Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1925-07-15
SOURCE OF INSPIRATION

The assumption that Mount ka-
tahdin is a source of inspiration
would indeed be difficult to disprove
before a jury permitted to look out
over Maine from this altitude of 527o
feet above sea level. Those who
climb Katahdin climb to high levels
Of enthusiasm. to broader vision to
enlarged comprehension Of the Won
ders Nature spilled into the ample
lap of Maine.
Most will remember how Katahdin
affected Governor Baxter. how he be-
came extremely DESTROYS for the
State to make the most Of this grand
asset. Now Governor Brewster
comes down out Of the clouds that
crown, on occasion, Names loftiest
peak, down to sea level where a
broadcasting station has been set up
in the market-place and the vision
follows him and he tells the world:
"This past week I stood on top OF
Mount Katahdin, the first spot In the
United States to be greeted by the
rising sun. Twenty-Five thousand
square miles of verdant forest and
fields and over three hundred lakes
and streams were spread out be-
meath our eyes. To the East were
the hills of New Brunswick; to the
North, the valleys of the Anagasn
and the St. John; to the West,
Moosehead and Mt. Bigelow; and one
hundred twenty-five miles to the
South, Mt. Desert marked the shores
of the Atlantic and the only National
Park to be found in the East or upon
the entire seacoast Of the United
States.-distinguish as it is by the
highest mountains to be found upon
the shores of this country and dedi-
Gated to the memory of Lafayette.
Zone realized as never before the
almost inexhaustible resources of the
State Of Maine from a recreational
standpoint. The surface of its pos
sibilities has not as yet been scratch
ed. Katahdin is the finest piece OF
mountain scenery to be found any
where in the East and the marvellous
panorama of lake and forest from Its
summit would be difficult to match
in the whole wide world because OF
its isolated grandeur and separation
from other peaks that might detract.
Thoreau, a century ago, described
the view as like a great green lawn
upon which a giant had shattered a
mirror, and this description seems
equally true in the present day.
"The State Of Maine is satisfied
from its investigations that visitors
will become investors as they learn
the possibilities of our great state.
Without exaggeration Of our attrac-
lions, with a Puritan modesty in the
exploitation Of our charms, we yet
feel obligated to render service with
the great heritage that has been
committed to our care. A nation can
here find rest and recreation. We
believe they will in increasing meas
ure also find opportunity for healthy
agricultural and industrial expan-
sion. This we propose to demon
strate to them as they pass by the
show windows Of our agricultural
and industrial resources upon the
great scenic highways which we
have prepared to entertain the Wis
itors in our midst"
A fruitful vision 1t would seem, a
vision fitting to the source whence
It came. grand old Katahdin, serenely
waiting many thousands of years for
the full need of appreciation that is
its due. It should not wait in vain;
1t will not il we are a wise people,
disposed to take advantage of our
opportunities.