Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1923-11-19
Late Lindley III. Hammond
Early Pioneer In Summer
Colony At CobbOsseeccntee

Llndley Fl. Hammond, whose death
was reported in the Journal a few
days ago, was the son of John and
Martha G. (Pinkham) Hammond. He
was born in Levant, Maine, October
! 5lSt., lS49. His parents, who had
formerly lived in Sidney, moved from
LeVant to Manchester. Maine. when
he was seven years old, buying the
property which was later known as
diamonds Grove" and which now
belongs to the Augusta Country Club
Here he grew up assisting his father
on the farm and, for q short time.
teaching school.
In 1872 Mr.. Hammond married
Flora NJ. Wadsworth of East VIM
throp. The young couple took up
their abode at the paternal home in
Manchester and continued to reside
there until 1914.
Three sons were born to them. The
Oldest, Edward, died in infancy. The
other sons, Herbert L., of West Rox-
bury, Mass, and Chester T.. of Hart
lord. Conn, survive their parents.
About 1880 Mr.. Hammond COM
monced building cottages among the
pines on the shore of Lake Cob
boSSeecontee and the ''Grove" be-
came very popular, not only as a pic
mic resort but also as a place to pass
the summer months. At first the cot
tages were very simple affairs, built
mostly by Mr.. Hammond's own
hands from his own plans Much of
tie timbcr used was hand hcwn by
nm, as he was quite an expert with
the broad axe. However, these sim
pie cottages did attract people and
IN those days when transportation
was not as plentiful or rapid as 1t is
Today and one stayed put" during
me summer. people found rest and
pleasure for themselves and their
families among the pines and thought
life very good. During July and
August. for the season did not then
pegn until about the Fourth of July,
tdiSe company of young people
could be found there enjoying tennis,
noating, swimming, and dancing.
Ihere were no jazz orchestras for
dancing then but the fiddler from
The Corner" would be there and the
boys and girls had great fun.
IN the course of several Years Mr..
hammond built eight or ten cot
iaSeS and casino. each cottaee n
blt hotter than its predecessor. Some
OF the people who originally rented
these cottages began to build places
Oh their own starting on the east
SIDE of Manchester Bay and later
extending TO other shores. After Il
llme, as people came to want cot
tageS rather better finished and fur
nisned, the original cottages were
sold by Mr., Hammond and remod-
eiied by their new owners. It is
rather remarkable that every one of
the cottages which he built is still
standing and in use There has
never been fire of any serious ma
ture at the Grove"
This then was the beginning of the
summer life around Lake Cobbos-
seecontee and it is only fair to say
that MI. Hammond more than any
other man deserves the credit for
taking the first steps to start a real
summer colony there which event.
ually attracted many of the best
business men as we'll as State officials
from Augusta and men of affairs
from Boston and more distant cities.
The more recent developments, as
for instance, purchase of the pro-
perty by the Augusta Country Club,
are too well known to require re-
hearsal.
Mr.. and Mrs. Hammond continued
to reside at the. old home until 1914
at which time her failing health
made it seem best that they remove
to Neadham. Mass. There they en-
joyed six years of quiet life together
making many friends among their
new neighbors.
In 1920 Mrs. Hammond died but
her husband continued to keep his
home in Needham. spending part of
the time with his sons and. for the
past two years, several weeks of
each summer in this vicinity.
About five weeks ago he> went to
Hartford to visit his son and was
there stricken with the serious heart
atfliction which caused his death on
November 10th.
During his active years he was re-