Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1902-07-29
A SUMMER THEATRE.
One Will Probably Be Built at
Hersey's Next Year.
Place Now Open to Patrons of EIec-
trio Road.

The recent purchase of Hersey's
island on Cobbosseecontee lake by the
Augusta, Winthrop & Gardiner Rail-
road Co. has already been announced
in the Journal, but the fact that the
company seriously contemplates the
establishment of a summer theatre on
the island, next season, has not been
published until now. The manage
ment OF the road thinks it unwise to
attempt to do anything, this year, in
the way of making the island more
attractive, except to raise the bridge
leading from the mainland, erect seats
and picnic tables in different parts of
the place, cut the grass, clean UP the
underbrush and otherwise trim up and
beautify the island. But next year Il
large dancing pavilion and a summer
theatre will surely be built and ready
for use as soon as the season opens.
In furtherance of this plan James p.
Forrest of Bangor, came here, yes
terday, and, in company with Superin-
tendent l.. F. Taylor of the Electric
Road. went out to CobboSseecontee and
visited the island. Mr.. Forrest came
here as the special representative of
Hon. Joseph ]. Flynn of Boston and
Lawrence, Mass, who conducts gen.
eral amusement enterprises at % sum-
mer parks in New England and who
employs 400 people in his various COM
panies, which consist of vaudeville,
opera and minstrel troupes. Mr.. Flynn
was invited by the management of
the Electric Road to come here and
look the ground over. Mr.. Forrest was
sent to represent Mr.. Flynn and make
his report of what ne saw. That his
report will be favorable was indicated
by the enthusiastic expressions of de-
light which came from him when he
first saw the island. = -
Why" said he. Il had no idea you
had such delightful place here. This
is grand. / know Mr.. Flynn will be
pleased with the location and with the
natural beauty of the island. Even
as it is now there isn't summer park
in Maine that presents so fine an APP
pearance.'
And then when tour of the island
was made, the magnificent pine grove
at the south end was explored and
return to the bridge effected, Mr.. For
rest was even more pleased than be-
fore. He spoke of the splendid view
of lake and shore from different points
on the island the cottages of summer
residents dotting the shore in every
direction and the charming environ
ment of the place.
1T is an ideal spot for n summer
theatre" said Mr.. Forrest, right there
in that pine grove. 1t will require
very little change to make this island
n most delightful and attractive place
Really it seems as if it was made to
order. Up there on the plateau can
be built n pavilion and perhaps
casino. and with walks and seats here
and there it will be impossible to find
| more beautiful place anywhere"
Supt Taylor is also much pleased
with the beauty and attractiveneSs
| of the island He has already arranged
| to have a crew of men begin work on
the island at once, SO that during the
| remainder of the present season
patrons of the railroad may go there
| for picnic dinners and enjoy themselves
as they please The grounds are now
| open and are free to any one who will
make a proper use of them.
| AS has been stated the island COM
prises about seven acres and it is as
beautiful a place as can be found any
where in Maine or New England.
| Looking toward the east is Hammonds
Grove and to the south is the Outlet.
while over to the west is the Bailey
vile shore and the stretch of water
reaching to Billiards.. Back of the lake
and shore are hills rising in every
direction. Surely the managers of the
| Augusta, winthrop & Gardiner Rail-
| road Co. could find no more desirable
place on their entire line for the es-
tablishment of a summer theatre than
Hersey's Island.