Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1901-06-12
Mr.. mAmley At POLAND SPRING.
The Full Text Of MS Interesting Poss'Pra"d'a'
Remarks.


by Speaker Manlcy after the banquet
at the Poland Spring legislative re-
union.
Mr.. Toastmastcr, Ladies ana Gehtie-
men:
l desire to recall to your attch,io" "
few facts connected with the history
of Poland Spring, found III niue
pamphlet published by Hiram flicker
& Sons. In 1893 Jabcz Kicker, inc
greatgrandfather of the present pro-
prictors. made a purchase OF lahd on
which the famous Poland Spring Is
situated. and the next year erected the
old wentworth Kicker Inn. haH'cu io'
his son. on portion Of the site 10"
occupied by the Mansion house. FOR
one hundred and eight years inns iaho
with the additions made from time 10
time by succeeding generations mas
remained in the Kicker famlIy, anu
for one hundred and seven years there
has been upon this spot an mn or
tavern or a hotel or this great resort.
No matter what has been the law.
whether the unrestricted sale Of liquor
was permitted. whether its sale was
controlled by license. or whether its
Sdlc WdS dpSpluttIS Pi'i''''''' '''''N
has never been sold upon these prem
ises for any purpose or under airy con-
ditions any intoxicating liquor.
Now this is IA wonderful tribute 10
the owners of this property through
the four generations. Let us stop
moment and consider what II means.
1t was no easy task TO lay down tins
rule and faiHlful!y adhere TO IT even In
the beginning or through all the time
that has interviewed. The old Flicker
Inn was built on the great highway
from Portland to Canada where trans
portation was by stages ana heavy
teams, when it was the custom for
every man to drink his crog. AMI cs-
pccially to drink it at the country
tavern. But Jabcz Kicker WAS like
all his descendants, n man of positive
character and great firmncss of pur~
pose. lie decided for himself that he
would have nothing to do with traffic
in intoxicating liquor. ana no matter
whether he lost business. was ridi
culed or censured. he never iiinchcd in
the performance OF his duty as he
himself laid ii down.
In late years, after the completion OF
this splendid resort filed with visitors
and guests from every section Of our
land. il was as hard a task at is WAS
in the beginning to adhere TO the rule
laid down by the grcatErandfather OF
the present owners OF the property. But
they possess their greatgrandfathcr's
characteristics. They have their own
ideas They do not believe 1t is neccs
sary for the success III great hotei
to violate the law. And they have set.
not only to the people of our state.
but to the people all over the land. an
example that is to their credit and
glory.
1t Is often said that a hotel cannot
be successful without the adjunct OF
bar. What a rcfutation to that as
sertion is the unrivalcd success Of this
hotel,
This establishment was not created
by chance. Ii did not grew OF itself.
1t Is the result of the great foresight,
the marvellous business ability. the
untiring industry of four generations
who had the genius to look ahead to
see what the future had in store ana
by their application To their business,
aided by the great purity OF the water
with its wonderful curative powers.
they have brought this property to
degree Of perfection that has made II
famous not only throughout the length
and breadth Of our land. but all over
the civilized world.
In the various years of my life II has
been my good fortune to Visit-thc great
hotels. the favoritc summer and winter
resorts Of this country from the Allan
tic to the Pacific coast from the Can
adian line to the Gulf Of Mexico, and
while in Florida. in Southern Califor-
ria and some other sections
there have been hotels erected
as resorts costing more money
than has been expended in this
establishment here. ] can assert with
out fear Of contradiction and with no
element of nattery. that there is not on
the American continent a resort which
equals Poland Springs. Taking into
consideration it's climate and the Won
derful invigorating air. its elevation,
beautiful views. pine forests, marvellous
spring. well apportioned and superbly
equipped hotel. with its careful over
sight and attractive rooms. its whole
some and appetizing cuisine. drives
ana Walks. us ample. generous. HhS-
pitablc and kindly management. and
its homelike appearance. it stands
without a rival. 1t is a monument of
the high character. rugged integrity.
great business capacity of it's proprie-
tols-our hosts. 1t is a pride and an
honor to the State of Maine. 1t is an
other magnificent example of our State
motto. and let me say that in all my
ramblcs in life. while l may be charm
cd with the beauties of the scenery
or the delights Of the climate wonders
of nature in other sections of our land
and the world, / always feel a pride in
believing and knowing that in every
respect Maine stands as the equal of
any other section of the world Our
mountain scenery, our beautiful and
long line of coast. our marvellous and
numerous lakes. our delightful rivers
and our fertile valleys-yes, even our
climate. which from the first of May
to the first Of November is not surpass-
cd anywhere. and its winter climate
with it's sports and its attractions and
it's vigorous giving powers, its
race of men and women uncqualled in
al! the qualities of true manhood and
womanhOod. Maine Is not the place to
cmigratc from but the place to be born