The Republican journal., 1916-10-19
By Lake and Shore.
Another Country Ride in Which Pond is
"Uiscovered,"

AHotHeI SountIy Nlue Ill w nlCn roma is
"Dscovered."
Swan Lake was the objective one afternoon
last week of an auto ride. Objective seems.
however, hardly fitting word, as it sounds
too much like objection; and surely no one
would object to visiting one of the prettiest
sheets of water in Maine in a comfortable car
with a careful driver and good company, In
passing over the "Kelly Flat" the scene the
day before of manifestation of public spirit
in the voluntary work of residents of the vi
cinity in graveling this section of the high
way. we noticed single team engaged in COM
pleting job that will be highly appreciated
by all who travel in that direction. Farther on
the writer was attracted by the Masons Mills
chapel, having been present at the breaking
ground for this building, when woman held
the plow and the whole neighborhood was
drawn together by a common and commend
able purpose. The spirit in which the work
was begun and carried on can only be regarded
as a manifestation of practical christianity.
The foliage has begun to assume its autumnal
colorings, but while most of the trees seen dur
ing the ride were evergreens, here and there
brown, red or yellow relieved the somewhat
somber background of spruce and pine. If
there are more enthusiastic or appreciative
admirers Of Maine scenery than MIR. and Mrs
Thomas B. Dinsmore have yet to meet them,
and in their company if you have not an eye
for the beauties of nature you may rest as
sured that they will be pointed out to you 1t
would take too much space to mention in de-
tail all the charming views; but that of the little
white church on hillside with its background
of evergreeps will hardly be overlooked. And
now we are at the foot of Swan Lake. which
the writer first knew as Goose Pond; and many
a story have l heard from the late W. H. Simp-
son. an ardent fisherman in his younger days,
of visits to this pond and of the poaching
carried on there at night. In passing it may
be mentioned tnat the outlet still retains its
name of Goose river. 1t is a question, how
ever, whether it still exists as river. A river
may be damned, many times and remain
river, but when it loses its mouth, 1t is ques-
tion whether it is anything more than con-
duet to carry water for mechanical purposes
Hiramdale Falls have ceased to exist, and
where the shore road to Searsport crosses
there is only dry bed.along which is stretched
penstock, like huge black serpent.
But to return to Swan Lake. In its mir
ror-like surface were reflected the surround.
ing shores. We passed on the left the former
H. P Thompson cottage, almost hidden under
the trees, with the precipitous cliff at it's back,
and soon came to the camps and cottages on
the lake shore of our local fishermen. recogniz-
ing among them "One John Cabin and Two
John Farm. Then the Swan Lake House better
known as Mardens, where the best of enter
tainment is furnished those who visit the lake
for fishing or on pleasure bent A little far
ther on, the car was turned. as section of
road beyond was undergoing repairs, and on
reaching the foot of the lake we went up the
hill by the little church and the neatly kept
cemetery opposite, and on coming again into
the man highway it was decided to strike
across to Searsport. The Nickerson & Damn
store and the Nickerson mill were passed on
the left and soon we were in what proved 20
be an unknown territory to the party. Turn
ing into cross road-it it could be dignified
with the name of road it consisted of three
deep ruts shut in by bushes-we were appre-
hensive it might end in door, yard. but soon
We caught sight Of Old Glory floating from
staff On little red schoolhouse," which was
p inted white. are most of the red school.
houses nowadays, and concluded. as Mrs Dins-
more expressed it. to follow the flag" and it
not long before We were On a good road
once more. After time we came upon lit
tie lake. deep set in the surrounding wooded
hills. most attractive sheet of water, whose
identity was not known to any of the occupants
of the car. Knowing that Will Weshee had
traversed with his gun every foot of territory
within radius of ten or more miles of Belfast
he was interviewed later. and when told of the
route taken. at once said that it was Kane's
Pond, had a mud bottom and was Inhabited
only by pickerel, and used for baptizing
converts at the Maple Grove campmeetings.
We rode on to Searsport. and in passing
through sad memories were awakened as the
many former residents who have Joined the
silent majority were recalled. Then through
Stockton, and passing schoolhouse just as
school "let out" little boy and a girl with
their books were invited to take a ride home
and gleefully got aboard the car. We passed
the Switzer Inn, famed for its CUISINE, and
little farther on the car was turned and head
ed for Belfast. leaving the children lat their
home. Their smiling faces no less than their
spoken thanks testified TO their enjoyment of
the ride.
In Searsport detour was made to give the
writer his first view of the Carver Memorial
Library; building so attractive as to evoke
unutterable thoughts as to our own library
architecturally. Then Union Hall was passed,