RAMBLES K- »3 AMHERST M>, I G>lS^=*&rfe^ Glass. Book 'JTW ^ 'V^'.'v.j '^rw'" w Pi w iJLh < W W Pi H Rambles About Amherst .■ KMBRAIXNC; AX IMSrOKI.AL ANI. OKS.UI PTI VK SKKITH OK 1 H K I., UN, U 11. 1 KXIRX,-,- FROM AHE WRITINGS OK JAMKS l-AKTON, I'OINTS nV I M l- |; KST IN AND ABOUT AMHERST ; ALSO DKSCKI IT Io\ s m| SOME OK THE^MANV INIEKKST- INC DRIVES. By William B. Botch. WITH MAP OF THE ffnu/WA VS. AMHfil30, and one of tlie early incorporated towns in New Hampshire. It received its name from (Gen- eral Jafifrey Amherst, Commander of the l^ritish forces in North America. Early written history records the many hardships under- gone by these settlers in subduing the elements, laying low the pfiants of the foiest and making the land habitable. 6 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. In 1794, the inhabitants of that part of Amherst known ax the ''Sonth West Parish," having increased to such pro- portions as would seem to warrant it, petitioned to tlie (xeneral Court to be disconnected from the township of Amherst, and incorporated as the town of Milford, wliicli request Avas granted, inchiding a tract of Lmd from the townsliip of HoUis. In 1808, the "Second Parish,'' hicated upon the elevatio]i nortliwesterly of Andierst, i)etitioned to the (xeneral Cmirt to be set off as a separate township, whicli request, as in the previous instance was granted, and the town of Mont Vernon was in;',orporated. F'or fifty years following the discoiniection of tliese two towns Amherst was in the hey-day of its prosperity, and by far the most important place in tliis sectii^n of the State. It was tlie shire town and all of the courts were held here, and many public gatherings of mucli importance. The largest population Andierst ever had was before the town was divided. The census of 1790 shew a population of 2,896. In 1820 the inhabitants numbered 1,622. The village contained about 60 dwellings, a meeting - house, school liouse, two taverns, court house, jail, printing-office, card factory and five stores ; also two law offices. In th(\se "good old times" often referred to l)y the grey whiskered residents, Amherst did not have its present quiet, sleepy appearance of a "deserted village." Tlie frequent ses- sions of the court, the annual muster and trainings, the great amount of travel to and fro over the turnpike, and its being the mailing point to all the surrounding country, sei-ved to HAMI'-LKS AI'.Ol'T A^IHEKST. make Aiuheist ;i l»iisines.s ctMitiv and liiisy place. Hut these (lavs are past. The rii.i>itl,yi(»wth of suriduiidiiiy towns with available water privilege-; and hetter railr(»a.d facilities liave drawn iqjon its vitality and oreatly detracted from its Imsi- uess im])ortance. The courts are no lono'cr held here, and the county ottiees are now at Nashuii. Aside from the gen- eral aspect of neatness every where noticeahle, we have little evidence of the tlii'ift which once ah >unded here. MAP OF HIGHWAYS IN AMHERST AND VICINITY. C HAPTEK IT. DESCKIl'TIVE. Amherst, in the County of HilLsl)oroug]i, is 4S miles iioithAvest of Boston, 11 miles northwest of Xashmi and 12 miles southwest of Manchester. It is located on the Boston and LoAvell division of the Boston and Maine Railroad, and one hour and forty-eight minutes' ride from Boston. Pas- sengers taking the cars at the old Boston and Lowell pas- senger station on CauseAvav street, find the ride to Andierst a most delightful one and the time passes altogether too quickly. From Lowell to Nashua the train skirts along the banks of the Merrimack river, of Avhichmost delightful views can be had, and now and then glimpses of mountains and hills in the distance. Arriving at Amherst-station ac- commodations are found to convey passengers in either direc- tion — to Hotel Ponemah, located one mile south, or to the village, three miles to the north. Reaching the village, stables Avill be found well equipped Avith conveniences for carrying i)assengers or parties to houses located at a distance 10 KAMRLKS ABOUT AMHERST. or to jjoiuts of iiitere'^t, in and about the town. Amherst village, whieh is one of the most heautiful i]i the state, is located upon a plain of about one half mile in extent, sur- rounded by hills, and is thought l)y many to have once been tlie bed of a lake, whose waters found an outlet throuo-h Heaver lirook, now familiarly known as "Quoquin- napassakessananagnog," tlie name given by the Indians to the lands about the mouth of that brook, three miles below the village. The village is at once noticeable for its clean, whole- some and well kept appearance ; is comprised of about 130 dwellings, each one of which shows evidence of local pride in its owner in making its outwanl ap^iearance pleasant to the eye. The streets are ))road with sidewalks, lined with shade trees, whose over-reaching branches and thick foliage toi'm almost a canopy, and under whose cool shade in the hot summer days it is a delight tt) stroll. The soil of the •"plain" is a sand}' loam, of not such strength as to insure large returns from the efforts of gardening, but of sufficient firmness to support a thick mat of grass which everywhere softens the landscape and rests the eye. In the village a. large tract of land has been neatly fenced in for a public common, and thickly set with maple and elm trees, which promise in the near future to make this locality a very pop- ular resort. Rising from the centre of this common is a flag staff of very graceful proportions. In addition, the village has three churches, handsome brick school house, ample and commodious town hall, which furnishes accommodations for the different orders and the RAMr.T.?:.s aiu>t;t amukkst. 11 public library.' cbiipel, en<::^iia' house, kit tartory, saw and ^rist mill and one })lanino- mill, }»riutino- ofHice. l»esides five stores and a haiiit'ss-sli(»|). "^Fhere is no publi<' liouse in the village at present, tire destroyinn' in lS7(i tlie com- modious hotel built by the citizens and which (buiuti- i'^ brief existence was the pride of the toA\ii. The way-farer has notrouble, howevei', in tindiiiyMlesirable acconnnodatioiis under the hospitable roofs of the several pi-ivate houses whose proprietors o[)en their doors to unoljjtM-tionable persons. A soldiers' UKtiiument graces a centialpctint in the village, and attests to the sacredness with which the citizens hold in memory the deeds of the soldiers in the late v\ai . There are other points of interest in the village, not the least among which is the old burying ground near tlie town liouse, the old jail, long out of use, of wliich we shall sity more later. From the hills which surround the village charmi)ig and extensive views of the surrounding country can be had. "Chestnut Hills" to the north is the highest prominence : "Christian Hill" in the west, so named from the niiml>er of active church members and othcers it has furnished in past days ; "David's Hill" in the s(»utli, uji which winds an en- chanting lane, is well wortliy a climb, in repay for which a beautiful vicAV of the village may be had, nestling down in its quiet repose among the tiees below, the chuivh si»ii-es (mly rising above their tops, and the white houses hardly visible through the dense foliage. "Walnut Hill" in the east is noticeable from all points for its symmetrical })ropor- tions. From eitlier of tliese elevations named, high moun- 12 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. tains ill the di.stance appear to one's gaze, which, with the intervening valleys, furnish a panoramic scene of rare extent, beauty and granduer. Before continumgtliis sketch and describing the character of the country adjacent to the village, with its attractive drives and many points of interest and note, 1 will give place to the graphic dis- eription of -James Parton, Horace Greeley's biogiapher, who, in the interest of his friend and patron, once visited this town and the early home of Greeley. With a little change his words would be as applicable to-day as at the time they were written, many years ago : — "•Tha village of Amherst is a pleasant place. Seen from the summit of a distant hill, it is a white dot in the middle of a level plain, encircled by cultivated and gently sloping hills. On a near approach the traveller perceives that it is a cluster of white houses, looking as if they had alighted among the trees and might take wing again. On enter- ing it he finds himself in a very pretty village, built round an ample green, and shaded by lofty trees. It contains three churches, a j^rinting office, a court house, a jail, a half dozen stores, an exceedingly minute watch maker's shop and a hundred private houses. There is not a human V)eing to be seen, not a sound to be heard, except the twittering of the birds overhead, and the distant whistle of a locomotive, which in those remote legions serves to make the silence audible. The utter silence and deserted aspect of the older villages in New England are remarkable. In the morning and evening there is some appearance of life in Amherst ; but in the hours of the day, when the men are at work, the i;ami?les ahott amhki:st. 1:5 M'oinen ])usy with tlieir household affairs, and the chihlreii at se-liool, the visitor may sit at the ^^■ilido^v of the villam- tavern for an hour at a time and not see a livino' creature. Oceasionally a pedler, \vith sleigh bells lound his horse, goes HIHTHPLACE OF HOliACE (MIEELEV, Founder of the N. V. Tribitiic. jiugling hy. Occasionally a farmer's wagon drives up to one of the stores. Occasionally a stage, rocking in its leather suspenders, stops at the post office for a moment, and then 14 KAMHLES ABOUT AMHKltST. rocks away again. Occasionally a doctor passes in a very antiquated gig. Occasionally a cock crows, as though it was tired of the dead silence. A New York village, a (quar- ter the size and wealth of Amherst, makes twice its noise and l)ustle. Fcn'ty years ago, however, when Horace Gree- ley used to come to tlie stores there, it wa^. a place of some- what more importance and more business thiin it is now, for Manchester and Nashua have absorbed many of the lit- tle streams of tratitic which used to flow toward the county town. It is a curious evidence of the stationary character of the place, tliat the village paper which liad fifteen hundred subscril)ers when Horace Greeley was three years old, and learned to i-ead from it, has fifteen hundred subscribers and no more at this moment. It bears the same name it did then, is published l)y the same })erson, and adlieres to the same party." The township of Andierst contains aljout eight scpiare miles of better land than the average land of New Enoiand. Wheat cannot l)e grown on it to advantage, but it yields fair returns of rye, oats, })otatoes, Indian corn, and young- men ; the last named of which commodities forms the chief article of export. The farmers have to contend with hills, rocks, stones innumerable, sand, marsh and long winters; tmt a hundred years of tillage have subdued these obstacles in part, and the peojjle generally enjoy a safe and moderate prosperity. Yet, severe is their toil. To see them plough- ing along the sides of those steep rfxtky hills, the plough creaking, the oxen groaning, the little boy driver leaping i:ami5Les Ai'.orT amhei:st. lo t'loiii s(i(l to sod, as ail Al})iiu' l»oy is supposed to leap iVoiu crag to era u', the ploughman wreiiehing the plough round the rocks, hoy ;uid man every minute or two uniting in a prolonged and agonizing yell for the panting beasts to stop, M'heii the plough is eaught by a hidden roek too large for it to o^•erturn, and the solemn slowness with which the pro- cession winds, creaks and groans along, gives the languid citizen, who chances to pass hy, a new idea of hard work, and a dcw sense of the happiness of his lot. '" If Mr. Parton should revisit Amherst to-day, he would see little change in the general appearance of the place. Time luis worked great changes in the people. Thirty years have wrought changes in nearly every household. They have also l)rought about changes in the mode of ()[)erating the farms. In place of the slow moving ox teams he would find a pair of horses draAving a sulky plow, and other improved machinery lessening the hardships of the farmer's life. ( )ur farmers have not l)een slow in a(lo})t- ing im})roved methods of tilling the soil, and we. believe that the pecuniary returns from their labor is more satisfac- tory than formerly. The raising of cereals and potatoes for the market, in large quantities, has Ijeen superseded l)y l)utter making and milk producing, and the large intervale farms are now nearly entirely given to the latter industry, a read}- market being found for milk at the R. R. station, where it is daily collected and thence transported to Boston. Lakes and Stkeams. — Babboosic lake, so named by tlie Indians once dwelling upon its shores, is located about 16 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHEKST. tliree miles north easterly of the village : it ahouiuls in tisli. Little Babboosie pond is connected with the lake of larger size by a small brook. Jo English pond is located partly in Amherst, Mt. Vernon, and New Boston. Damon's pond. SOLDI i:i; S >[ON['MENT. KRECTED IN 187I. a small sheet of water, is located in the north east })art of the town and Stearns's pond or more familiarly known as ''Honey Pot pond'' is situated in the south part of the town. All of these ponds contain fish to gi'eater or les^ extent, but RA^IBLES ABOUT AMHEKST. 17 none of them, witli the exception of Babboosic, have ever been stocked with fry. Souliegan river crosses the southerly portion oi the town, and is spanned by two carriage Inidges. Into it flows Beaver Brook, which traverses the whole length of the town, starting on its course in Mont Vernon. Babboosic brook starts from Jo English jxtnd. runs through the northerly part of Andierst, through Bedford, and empties into the Souhegan river at Merrimack. In the trout season these brooks furnisli good tishing groiind. (xranite abounds^ and (juarries are operated, which yield a very tine quality of stone. Limestone has been found in some parts of the town, and iron ore exists in small (quantities. Some rare minerals and crystals have been found near the Bedford line, but are not so plenty as to attract many searchei-s. White pine is the principal timber growth. Chestnut trees abound and when loaded with nuts, a sharp rivalry oc- curs between the small boy and the squirrel to see who shall gather the most. Oak, somewhat i-are in other sec- tions, grows abundantly here. Game is not as plenty as in former times, yet the skilful hunter will not lack for sport in hunting the grey squirrel, and partridge in their season. Coons are also found in the swamps and on the mountains. A mineral spring in the east part of the town, about tw<:) miles from the village, has some renown for its medicinal properties. Also a spring located near the highway from Amherst to Mont Vernon, is noticeable for the large amount of soda the water contains. There are many other points 18 RAMBLES ABOUT A:\IHEKST. v.iiieli will aj>j)e:il to the vLsitor with equ;il interest as tho.se alieadv named. TS,^ -v^'":^ti£,a^iL}ix^?c;, CpXGEEGATIOXAL CHURCH. Amherst is emjjhatieally a fiehl fo]' artists, al)Oundingin tliose little "liits'" of natiiial beauty, of wooded drives, shad}' nooks and cool retreats, which relieve the monotony of a less broken country. Whoever brings a camera here KAMBL?:S AIJOUT AMHERST. 1^^* lias no difficulty in tiudiiii;' the desired oppoitiiiiily tor the exercise of his art. Almost everything desired by the artist can be found. The hay-maker in the field, the boat upon the hike, the cows o-razing upon the hills, winding road- ways, lights and sha(h)ws through the trees, deej) glens, rustic scenes and expansive views, ean all be obtain- ed with but comparatively little effort. Again, the intense ([uiet of the })lace and the unobtrusive- ness of its inhabitants make it a spot most desirable for those seeking complete rest from business cares and anx- iety ; while its mail and telephone connections with the out- side world help the business man to feel that he has "' an eye on his business, " while recruiting his bodily strength upon its pure atmos})here. and dieting upon fresh butter, milk and cream. It is a noticeable fact that those who once visit Amherst return again. Each recurring season finds among the new faces here, familiar ones, and the periodical return of some of our summer visitors is as regular as the the movements of the birds who return each spring to the nests tliey deserted in the fall. The well kept road-beds, make driving a pleasure. The opportunities for boating and fishing, etc., have given the tf)wn an increasing prominence among the sunnner resorts of the (iranite State. The well kept boarding houses have accomodations for a laro-e number of p-uests, l)ut each season finds their capacity tested to the fullest extent. Common Fi.ow^ers. — Flora has been lavish in her gifts here. From earliest Spring to latest Fall, woodland beau- 20 RAMBLES ABOUT A:SIHEKST. ties a])Ouii(l. F'u-st after the soft mouse - tinted and [)ollen- tipjjed pussy willows pi-ophesy the coming of the ''merrie month of Maie," we fuid the delicate hued hepaticas, pur- ple violets and white Cornell. Almost simultaneously with these, that universal favorite of New England, the pale, pink and white ar1)utus, sweet scented and shy, hiding it- self under gray rock and brown leaves, creeping and nest- ling lovingly into beds of moss and twining evergreen, — a '"'•wee, modest, crimson-ti[)pit flo^^'er.'" Side--iaddle or pitch- er plant then I'eddens in the field, t\\in flowers and inno- cence, that associate themselves witli designs on the fine, soft lawns our grandmotliers A\'ore. peep up. (Iradually over the broAvn earth and l)are branches a green mist ap- pears, then, with a rush, the world al)out us is a maze of bloom and the air is full of Easter incense. Wild cherry, dogwood, l)lackl)erry fields, [)eacli and a])})le orchards dress tliemselves in Ijridal gaiments of blushing pink and })urest white. The sweet breath of the passing breeze dallies among the branches, sending bewildering whirls of drifting sno^^■ out into the warm June days. It is the romance and dream of the year — enchanting, fair and sweet. Then follows the joy of graduates, when in great picnic^ carts they go in merry groups to gather the mountain lau- rel, great mounds of rosy bloom, ^^"hose warm l)luslies re- calls the classical legend concerning it. Sturdy, unap- preciated clover, red, white and yellow : oxeyed daisies, black-eyed-Susans, wild roses, yellow butter - cups and plume - like ferns star the grasses and beautify field and roadside. Then the chestnuts drop their bunches of strung RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. 21 pearls and we feel that the spring l)h)oniing is over. Tlie trees grow darker, the foliage more dense and the shadows in the Avood deepen. Angust brings the clematis, fairy meadow rne and swinging blue bell, the feathery golden rod, swaying pink bean, giradias and quantities of heavy eluster- ing buck bean. September ushers in whole families of starw(n'ts. The corn, tliat through the summer time tilted its shining green lances at us, ripens now to yellow, and the arnicas try to cheat us into belief of returning s})ring by their imitation of dandelions. The air is fraorant with the winey odor of ri})ening grapes. October, with magic wand, turns the bunch - berries, alders and wax-work scarlet and orange. The forests are rich in red, russet, green, yellow and brown. Down in the meadow blue gentians are found. November comes and the woods are alio-ht with the ghostly witchery of the pale hazel bloom. There is a bursting of pods and rattling of seeds on the dead leaves, and I)eceml)er steps in antl throws his fleecy blanket over them and shows with it, foi' background, the delicate vases tliat held the seeds with their own peculiar beauty. CHAPTER III. PERSONAL. New Hampshire is renowned for the stnrdy character of the men it rears. The boys of the Granite Hills inhahit every State in the Union, lending their bone and mnscle to the development of new territories, as well as hlling positions of honor and prominence in the older States. Amherst has fnrnished its fnll qnota of yonng men to this great regiment, and there is })robably not a city in the States but what has drawn upon its life and partaken of its vitality. Perhaps no other one of Amherst's sons ever gained such fame in the world as Horace (xreeley ; perluips none other was entitled to such eminence ; certainly none other ever was before the country as candidate for President, lint others have gone out from Amherst whose influence has been felt throughout the length and breadth of the land. To name all those, who, though perhaps not born within our territorial lines, yet, s})ent the years here which shaped their course through life, would be a task of too great magnitude for us at this time, yet we cannot pass over this oTound without recallino- a few familiar names. IJA^[P.LKS Ar.OUT AMHERST. 23 There are none left wlio remember William Bieelow, who was the tiist editor of the ViLLACiE Messknoeii, and afterward ha,d eharfve of the Boston Latin School. Among the pnpils of this disting'uished teacher was Hdward Ever- ett. For many years the name of Atherton was synonymons with Amherst. Joshua Atherton was the first of that name to settle here. He was an able lawyei' and for sevei'al years the State's Attorney General. His son, the Hon. ('has. H. Atherton, was also a lawyer of much note, once a ]{ep- presentative in Congress, and his son Chas. G. Atherton another lawyer of prominence and U. S. Senator. Captain Eli Brown, in early life a resident of Amherst, afterwards was in charge of the fleet of gunboats on the (toast of New Enghmd. Joseph C-ushing started the publication of the Fai;mei;s' Cabinet in 1802, built the large brick building afterwards known as "Cushing's Folly."' Sold Cabinet in 1800 to Richard Hoylston, and removed to Baltimore. Dr. John Farmer, a, historian of note, spent the early years of his life here. Prof. James Freeman Dana was a professor of chemistry at Dartmouth College. Dr. Sanuiel \j. Dana, liis brother was also noted as a scientist. Gen. Joseph Low was noted far and wide as a military character. He was once Mayor of Concord. Col. Robert Means, was treasui'cr of the Countv for years 24 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHERST. and was a member of the Senate and Council. David McG. Means was a very successful business mm. Isaac Spalding and Robert Read were prominent mei- cliants here, and the former afterwards at Nashua. By his will he bequeathed a legacy of ten thousand dollars to the town, for school purposes, to be paid on the decease of his widow. Among the early pastors of the parish church here, was Rev. Nathan Lord, D. D., L. L. D. ; he resided in the house now owned and occupied by Mr. John G. Peacock, on the turnpike leading from Amherst to Mt. Vernon. He was called from his ministry to the Presidency of Dartmouth College, which position he aeceptal)ly filled f(n- over thirty years. The pastor to succeed Rev. Mr. Lord, was Rev. Silas Aiken. He was called from his work here to the pulpit of Park St. church, Boston, which position he held for twelve years and then removed to Vermont. The foregoing is but a fragmentary list of the names of some of our most honored citizens, all of whom have now [)assed to their reward. Those which a younger generation will more (quickly as- sociate with Amherst, perhaps, are Cam[)l)ell, Dodge, Hap- good, Lawrence, Eaton, Davis, David, Abl)ott, Hartshorn, Melendy, Boylston, Secombe, Clark, and many others, whose names will occur as readily to the reader as to the writer. But enough have here been recalled to make the sons of Amherst feel proud of their ancestry. (irAPTElJ IV. POINTS OF IXTEKKST. Lake BabboOSiC. 'I'lii^^ beautiful sheet .)f water is situated tAvo aud oue-half miles easterly of the village of Amherst. Is accessible from all directions by carriage roads. The Pond covers an area of about three hundred and eighty acres, and the water varies in depth to about thirty feet. Its greatest length is two miles and its greatest breadth one mile. It has long been a favorite resort for boating and fishing, and is much visited by pleasure parties and its worthy fame is every year extending. About ten years ago it was stocked with black bass by the State Board of Fish Commissioners, and fine specimens are now captur- ed every season. The waters being fresh and not a slug- gish pond, the bass are full of game, varying in size from one to five and six pounds. Other fish such as perch, al)f»und. Boats for fishinw or rowing can be had at different jtoints along the shore. At the east side of the lake is a fine grove of pines, underneath whose shade, seats. 2<; KAMHLKS AIJOIT A>!HKI;ST. swings, a hand stand and platform for dancing have heen hnilt 1)V Mr. Colston, the present proprietor of the i>al)- hoosic Ilonse, which is located a short walk back from the shore, upon a prominence overlooking the lake. New Hamp dure has many jewels in lier crown of natural beauty, but few are brighter, f.iirer oi- more beautiful, th'iu Lake l>abboosit*. w:^'^%//-!^ Present Town House, ( Formku court Hoube. ) This l)uilding was originally erected for the use of the KAMI'.I.KS AliOlT AMHKKST. li i I'ounty Courts, which at the time were all here. Many exciting seeiies luive transj)ire(l within its historic walls. and many distingnislied jurists have here made pleas which have helped them on the road to fame and fortune. It was not in this building', as is quite generally, but erroneously reported, that Daniel Webster, made his maiden argument, before Judge Farrar, but in the former court bouse, which stood just in front of the site of the dwelling of the hite David Kussell. This second court house, where the giants of the legal profession, including Webster, Avere wont to assemble, is still standing, near the old foundry building. (»ccu})ied as a doid)le tenement dwelling house. When the county othces and coiuts were removed from Amherst the building reverted to the town, since which time re[)aii's and enlai'gements have been made, until now it is one of tlie most convenient and best appointed town houses in the county. The stage was lately enlarged, and a nice set of scenery donated to the town by Oscar Shaffer. It has a commodious upper and lower hall, a hre }»roof vault. lobl)y. and is the repository of the town librar} . The Old Jail, ;i!^ it is familiarly ami rightly call- ed, having been long out of use, is a })lace of some interest to those visiting Amherst village. The first jail built here was the west end of the frame Ijuilding connected with the stone structure now standing, and built of heavy oak logs, erected al)out 1770, and the tirst stone bnildinP' about 1810. It formerly had a liigh brick wall around it. Some noted criminals have been confined in this old buildiup-. From 2H HAMBLKS ABOUT AMHKItST. one of its cells. Farmer the murderer, rode to the scaffold, erected near the residence of the late B. B. David. Soldiers' Monument. 'I'l^t^ monument which graces a central spot in our village, was completed in 1871. The (•■ranite base was cut fi'om a bowlder, found on the farm of W. I icy ' %> "■' 'I ■^-r^^ \^^ iv*r>" .^^•y- fiF^'l -4f '>Xji!»«c4*r*!MfiSto'ilifiae#; i*j« ^v_ ^lEaiittaa»-?:stg«.? m ■tM.nmm, irESIDENCK OK THE LATE (JEOB.GE KENT. Levi J. Second^e, Esq. A Hgure of a soldier, in bionze-t holding a nuisket, stands up(>n the granite pedestal, in RAMHLES Ar.olT AMHERST. ■2'.) wliicli is inserted a tahlet, bearing the names of thoses en- listing from Amlierst in the hite war, who h).st their lives defending- the old flag. The cost of this memorial was •f 4000. A gift for this purpose hy the late Aaron Lawrence, was sup[)lemented 1)V an appropriation fron) the town. i^^^^. ^S;^'?Vi:-J; . " '^^Ai^ KKSEDENCK OF THH LATE HOX. H. EATOX. The Brick Block, familiarly known as the 'N.ld hi'ick" was erected a])out 1800, Ity Mr. Josej)h Cushing. at -50 T: AMBLES ABOUT AMHKKST. that time }iul>lislifr of tlie Fakmers" Cabinet. wIid purjxts- ed to enter extensively into the printing and publishino- of books, and with this end in view he erected this luiihling, long- afterwards known as "C'ushing's Folly.' He never occupied it, for before its completion he hastily removed to Baltimore. It lias had numerous owners and more numer- ous occupants. The lower story has usually l)een occupied as stores, though originally the west side as a tenement. I'he upper ones have been used for school-rooms, tenements, book bindery, pattern - makers shop, and at one time the entire building as an iron foundry. It is owned l)y the lieirs of the late Hon. Harrison Eaton, and at present oc- cupied as a store, in which is the post-office ; a millinery store and a barber shop. It is one of the land marks of Amherst. Long may it be spared from tempest or fire, a link lietween the })resent and the past. Sreeley'S Birthplace. The spot where Horace (Treeley first saw the light of day, is about five miles north- easterly from Amherst village, on the first highway leading to Bedford. The house stands as it was originally built, and is owned and occupied as a farm house by Joseph F. Hanson. James Parton, in writing of this spot twenty years ago said : '"The farm owned l^y Zaccheus Greeley Avhen his son Horace was born, Avas four or five miles from the village of Amherst. It consisted of eighty acres of land — heavy land to till — rocky, moist, and uneven, worth then eight KAMHLKS AIKUT AMHKKST. .H luiiidred (It)llars, now two thousand. The houst'. a snialL unpaiiited, but substantial and well-built t'aiin-house, stood and still stands, upon a ledge or platform, half way up a liigh, steep, and roeky hill, eonunandino- an extensive and almost panoramic view of the surrounding country. In wliatever direction the boy may have looked, he saw rock. I Jock is the feature of the landscape. There is rock in the old oi'chards behind the old house ; rocks })eep out from the gia>s in the pastures; rock along the road ; rock on the side.5 of the hills ; rock on tlieir summits ; rock in the valleys : rock in the woods ; rock, rock, everywhere rock. And yet the country has not a barren look. I should call it a serious looking coiuitry ; one that would be congenial to grim cov- enanters and exiled round-heads. Tlic ])revailing colors are dark, even in the brightest months of the year. The pine woods, tlie rock, the shade of the hill, the color of the soil, are all dark and serious. It is a still uidVe(piented region. ( )ne may ride along the road upon which tlie liouse stantLs, for many a mile, without passing a single vehicle. The turtles hobble across the road fearless of the crushing wheel. If any one wished to know the full mean- ing of the word country, as distinguished from the word town, he need do no nioie than ascend the hill on which Horace Greeley saw the light, and look around. Such was the character of the region in which Horace (xreeley pass- ed the greater part of the tirst seven years of his life." Amherst Commoa. The large tract of land, which is neatly fenced in, and thickly set with shade trees, will. H-I AMI5LES AHOl'T AMHEUST. in tlie near fnture, bci a place of niueli bjanty. The in- creased care given to the trees and soil recently, show results in increased verdure and foliage. In the fall, the maples take on tlie hues of the rainhow. and make it a s\)()t of rare brilliani-y. h^ Bank Building, ResidexckofChas. hichaudson-. This building was erected by the Hillsborough I^ank and (Uirin Carbonate of Magnesinm . . 1.47 Carbonate of Sodinm ... 2S *' Creiiic Acid 8. 87 "• Snlpliate of Lime 1.63 Sulphate of Potassium .... oo '' Chloride of Sodium 87 Selicia and Alumnia .... 09 Total ,51. .5 -2 •' Free Carbimate Acid undetei'mined. .lAMKS F. BAIJCOCK. Aiiiilytical atid Consul tiiii:; Cluiiiist. Picnic GrrOUndi ^^'^ ^'"^' ^""*' <»wned by tbe town in connection with the farm at Andierst Station, is a beautiful grove of pines. This grove has Ijeen cleared of all under- brusli, seats, i)latform, cook houses and other conveniences' arranged for picnicing pai'ties. It is especially well adapted for large gatherings, tlie grounds sloping toward the centre, forming a natural amphitheatre. Its proximity to tlie lail- road station enhances its other conveniences. Congregational Church, '^^^^"^ i« the most promi- nent edihce that appears to the eye as one passes through the village. The building was originally owned by the town, and was purchased by the Congregational Society in 1882 when it was thoroughly repaired and alterations i:ami5LKS audit amhekst. -Jo madt'. Tlie t(t\vii still (»\\iis the Ik'U aii. The third pastor, IJev. Xathan Lord, 1). D.. was settled as colleague with Mr. IVaniard, May '28, 181H. He was called to the Presidency of Dartmouth College in 1828. The fourth pastor Rev. Silas Aiken. 1). D. was settled March 4, 1821). He was called to the pastorial care of Park St. church, IJoston, in 1887. The fifth pastor Rev. Frederick A. Aiings, we take from tlie Farmers' Cab- inet, of the date of December 5th, 1818. The story is corrol)orated by several similar accounts published in other [japers of about that date : — Mr. Boylstoii : My son, Willie Sargent, was taken sick in February last of a consump- tion, and continued in a gradual decline till the 19th of August, when he died. On Mdndny the 13th of July, he fell alseep in the forenoon, and had a dream or vision, in which he saw a man standing by a rock in a piece of woodland near my house, w ho told him there was a spring where he stood, under ground, the water of which by drinking, would cure a consumption On the next night he again dreamed of seeing the man in the same place, who told him as before of the spring. And again on the night of the 8th of August he the third time had the same vision, and the man repeated the assurance of there being a spring where he stood; and of its being a cure for the consump- tion. He also said his name was Gabriel. He did not tell my son the water would cuie him in particular, nor did Willie expect it would, but said it would help others, aud was very anxious to have it found. Some persons dug at HAMllLHS AIJOI'T A.MUKKST. 3<) some dlstaiiL-e from the rock, and found a spring of waler uf clayey appear- ance, which would not settle clear, ete , and which has been represented as the spring described by the iii in; but my son sai 1 it could not be in the right place, nor was the water such as he expected to find it. He wished to be car- ried to the ground that he might point out the spot where he was told the sprini;; lay. Accordingly, on the Monday following his last dream, we carried him on to tho ground, it being about 7o rods from my house, and he readily showed us the rock by which the man stood, he being well ac(|uaintee with the place. He directed us t<> dig by the side of the rock, which was done to the depth of 7 feet; but from the appearance of the ground and the extreme dryness of the season there was not the least indication of water, and we gave up the undertaking. 15ut he \ias nut satisfied and continued anxious about it. till the hour of his death, being fully persuaded such a spring would be found. After hi.s death I procured a person acquainted in using the mineral rod, who, on trying his instruments, decided on the very spot where we had before dug, as directed by my son, and foretold by the man in his dream. After digging .-ibout three feet deeper than before, we indeed came to a s|)ring, which flowed freely, and on being stoned up contains water several feet deep. This water is perfectly clear. It has been drank by a great many people. On .some it has operated as an emetic, on others differently, and on others again it has no sensiljle eftect. A number ot invalids have resorted ti) it, and i7i some cases thej have thought thev found relief. EBENEZER SARGENT. Bedford Ravine, (Ou i)evil\sPulfit.) tiu.s mo.st wonderful natural curio.sity, which attracts many visitors each summer, is situated in Bedford, and can be reached from Amherst hy a drive of al)out 5 miles, which takes one hy thedreeley house, or, by a moie circutious route, by Avav of "Chestnut Hills." It is only within a few years that this strange freak of nature has been accessil)le without a fatiguing walk of a mile or more. But since the road-way was com[)leted by Mr. French, upon whose land this wonder- ful chasm is situated, this place has gained a much wider renown. It is doul)tless unparelled in this section of New England. A [)en picture would utterly fail to describe the wildness of this spot. It has the a})peai'ance of an 40 RAMBLES AI50UT AMHEKST. ''uiiiiiiished corner" of the world. The time to visit it is in the Sprincr, or after a great storm, when the brook that courses tlirough it is filled with water, and goes dashinir and foamino- over the rocks and falling' a o-reat r wi'^m.^ ^a* RESIDENCE OE THE F.ATE B. B. DAVID. distance to the gulf below. 'File "freaks" which have been named, and the imaginative visitor can discover many more to which lie can appl)' the name that most readily suggests RAMHLKS AliOlT AMHEIiST. 41 itself, and prolniljly w itli «M}niil appropriateness, are these : The "churn,'' "bed-rooni, witli chamber above," "'elephant's head," "Indian stairwiiy," "bottomless pit," "fallen rocks," "arch," "oven," "])oiling- pot," "devil's foot prints," and the "well." This is a very interesting place and no one visit- inij;- in its vicinity sliould I'ctuni without seeing it. Barnes' Falls. 'I^l'i^ tail is situated in a secluded spot al)(>ul two miles al)ove Wilton, nine miles fi'om Am- herst. It is reached l)y a rough pathway branching from the main road, leading over httle steep hills until one sud- denly tiuds himself on the j)lateau of the greater hill of which these form the stairs. Teams are left here and the Held to the left traversed and the roar of the trembling water comes to the ear. I lere we tind the fall, a sti'cani which has a descent of about tifty feet, width of perhaps twenty between its l);udcs, u[)on whicli ferns cluster and slu'ubs IxMid and di[). It is wild, beautiful and comparatively little known. The First Jail. That King Cieorge the Third had a jail in Amherst is satisfactorily established, and that it was within the present dwelling of William llhodes, one-half mile below the village, then the residence of Col. Robert Heed. (See Hilsborough County Congress ]). 46.) That it was not very secure is equally evident, as the Court of (leneral Sessions, October, 1772, authorized the Shei'iff to employ a guard of four men to prevent esca[)e of prisoners. In 1778 the place was purchased by Joshua .Vtherton, Hs(j. 42 I;A>I]?LES AiiOTT AMHEKST, which may account for t\w fact that he, a;i(l other political prisoners from this county, were incarcerated at Exeter until tlie completion of the new jail. RESIDENCE OF KEV. DR. DAVIS. This })hice is of more than passing interest, mtt only because of its present appeai'ance, located as it is under- ueath the shadowing brandies of several majestic ehus, together with the fact of its beiug for so many years the KA.MIU.KS AUOl r AMIIKIIST. 4--J residence of Dr. Muttliias Spalding-. l»ut to this is added the interesting eireiuiistanee that within its walls wert; held the tirst nxeetinys of Benevolent Lodye l^\ and A. M. oioani/.ed here in 171*7. and removed to Milford in 182(i. Samuel D.ina \va > the lirst \\'orsliij)ful Master of this lodge. Organizations. Soihwjan (Jkanck, No. lO Patrons of Husltandrv. ()rt4anized here December 5, l87->. with sixteen eliai'ter meml)ers, and is now one of the laroest and most Honrishino- ({ranges in the State. It ludds its regnlai- meetings for (Irange work, the discussion of to[»it-s of in- terest to firmers, and literary exercises, on the ThursdaA' on or preceeding the full of the moon, aud the second Thurs- day following, ChaS. H. Ph ELI'S Post, (J. A. J{. Was instituted here •luly 10th, 1870. Jo8e})h B. Fay was its first Commander. Meetings are held monthly, on Saturday evening. rxiTKi) OuDEK of the (JoLDEN Citoss. Instituted July 1, 1881, with twenty-seven charter members. A co-opera- tive life insurance order, paying a weekly sick benefit and j)ledging nuitual [aotection in health and sickness to its mend)ers. ( )f'ticers elected semi-annually. Members now number seventy-five. Meets semi-monthly, on Wednesday evenings. Anchok LoiMiE, Okdek of ^Gis. Instituted Aug. 2(!, 1889 with twenty-two charter members, b\- C'has. 11. Robin- 44 IJATMBLES ABf)l"T AMHEItST. s( in, of Lynn, Mass. A cf)-operative insurance order. Meets semi-monthly, on Tuesday evening. Chas. H. Phelps AVomax's Relief Corps, was or- ganized soon after the Post. For a time the charter was given up. It was re-organized Dec. 3, 1889, and is now in a flourishing condition with a hirge membership. Its meetings are hekl semi-monthly, on Saturday evening. Town Library, ^ii-s. E. M. Buknham, LibrariaiL Whatever Amherst may h^ck in social and educational ad- vantages is in a measiue com})ensated hy a well selected, andli])erally patronized library. Under the careful and ju- dicious supervision of Rev. Dr. Davis, who has served for ten years as chairman of the Board of Trustees, the library as a ])ublic institution has yearl}' grown in popular favor and patronage. It now comprises two thousand volumes, embracing Avorks of history, poetry, biography, fiction, and some valuable books of reference. The library is located in the town house, in a room used in conjunction with the Selectmen for their business meetings. The present quar- ters are poorly adapted for its use, and it is sincerely hoped that in the near future some plan may be devised, either l)y the town, or suggested b}* some philanthropic disposed [)erson, l)y which the librar}' can have separate apartments, or, better still, a building entirely devoted to its use. The library rooms are open to the public twice each week, on Saturday afternoon and Thursday evening. RAMBLES Al'.OlT AMHKltST. 4-') Tlu' fiillowiug extract, slmwiiio- tlu' iiu'e[)tioii aiul gnAvlh nf this iiistitntidii, is taken from a late repoit of the lihraiy Trustees : '•March It. IS.V.i. at a little o-atheriiig- at the residence of William Wetherhee, Esq., it was proposed that there he a society formed for the purpose of meeting- together fiom time to time and purchasing hooks to he circulated among- the nuMuhers (>f the society." Such is the modest record of the movement out of \\hicli grew the organization of the Amherst Lihrary Association. Among the most active of the early memhers of tliis Socie- ty, we find the names of Mrs. P. W. Jones and sister Mrs. M. M. Peaslee. Dea. P,. P.. David. David Stewart. Lucy W. I'dunt. J. P>. Fay, C. P>. Tuttle, C'atiiraine Roylston. Eliza- heth Wilkins, Dr. F. P. Fitch, Jonathan Knight, all of whom have deceased, Messrs. Hapgood and Ahbott, E. S. Cutter, Esq., Wm. A. Mack, John F. Whiting. ^Nhiiy D. Mooie, now Mrs. French, who have removed from town and a few others who are still living to Avitness the fruits of this praise- wortliy undertaking. The plan ripened into fruitfulness by the adoption of a constitution, and by-laws, for ''the establishing of a miscel- laneous Library of useful books." The initiation fee was twenty -five cents at first, with a monthly payment of ten cents. The payment for membership was sulisecpiently ad- vanced to fifty cents, and some literary entertainments were provided by which to enlarge the funds of the Asst)ciation. The money so raised was expended in the purchase of 4«) KAMBy.ES AHtUT AMHEIIST. books and tlie colltM-ton was jjlai-ed in cliarL^e of some me- t'lianic or sliopkee[)er in the village whose place of business was easy of access. We notice the names of Stevens, ]{nssell. Merrill, Few and ^^^alker as libiarians, the oflfice involved continued caie and the compensation was small. Tlie position was not coveted and the Library had a })ei'i- ])atetic life. The org-anization was fluctuating in its mem- berhip by reascui of the inevitable changes in the conimnn- ity and at times the Society was near dissolution. Hut the Library had alreadv demonstrated its ])eneticent uses and and its tViends were iduscd to prevent its waste or disj)ei'- sion. In 1 a special effoit was ma.de to revive the Associa- tion: a large aihlition was made to the membersliip : the con- stitution was revised : tlie mcmbershi}) fee was raised to one dollar and regular meetings successfully instituted. A catalogue was jirepared and printed containing 427 titles. The year following tlu^ Selectmen granted the use of the })etit jury I'oom as a depository for the Library and the Executive ("onunittee em[)loyed Mrs. L. AL Burnham as Librai-ian. 'Ilie I'oom was opened every Saturday P. ^L foi- theacconnno(lation of its pati'ons. New books were j)urchas- ed, an additional book case, })resented by Miss Sarah Law- rence, made the collection more attractive. The circulation Avas very much enlarged: many volumes wei-e loaned to persons imt enrolled with the organization. Cienerous con- ti'ibutions in books were made by Mrs, ("onant. Miss L. F. I'ovlston and other friends of the histitution. KAMhl-KS Ar.nir AMUKKST. 47 In lST->. j)i(ivisi(»ii was iiiadi^ for iiicoi'p.: atiii!4" tlir Asso- ciation under tlie (n'lieial Stiitutes. To meet tlie increasinL,'- ex[)enses the nieniluMs suhmitted to sueeessive annual as- se-;suients. Meanwhile the Lil)i'ary was IxTonung nioi'e widely known, and its advantages as an auxilliary to the system of puhlie instruction were generally recognized. A sentiment gradually gained currency that the hooks should he accessihle to all classes of our citizens and that th.' t >>vn might rightfully bear the expense of maintaining the Institution. Accordingly in Febuary 1879, the Associ- ation a})j)ointed a committee "to see if the town of Am- herst will accept and maintain the Library now held by this Association and fix on the conditions on which tliis arrange- ment shall be canied into effect." An article was inserted in the warrant for the Town Meeting, viz : — "To see if the town will vote to accept the Lihi-arv now held by the Andierst Lil)raiT Association, and establish and maintain the same by suitable a[)[)ropriations as a Pul)lic Library for the use of tlie citizens of Amherst, aggreeablv to the provisions of C'hajjthr 4(1 of the (renei'al Statutes of New IIamj)shire. The motion to accej)t the Library prevailed and tlie Select- men in conjunction with the Superintending School Com- mittee, were instructed to make all necessary rides for the use and maintenance of the Library The next year, 1880. . the ap})ropriation was inci'eased and the Library was placed in chai'ge of a Hoai'd of Trustees, an arrangement whicli continues in force to this dav. In the ten vears now clos- 48 t:a?>irlp:s aboit a:\ih eiiAt. iiig, the ninnl)er of books has incrfused from 080 vohiiues to IToo volumes, 4 books being discarded. Of this large addition 719 vohimes have been acquired l)y [auchase and oTl volumes, more than one third of the enlargement, jiave been the gift of friends. In })lacing this sketch of the oi'igin and progress of the Librar}' in their Annual Repoit, the trustees are animated l)y a desire to keep alive the memory of those w]ni project- ed this scheme, and to recognize gratefully the persistent zeal with which their successors have cherished and jter- fected the enterprise. The usefuhiess of the Library is ac- knowledged b}' all, and the frequent generous donations of books, by which its shelves have been enriched, illustrate the esteem in Avhich it is held by those who hne the to^^"n." lilAPTKR V. SOME INTKI;K8TIXCJ DinX'KS. AMHEIIST MlNKltAT. SIMMXG AKD ABOt'KD THK POXD. The drives about Aiiilierst are many and beautiful, eaeh "vvith its own peculiar feature, Avhicli renders it delightful. The first, whieli the stranger is usually taken, though not the most beautiful, is perhaps as full of interest as any. is to the Spring and around the Pond. This road to the Spring is level and shaded, lying through woods until the s])ot is nearly reached. This Spring lies in a mead- o\\\ behind a small grove of large pines, and is approached by a path crossing a field, in which runs the nearly effaced ')0 ItAMHLES ABOUT AMHEKST. track <»t' the old race eourse. This Spring is ricli in inni solution, and is recoinended quite extensively by local j)hy sicians, tor irritations of all sorts, except temper. From this point the drive to the pond is not so pretty, thoug'h a ])leasant oiiuipse of the mountains is obtained. The Lake itself is a pretty sheet of water about two miles long and one wide. As we sit in a boat in the middle of the Pond and watch the water gleaming and dimpling in the cool breeze and note the long reflei-tions of the purpling hill >, and the glowing skv. we wonder if Elliot gathered his dusk\- audieiu-e about him on these shores We wonder as w c listen to the mocking echo fling back the bugle call into the bugler's lips, if in those times Dame Kcho sent back a less musical note, responding to the flerce war cries and savage yells, or if it gave a tender re})ly to the song of some swarthy lover. From the Pond, directly to the village, the drive is short. and of no especial interest, except in the meuKny of those wdio, on some sunnner's day have replenished their rose jars with the spicy odor of old fashoned damask I'oses — the wav- side legacy I)e(pieatlied the passer-by. from some old time garden. Another route, leading u> around the Pond, is l^oth bean- tiftd and full of interest. The tirst ])oint, (rraterhill, we take })leasure in for two reasons, its lov^ely view of the lake and mountains beyond, and because here is the reputed home for a time, of one of the nmit g'ifted women of modern time. Margaret Fuller Ossoli. It is an old fcishioned house, wdth RAMHLKS AliOl'T AMHKItST. 51 a nionstrous clumney. ( >iit' i)t' tlut.se wide uiontlied eliiin- iieys that tells of the cheery craL-kliiig of the open tire, he- fore which merry younosters and ha})py oldsters sat and crack nuts and roast apples and tell stories. Wliy, one can almost smell the odor of the juicy fruit as it sputters and sizzles and browns before the heat. The house is fast fall- ing- to decay and before very long- another old landmark will have disappeared. Skirting al;)ng tlie shore of the lake tlie road w iiids plea>antly, the sparkling' water glancing, now here, now there, through the heavy umbrage of the trees. We pass a little low house, set far in from the road. Here Dr. Pa\- son, an eminent divine and the father of ^Irs Prentiss is said to have lived for a short time — a man so l)eloved and saintly, as to make it almost hallowed ground. We also l)ass the old Merrimack [)Oo)' farm, now used as a- })rivate dwelling. In this vicinity there are two or three good boai-d- ivig houses which are filled during the sunnuer months with a good class of patronage. We come now out on the Man- chester road, following which we arrive shortly at the vil- lage. oVKi; lUNCKLEE HILL. We use always the village as oui- centre, and the roads leading away from it as the radii reaching to our desired points of interest. This time the spoke of our wheel choscji, is that highway leading directly to Amherst Station. Arriv- ing at this point, and going a little further, we come to a fork 52 - l^AMP.LES ABOUT A.MHKltST. ill the road. We choose the one leading to the right and keep to the right. At the next division we find a tiny bridge and hmgh at the ambitions performance of a minatnre Ni- agra and find onrselves at tlie foot of the hill. It is a hard climb ot" about a half mile in length. When nearly at the top there is another disagreement in the highway. The road parts company with itself, one side leading to the large summer hotel — Hotel Ponemah, and the Milford Springs. The turn of the other leading to the sunnnit of Duncklee Hill. In the various se isons this hill abounds w ith the most beautiful specimens of arbutus, lavirel, golden idd and clematis. Arbutus and laurel especiall}" are of finer quality and more al)undant here tlian in any other place we can recall. As we come out upon the open hill top, far ahead of us and around us are the hills and the moinitains. The dark pine forest deepening the valley, seems to place the moun- tains farther away. Away up here where the air blows fresh and sweet, the sight of the encircling mountains, the clear sunshine and peace make the mind involuntarily turn to that other hill country we have been told about in far oft" Judea, and Ave think of that encircling Love, and the strength of it. Oh, those hills, with the dapi)ling shadows of the clouds lifting — shifting — drifting — over them! The world IS beautiful — God made it so, and pronounced it "'good" — why not go out into the hills and country sides and look upon it and let it grow into us more? The whole extent of Temple, Peterborough and Lynde- IIAMBLES AIJOIT AMHKKST. ;>> 1h>i-(»" r;i!ii;t's ]iv (liivctly befoie us : Idllu- k-i't. Ml. \\'acluis- ett, in I'liiicetdii Mass. W'attatic, in Aslilty, an of woods, and beyond, the in')untaius. ( )iit of the field, into the door- yard of au old deserted h)U>e. We pass that and enter a beautiful woodsy road, nearly over-grown with grass and low birehes. The trees on either side toueli the wheels and t'.ie hi»rse's hoof-; strike with a soft "pud — pud." It is very stil'. the sunlight glints through the tliick foliage., falling with soft flecks of light on the dead leaves and [)ine needles. We hnd here that ghostly little flower — • the Indian })ipe. A little further and we strike the other "old road" and a-; we descend the hill we get one of the hnest views of Amherst village, nestled into the greenery of the noble elms. A step or two more and we are beneath the shade of tliesc bending (picens of the forest, back again into the \illage. THi;ou(iH THE -incww" AXi> <)\i;k' cHKsrxrT hills. Starting from the village, we follow the .Manchester road as far as the bridge, at the foot of the hill, where the road branches to right and left. I\ee})ing to the left and straight ahead, we pass one or two points of interest i. e. the Isaac l)rooks Dodge homestead and the Jones place. The form- er is a, [)erfect store house of ancient relics, valuable on account of age and the fui'oi'e for such things, and as articles of real historic worth. The Jones house, among othei- r:A>[HM:s aboit amhkkst. oo thing's (|uuintly savoring of "ye olden time.'" contains an amount of the Governor Wintlirop furniture. After leav- ing tlii-! lanilmirk behind us, tlie road leads through shaded ways to the foot of Mack's Hill, where there is one of the [)rettie-;t curves, serving as diplomatic introduction to a teut in a clear afternoon the color of rock and tree and field seems more vivid — -the distance enhanced by the dark belt of pines seems greater — the scraps of wood and open road seem more delightful u]) over Patch Hill, making it a pleas- anter drive than over the higher one. After pnxssing the berry farm of Benj. Wheeler, we enter a pleasant bit of overhanging wood, whose green twilight is I'efreshing in the summei' time. At the furthei' entrance of this strip, we cross a little brook : and right here stood tlic tirst iron foundery erected in this vicinity. .V portion of tlie old dam is yet to be seen. This low white liouse undi^- the great elms, was formerly the liome of a family of Wool- sons — graiulparents of Miss Constance Fenimore Woolsoii. It was one of this family, who planted the big elms on Am- herst plain, though the credit of having it done belongs to Dr. Spaulding. At the second cross of the roads is a build- ing, now used as a mill, a ]>oition of which \\as formerly the old villas'e school house. At the next intersection of the roads we turn sharply to the left and soon turn again to the right. We jiass the home- RAMBLKS .VIJOUT AMHEHST. r,9 stea2. Voted that the l)as.s viol l»e not carried into the meeting house to he used in time of exercise." An act incor})orating the town of Mont W-rnou was con- sumated hv the sig-nature of Gov. T. (iihnan, Dec lo. 1803. The name of tlie town, (a comjionnd word signify- ing a mountain of verdure) was suggested ])\ the verdure of the farms wliich cluster ahout the eminence U]>on which the village is located. A conspicuous feature in Mont Vernon is its Academy, known as McCollom Institute. Nearly every autumn from 1830 to 1850, there had been kept in the village a select school usually taught by a fresh college graduate. Enterprising citizens appreciating the many elements which marked the noble eminence as a desirable locality for public education, associated together and in June of the iatter year obtained an act of incorporation for a projected school, to be called Appleton Academy. Eight citizens of the town were trustees, and Dr. 8. (j. Dearborn, now of Nashua, was Secretary. The first term was taught in the fall of 1850, in the hall now known as the church vestry. As an evidence of the high hopes cherished by its founders for its success, is the fact tliey procured for its first term as teachers, two recent graduates from a New England college. one of whom is now a most respectable New Hampshire law3'er and his assistant is a most eminent })rofessor in New York city. In 1853 the fine building it now occupi^-s was erected, and in one year was free from debt. In 1871, (xeo. W. McCollom of New Yo"rk, in early life a resident of Mont Vernon, offered the institution f 10,000 in addition to its })ermanent fund upon the acceptance of certain conditions, which being acceded to it became "McCollom Institute." The institution has had an existence of 39 vears, duiino- H5 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHEKST. \v]iic]i lo g-eiitlemen have held tlie office of Priiicipal and a larg'e coi'ps of assistant teaehers, 1,H00 persons nave been enrolled as stndents. The attendance has varied from 25 t() 125. Among' its notable })receptors has been Hon.Cieo. Stevens of T>o\\ell, deceased : Rev. Anonstns I^errv oi Pelhani : Principal C. F. P. B i leroft of Andover : Prof. W. H. Ray of Chicago, deceased, and Prof. C. S. Campbell of Deny. Its invested cash fund exceeding ■i?18,000 is re- s[)ectable, yet more would be acceptable. It has a most val- uable and extensive apparatus for the illustration of }>hys- ical science and a library of 4200 volumes. Among those who have enjoyed its advantages are many who in the learned professions are distinguished and in public service honored and hundreds more as really useful, often conspicuous, who are ready to testify their attachment and gratitude for the strength and lielp this institution has given them for the (•(inflict of life. PKi;SONAL. Most conspicuous among the citizens of ]Mont Vernon, was Dr. Daniel Adams. He came here from Massachusetts in 1818, at the age of 40, tlioroughly educated, and was engaged in the pre})aration of his various publications and in his profession here, luitil he removed to Keene, in 1846. His various arithmetics were in very extensive use for many years. During his 38 years residence in Mont Ver- non he wielded a controlling influence in behalf of temper- ance, education and morality. While here he represented tlie district two jears, 1889 and' 1840, in the New Hamp- shire Senate. Aaron F. Sawyer was a very respectalde laAvyer here for 25 years from 1807, to 1882, when he removed to Nashua. He died there in 1846. He represented Mont Vernon RAMBLES AB<3UT A:S[HI-:HST. iW, from l>i27-it, three years, and was the oiilv lawyer ^^•ll<) practised liere for any length of time. Among those Avho left a record honoring the place of their birth may be mentioned the late Dr. William Trevitt of ("olundju-^. Ohio. Born in Mont Vernon in 1809. He prepared for his professioji in New England and emigrated to Ohio at 21, was retnrned to the General Assembly of ( )lno at 26, serving three terms, was some five years ph}- sician to the Ohio Penitentiary : dnring the entire Alexi- can war was a distinguished snrgeon of the army, after- wards for four years Secretary of State of Ohio, V. S. Con- sul to \"alparaiso, So. Chili, and U. S. ^Minister to Pern. He died in 1881, esteemed by all parties, and after a very active and eventful life. (reorge Wilkins Kendall, born in Mont Vernon in 1809 and dying in Texas in 18(^7. He was a "poet, journalist and farmer," and eminent in all. Oliver Carleton, P^sq., of Salem, Mass., born at Mont Vernon, in 1801, died in 1882. Educated at Dartmoutli, where he was a tutor, was 25 yenvs Master of the Salem Latin School and afterwards of a celel)rated })rivate school. As a che)nical scholar and tutor he was hardh' equalled in New England. Hon. Samuel L. Sawyer of Independence, ]Mo., oldest son of Aaron F., was educated at Dartmouth, studied law with his father, went west, and many years since located in Missouri, where he has been a judge of the Supreme Court and Representative in Congress. His younger brother, Hon. Aaron W. Sawyer of Nashua, was born in 1818 and died in 1881 ; was frequently a ]nember of the Legislature, was Mayor of Nashua and a Judge of the Su- preme Jvidicial Court. He attained a high reputation as H7 RAMBLES ABOUT AMHEEST. H lawyer and jurist. Late in life he became interested in religion and preached the Gospel with zealous ability. Hon. George A. Marden of Lowell, Mass., over twenty years editor of the Lowell Courier, and widely known in journalism and politics, was 9 years clerk of the Massachu- setts House of Representatives, two years its Speaker, one year a Senator and now holds the position of Treasurer and Receiver General of jNIassachusetts. Hon. George A. Bruce of Somerville, Mass., is a Boston lawyer of assured reputation and lucrative practice both as counsellor and advocate. He was three years Mayor of Somerville, two years in the Massachusetts Senate and one year its president, and did he seek them could easily attain liigher honors. But space forbids mention of the hosts of other sons and daughters of the little town who have gone forth to careers of active usefulness and now are shedding by life and character lustre upon the place of their birth and early trainino". Is located ill the [)leas;iiit villa^-e of Mont Wmikhi. N. H., Ht'ty miles troiii Boston, on an elevation a tlionsand feet altove the level of the sea, eomniaiuling- an extended and \aiied })rospect. Its easy eonuuunieation with Boston, its pleasant walks and diives, and healthy location, I'eiidei' it one of the most desirahle pLiees in New England in Avhieh to spend the summer months. 1 '' CoNANT Hall, Mont A"p:knox. [Open June to Nov.] Ample grounds with shade trees around house. Good stable and laun- dry . Visitors take the cars at the Boston & Lowell depot for Milford, N. IL thence by stage to Mont Vernon, four miles from the station. Four daily train: to and from Boston. If desired, shall be happy to furnish reference from among our numerous patr ons in Boston and vicinity. For further information call on Bragg, Conant & Co., i6 Washington St., A. Conant & Co., 73 Union St., Boston. Bellevue House. H/IONT VERION, N. H. Accoinoilates from 50 to 60, with large airy rooms, GOOD TAl'.LE BOARD. Pure Riv, ExtEnded Vje^^Sj G-nnd Rnadsj Shady DrivES, Hunting and FisMng. Onr i»riiu'ii);il nit.'aiis of iidvertisiuy is tliroiigli our pat- rons, ;iii(l refereures of tills kindare cheerfully furnished. '1'i-:i;ms : l-Jeg-ulnr honi'd '"sLno ^n-y ihy : iiansient i-des. !i<2, lu-r day. W. p. WOODS, - Provnetor. NEW BOSTON, N. H. Open for Boarders from June 15tti to Oct. 1st. Wrv [)lcisaiitlv situated on high ground, t'onniuuuUiig ii h)veiy view : ten minutes walk from post-ot'lice, stores and \\'hi|)[)le Free Library, to which all visitors have ac- ces-,. (iood house, piazzas, hath room, shade trees, hanr- iiioi-ks, crixiuet, lawn-tennis, ete. : [liaiio and organ ; sitting and dini)ig room af)art from family. Near Kneanooiuu' Morntalns. Devirs Pulpit, Purgatorv, ete. All eountry lii\iu-ies. 'J'erms reasonal)le. For circulars address, AIKvS. S. I). Atwooi), New lioston, Hillshoro' County. New Hampshire. "The Greenwood." NEW BOSTON N. U. One of the most desirable places for sunnner boardi])g. ( "harmingly hjcated in New lioston, upper village, on liigli groiuid, within few minutes walk of post office, stores, churches, \\du})ple Free Library, etc. Scenery luisurpass- ed, almndance of shade trees, piazzas, lawn-tennis and cio- (|uet grounds. Pleasant walks and drives in all directions. Peached by way of jNLmchester to Parker's Station, where i-oach connects twice a day with trains from Boston. ^Ii:y. (iEoKOE GrvEKNWOOl). New Boston, N. H. -^f-Hotel Ponemah.^ I>. s. I'LUMMEK, Pi;oi'i;ii-.TOK. The house is handsomely furnislied, with latest modern improvements. Its san- itarian is perfect. To those who would add to the tonic of mountain air and the freedom of country livina; the comforts and lu.xuries of a first-class hotel, the Po- n^mah offers unrivalled inducements for summer residence. A large boarding and livery stable is connected with the hotel. The grounds include about forty acres of superb groves of oak, pine, maple and chestnut trees, and contain the celebrated I'onemah and Milford Springs. Ponemah water bottled at the spring is unequalled as a pure, healthful, sparkling table water, arid is furnished to guests free. Plans of hotel may be seen and rooms secured on application to Barnes & Duncklee, proprietors of Hotels Brunswick and Victoria, Boston, or to C. A. Glea- son. Hotel Victoria. Prices according to location of room. Special rates by the season or week. Address after June ist, D. S. PLUMMER, Proprietor, Amherst Station, N. H. 3'. ^- V LIBRARY OF CONGRESS ■mMm TUiH^mmiMia '.>'»'-l|t*('>'.^l