The Republican journal., 1909-07-01
DOWN THE BAY.
An Excursion on Steamer Castine to
Vina1haven.


The clerk of the weather has been very kind
to the steamer Castine thus far, and her Sun
day excursions have been made under excep
tlonally favorable conditions Last Sunday the
Castlne went to Vinalhaven,v via Temple Heights
and Camden, and though the route is over what
at times is the toughest part OF the bay the
water was as smooth as the proverbial mill
pond There was no surf breaking on the
ledges, not even on those around Hurricane
which usually keep up their roaring in fair
weather and foul. The party included % from
Searsport,and those who went on board at Bel
1ast made up the steamers complement. At
Camden, where nearly half the party landed,
many who were making their first trip in the
Castine were surprised at the skill with which
Capt. Coombs handled his boat in the crowded
harbor. A channel about as wide as the Castine
Is long is kept clear, and outside Of that yachts
are moored as close together as possible with
out 1ouilng. In going out of the harbor Capt
Coombs threaded his way between these yachts
without touching thing, and in some places
there was barely the width of the boat between
the end of the mainboom of one yacht and the
bowsprit of another. It required quick work
in the engine room as well as at the wheel, and
"Perry" as usual did his part. Vinalhaven had
been notified of the coming of the party and
the two restaurants had fish chowders ready to
serve when the boat arrived at p. m. There
was sprinting match up town to be first at
the festive board, but the first to pass through
the screen door is modest man and would
blush to see his name in print. A retired
Standard Oil magnate brought up the rear of
the procession, but the chowder held out and
all We're served who wished. After dinner a
drive about the town was in order, and included
visit to the big hotel on the opposite side of
the harbor, which proved to be an unsuccess-
1ul venture, and from distance appears to be
dilapidated and deserted. 1t was found, how
ever, to be occupied, in part, and from the
number of milk-cans displayed on the sunny
side the tenants are engaged in dairying.
Vinalhaven is principally granite and water.
Granite crops out everywhere, and in driving
about you come frequently to creeks and in
lets. But we saw some nice gardens and many
of the residences have handsome shrubs and
flowers in their grounds. The handsomest
residence seen is that of Hon. Fred S. Walls,
and we were told he had just arrived home
with an automobile. There is one other on the
island owned by summer visitor, but as the
roads we went over were narrow and rough we
should think it a hard place for autoing. The
principal industries carried on by the Bod
well Granite Co. and the Vinalhaven Fish Co.,
and the latter company is enlarging its plant.
1t gives employment to large fleet of fishing
boats. Vinalhaven has very attractive look
ing public library building built of paving
blocks. It faces square in which is SOL
diers' monument and lofty flagstaff. Bills
were up about town for "Grand Celebration"
on the Fourth, and having attended ceebra-
tion of Independence Day in this island town
some years ago the writer feels assured it will
be success. The Castine left sinalhaven at
p. m. and landed her Belfast passengers
few inmates before o'clock.