Year: 1878

Ny last left us in the stage coach, between
farmlngton and Phillips. A striking object
in ths western landscape is "Mount Blue" SO
named from the tinge of its deep shadows. 1t
is about 5000 feet high and is said to be the
hrst land seen in approaching the coast in
clear weather. 1t Is in the adjoining town of
Avon. There are patches of fieecy clouds roll
ing up its sides with the northwest wind. On
the other hand is range of mountains in New


Vineyard. Further on is stone post by the
roadside on which is rude carving of decau-
ter and tumbler, with date of July A, 1888. II
marks the spot and is the only epitaph of a
departed liquor shop. Most of those institu-
tions have passed away in Maine and left no
sign, except the blight they left on the health
and estates of their customers We soon cross
the sandy river over an iron bridge of two
arches, and the mountains crowd the road to
the brink of the river, which we see rushing
below. An old willow is pointed out where an
Indian for many years had his lone wigwam.
80 strong was his attachment to his church and
its rites that alone he carried the body of his
daughter by land and water, to Canada for
burial.


We now approach a suspension bridge lead.
ing to Strong" so named in honor of Governor
Strong OF Massachusetts, who signed the act
OF incorporation in 1901. Our road Is not over
the bridge but up the west bank. We find a
mail carrier patiently waiting in the drizzlipg
rain for the mail from the outside world. Oa
the down trip the stage makes detour of half
mile over the bridge to the villsg, post ofiea
and return. The people of Strong lost their
L. Ix..f


years ago determined to have permanent.
one The span is 200 feet with single cable
on each side OF about three inches in diameter,
composed OF untwisted wires, bound together
every three feet. This bridge is high enough
TO Dc safe from any freshet The structure is
creditable to the public spirit of the region,
and shows the energy with which the mountain
air stimulates the people. The heavy mist has
now turned to rain, and the two young ladies'
on top behind the driver, shake out and don
their rubber waterproofs, and draw on their
hoods. One comes down to the vacant seat in
side. but the other refuses to leave her elevated
seat with her male friends and declares that
she is quite comfortable.


We are now at the hallway station and
change horses. A large lantern is lighted





road several rods ahead, and Ellis puts his fresh
team along with fearful speed. considering the
steep descents, but with his foot on the power
full brake he proves to US that he can stop the
coach in case of accident, in any situation.
We see his wheels at times go uncomfortably
near the edge of the precipice. but he knows
the road and his team, and dashes on with con-
hdence, which he soon imparts to our COM
pany. 1t was an exciting ride-none were
sleepy or minded the raio. Passengers DECLARE
that this stage ride is positive relief after an
all-1ay'S ride in the cars. At about O'Clock
we arrived at the Barden House, Phillips, where
we find cheerful, open fire and are soon laid
for comfortable nights rest.


This town of Phillips is named for another
Massachusetts, mao. What we see of it is
of two villages having bank good no.
tells, and showing enterprisng life. inquired
what denomination owned handsome church,
and was told that 1t was a "union'' meeting
house, and learned that the doctrine of rewards
and punishments in future state were set
forth on one Sabbath, and perhaps on the next
this doctrine was denounced as a delusion,
showing that they are an easy-going people.
Mr. Harmon who keeps the hotel, owns the
stage line to Rangely. He has given US good
breakfast and on leaving the table we find his
stage at the door, We imagine that the road
above is not so good, as there are no seats for
passengers on top 1 have a promise from
''uncle John" (Pickens) the driver, Of a seat
at his side. but he. has seen the New Jersey
ladies and apologies to me for taking them up
with him think, on the whole, that he is
excusable. The same company Of yesterday are
again seated for ride of about twenty miles to
Rangely village. We have left the telegraph
and must now depend on daily mail for COM
with the world without. The first
stopping place is Madrid faint imitation of
Its Spanish original. On this route the stage
waits at the post office for the mail to be newly
made up, aud we see the usual gathering at
country offices waiting for the news. After
toiling up hill of several miles, the driver
draws up to rest his horses, and to give US
view of the mountains, the highest of which Is
Mount Abraham" at the north, wooded to its
summit on which rests q turban like cloud
Its name brings before us the story of the faith
Iul patrarch's journey into the Gland of