The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-10-26
FAIRFIELD BOASTS some OF THE BEST
FARMS IN MAINE
Through the Suburbs--TEe Old Pishon Ferry Re.
placed by 100000 Steel Bridge

We usually lul1h Vi all uciu DO a
town OF large manufacturing indus
tries, but as a matter of fact 1t is one
of the best farming sections in the
State. A staff writer of the Journal
recently made a trip over portion of
the town and some of the places visit
ed convinced him that no other part
of central Maine could boast of better
farms or herds of finer blood
One of the first places visited was
the home of Arthur II. Ellis, who is
one of the leading farmers and
breeders In that section. The farm of
Mr. Ellis is but mile or two from
Shawmut depot, and from the house
commanding view is had of the
entire surrounding country. Here
are 175 acres of productive land,
mostly divided between tillage and
pasture, and here may be seen one
of the finest herds of Shorthorn cattle
to be found in Maine This farm has
long been noted for its Shorthorns
as they have been bred here for more
than 40 years. 1t was then that Mr.
John p. Ellis married the daughter
Of 3. D. Howard, and the two men
formed the firm of Howard e. Ellis
and commenced to deal in cattle.
The first move of the new firm was
70
horn cattle from Kentucky. Two
years later they exhibited their herd
at the New England fair held on
Pighy Park, near Portland, and drew
the first prize, which was solid gold
medal worth $40 One of the herd,
COW named "Marigold," took the
second prize, which was a medal of
solid silver Another bronze medal
was taken for a younger animal, to
say nothing of the ribbons and cash
prizes taken at the same time.
That was in 1872, and since then
there has never been a year that has
not seen this Shorthorn herd exhibit
ed at all the leading fairs in the
State. Mr.. Howard died several
years ago and then Mr.. Ellis took his
son, Arthur H. Ellis, into the firm and
the business of breeding and exhibit
ing continued to increase. Two years
ago the father died, and since then
the place has been conducted by the
son.
The medals and ribbons that this
and form a large pile. On one of the
gibbons won in 1872 is a picture of
Col. Alexander Rigby, who was the
original proprietor of Rigbv Park and
adjacent lands. 1t bears the date of
1880. This Col. Rigby was one of the
great Shorthorn breeders of ENGLAND
nearly three centuries ago and from
him our Rigby Park took its name
pelow his name is the figure of a
horse. It is quite unnecessary tn
say that Mr.. Ellis values these tro-
nhios very highly. and it is very
doubtful if there is another breeder in
Maine of any blood that has so large
collection of ribbons, the most of
which are blue. With Mr. Ellis is
nov associated his son. Donald w.
ellis, who is student at Colby mi
versity. He is a very bright Young
winning first prizes on fruit and
ueoetahles as often as his father wins
ttem on Shorthorns. At the Water
rille far he iudee awarded him first
prize on Sheffield corn. and he also
'uon = premium of the Lewiston daily
Journal On the best bushel of ap-
nles he won q SO sprayer.
The wife of Mr. Arthur II. Ellis is
the well-known grange worker, Mrs.
Kate b. Ellis, Ceres of the State
Grange. This lady is both familiar
and popular in grange circles where
SHE is dtCOuultu OllG vi inc DtoA pun
lie lecturers in the State.
A Rare Old Lady.
Not the least interesting member
of the Ellis family is the mother of
Mr. Ellis, who is now 7S years of age,
and still in full possession of physical
health and mental faculties. Mrs.
Ellis has a wonderful memory of old
time people and incidents, and her
conversation sparkles with wit and
wisdom. Her girlhood days were
passed in that section of Fairfield
known as Pishon's Ferry, and her
memory is still fresh regarding the
people and customs of that historic
spot. When asked to tell something
about that famous old ferry, Mrs.
Ellis smiled and said:
"Pishons ferry was one of the ear
Hest of its kind in Maine and perhaps
ono nc tba hoct known Of course Won