Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1901-09-04
AN AMERICAN VENICE.
Dream of Such for Islands Off Har
cock County Coast

Dream of Such for Islands Off Har-
cock County Coast.
The Boston papers are painting a bril-
liant future for the islands In the vicin-
ity OF Deer Isle recently purchased by
Thomas w. Lawson. One paper says:
Thomas w. lawson. OF Boston, yachts
man, copper king, multi iliionaire, horse
breeder, dog fanoieT and gas agitator,
Is going to build miniature Venice on
the rugged coast OF Maine.
He has bought and paid for two islands
on Stonington, on Deer Isle, and has an
option on twelve others. These islands
are situated in Isle su Haut bay, and are
about fifteen miles from the mainland.
Deer Isle. notable In New England as
the home OF yacht sailors, is the centre OF
hundreds OF smaller Islands on this part
OF the Maine coast. Several Of them are
owned and tenanted during the summer
months by men OF wealth from all parts
OF the world.
But "Tom" Lawson, with character
istic originality, has eclipsed all others by
acquiring group OF fourteen islands,
which he will convert into the most re-
markable summer place in the United
States.
One OF them, Saddlebsck, the largest OF
the group, contains over forty acres. The
Islands are close together aud many Of
them can be connected by bridge.
They are all covered with heavy growth
of spruce and FIR balsam, although there is
plenty OF space that is free Of woodland.
Mr.. Lawson will build a magnificent
castle on Ssddleback and clear the land
for golf links and tennis courts. He in
tends to put the matter into the hands of
a famors landscape artist, who will fur
nish plans which will transform the Law
son group of islands into "Venice of
America.
The smaller islands will be cleared OF
everything unsightiy, and everything
which shows the rugged beauty of the
group will be left untouched. On some
OF the larger islands there will be conser-
vatories and vine-covered vestibules,
where one can hide away from the giddy
throng and seek repose at the very gates
OF the surging Atlantic.
Miniature parks will be filled with deer,
bears, gray squirrels, cartridges and every
game animal that lives In Maine. The
location Is one of the most scenic and de-
iightful on the Maine coast. Mr. lawson
can cruise around Bar Harbor, Camden,
Rocklsnd, VinsI Haven and Buoksport
and be within signaling distance of mis-
Venice.
All about Deer Isle there is a network
of small islands, his being the most prom
inent of them all. Some are simply a gil
gantic piles OF jagged rocks, while others
are rich In fl trees and dangerous foliage.
From saddlebeck the sea view Is grand.
Mount Desert con he seen in the east aud
Camden mountains loom up in the west.
The lawson islands are grouped around
Saddieback and every one is Ia easy range.
Their formation is such that it makes a
perfect harbor for even a bigger vessel
than Mr.. Lswson's steam yacht, the
"Dreamer". The main boat landing will
be built at this point on saddleback near
the upper end OF the harbor.
Mr.. lawson has been negotiating for
these islands since January. Everything
has been conducted quietly, for the rea-
son that IL 1t became known that the cop
per king wanted them the islands would
suddenly appreciate in value.
The islands around Sionington have
been looked upon as almost worthless.
They have been sold for taxes and their
ownership all mixed up. In many cases
II Is difficult to estsb lish a clear title. 1t
Is said that some OF these islands were
used by a feet of smugglers years ago as
a base of supplies and a depot for loot.
There Is quite growing colony on the
islands adjoining the lawson group, so
the Boston yachtsmsn will have plenty of
neig hoors.