
bracing atmosphere to be found III
the higher New England attitudes
This farm comprised about hun
dred acres. The buildings were old
and dilapidatcd. III this condition the
place was purchased by gentleman
chusetts cities. He at once removed
the old buildings and made contra ct
with Il local carpenter for the cree
ton of a new house and stable,
which are now nearing completion.
The foundation walls were laid by
contract, with carefully selected field
boulders, by n neighboring farmer
who excels in this work, and
who with the money secured from
this contract expects to make the
last payment upon mortgage of long
standing upon his own place. The
carpenter is, as we have said, q local
man, and all his workmcn are resi-
dents of the town-and it may be
said in passing that none of their
need fear comparison with the similar
work that could be done by city arti-
sans. The finish has all been shipped
from Boston. but all the rough luu.-
Der is of local cut and manufa cture
The plumbers and masons have been
outside workmen, but they have beer
obliged to secure board in the vicinity
and thus have contributed in SOM
degree to the prosperity of the com
munity.
Now let us look briefly at what the
town has gained in this particular in
stance. First, about $1,000 expended
locally for labor and materials
Second. upon the existing basis ot
valuation. about $4,000 in additional
taxable property. Third. the enlarged
market for labor and products, thai
always comes from the addition OF
such a family.
Certainly. no community could pos
Slbly hope to make a better or more
profitable disposition than this of its
abandoned farms.
The case we have described
is but one of many in New Hamp.
shire-and the number of de
serted farms that are being pur.
chased for summer homes in tina
state is increasing every year Now