Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1904-07-15
The Summer Let-Up.

What should be done in this intense,
exacting age We're it not for the little
bf eak that comes to most of us during
the summer months Russell, Sage
may deScant Volubly upon the FOOLISH
ness of vacations and other hide bound
conservatives lambast churches and
schools for closing their doors for the
season, but as American life is now
organized with business maintained at
an increasing high pressure, with So
c'al demands more and more insstert
each year, with our amusements even
sweeping some Of us along ut the pace
Of 4 tearing automobile, we simply
must stop the machinery for n while
shut down business turn our backs
upon our accustomed environment and
give our tired nerves a chance to re-
gain their tension as we stretch our
selves on the greensward beside some
singing brook or plunge into the heart
of the forest or scale the high noun
tains or bask on tie sands while TIE
tide steals quietly up to our very feet.
The ideal thing, of ulse. is such
steady, even pace throughout the year
that one ne eds no vacation. the process
ses of repair keeping up with the daily
waste. But That seems to be an ideal
Impossible 10 realize in these stirrin:,
days, especially in this Land where
competition is so keen and So many
of us are buster than we ought to be.
and the army of the Cverworked is be-
ing constantly enlarged. Moreover, IS
there not something in the very make
III nf bnt
once in so often a cessation from the
strain. transition to an entirely new
environment, Il totally different way
of living? The Irresistible trend be-
ing what 1t is. the wise man will not
try to stem the current, but will seek to
turn to the best account the DAYS of
the week of the months vouchsafed as
a vacation to him and his family.
Remember, first of all, that the sum-
mer let-up is for the sake of taking
hold again in the autumn more yicor-
"usly. Therefore. it is folly to carry
to your so-called resting place all the
conventiOnalities and social obligations
of polite society. 1t is pathetic to see
how some fashionable people transfer
I'll the encumbrances Of their artificial
CITY life TO the places where they
spend the summer. Not thus do we
recreate ourselves or get ready for the
next tug with real life.
We may grow during our resting time
as well as when we are in the thick of
working days. We should seek new
ways of growth. The wholesome book
which we have long wanted to read
should find place in our gripsacks. the
bit of nature study which we have long
contemplated may be pursued to adj
vantage before we return. And how
much good it will do us to brush I'D
against different sorts of persons from
those with whom we consort the rest
OF the year, to get acquainted with
farmers, with ranchmen, with stage
drivers and with other everyday peo-
pie. They can teach us much.
Ana perhaps the summer break up
may afford you the chance of your life
.or helping somebody else. Watch for
1t. You have found it hard to do good
among the people with whom YOU or
dinarily move. Well. then, the trip
over the ocean or even brief sOiourn
at some resort may open an inviting
and exceptional opportunity for speak,
ing a helpful word or doing some deed
OF kindness which will make some one
else happier and better, and the MEM
ory of which will be the brightest spot
i'm yOur vacation ratrocpaot