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 I LIBRARY OF CONGRESS. # 
 
 
 1 J M T m ]? 74 c m A m T? o o, i? 
 
 AMERICA. 
 
 
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COUNTY. 
 
 IM r.LISHED AND PRINTED lU' 
 
 IE 13 ^WJ^ -RID IR. IPISICE, 
 
 WORCESTER, MASS. 
 
PLEASURE RESORTS 
 
 WORCESTER COUNTY, 
 
 HOW TO REACH THEM. 
 
 ('<>iv;TAlNlNO DESCKIPTIVK SKETCH OF I.AKK (.tUINSKi AMOM) 
 
 AND ITS ENVIRONS, WITH OTHER POPIJLAK PLACK!< 
 
 FOIi THE SUMMEK KX0Uli.SIONIST. 
 
 
 WOKCE^TER 
 
 A 
 
 rnBLISHED AND PRINTED BV 
 EDWAHD R. FISKK. 
 
 18 7 7. 
 
 > 
 
Kntered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1877, by Edward R. Fiskk. 
 in the office of the Librarian of Congress, at Washington. 
 
I^ E jVE O AT.^^ L 
 
 The iiiideisiiiiicd would respectfully inform his customers tluit he 
 h;is removed tlie 
 
 FRANKLIN PRINTING OFFICE, 
 
 from Cromptou's IJIocU, 1o 
 
 No. lo losri^u sTui:F/r, 
 
 ill tlic ITall formerly known as ilic 
 
 SO^^S OP' T I^: M r H !,' AN(\E JJALJ^, 
 
 2d and Hd story, ov(!r the Express Otlices, where he invites 
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 Having now become free from all "entangling alliances," news- 
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 the execution of all orders for 
 
 ANY BESOBIPTION OF PllINTINQ 
 
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 NKW STYI.I':s <)I ^i ^ FK 
 
 and other material are being constantly added to the Ofiice, which 
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 FIRST-CLASS BOOK AND JOB OFFICES. 
 
-1 
 
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 EDWARD R. FISKE. I 
 
WORCESTER COUNTY 
 
 WORCESTER Couuty, with its area of tifteeii hun- 
 dred square miles, and a pleasant and picturesque 
 location in the center of the Old Bay State, bows to the 
 public, and humbly presents its chief points of interest and 
 attractions for the summer tourist within its boundaries. 
 The sturdy old County which geographers liave seen fit to 
 describe as of " pleasantly broken, undulating and varied 
 surface, containing curious and interesting mineral forma- 
 tions and a rich and varied flora, with a high state of civil- 
 ization and intelligence stamped on its settlements and 
 inhabitants," need not be bashful in extending invitations 
 to its summer resorts to those who would have a day's, a 
 Aveek's, or a season's rest and recreation. Mindful of Sara- 
 toga hon ton, Long Branch cottages, Watch Hill sand, 
 Newport surf and White Mountain breezes, whose praises 
 are sung by many and whose enjoyment few pocket books 
 allow, Worcester County would grant to each and all of the 
 " fashionable resorts," and to " those who make no pre- 
 tense " as well, a full meed of praise ; but with an honest 
 pride and an honest conviction, like that of the trader, who 
 
FLEASUBE BESORTS 
 
 had the best in the market at reasonable prices, it now for 
 the first time ''pipes its own song." It asks those "to the 
 manor born " to listen, and extends a like invitation to all 
 who live a season in the country by the shores of the 
 grandest inland lakes, or on the slopes of the pleasant up- 
 lands and mountains. 
 
 IN IXTKODUCTION 
 
 it may be said that Worcester County, the largest in Mas- 
 sachusetts, extends from the Granite State on the north, to 
 Little Rhody and the Land of Wooden Nutmegs on the 
 south, with Middlesex and Norfolk counties for its eastern 
 boundaries, and Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin coun- 
 ties for its western barriers. Incorporated in 1731, the 
 county now numbers some two hundred thousand inhab- 
 itants, collected in two cities and fiftj^-eight towns. The 
 county with its shire town, the city of Worcester, being 
 early dubbed "The Heart of the Commonwealth," has ever 
 pulsated so vigorously in all things enterprising and patri- 
 otic as to contribute no little to the healthy growth and 
 high rank of the stately body, and much of an interesting 
 historical nature clusters around the different spots in the 
 county, whose name for the Indian times signified a war- 
 castle against the Aborigines, — whose love of freedom 
 marched one of the first companies to the defence of Boston 
 in Revolutionary times, — whose genius and skill in arts of 
 peace has been the pa,ss-word of Worcester County to all 
 States and all nations, — whose statesmanship has never been 
 absent from the front seats in the halls of legislation, and 
 whose loyalty was quick to respond to the Union's call in 
 April, 1861. As " The Heart," Worcester is connected 
 with the outside state, and thus with the country, by a 
 
ly WOIiCE^TEU CO I -y TV. 7 
 
 network of railways, and no tedious journey's in cumbrous 
 coaches are. necessar}^ for the pic-nic party or the family 
 which visits the 
 
 SUMMER KESOKTS IN WO KG EST Eli. 
 
 Easy and immediate as is the coniinunication throughout 
 Worcester Count}^, routes of travel and detailed descriptions 
 of resorts are left for succeeding pages, while now is just 
 enumerated the locations already recognized and patronized 
 by the summer excursionists and summer boarders. Begin- 
 ning in the center, Worcester city boasts its Lake Quinsig- 
 amond, by no means unknown to fame, but widely intro- 
 duced to the world by the many contests of college and 
 professional oars which have taken place on the placid 
 bosom of its waters, which no wind can sufficiently disturb 
 to cause the postponement of a race. The favorite resort 
 of pic-nic parties from the region around, the pleasant place 
 for the annual gatherings and reunions, the location of 
 summer hotels, where the inland clam bake rivals the shore 
 dinner in its excellence, the site of several lake shore vil- 
 lages, where picturesque and handsome dwellings are fast 
 springing up, the situation of a fine trotting park over 
 which the steppers fly on numerous race-days during the 
 season, the course on which floats the fleets of several local 
 boat clubs, the waves which are cut by the prows of several 
 tairy-like steamers, — Lake Quinsigamond with its environs 
 presents a long series of summer resorts to the attractions 
 of which the people, slow in awakening, are now actively 
 turning their attention. 
 
 TRAVELING FROM SEA TO MOUNTAIN, 
 
 the far-famed Wacliusett, rising to an altitude of 2,480 
 
S FLEASUliE RESOnrs ] 
 
 feet, in the pleasant town of Princeton, reminds us that im 
 Worcester County there is to be found all the. advantages 
 of a summer at the mountains, then there is the quiet town] 
 of ancient Paxton with its lofty Asnebumsket Hill, the! 
 summer camping ground of many tourists. There are also; 
 the pleasant towns of Barre and Hubbardston, each with 
 fine hotels and private boarding houses for the accommoda- 
 tion of summer guests, each noted for fine scenery and atr^ 
 tractive drives. Away north in Gardner is Crystal Lake! 
 of late 3^ears made a most delightful excursion ground.' 
 Coldbrook Springs has a pleasant location in which to' 
 while away the sultry summer, and, in addition, medicinal 
 properties in its mineral springs. Sterling is annually the 
 camp meeting ground of the Methodists of Massachusetts, 
 with some of the denomination from other states, and in the 
 pleasant groves many find a home in the fairj^-like cottages 
 for a good portion of the summer. Lancaster, the oldest 
 town in Worcester County, the resort of many families 
 from the cities during the hot months, must not be over- 
 looked, and so one could go on until every town in the 
 county, even to rocky Sutton with its weird " Purgatory '' 
 had been enumerated, no one of which would be found 
 wanting in summer boarders or in attractions to make their 
 life pleasant. But the preceding will suffice in a general 
 way, and now must follow some things to particularize each 
 prominent resort in the county. Owing to the lateness oi 
 the present season, which necessitates hurrying to press 
 this little volume, our descriptions must be brief, and, in 
 some cases, imperfect, but they will serve as the- basis; 
 upon which to enlarge in coming years, as the summer at- 
 tractions of our old county are better understood and more 
 inquired of. 
 
IN WORCESTER COUNTY, 
 
 LAKE OUINSIGAMOND. 
 
 Lake Quixsigamond lies along the eastern boundary of 
 the city of Worcester, a beautiful sheet of water, in crescent 
 form, extending from north to south some four miles in 
 length ; and with its varying breadth, bold banks, swelling 
 into green hills and pleasant groves, it presents much the 
 appearance of a noble river. On the surface of the lake 
 are some dozen islands, scattered at different points along 
 its extent and varying in area from a few rods to many 
 acres. Some of these are of singular beauty, and with the 
 banks of the lake, fashioned in nature's most artistic mould, 
 and with the pure, limpid waters, combine to make Quin- 
 sigamond a gem of inland seas. It is this lake with its 
 environs, of late years recognized and used as the location 
 of pleasure resorts, of which we would speak, and in begin- 
 ning would draw upon history for an introduction. Much, 
 indeed all, connected with the birth of the frontier planta- 
 tion, since grown into the populous city of Worcester, finds 
 its location about the head-waters of Quinsigamond. Soon 
 after the first settlement of Massachusetts, posts of civiliza- 
 tion were pushed fast and far into the then western wilds, 
 and about 1670, there was located 
 
 THE PLANTATION OF QUINSIGAMOND, 
 
 Avhich long retained its original name, "borrowed from the 
 beautiful sheet of water spreading in the neighborhood of 
 
10 PLEASURE BESOIiTS 
 
 the settlement." The plantation was situated about mid- 
 way on the road between Boston and Springfield and a 
 day's journey from either place. Thus the few rude dwell- 
 ings and the fort erected not far west of what is now known 
 as the old stone bridge at the head of Quinsigamond Lake, 
 were indeed a post on the outskirts of civilization, and early 
 assumed an importance in the march of that civilization 
 which was slowly and surely wresting the territory from 
 savage dominion. The committee, which prospected and 
 located the plantation, spoke of the site of some eight square 
 miles as of " very good chestnut tree land," and in every 
 way a convenient place for a settlement. But, while the 
 plantation of Quinsigamond was being located and settled, 
 the Aborigines, a tribe, whose name had given title to the 
 lake, continued to hunt over the hilly banks and fish in the 
 waters of Quinsigamond, looking askance at the inroads 
 of the white man's civilization. 
 
 ox WIOWAM HILL, 
 
 that sightl}^ eminence which rises on the west side of the 
 lake and just north of what in later days has been christened 
 *' Regatta Point," the Indians were wont to congregate for 
 their "talks" and their feasts and dances. It was doubt- 
 less in this region of Wigwam Hill that King Phillip met 
 the natives of Quinsigamond, who were of the Nipmuck 
 tribe, and by his subtlety and threatening enlisted them in 
 his long and fierce war of extermination against the white 
 settlers. The force of this war at length fell in all its fury 
 upon the plantation, of Quinsigamond, and after a brave 
 resistance of days, the planters fled from their buildings, 
 which in December of 1675, the Indians destroyed, and 
 Lake Quinsigamond again was held in unquestioned sway 
 
L\ W'OUCESTKli cor XT)'. II 
 
 by the savage, hi 1G77, peace having been re-establi&hed, 
 a second settlement in the plantation of Quinsigamond was 
 begun, a deed to the territory having been executed and de- 
 livered to the planters by the Sagamores of the tribe of 
 Nipmucks. The plantation of Quinsigamond grew, and 
 extending its settlement to the west and soutli, further from 
 the waters of Quinsigamond, ere long became incorporated 
 as the town of Worcester, and later as the city of the same 
 name. Thus Lake Quinsigamond, the neighborhood of stir- 
 ring scenes in the history of Worcester frontiership, was 
 left quiet and undisturbed 
 
 IX ITS XATUKAL BEAUTY. 
 
 The old turnpike from Boston to Worcester for years ran 
 by the head of the lake, and the residents fished with the 
 best of luck in their " Long Pond," as the lake was soon 
 christened in terms of a more puritanic sound than Quin- 
 sigamond. Our forefathers, struck with an idea of rapid 
 transit, in later j^ears sought a more direct and shorter 
 route from "The heart of the Commonwealth" to the "Hub 
 of the Universe," and the towns 13'ing intermediate. A new- 
 road was cut some mile or more to the south of the old 
 turnpike and it intersected "Long Pond" just about in 
 the center of its length. To cross the pond a pontoon or 
 floating bridge was constructed, and most of the present 
 generation will remember the crazy looking flotilla with a 
 swaying motion quite likelj^ to produce sea-aickViess, which 
 for many a year was the pathway acroes the pond by the 
 much traveled highway to tide water and the metropolis of 
 the state. The traveler on the line of daily coaches as he 
 crossed this floating bridge, or the sojourner in these parts 
 as his pleasure drive took him across the pontoon, whose 
 
12 PLEA SUB E RESORTS 
 
 timbers were weather beaten and smoothly washed by the 
 miniature waves of the pond, was struck with the beauty of 
 Worcester's " Long Pond," and was likewise amazed that 
 the thrifty, enterprising Worcesterians neglected the en- 
 joyment which with little expense the handiwork of nature 
 could afford them and their visitors. But still Lake Quin- 
 sigamond was suffered to waste its charms, glorying in com- 
 pliments from foreigners who were free to express the wish 
 that the beautiful lake was within their own clime, that its 
 merits might be appreciated. It remained to the inhabi- 
 tants as the good fishing ground of the region and was oft- 
 ener visited on cloudy days, when fish are said to bite, than 
 on the pleasant, sunshiny days, when hot, sultry, dusty 
 summer in the city becomes cool, refreshing, cheerful 
 weather in the shad}'^ groves and on the cool waters at Quin- 
 sigamond. The old pontoon at length became decrepit 
 with age, and the^tide of passage demanded a safer, more 
 enduring pathway across the lake. For the wooden struc- 
 ture which for years had floated on the surface of the lake, 
 and risen and fallen with the rise or fall of its waters, 
 
 A CAUSEW^AY 
 
 was substituted. In 1860 teams began the work of filling 
 in a road bed across the lake in the path where the old 
 bridge had floated. The large, high banks of gravel, skirt- 
 ing the road on either side just west of the lake, were 
 transferred ^o the water, and in 1861 a solid, wide and safe 
 road was the pass^^e across Lake Quinsigamond. By the 
 construction of this causeway a neck of land had also been 
 extended from it to the large and picturesque island which 
 had risen from the water just south of the old bridge, and 
 thus had added to the attractions of the lake a real, genuine 
 
IN WOBCKSTEK COUNTY. V.) 
 
 peninsula. The construction of the causeway seems to 
 have turned public attention towards the beautiful sheet of 
 water and its environs, and the college contests between 
 the rival oars of Yale and Harvard, which about this time 
 became of annual occurrence on the lake, gave Lake Quin- 
 sigamond an introduction to the public, which has been for 
 the last fifteen years steadily extending itself, until now 
 with a feeling of pride we present for wider distribution a 
 notice of its charms. As the pioneer in the introduction of 
 Lake Quinsigamond to the public, and as the first to begin 
 the improvements of its natural attractions we may men- 
 tion 
 
 J. J. COBUKX, 
 
 who came into possession of large tracts of land on the west 
 bank of the lake, south of the causeway. Some ten 3'ears 
 ago he erected on the peninsula previously spoken of, a 
 large and handsome hotel, with fine billiard hall, bar room 
 and boat house in the rear. The construction of this house 
 was really the first step towards affording the public with 
 conveniences for the enjoyment of a season at the lake. 
 The house was built on the knoll which rises from the cen- 
 ter of the peninsula, and, as now viewed on the approach to 
 the lake, presents the picturesque appearance of a stately 
 mansion peeping out here and there from the regular rows 
 of handsome trees which surround it and shade the drives 
 and walks which are well laid out and well kept on the 
 grounds. The house is two stories in height, with base- 
 ment for culinar}' purposes, and somewhat of a mansard 
 roof. On the four sides of the building, at each story, runs 
 a broad and sightly veranda, and the interior appointments 
 and furnishings of the hotel are in good keeping with those 
 
14 PLEA>yURE HE SORTS 
 
 of any summer hotel of first rank. For several years Mr. 
 Coburn himself kept this hotel under the name of the 
 
 QUINSIGAMOND HOUSE, 
 
 and its apartments were usually well filled during the sum- 
 mer and especially during the regatta season with board- 
 ers. Here the college crews with their friends were in 
 some years quartered and from the piazzas and lofty cupola, 
 which surmounts the house, the practice of the crews was 
 watched and their hard struggles on race-days viewed. 
 
 The hotel has in subsequent j^ears been kept by Messrs 
 Crockett & Tower, Messrs Clifford & Co., and has always 
 been run as a first class house in all respects. The present 
 season under the supervision of Mr. Coburn, the hotel, well 
 remodelled and well sustained, is open to the public and is 
 receiving its liberal share of patronage, many especially en- 
 joying a day's pleasure away from the city. At the time of 
 the construction of the hotel Mr. Coburn also erected a fine 
 barn and spacious sheds near the causeway on the west shore 
 of the lake, and the same up to the present afford the best 
 of hostelry accommodations at the lake. Meeting with fair 
 success in the above undertaking Mr. Coburn in the following 
 years prepared for the use of the public the beautiful grove, 
 which is on the west bank of the lake just opposite his ho- 
 tel, and connected with the peninsula by a bridge. The 
 underbrush was cleared away and seats, swings, flying hor- 
 ses, refreshment booths and dance pavilions soon converted 
 Quinsigamond Grove, Coburn's Grove and Lincoln's Park, 
 as it has been variously termed, into one of the pleasantest 
 and most convenient pic-nic grounds in this vicinity. Now 
 a short distance up from the grove, and at the junction of the 
 boulevard and Shrewsbury road, is a refieshment saloon, 
 
jx woiKKsTKi! ((jryrv. m 
 
 kept open the year round and connected witli a tine bowl- 
 ing alley. The dummy railroad has its terminus at the en- 
 trance to Quinsigamond Grove, which the present season 
 has been neatly fenced in and provided with a new and 
 large pavilion and other conveninces, making it with the 
 steamboat landing and the fleet of small boats at its water's 
 edge, more than ever the attractive pic-nic ground. Having 
 thus so well done his part towards making Lake Quinsiga- 
 mond a place of pleasant resort during the summer, Mr. Co- 
 burn has for two or three years past, since the completion 
 and operation of the dummy railroad and opening to travel 
 of the boulevard, been much engaged in furthering the 
 settlement of 
 
 LAKE VIEW. 
 
 Through the large extent of land, which by easy and 
 pleasant grades rises from Quinsigamond Grove, back 
 towards the west, the dummy railroad curves, covering a 
 wide area, and avenues running from the south, parallel 
 with the boulevard at the lake shore and intersecting with 
 the Shrewsbury road, have been constructed and are now 
 open to the public use, several having been accepted as 
 thoroughfares by the city. Along these avenues and adja- 
 cent to the railroad, house lots numbering several thou- 
 sands have been laid out bv Mr. Coburn. Many lots have 
 been disposed of and built upon and the twenty five or 
 more buildings, which now form the settlement of Lake 
 View afford some of the pleasantest suburban residences of 
 Worcester. Most of the buildings are cottages, while others 
 are two story houses. All are neatly finished and set in 
 well cared for lots. Seven of these dwellings have been 
 erected the present season and more are in contemplation 
 
1(- PLEASriiE liESOlUti 
 
 \>y Mr. Coburn. With its pleasant view overlooking the 
 lake, its easy access and its freedom as well from the disa- 
 greeable noise and atmosphere of the city, Lake View offers 
 to those of small means, the opportunity of acquiring a 
 most delightful homestead. 
 
 THE EYRIE. 
 
 On the east bank of the lake and about a (Quarter of a i 
 mile below the causeway, is situated " The Eyrie," not un- 
 appropriately named one thinks, as he gazes from the sur- ' 
 face of the lake upward some hundred feet, and catches a i 
 glimpse of a "perfect little love of a cottage," nestled on the ; 
 summit of a high bluff in the midst of a fine growth of 
 young trees. On the summit and slopes of this bluff are • 
 the twelve acres of lawn, garden, forest and grove which i 
 comprise the estate of Thomas C. Rice. For several 
 years Mr. Hice has in various ways added to the natural ^ 
 beauty and attractiveness of his site in preparing it for a \ 
 public summering place and pic-nic resort. Two years ago, ' 
 on the very summit of the bluff, he erected the E3^rie hotel, : 
 a light, airy and cheerful structure, of something of the ; 
 Swiss style of architecture, which, with its thirteen apart- ^ 
 ments, each well finished and furnished, affords accommoda- i 
 tions for a number of regular boarders during the season, : 
 and rest and refreshment for transient guests. About this ! 
 pleasant cottage hotel the grounds are exquisitely laid out? ; 
 rustic seats, rural walks, beds of flowers and picturesque: 
 designs adding to the natural charms. A fine, elevated, 
 pavilion stands just to the south of the hotel, and beneath i 
 the platform an eagle, as if the patron deity of the place, \ 
 
7.V woucKSTKR C'or.vyr. n 
 
 sits on liis perch and strides in liis cage, calmly dignitied and 
 unconcerned at his surroundings. From the hotel a walk 
 combining all of the rude grandeur of a forest pathway, winds 
 down the bluft' to the water's edge, where is the steamboat 
 landing ; a similar walk leads oft' from the hotel to the 
 south and with a fine g -apery on its left, and a garden of 
 superb cultivation on its right, winds through a pleasant 
 grove to the 
 
 KYUIE <iARDElS'S. 
 
 These gardens, situated on a bluif only a little less than 
 that which is graced by the hotel, are especially designed 
 for the pleasure of picnic parties. The center of the gar- 
 dens is occupied b}' a large and verj' handsome pavilion, 
 where the merry dance may be stepped, the palatable re- 
 freshments of Host Rice supped, or a quiet rest taken with 
 a long stretch of Lake Quinsigamond with the rising 
 land towards the city in front, the picturesque waters and 
 surroundings of "Jordan Pond" in the rear, and the dense 
 but pleasant forests on either side. On the Eyrie grounds 
 are two small ponds, one with a fountain in its center and 
 the other, the duck pond, rising and falling with the waters 
 in the lake, although situated some twentj- rods away from 
 the larger bod}' of water. A large and gaih' painted wind- 
 mill, which in its sweeping revolutions raises water from 
 the lake to the hotel, is another attraction of the place. 
 On the grounds there is also a fine driveway of some half a 
 mile in length, which, extending through pleasant groves, 
 leads to the Shrewsbury road, thus affording access to the 
 Eyrie by a pleasant drive from the city, as well as by the 
 dummy railroad and steamboat. The Eyrie bluft" aftbrds on 
 three of its sides views of the lake, and on each of the three 
 
IS FLEA SUE E BE SORTS 
 
 sides slopes gradually down to the water's edge. This sit- 
 uation, with the commanding height of the location, gives 
 by far the most extended and pleasant view of Lake Quin- 
 sigamond and its adjacent lands to be obtained from any 
 one spot on the banks. The present season finds the Eyrie 
 hotel taxed to accommodate the boarders who would rest a 
 while in the eagle's nest, and also the rural retreat visited 
 daily by private parties and excursions, sometimes number- 
 ing as many as three hundred carriages in a single day. 
 The courteous and efficient proprietor, Mr. Rice, and his 
 equally capable lady, are always prepared for parties, large 
 or small, and always keeping this resort as they do orderly, 
 cleanly and well supplied with the best the market aifords, 
 the Eyrie must continue to gain patrons and increase its 
 merited popularity. 
 
 (,)UINSIGAMOND PARK. 
 
 Skipping now down the lake to the end of steamboat 
 navigation on the south we arrive at Quinsigamond Park 
 and Holden's Grove. The first named is on the east or 
 Shrewsbury bank of the lake, and from the tip of the point, 
 which projecting into the water forms a fine landing, ex- 
 tends back through a shad}^ giove on a pleasant hillside 
 several hundred feet. In the grove has been erected a 
 small hotel and a dance platform, tables and seats for out- 
 door collations, swings, and much to make attractive a pic- 
 nic ground. The Park is the place for clam bakes and 
 chowders, which are served daily during the season and are 
 said to really rival the shore dinner of a Rhode Island clam 
 house. Quinsigamond Park is managed the present sea- 
 
/ .V I J yjB L'ES TEli CO UX T Y 
 
 19 
 
 !?oii by Mr. Paul Henry, with an able assistant for clam 
 bakes in INIr. Dan. Monlton. The park has become a very 
 popular resort for pic-nic parties, the pleasant terminus for 
 a sail down the lake, the annual place of meeting for several 
 associations, and the right jolly place for the moon-light 
 hop. In connection with Qiiinsigamond Park, and as also 
 under the management of Mr. Paul Henry, we should 
 mention the 
 
 FULL MOON DRIVING PARK. 
 
 This old race course may be considered the original 
 track in Worcester, as years and years ago it w^as the trot- 
 ting park of this region. Falling into disuse it became 
 almost forgotten until the present season, it was reclaimed 
 by Mr. Henry and put in excellent condition. The track 
 is a mile one, well made and quite fast. Stables have been 
 erected at the park and conveniences for the public well 
 looked to. The park is under the superintendance of an 
 old horseman, and several " steppers " are boarding for the 
 season and for training at the track. Already several suc- 
 cessful race days have been held at the park, and sport at 
 the Full Moon will form in the future no small attraction 
 at Lake Quinsigamond. 
 
20 PLEA:6URE BE^O Ill's :\ 
 
 OTHER RESORTS. \ 
 
 The public resorts at Lake Quinsigamond seem to have i 
 
 settled along the banks to the south of the causeway, and \ 
 
 there remains several to be spoken of. Holden's Grove, at ^ 
 the extreme south of the lake and nearly opposite Quinsig- 
 
 amond Park, was one of the early and popular resorts, and ; 
 
 continues to hold its claim on public lavor under the good \ 
 
 management of its proprietor, H. H. Holden. The grove ^ 
 
 is as iineW located as any spot on the lake, a bluif forming \ 
 
 the shore line, which in its descent to the water is gradual ; 
 
 and pleasant. At the grove is a hotel, dance platform, and , 
 
 all the attractions of a picnic ground. Holden's Grove is j 
 the favorite excursion ground of several local societies, and 
 off its shores liave been pulled many a lively little regatta. 
 
 Coming further north, just at " The Narrows," is located \ 
 
 kixg's point, I 
 
 a resort kept by L. D. King, and the good place for a clam \ 
 dinner or an afternoon's rest. The hotel at the point is \ 
 well supplied with all things needful, and the grounds at ■ 
 the point are pleasantly arranged and well kept. Still fur- 
 ther to the north and on the east bank, next to the cause- j 
 way, and about opposite the Quinsigamond House is situa- \ 
 ted a new resort which the present season has introduced. | 
 It is called \ 
 
 and the proprietor is H. H. Bigelow, who early the present 
 season, dedicated his grove by a very pleasant and largely 
 attended gathering of the Bigelows in family reunions. The 
 grove includes several acres of upland forest, which take an 
 easy slope from the lake shore and command a fine view. 
 
IN WORCESTER COUNTY. 21 
 
 Though no building has yet been erected at the grove, it 
 has been cleared and arranged as one of the prettiest pic-nic 
 grounds at the lake, and as such is now commended to the 
 public. 
 
 Thus, in brief and hasty review, we have sketched the 
 more prominent and public resorts on the shores of Lake 
 Quinsigamond. Many beautiful spots have been overlooked, 
 as ''The Blufts '^ along the west shore to the south, "Ee- 
 gatta Point " on the same shore to the north, the wild region 
 about "Coal-Mine Brook" on the east bank to the north, 
 and the beauteous meadows on the opposite shore. The 
 pleasant spots just north of the causeway and the region of 
 the "Lake House," a favorite refreshment house of the 
 traveler, at the north-east corner of the causeway, have 
 been overlooked in a rapid survey, but what we have said 
 should lead everyone to remember there is a Lake Quinsig- 
 amond in our midst which offers its home attractions and 
 invites foreign competition as well. 
 
 BOATING AT THE LAKE. 
 
 Few sheets of water offer such excellent facilities for 
 boating as does Lake Quinsigamond. Never badly ruffled 
 by any winds which may blow, free from all obstructions, of 
 good depth and width, varying from less than an eighth to 
 a quarter of a mile, the lake, with the pleasant scenery 
 3 
 
22 PLEASURE RESORTS ■ 
 
 which on either bank meets the boatmen's eyes, has fc 
 years been the favorite place for pleasure boating. As ha 
 been mentioned, the college races gave the lake almost ii 
 first prominence, and until the year 1871, when the "straighi 
 away race " was adopted, a course for which, owing to th 
 causeway could not be found at Quinsigamond, the crew 
 of Yale and Harvard, with in some years representativ( 
 from other colleges, the collegians' regatta was the chi( 
 sporting event of the season in Worcester. The course \\i 
 from a point just north of the causeway one and one-ha 
 miles to the head of the lake and return. This course 
 acknowledged by professional boatmen as one of the bes 
 if not the best turn course in the country. It was the fa' 
 orite track for professional oarsmen while turn races wei 
 in vogue, and over it Walter Brown and Josh Ward, tl 
 famous Ward crews, and other professional oars have co] 
 tended. With the introduction of so much English ini 
 our American boating, Lake Quinsigamond was found ii 
 adequate for the race course, and its hue course to tl 
 north of the causeway with the longer and equally goc 
 course on the south, was deserted by the collegians ac 
 professionals, and left to the local amateurs who with no 
 and then a contest between noted scullists have continue 
 to make boat races frequent and exciting over the wate 
 of Quinsigamond. It has been often suggested, and at i 
 time more urgently than the present season,.that with tl 
 cutting away of a portion of the cause wa}^ and the erectic 
 of a wide span bridge, under which crews might pass : 
 their races. Lake Quinsigamond would afford a "straigh 
 away " course of great popularity, and would again cou 
 mand many, and, in time, the chief of the great boatir 
 contests in the country. Should such a change ever 1 
 
JN'WOnCK'^'rER COUNTY. 23 
 
 made it is understood that the colleges would gladly locate 
 their races permanentl}' at Quinsigamond. 
 
 THE QUINSIGAMOND KOAT OLUJ}, 
 
 is a tiourishiiig local organization, which last season erected 
 a very, handsome and modern boat and club house ot" brick 
 on the west shore of the lake, just north of the causeway. 
 The club numbers among its members many of the most 
 prominent young men in the (5ity and with its fine tieet of 
 race and pleasure boats, its regular practice days and fre- 
 quent race days contribute much to the boating life and 
 interest at the lake. There are on the lake also several 
 boat crews and tine oarsmen whose muscle has been well 
 tested in prominent contests. The graceful shells which 
 there maj^ be seen scudding over the water every da}' dur- 
 ing the summer, adds beauty and attraction to the lake. 
 Just at the steamboat landing Mr. Al. Coburn keeps his 
 flotilla of pleasure boats for the accommodation of the pub- 
 lic, and includes in his fleet craft some of the most improved 
 and safest models. Farther to the south is the large boat- 
 building establishment and aquatic training school of Mr. 
 J. J. O'Leary, where is also kept a fine fleet of small boats 
 for the accommodation of the public, and from which is an- 
 nually turned out new and handsome crafts to grace the 
 waters of the lake. Private parties to quite a number have 
 their boats on the lake and several sail boats spread their 
 'canvass on breezy afternoons. Crafts designed especially 
 'for fishing are numerous, and the pout, pickerel, perch and 
 bass, which are plenty in the lake, aftbrd rare sport for the 
 fisherman, while in the season the "lily pond," south of 
 the old dam, yields abundantly of the fragrant water flowers. 
 But boating at the lake seems to have successfully culmi- 
 nated in the line of 
 
24 PLEASUBE BESOET^ 
 
 S. E. HARTHAN S STEAMERS, 
 
 which ply about Quinsigamond. Miniature things of 
 beauty and means of pleasure for the many. Steamboat- 
 ing on Worcester waters began in 1847, when for a brief 
 season a small steam launch plied now and then about the 
 lake. Several attempts in later years at steamboating were 
 only indifferently successful and temporary, but in 1874 
 Mr. Harthan, taking advantage of the appreciation and 
 popularity of Quinsigamond, which then was becoming- 
 manifest, placed on the waters his " Little Favorite," a 
 small launch, and soon added his handsome and commodi- 
 ous side-wheeler, the "Addie." The success of the first 
 season's steamboating was satisfactory to Mr. Harthan, and 
 on the following summer he catered yet more extensively 
 to those in this vicinity desiring to take a sea voyage at 
 home. The present is the fourth season of Mr. Harthan's 
 steamboat business on Quinsigamond, and the extent and 
 success of his undertaking is attested by the liberal pat- 
 ronage of the public and the excellent and accommodating 
 management of the proprietor. The boats of the Lake 
 Quinsigamond line of steamers now number two, the "Lit- 
 tle Favorite" having been disposed of to a private party, 
 is still skipping over the waters, but no longer accommo- 
 dates the public, though the lively little craft is viewed 
 with much interest and admiration by visitors at the lake, 
 as in contrast with the larger " Addie " and " Zephyr " it 
 marks the real beginning and growth of navigation on our 
 inland sea. A brief description of the steamers will be 
 interesting. 
 
IN worn: ESTER (JOUyTY. 
 
 25 
 
 •' THE ADDIE " 
 
 is a "side-wheeler," fifty-two feet long and sixteen wide 
 over guards. It is furnished with a twenty-five horse pow- 
 er, two cylinder engine and vertical boiler, and easily and 
 safely accommodates one hundred and seventy-five passen- 
 gers, while as many as two hundred and over have been 
 carried with no apparent danger or difiiculty. The boat is 
 tastily painted and prettily ornamented, and as it glides 
 over the water presents a charming sight, and leaves a real 
 "wake" which well imitates that of a sound or river boat. 
 The *'Zephyr" is a handsome steam launch which Mr. Har- 
 than placed upon the lake the present season. In size it is 
 thirty feet by eight, and well carries fifty passengers. Both 
 boats are finished inside in ash and black walnut with sil- 
 ver trimmings, and in their appointments and finishing are 
 more stable and elegant than the average craft of their like. 
 The boats are of Mr. Harthan's own make, and constructed 
 with especial reference to the locality in which they were 
 to be used. The officers and crews of the boats are cour- 
 teous gentlemen well acquainted with and well suited to 
 their business. With such fine steamers it might be ex- 
 pected that the lake would ^afibrd a fine course for their 
 
26 PLEASURE RESORTS 
 
 voyages, and a trip on either tlie "Addie" or the ''Zephyr" 
 will not disappoint the expectation. The course of the 
 boats, which gives us a pleasant sail of about five miles, 
 may be described as follows, the beauty of the scenery and 
 the pleasure of a lake voyage of course being imperfectly 
 transcribed on paper. 
 
 A VOYAGE ON THE LAKE. 
 
 The steamboat landing is at the south-east corner of 
 Quinsigamond Grove, or I^incoln Park as it is now more 
 commonl}'- called. Here a cute little wharf with pleasant 
 seats under the shade of neighboring trees has been erected, 
 and from this point at everj^ hour during the pleasant sum- 
 mer dsijs and moonlight evenings the captain's "all aboard" 
 announces the "clearing" of one of the steamers. The land- 
 ing is but a few steps from the terminus of the dummy 
 railroad, and near the causeway, which terminates the 
 pleasant drive by carriage to the lake from the city. It is 
 also nearly opposite the Quinsigamond House and con- 
 nected with it by the bridge previously alluded to. Steam- 
 ing out from the lan-^ang, the steamers steer for the center 
 of the lake, leaving the fleets of small boats on the starboard, 
 Bigelow's Grove on the port and Lincoln Park, the Quin- 
 sigamond House and fine view over the causeway and up 
 the lake to the north, at the stern. The first landing is at 
 the "Eyrie," the attractive resort kept by Mr. T. C. Rice, 
 and from the sightly piazzas and pavilions of the hotel and 
 the Eyrie Gardens the arrival and departure of the steamers 
 present a pretty picture. Down to King's Point the steam- 
 ers glide and a second landing is made. Through the 
 Narrows, with Sunset Blutf on the starboard, and pass 
 
IN WOIlCK.^TFAi cor X TV. 27 
 
 Ripple Bay and Strawberry, Fairy and Pine islands the 
 steamers proceed, giving voyagers a view of natural scenery 
 which is not a whit less exquisite on Quinsigaraond than it 
 ^vould he on Lake George, and a third stop is made at the 
 wharf at Qninsigamond Park and the entrance to the Full 
 Moon Trotting Course. Steering south-west, tlie passen- 
 gers liave a fine view of the lower end of the lake and an- 
 other landing is made at Holden's Grove. On the return 
 trip the course steered gives the passengers a sight a trifle 
 difteront from that on the outward voyage, and wh^n the 
 steamer is again moored at its landing during an hour's 
 sail the pleasure seeker has enjoyed one of the grandest 
 natural panoramas imaginable, and has avowed his twenty- 
 five cents well invested. Besides, the hourly trips of the 
 boats give one an opportunity to spend a short time, or an 
 afternoon, or even a day at either of the resorts along the 
 lake shore. 
 
 THf: PLKASUKK OF THE VOYAGE 
 
 IS well attested by the fact that the boats, during the four 
 seasons they have been running, have annuall}' carried 
 from 25,000 to 30,000 passengers and have never met with 
 the slightest accident, nor had the enjoyment of a voyage 
 marred by a disturbance on board. Incidentally, also, it 
 might be added that the boat crews have, during the four 
 years, saved twenty-two lives of persons who have acciden- 
 tally got into the lake while boating in small crafts, and 
 thus the line of steamers affords some insurance against 
 death to those who go boating on Qninsigamond. The pro- 
 prietor of the line offers a liberal discount to societies and 
 parties and many large excursions take a sail as an addi- 
 
28 PLEASURE BESOBTS 
 
 tional attraction to a pleasure day at Lake Quinsigamond. 
 Mr. Harthan in addition to successfully inaugurating and 
 maintaining steam boating on the Lake was also the first 
 to especially interest himself in Quinsigamond Park, one 
 of the ref^orts at the South end of the sheet of water and 
 the one early opened to pleasure seekers. Many of its 
 attractive features were the work of this enterprising gen- 
 tleman. A remark made above, that the Quinsigamond 
 steamers were built by their present owner and manager, 
 suggests a brief mention of Mr. Harthan's business of 
 
 STEAM BOAT BUILDING. 
 
 His works are situated in the rear of the large machine 
 shop, Nos. 44, 46 and 48 Central Street, and there he con- 
 stantly employs from twenty five to thirty men in build- 
 ing vertical engines for boats and manufacturing purposes, 
 and in the general work of a machine shop. He has built 
 and put in use a large number of small pleasure steamers, 
 similar to the "side wheeler" and launch now at Quinsiga- 
 mond, and among this number may be mentioned the follow- 
 ing: "Naomi" at Hydeville, Vt.; "Little Favorite" at Crys- 
 tal Lake in Gardner; "Mary Gertrude" at Rockville, Conn.; 
 "Echo" at Newburyport; "White Fawn" at Providence, 
 E-. I.; and the "Golden Gate" built for parties in Jackson- 
 ville, Fla. Mr. Harthan has had more than twenty years 
 experience in inventing, building, locating and operating 
 different kinds of machinery, and as a mechanical engineer 
 and master mechanic he has proved his ability and merit. 
 
IN WORCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 29 
 
 THE DUMMY RAILROAD, 
 
 In the preceding pages has several times been men- 
 tioned the Dummy Railroad or as it is more properly termed 
 the Worcester & Shrewsbury Eailroad. As the popular 
 and easy means of transportation to and from Lake Quin- 
 sigamond this road, which has done much to utilize Quinsig- 
 amond for the public's pleasure, deserves a passing and 
 complimentary notice. Steps toward the construction of a 
 railroad from the city to Lake Quinsigamond, with the pros- 
 pect of an extension in the future to the neighboring town 
 of Shrewsbury were taken early in January, 1873. In the 
 March following a company was formed whose capital then 
 was and now is some 350.000. On May 1st. the contract for 
 building the road was given out and the dummy steamed 
 down to the lake for the first time Jul}^ 31. This railroad 
 enjoys the distinction of being the first narrow gauge road 
 
-30 PLEASURE RESORTS 
 
 constructed in New England, and in fact in the country east 
 of the Blue Ridge. The four years of its successful operation 
 have demonstrated the feasibility and safety of the narrow- 
 gauge road, and since the building of the Worcester & 
 Shrewsbury road there have been copied from it a number 
 of narrow gauge railways in the East and three or four lines 
 in New England, notable the line from Boston to Lynn. 
 
 The gauge of the road is three feet and its marked fea- 
 tures, which contribute no little to the pleasures of a trip 
 over the line, are steep grades and sharp curves. The 
 length of the road as far as now completed is two and seven 
 tenths miles, and its steep grade is just one mile long, from 
 the lake to the Bloomingdale station. The ascent over 
 this grade is 160 feet and it is made on several curves. 
 
 The grade between Bloomingdale station and the city is 
 also a steep one made on several curves. 
 
 A RIDK WITH THE DUMMY. 
 
 For conveyance over this railroad the company has from 
 time to time added to its rolling stock, which now includes 
 two dummy engine cars, the original stock, a locomotive 
 named "'E. B. Stoddard," a long covered car and three open 
 cars, the popular and pleasant vehicles during the summer 
 months. As a train on this road drawn by the powerful 
 little locomotive, with its three or four cars fully freighted 
 with a gaily dressed and festive excursiort, party is seen, as 
 is the case daily during the summer, winding along the cir- 
 cuitous route, now puffing up a steep grade, and now sliding 
 down on the other side of the hill, amidst the pleasant su- 
 burban scenery of Worcester, towards Lake Quinsigamond, 
 the sight is lively and attractive. The city terminous of 
 
IN WOUCKSTEH COUNTY. 31 
 
 the diiuimy road is a neat little (loi)ot building at tlie head 
 of Shrewsbury street, and by the side and just north of the 
 Union Station. Starting liere, the trains run down East 
 Worcester Street, and then with a cnn\ e strike i)arallel 
 with tlie line of the Boston & Albany Railroad, and ascend 
 gradually to Blooraingdale Station, which is on the summit 
 of the well known and picturesque " Deep Cut " of the B. 
 & A. R. R. Over this portion of the road the trip is pleas- 
 ant, the Shrewsbury highway being kept on the left and in 
 plain view, w^ith meadow land and farms intervening be- 
 tween it and the rails, while the rising farm lands, dotted 
 here and there with buildings, and forests farther north 
 form the background of this picture. On the right hand the 
 view of the passenger on the dummy train at iirst looks up 
 to the extensive freight yard of the Boston &: Albany road, 
 but soon peeps over a considerable precipice at the long 
 trains of this great thoroughfare of the iron horse as they 
 thunder through deej) cut passage ways, walled in on either 
 side by the abrupt faces of the natural ledge, down which 
 little streams trickle, and in the crevices of which dwarf 
 vegetation has found a footing. The background of this 
 picture, like that on the other side, is also hills, dotted here 
 and there with dwellings, which rise to the southeast. 
 Some half a mile from the city on this road is 
 
 draper's station, 
 
 the first stopping place of outward bound trains. An at- 
 tractive little depot is erected here, and from it a path acrosg 
 the tracks of the Boston & Albany road \vinds in a rustic 
 sort of a wa}'- up the hillside to the pleasant grounds where 
 are located tho extensive nurseries and cement drain pipe 
 
32 PLEASURE JRESOETS 
 
 works of James Draper. This station is also convenient 
 for those living on Bloomingdale and Shrewsbury roads in 
 the clusters of dwellings which have in late years sprung up 
 along the track of this enterprising little railway. Bloom- 
 ingdale station is the half-way point on this road and -is lo- 
 cated on Plantation street just over the high bridge which 
 arches the tracks of the Boston & Albany road over the 
 deep cut. From this station the road is direct to the new 
 buildings of the State Lunatic Asylum, which are distant 
 only about half a mile, and the station is also convenient 
 to the many residents on Plantation street. From Bloom- 
 ingdale a trip on the dummy allows passengers a lovely and 
 varied view of suburban residences, clusters of neat little 
 cottages, acres of fine farming land, numbers of small groves 
 and soon shows glimpses through the trees of the waters of 
 Quinsigamond. This portion of the road is by far the 
 pleasantest and passes through Lake View settlement, ter- 
 minating at the lake station by the entrance to Lincoln 
 Park. The tariff by the road is so low that passengers nev- 
 er think of striking and readily and numerously pay their 
 ten cents for a trip on the dummy. 
 
 THE POPULAR ROUTE. 
 
 The Dummy Kailroad has in a great part supplanted all 
 other means of conveyance to and from the Lake, and its 
 liberal patronage is attested by the statistics of the road 
 which show that annually since its opening, from 110,000 
 to 150,000 passengers have been carried over the route. 
 The largest single day's business was done on the Fourth of 
 July the present season, when the road carried 5690 pas- 
 sengers, and this fact shows that the resorts at the Lake and 
 
IN WORCESTER COUNTY. 83 
 
 the easy wa}^ of reacliiug them by the dummy road are 
 steadily gaining in popularity. The officers of the Wor- 
 cester & Shrewsbury road have remained unchanged since 
 the opening of the thoroughfare, and are as follows : Presi- 
 dent, E. B. Stoddard ; Treasurer and Clerk, James 
 Draper; Superintendent, Richard Barker. So well 
 is the road managed, and so carefully is it run, that its pat- 
 rons are fully accommodated, and no serious accident has 
 ever taken place on the route. In addition to being espe- 
 cially a route for pleasure seekers, the dummy road has done 
 much to populate and increase the number of residences in 
 the eastern section of the city, which, from the situation of 
 the land and the unsurpassed view of distant and surround- 
 ing country, is one of the most desirable locations for settle- 
 ment in Worcester and its suburbs. The extension of the 
 road to Shrewsbury is still under consideration, and is quite 
 likely to be accomplished within a few years. 
 
 AEOUND THE LAKE. 
 
 The environs of Lake Quinsigamond present in them- 
 selves no little attractions. From the high land on the 
 west of the lake and from the bluffs on the east shore, the 
 eye extends far toward the rising sun and scans a range of 
 pleasant hills, amid the cleared fields and the forest, of 
 which peer out the thrifty farm buildings of some of Wor- 
 cester's best husbandmen, and arise the church spires of 
 Grafton, Shrewsbury, and l)eyond, Westboro', Marlboro' and 
 other places. A drive from the city over the causeway, or 
 out Lincoln street over the old Boston turnpike and by*the 
 head of Quinsigamond, or down past the magnificent Union 
 
34 PLEASURE BE SORTS 
 
 railroad station and out Grafton street near the southern 
 end of the lake, over these pleasant hills, to either of the 
 towns above mentioned, is a pleasant recreation and aftbrds 
 a rare enjoyment of " the country." In the little town of 
 Shrewsbury there is much to interest and please the sight- 
 seer. In this town Rawson's Hill rises to a height which 
 is on a level with the mountainous land of Princeton and 
 Wachusett, and from it the view is charming. On the drive 
 towards Shrewsbury one passes less than a mile beyond the 
 lake, the grounds of the Worcester Sportsmen's Club — a 
 flourishing organization, whose members are adepts at crack- 
 ing the glass balls, and whose rifle team is as good as any 
 in the State. The drive out Lincoln street takes one past 
 the elegant grounds of the City Farm, and hy a little circuit 
 can be made to pass the line estate of Johx B. Gough, the 
 temperance orator. The drive out Grafton street passe.^ 
 through New England Village, where at length the waters 
 of Quinsigamond, having run as a narrow and winding 
 river for some six miles, tumble gajdy over a large dam and 
 are used by the mills of the village. This drive goes on 
 through Grafton, and loses none of its pleasant scenery 
 as it stretches far away to the farming towns of south- 
 eastern Worcester. 
 
 WEST OF THE LAKE, 
 
 the two and a half or three miles which intervene between 
 the waters and the city, has more and more as one leaves 
 the lake, the appearance of a city, but in this section there 
 are^ features of interest. On the summit of the highest hill 
 in the locality is now finishing the enormous and elegant 
 building of the new State Lunatic Asylum. The structure, or 
 
IN WORCKSTEU COUNTY. 35 
 
 rather .series of structures, rises to view from every point in 
 Worcester and in its surrounding towns, a magnificent pile 
 of architectural beauty, and the towers and gahles pleasant- 
 ly break up the prosiness of the structure. Built of brick 
 and stone, a good mile course could be laid about the build- 
 ings, and the visitor can spend a leisure moment in specu- 
 lating on the cost of the hospital, the same being a theme 
 which puzzled state legislators who got up among the mil- 
 lions and lost their reckoning. But the hospital iaa grand 
 attraction for Worcester, an<l its completion, in parts at 
 least, will probably allow its occupiincy this Fall. The 
 hospital and its grounds are already visited by many. But 
 the main attractions of the western environs of Lake Quin- 
 leigamond is the section of 
 
 WORCKSTKK S BOULKVAlil). 
 
 For years a favorite project with certain of the City Fa- 
 thers has been the construction of a broad and level drive 
 just in the suburbs and completely encircling the city. — 
 Ways and means of constructing this " bit of luxury " were 
 many and diversified, but already two big strips of the bou- 
 levard have been constructed on the east and west, and now 
 await connections on the north and south. The eastern sec- 
 tion runs parallel and in close proximity- to Lake Quinsiga- 
 mond, its southern terminous beginning on the Shrewsbury 
 road just west of the causeway. From this point the broad 
 and level drive, the equal of many a trotting course, runs 
 
36 PLEASURE RESORTS 
 
 along the lake shore for a distance of nearly three miles, 
 and finally makes a junction with Grafton road, below 
 " Davis' Cottage." During much of this distance the boule- 
 vard commands a pleasant view of the lake, and though at 
 points diverging further from the water than was at first 
 anticipated, the whole drive is a most delightful one, com- 
 bining the beauties of forest and lake in its scenery. In 
 the preceding pages the attractions of Lake Quinsigamond 
 have been summarized ; all has not been told. Some re- 
 sorts may have been skipped over, and little mention has 
 been made of the several places at the lower end where fish- 
 ermen find entertainment, principal among which is the old 
 '' Bliss Flagg Place," now kept by Mr. John Blankenhorn. 
 But as a full endorsement of all that has been said, we refer 
 to the many who have enjoyed the resorts of Quinsigamond, 
 and say to others, go and enjoy for yourselves. 
 
IN WORCESTER COUNTY. 
 
 :n 
 
 "■^t^^^fi 
 
 TO THE NORTH. 
 
 The towns of Worcester County have been spoken of aa 
 peculiarly adapted by the handiwork of nature and the im- 
 provements of man for pleasure resorts, and the denizens of 
 cities have to a great extent understood and enjoyed such 
 adaptation. The towns to the north of the city of Worces- 
 ter, which are nestled among panoramic, mountainous scene- 
 ry have for years been the pleasure spots for summer boarders 
 and excursionists. At present two lines of railway traverse 
 this section of old Worcester, and with their northern 
 terminal connections afford pleasant and easy communica- 
 tion from Worcester city as a railroad center, to the country 
 towns north and beyond, to the mountains and lakes of 
 Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. Following the linea 
 of these railways is the easiest way to cover and briefly de- 
 scribe the attractions of our northern towns. 
 
38 ■ PLEASURE RESORTS 
 
 THE BARRE AND GARDNER ROAD 
 
 was incepted as early as 1847, and after the lingering doubt 
 which so often hangs over new railroad enterprises, the road 
 was begun in the latter part of 1869, a persistency and 
 energy then as now characterizes the management, which 
 clearly saw the usefulness and advantage of the route, and 
 which was generously backed by the citizens of Worcester, 
 the city as a corporation now holding a large amount of stock 
 in the road. The first contract was for building the road 
 between Worcester and Gardner, and over this line the first 
 regular passenger trains run on the fourth day of September, 
 1871. The road was extended to Winchendon in 1874, and 
 in the same year the Company leased the Monadnock road, 
 thus forming a continuous line from Worcester to Peterbo- 
 rough, N". H., fifty-three miles in length, and jjassing through 
 some of the fine old farming districts of Xew England, and 
 offering some of the grandest inland scenery of the east. 
 This road in its connections forms an important link in the 
 grand chain of railways which net the New England States 
 and form the eastern termini of the great railroad lines which 
 span the continent. At Worcester the trains of the Boston, 
 Barre & Gardner Eailroad connect with those of the Boston 
 & Albany from the east and west, those of the Providence 
 & Worcester and Norwich and Worcester from the south and 
 New York, and connection is also made with the Worcester 
 and Nashua. At Gardner connection is made with the Ver- 
 mont & Massachusetts division of the Fitchburg Railroad, an 
 important link in the grand thoroughfare to the West through 
 the Hoosac Tunnel. Other connections at Winchendon are 
 also made, and the railroad is a most important link in the 
 shortest and most direct route to Saratoga Springs, the Nortli- 
 ern Lakes, the White and Franconia Mountains, Montreal, 
 Quebec, the Saguenay River, and other noted points. Thus 
 the road offers great inducements to throuirh travelers, but 
 
IN WORCESTER COUNTY. 39 
 
 it is of the attractions of the road as a county line we would 
 speak now in detail, and to the pleasant towns of \yorcester 
 on its route we would take a glance. 
 
 ALONG THE ROUTP:. 
 
 The Boston, ]5aiie & Gardner road, as all other railways 
 centering in Worcester, now has its terminus at the Grand 
 Union Depot at Washington Square. Thence in a general 
 northwesterh' direction it extends through the very center 
 of the state, first striking ^orth Worcester, a suburb of the 
 city, where a smart little settlement has sprung up, enjoying 
 the coolness of breezes from the old North Pond and the 
 scenery of some of the best cultivated and richest farming 
 land of the county. Holden, a venerable settlement, marked 
 by all that makes old age honorable and attractive to rising 
 generations, is the second station on the road, eight miles from 
 the city. At this point stages for Rutland, Barre and Cold- 
 brook Springs, points of summer attraction, connect with the 
 railroad. On beyond Ilolden the line of the Massachusetts 
 Central railroad, that enterprise begun but now halting in the 
 march of progress, is crossed and several small stations, com- 
 municating with many farms are touched, and the train stops 
 
 AT PRINCETON STATION. 
 
 Princeton with its grand old mountain is the best known 
 and most popular of the resorts of Central Massachusetts. 
 
 The Indian name of the town was Wachusett, and its present 
 incorporation was made in 1771, when the name Princeton 
 was adopted in honor of Rev. Thomas Prince, the annalist. 
 
 The surface is agreeably diversified by winding valleys, be- 
 tween little mountains marshalled by the lofty Wachusett 
 and by several beautiful ponds. On a large flat rock on the 
 margin of Wachusett Pond, which lies between the town and 
 Winchendon, the Indians were wont to light their council fires 
 and today the rock is much visited as a relic of the times of 
 
40 PLEASURE RESORTS 
 
 the Aborigines. Quinnepoxet Pond is a charming sheet of 
 water on the southern extremity of the town and several 
 small streams flow as afliuents to Still River, and thence to 
 the Merrimac, and as tributaries to the Ware river and thence 
 to the Connecticut. But the attraction of Princeton is 
 
 WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN. 
 
 a lofty and isolated eminence, which rises proudly in the 
 northern part of the town to the height of 2480 feet above 
 the sea level. 
 
 Omnibusses take the passenger from the Princeton Station 
 on the B. B. & G. R. R., to the center of the town, stopping 
 at the hotel, and thence to the Mountain House at the base 
 of the mountain, kept by those popular landlords the Messrs. 
 BuUard, who have all things needful to rest and refresh the 
 dusty and weary traveler. The house is large and commo- 
 dious, and the crowds that fill it every season are the surest 
 evidence that it is well kept. 
 
 The ascent from here is by a well beaten track or cart path, 
 where, until the present year, aU suppHes for the summit 
 have been carried. During the last year, however, a carriage 
 road has been built to the top. The road is forty feet wide, 
 easy grade, and equal in every way to our best country roads. 
 The cost has been about $18,000, and in order to defray the 
 expense of keeping it in repair, a toll of twenty-five cents for 
 each horse is charged. Arriving at 
 
 THE SUMMIT HOUSE, 
 
 we find quite a large addition has been made to the house by 
 the enterprising proprietor, Mr. G. H. Derby. Some twenty 
 rooms have been added for the accommodation of either 
 transient or permanent guests. There is also a large pavilion 
 for dancing, with good music at all hours; and a boarding 
 and feeding stable connected with the house. A large por- 
 tion of the crest has been cleared, a fine and never failing 
 
IN WORCESTEJi COUNTY. 41 
 
 spring of water discovered, and prices for all refreshments 
 and board are as reasonable as at other public houses. 
 Ascending the Observatory, almost 
 
 THE WHOLE OF MASSACHUSETTS, 
 
 with its varied sceneiy of mountain, woodland, town and vil- 
 lage, lake and river is spread out like a map at the foot of the 
 observer. Looking to the north-east the peaks of Monad nock, 
 the great Watatic, and the Kearsarge and Moosillanke moun- 
 tains rise to view, and in clear weather the snowy head of 
 Mount Washington is discerned. Toward the east the eye 
 stretches over the many towns of eastern and south-eastern 
 Massachusetts and rests on the white wings of the vessels in 
 Boston harbor, some fifty miles distant. On the south-west 
 rise the distant summits of Mount Tom and Mount Ilolyoke, 
 and right to the west is discerned Mount Tobey and the brok- 
 en range of the Green Mountains, while in the north-west is 
 just perceptible the head of Greylock, the loftiest elevation 
 in the state. From the mountain the eye thus circles a pan- 
 orama of unsurpassed variety and beauty, and Wachusett 
 might be aptly called the watch tower of Massachusetts. 
 What there is of mountain air, what of benefit there is in its 
 invigorating breezes, can be found on and at the base of 
 Princeton mountain. Scenery and air with the pleasant 
 drives into the surrounding country being thus supplied, 
 the next question is regarding the 
 
 HOTEL ACCOMMODATIONS AT PRINCETON. 
 
 Princeton is situated at the base and about two miles from 
 Wachusett. It is a very pretty town of some 1200 inhabitants, 
 and has been much beautified by the erection of summer res- 
 idences, the grounds about which are elegantly laid out and 
 well cared for. The three hotels of the town are the Wa- 
 chusett House, the Prospect House, and the Mountain House, 
 the two former being located in the center of the town, and 
 
42 PLEASURE RESOBTS 
 
 the latter at the base of the mountain, mentioned in a pre- 
 vious page. The largest of the hotels is the Wachusett 
 House, kept by P. A. Beaman & Son, and well fitted and 
 finely managed for the accommodation of the hundreds of 
 transient and permanent boarders who annually sojourn 
 there. The rooms are spacious and airy, and the halls, par- 
 lors and dining rooms are elegantly fitted up for the pur- 
 poses for which they are designated. The tables are always 
 provided with the best the market affords. Billiards and 
 bath rooms, and an excellent livery stable add to the attrac- 
 tions. 
 
 The Prospect House is under the management of Mr. 
 George L. Bliss, whose experience as a caterer in Worcester, 
 requires for him no introduction to the public. As a pro- 
 vider for the hungry multitude, he stands unsurpassed among 
 the army of landlords; and as a courteous gentleman, all who 
 have shared his hospitality, will award him a full meed of 
 praise. His house is provided with all the modern improve- 
 ments; also a bowling alley and livery stable are connected 
 with it. 
 
 In addition to the hotels, Princeton has a large number of 
 boarding-houses, situated in different and desirable localities 
 about the mountain town. The hotels have connected with 
 them large livery stables, and teams for the enjoyment of the 
 fine drives in the vicinity are easil}'^ obtained. Provision for 
 out-door games, dance halls and accommodation for charades 
 and social entertainment are made at the hotels, and nothing 
 indeed is lacking at Princeton for the enjoyment of guests 
 who, including excursionists and regular boarders, often 
 number over 15,000 during the summer. 
 
 MOOSEHOEN LAKE. 
 
 But the attractive resorts along the line of the Boston, 
 Barre & Gardner road do not end at Princeton. Going a few 
 miles farther north, Moosehorn Lake is reached, and the sta- 
 
IN WORCESTEB COUNTY. 43 
 
 tion here is only for the accommodation of the pic-nic parties 
 and excursions Avhich take " a day off" at Mooseliorn. The 
 lake is a large one, pleasantly situated and adjoined by a fine 
 grove fitted for the convenience and pleasure of parties. 
 This lake is in Ilubbardston, which is the next regular station 
 on the railroad. The town is a thrifty one, situated in the 
 highlands, and has become the resort of numerous families 
 during the " heated term." It contains a well kept hotel — 
 the Crystal House, and several of the large old farm-mansions 
 make a specialty of summer boarders. The town itself is 
 most prettily laid out and is noted for its fine drives. Rush- 
 ing along through the mountainous scenery which has lost 
 none of its attractiveness since leaving Worcester, the trav- 
 eler reaches Gardner, the original terminus of the road and a 
 large town of considerable manufacturing interests. Here is 
 made the connection with the Vermont & Massachusetts 
 road for the Hoosac Tunnel. Just beyond the center is 
 
 CRYSTAL LAKE, 
 
 a handsome sheet of water, covering 216 acres, and of late 
 years a very popular resort for excursions, the grove border- 
 ing the lake being a remarkably pleasant one and supplied 
 with everything to meet the wants of visitors. From Gardner 
 there are several fine views. Among others, one from the 
 railroad towards the south-west, embracing the broad valley 
 on the left and the village of Templeton nestled among the 
 hills. The two lakes above mentioned are owned and con- 
 trolled by the Railroad Company which affords great induce- 
 ments to parties, and has frequently as many as 1,500 
 excursionists in a single day. The company the present 
 season has also made very liberal rates to excursionists to 
 Wachusett, and with the courteous and careful management, 
 and the unusual scenic beauty of the country through which 
 the road passes, the Boston, Barre & Gardner railway seems 
 indeed the excursion route inland from Worcester. But 
 
44 PLEASURE RESORTS 
 
 going still north from Gardner, the road touches the town of 
 Winchendon, one of considerable commercial importance, 
 and then by its Monadnock Branch goes on to Peterborough, 
 N. H., the stopping place for Monadnock Mountain being 
 East Jaffrey. At Winchendon also connection is made 
 with the Cheshire road by which the passenger goes still 
 farther north to Keene, Bellows Falls, and by railroad con- 
 nections then on to Bethlehem, the Twin Mountain House, 
 North Conway, and the attractive points at the White Moun- 
 tains. The Boston, Barre and Gardner road is also a link 
 in a line of railway 
 
 TO MONTREAL, QUEBEC, 
 
 and points in the Dominion. Leaving Worcester by this 
 line the tourist has a choice of two routes. By the route 
 named he may go from Bellows Falls by the Central Vermont 
 to White River Junction, thence by the Passurapsic to Wells 
 River and Newport, Yt., and thence to St. Johns by the 
 Southeastern Railway, and thus on to Montreal. The other 
 route diverges at White River Junction by the Central Ver- 
 mont line to St. Albans, and thence to St. Johns and 
 Montreal, the route north by this latter line being shorter 
 than any other out of Worcester. 
 
 COLDBROOK SPRINGS. 
 
 It was mentioned that stages left a station on the Boston, 
 Barre & Gardner road for Coldbrook Springs. Coldbrook is 
 a very pleasant village in the northeast corner of the town of 
 Oakham, three miles from Barre, and has become quite noted 
 for its mineral springs. Two large hotels are kept there, the 
 Coldbrook Springs House by Mr. B. P. Clark, and another 
 by Mr. Jas. Bemis, and summer visitors are many at the 
 hotels and in the cheerful, quiet farm houses of Oakham. 
 
 In the hasty sketch which precedes, the reader will note 
 that Worcester County is indeed a land of many attractions. 
 
IN WOBCESTER COUNTY. 45 
 
 The resorts enumerated have been those ah-eady more or less 
 celebrated, and in the main, those on lines of railroads which 
 make special provision for realizing and enjoying the resorts. 
 
 In a country where the surface is as pleasantly broken, 
 and presents such rare scenic beauties, the drives must nec- 
 essarily be delightful; and in conclusion we would briefly run 
 over such sections of the country as have been skipped in the 
 foregoing pages. 
 
 In the city of Worcester itself the drives are remarkably 
 fine, and extending into the country are no small attraction 
 for the resident and visitor at the " Heart of the Common- 
 wealth." The many elegant private turn-outs which roll over 
 the hard, well kept roads, are noted on every day, and for 
 the visitor and those not favored with teams of their own, 
 the large stables of Washburn & Yaughn, on Waldo Street, 
 afford all that may be desirable for a turn about the city, a 
 run into the suburbs, or a journey to some of the pleasant 
 country towns. 
 
 Many choose this way in journeying to Wachusett and to 
 Quinsigamond and other resorts, thus being able to view 
 many a pleasant scene, such as " the cascade," a truly moun- 
 tainous gorge on the Tatnuck road to the west. But we must 
 glance towards 
 
 THE SOUTH AND WEST. 
 
 Leaving the city in a general south-western direction, out 
 through New Worcester and Cherry Valley, and by the 
 wrecks of the fearful dam disaster of 1876, which are yet 
 plainly visible, we ascend the beautiful and lofty hills of 
 Leicester, peopled by a thrifty class of residents, and the lo- 
 cation of extensive card-clothing manufactories. On farther, 
 Spencer, a great boot and shoe manufacturing center, and 
 the seat of other business enterprises, with its fine hotels, is 
 reached; and soon the Brookfields, each town delightful in 
 its situation; and Warren, the western town in the County, is 
 
46 PLEASUBE RESORTS 
 
 visited. From Brookiield to the south, along the contempla- 
 ted line of the new railway, one passes to Southbridge, where 
 are manufacturing villages, a good hotel kept by Mr. Parker, 
 where the sojourner can find rest and refreshment, and pleas- 
 ant groves and large ponds. .Webster, with its jaw-breaking 
 Chaubunagungamung Lake, its large and extensive business, 
 bank, fine hotels and driving park, must not be overlooked; 
 while staid old Dudley, set upon a hill, and the woods and 
 fields of Douglas, are worthy a passing mention. Veering 
 yet to the east, the towns of Upton, Uxbridge, Whitinsville, 
 Millbury and Sutton, with many a pleasant village appearing 
 here and there on the landscape, are remembered; and way 
 in the eastern section of the County must be recalled Milford, 
 Southboro' and Westboro', while with a jump we must hght 
 in the second city in the (yount}' — Fitchburg — which is rapid- 
 ly thriving in all things material. Here are fine hotels, ele- 
 gant residences, and pleasant drives, a good driving park, 
 where some of the best steppers find their way; there are also, 
 banks, several large manufacturing establishments, one dail}^ 
 and two or three weekly newspapers, — in fact, everything to 
 make the place desirable for the summer sojourner. In each 
 of the towns mentioned, which are nearly connected with 
 some station on the Boston & Albany, Providence & Wor- 
 cester, or Norwich & Worcester railways, there maybe found 
 more or less of summer visitors at the farm houses or the 
 hotels. 
 
 TO THE EAST, 
 
 just over the Worcester line, is Framingham, with its mus- 
 ter and camp-meeting grounds, and indeed, so easy and 
 convenient are communications from Worcester, that trips 
 to Martha's Mneyard, Falmouth, Rocky Point and the resorts 
 in Providence River, Newport and Block Island, are reckoned 
 among the inexpensive and annual pleasures of our denizens. 
 We have spoken for Worcester County, and yet the iniper- 
 
7xV WOIICKSTKR COINTY. 47 
 
 feet picture we have drawn on paper is incomparable with 
 the errand original, we have hastily attempted to transcribe. 
 The^'sturdv inhabitant of the County is not generally consid- 
 ered an egotist, but with just pride he looks upon his native 
 land and cheerfully invites visitors to enjoy its attractions 
 with him. 
 
48 PLEASUBE BESOBTS 
 
 OVER THE LINE. 
 
 Skipping for a moment just over the line of Worcester 
 County, several quite noted attractions and prominent resorts 
 are reached, principal among which is 
 
 MOUNT HOLYOKE, 
 
 in Hampshire County, rising over the towns of Granby, JSouth 
 Hadley and Amherst, and forming the high eminence on the 
 east bank of the Connecticut as Mount Tom does on the west 
 bank. This grand old mountain (Holyoke) offers many 
 pleasures to the visitor, and from its summit the most com- 
 manding and charming view in New England is obtained. 
 The Connecticut river may be traced from its source, away 
 up among the hills of Vermont, twisting and turning its slow 
 length along like a huge Anaconda, or the more wonderful 
 Sea Serpent, gliding gently by the base of the mountain, 
 down through Springfield, Hartford, and even till it finds 
 room for its great proportions in Long Island Sound. The 
 famous Hadley and Il^orthampton meadows are stretched out 
 in front like a vast piece of patchwork, covering some 3,000 
 acres. But to enjoy all the sights and scenes visible from 
 the mountain to their^fuUest extent, one must put himself 
 under charge of Mr. John W. French, who keeps the fine 
 hotel (the Prospect House) on the top, and submit for a 
 season the hospitalities afforded at this unsurpassed house. 
 
49 
 
 -i^=i=i=l 
 
 i . o '-i ^ — =->» '- r. 
 
 
 ^c 
 
 ^ 
 
 '* JS- '\ 
 
 ^^SffSu 
 
50 PLEA SUB E SESOBTS t 
 
 J 
 A recent visitor to the mountain, enraptured with the i 
 
 charms, has placed his views upon record as follows: — 
 
 " No summer traveler, seeking recreation and pleasure, \ 
 should ever pass this noted mountain without ascending its 1 
 summit, equaling in its kind, in magnificence and grandeur, j 
 and perhaps excelling any other mountain summit in our broad , 
 country. Many other mountains have a higher altitude and ] 
 offer wilder and more unmixed natural scenery — but no other i 
 blends in its wide prospect so much that is rich in soil and 
 cultivation, presenting so much agricultural wealth of beauty, 
 mingled with so much that is wildly majestic, grand and in- 
 spiring. Earth nowhere else bares a more beautiful bosom 
 to the rapt gaze of man. Nowhere else are the dwellings of 
 man and his labors, so beautifully and harmoniously blended 
 with the works of the Creator. Nowhere else flows there a 
 river, so sweetly calm and tranquil, meandering through so 
 rich a landscape, between banks so surpassingly luxuriant, as 
 that river which leaves the base, and gleams like a mirror, 
 interminable in length, from the summit of Plolyoke, reflect- 
 ing on its bosom the gently waving boughs of a thousand 
 green forests and countless hill tops and mountain peaks; all 
 looking down from their summits, like living spectators, as if 
 silently admiring the grandeur of the scene, and each lending 
 their own glories to add to the magnificent picture. That 
 New England poet who strung his lyre to the beauties of this 
 river, must have been seated on the summit of Mt. Ilolyoke 
 when he wrote that highly poetical, yet literally truthful 
 line: — 
 
 ' Nor drinks the sea a lovlier wave tlian thine.' " 
 
 Mr. French has kept this house for some twenty-five years 
 past, and has enlarged it from time to time from an old board 
 shanty, to its present elegant proportions, capable of accom- 
 modating visitors as it has done, to the number of 500 in a 
 single day. Pic-nic parties from all the country about, pay 
 their annual visits to the mountain as regularly as the season 
 of vacation comes around ; and as regularly the same ques- 
 tions are asked about the different localities to be seen, and 
 as promptly answered by " mine host," who is always found at 
 the head of the staircase to greet the weary and calm the 
 
IN WORCESTER COUNTY. 51 
 
 fright-ened and nervous ones, who become almost dizzy at 
 reaching such a height; and what information he cannot give 
 about the surrounding country, need not be sought for in 
 books: and what of the good things he cannot furnish in the 
 way of refreshments and accommodations, will be looked for 
 in vain in any first-class mountain hotel in the country. 
 
 Among the many charming sights, none is so wonderful 
 and beautiful withal, as a valley fog from the summit of the 
 mountain. All the world beneath is covered by the fog, 
 while the lofty spires of the churches here and there press 
 through the mist, resembling the masts of ships in the ocean. 
 The fog completely hides the lower hills and the neighboring 
 towns, no one of which can be seen IjU old Sol burns oft" the 
 curtain and lets in the light of the world. This view from 
 Holyoke is grand and beautiful beyond description, and the 
 thousands of visitors who enjoy it annually and sojourn at 
 this house among the clouds, are loud in sounding the praise 
 of old Holyoke. 
 
 THE ASCENT 
 
 is from the river road by a well graded and well kept carriage 
 road to the stables, 850 feet from the top. From here is a 
 covered railway and staircase leading directly to the prospect 
 room. Visitors can walk or ride as suits their fancy or their 
 pocket. 
 
 Parties from Worcester desiring to visit the mountain, can 
 take the early train for Springfield, thence by Conn. R. R. R. 
 to Holyoke, arrive on the mountain by ten o'clock, spend 
 several hours and return same night, or stop over and see the 
 fog in the morning. 
 
 Parties leaving the cars in Holyoke, can find carriages for 
 large or small parties, by calling for Carter & Belden's drivers 
 at the depot, or at the Holyoke House, or stable, one minute's 
 walk from the station. Also, White's stage leaves Holyoke 
 on arrival of the 8.20 A. M., 12.05, 3.40 and 7.05 P. m. trains, 
 
52 PLEASURE BESOBTS i 
 
 for South Hadley and the mountain. The steamboat con- ' 
 nection is discontinued. i 
 
 This is a very desirable route to the mountain, as there are ' 
 more trains to and from Holyoke than any other station, , 
 making better connections east, south and west, for Boston, i 
 Worcester, Springfield, Hartford, New Haven, New York, ' 
 Albany, Pittsfield and Westfield. As you leave Holyoke,.- 
 you pass the great dam of the Water Power Co., and Mt. ] 
 Holyoke Seminary, in South Hadle}^ It is a beautiful drive. I 
 
 Mt. Holyoke was named after Capt. Elizur Holyoke, in j 
 1654. Mount Holyoke Female Seminary was named after \ 
 Mount Holyoke, in 1837, and is three miles south-east, in \ 
 South Hadley. The city of Holyoke was named after the-^ 
 mountain, in 1850, and is eight miles south. ; 
 
 It is 117 miles from Boston; 73 miles from Worcester, via \ 
 Springfield; 153 miles from New York; 79 miles from New ; 
 Haven;. 43 miles from Hartford; 118 miles from Albany. j 
 
.1 /) V Kirns f:MENrs. 
 
 BARNARD, SUMNER k CO,, 
 
 Dry Goods and Carpets, 
 
 327 & 329 Main St., 
 
 By far the most extensive, best known and most popular Dry 
 
 Goods Store in Worcester or vicinity. Every article 
 
 large or small in the fullest value, at the lowest 
 
 known cash values. Our Prices for 
 
 CARPETS, BLACK SILKS, 
 
 and other leading goods always command the best trade, and do 
 not fail to give perfect satisfaction. Purchasers from out of town 
 can send orders to us with utmost confidence of entire satisfaction, 
 or samples sent, with prices, when desired. Departments for 
 
 LADIES' UNDERWEAR AND MADE UP SUITS 
 
 Gentlemen^ H Furnishinf/ Goods ^ 
 
 Complete in the most popular articles and prices always the low- 
 est. Orders for Dress Making, Millinery and Cloak Making 
 promptly executed in the most artistic manner, and the novelties 
 always on exhibition. Purchases made at our store will be deliv- 
 ered to all of the railroad stations in season for any train, on the 
 shortest notice, and every accommodation extended to out of town 
 customers in conveniences for waiting, care of parcels, etc., which 
 all are invited to make use of. 
 
 BARNARD, SUMNER & CO. 
 
A I) VKR TISEMEN TS. 
 
 SUMMIT IIOITSE, 
 
 G. H. DERBY, Proprietor. 
 
 THIS HOUSE IS SITUATED 
 
 ON THE TOP OF WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN, 
 
 nd has been enlarged the present season, by the addition of 
 twenty rooms, affording accommodation for either 
 
 PERMANENT OR TRANSIENT BOARD AT REASONABLE PRICES. 
 
 A large Pavilion for dancing and a Stable have also been erected, 
 making this one of the most delightful places to spend an hour, a 
 day, or a week. The view from the Observatory must be seen to 
 be appreciated, embracing as it does every variety of scenery that 
 can be conceived of. Mountain and valley, lake and river, cities, 
 towns and villages, are spread out to view in any direction which 
 the eye may turn. A more full description may be found in the 
 descrivtive part of this book. Pleasure seekers in Worcester 
 County, as w^.ll as from distant parts of the country, are invited to 
 visit this Mountain, and may be assured of as much enjoyment, as 
 fine and extensive views, as hospitable treatment, and much more 
 comfort, at less expense, than can be offered at most places of 
 pleasure resort, whether at the sea-side or mountains. 
 
 It will be the aim of the proprietor to conduct his house in such 
 a manner that all who visit him shall be thoroughly satisfied. 
 During the past year a fine carriage road has been built, so that 
 the visitor can drive to the summit and have his team well cared 
 for. Good accommodations will be afforded pic-nie parties at 
 reasonable rates. 
 
 A BRANCH OF THIS HOUSE 
 
 is kept at the Oyster and Dining Kooms, opposite the Depot 
 
 iiT :Fi'rcH:BTj:K(3-, is/lj^^&., 
 
 where meals are served at all hours", in the best manner. 
 
A I) V F R 1! S I:M F; \ TS. 55 
 
 HOTEL EYRIE, 
 
 Pleasure Resort^ 
 
 LAKE QUINSICtAMOND, - - SHREWSBURY SHORE. 
 
 2 1-2 MILES FROM WORCESTER. 
 
 Approaches by line roads, and by Dummy R. R. and Steamers, 
 
 T. c. :ric:e3. 
 
 The Eyrie Hotel, with its magnificent bluff jutting far out 
 into the lalse, its grand plateau, lovely gardens and deep shadowy 
 dells, its many groves approached or encircled by curving drive- 
 ways, tortuous aud intricate foot-paths, its pavilions among the 
 tree tops, and above all, the bewitching loveliness of its views, com- 
 passing hill, dale, lake atid forest for many miles, and over all in 
 isolated dreamy grandeur, that half antique, half modern mountain 
 of masonry — the new Asylum—has perhaps no rival upon the con- 
 tinent for picturesque beauty. 
 
 Until now the Eyrie lands had been enveloped in the impenetra- 
 ble tangle of thicket and tlie shadows of old woods; but so com- 
 plete had been the design of nature in its formation, that the 
 owner had merely to follow nature's promptings and indications, 
 to develope the place into a surprise for evt^ry eyt^, and make it the 
 theme of universal llattering comment. 
 
 It is the policy of the owner of the Eyrie, to keep the place en- 
 tirely free from the taint of rudeness, intemperance aud vulgarity. 
 
5(> A D 1 ^Kli TIS EMKNTS. 
 
 ROLLSTONE HOUSE, 
 
 FITOHBURG, MASS. 
 
 WILLIAM F. DAY, - ■ Proprietor. 
 
 Formerly of the American House. 
 
 Billiard Hall, Bowling Alloy and Livery Stable connected with \ 
 the House. 
 
 Jj^^Free carriage to and from the depot. ', 
 
 CITY HOTEL 
 
 WEBSTP:R, MASS., 
 
 BENJ. G. WALLIS, Proprietor. 
 
 A first-class House, with the best of accommodations and in 
 close proximity to railroad station. 
 Parties accommodated at short notice. 
 Prices always moderate. 
 Good Livery Stable in connection with the House. 
 
AI)\' I:'S lis I<:M /'; A' TS. 57 
 
 ROCKY POINT HOTEL, 
 
 Narragansett Bay, R. I. 
 
 This well known and popular Summer Resort opens June 26, 
 and will be kept on tlie American instead of the European plan. 
 as formerly. 
 
 Address. 
 
 L. H. HUMPHREYS, Proprietor, 
 
 Oity Hotel, Providence, R. I. 
 
 PROSPECT HOUSE. 
 
 PRINCETON CENTRE, MASS., 
 
 O-EOI^O-IE I^. SXjISS, IProprietor. 
 
 (Formerly of Taft, Bliss & Putnum. \Vcrr,...ter) 
 
 W^ SUMMER BOARDING AT REASONABLE RATES. 
 
 Its situation near Mount Wachusett, makes it a desirable Sum- 
 mer residence. The proprietor is determined that the well-known 
 reputation of the House shall be fully sustained, and invites par- 
 ties and transient guests to patroni/.e him, assuring tliem of the 
 best care and attention. 
 
 Excellent Livery Stable and Bowling Alley connected with the 
 House. Coaches connect with four trains daily on the Boston, 
 Barre and Gardner Bailroad, to and from VVorcct-ter and Win- 
 tliciidon. 
 
58 AD VER r I SEMEN TS. 
 
 CRirSTJlL IlOlJSJiJ, 
 
 HDBBARDSTON, - MASS. 
 
 This large and commodious House, situated in one of the most 
 beautiful villages in New England, surrounded by scenery unsur- 
 passed for beauty and grandeur; has been fitted up with an eye for 
 neatness and comfort. We are prepared to accommodate Summer 
 Boarders as well as the traveling public, on the most reasonable 
 terms. ISTo pains will be spared to make their sojourn with us a 
 pleasant one. 
 
 WACHUSETT MOUNTAIN IS ONLY SIX MILES DISTANT. 
 
 Splendid drives; good fishing and gunning; billiards, dancing and 
 other amusements. For terms address, 
 
 J. FELLOWS, Proprietor. 
 
 St. Charles Hotel, 
 
 MILLBURV, MASS. 
 
 The above elegant and new hotel has been made larger, and is 
 now in complete readiness to receive pleasure or other parties, 
 either public or private, on very reasonable terms. Our larder is 
 furnished with everything the market affords. Gentlemanly at- 
 taches to render everything first-class. Drummers entertained at 
 low prices. Free carriage to and from the depot. 
 
 _„ Travelers he sure to call for the St. Charles Hotel carriage 
 at the depot. 
 
 OKARLES T. PRATT, Proprit^tor, 
 
A D T ' /•; /; r fs km k \ r s. 5t) 
 
 WACHUSETT HOUSE. 
 
 
 The Largest Hotel of the Place. 
 P. A. 15E AxlIAN & SON, - - - Proprietors. 
 
 ALDRICH HOUSE, 
 
 PKOYrDEM i:, - li. I. 
 
 The above Jloiise is now open for tlie reception of guests. It 
 has been thoroughly refurnished and repainted, and the proprie- 
 tors will spare no |>ains to make tlie House lirst-class in every 
 respect. Two niijuites' walk from the depot. Excellent sample 
 rooms foi- comn\ereial travelers. 
 
 1^ W. HUNT & SON, Proprietors. 
 
 F. W. HUNT. H F. HUNT 
 
CO 
 
 A J) VKh'T[SI^:MKXTS. 
 
 QUINSIGAMOND PARK. 
 
 Having leased ♦ this Park, on the eastern shore of the beauiifu! J 
 Lake Quinsigamond for the season of 1877, I am prepared 
 
 to accommodate ; 
 
 \ 
 
 Parties, Pic-Nics and Social Gatherings j 
 
 iFiE^ss OIF Gia:^i^C3-E. j 
 
 ^^^ There is a Good Platform for Dancing, | 
 
 DAN. MOULTON, CATERER FOR SF-IORE DINNERS j 
 
 This Park is readied by the Dummy Kailroad and Steamer ": 
 
 "Addie,'* which make hourly trips through the summer season. ; 
 
 1 AUL I-IJENJIY, Prop'i'. 
 
 FULL MOON TROTTING PARK. 
 
 This Trotting Course, situeteil at Quinsigamond Park has been 
 
 put into first-class condition, and is now open for races. 
 
 Stables have been erected an<I 
 
 IIorHes will ]-er('i\'e t/te Best of Care 
 (iiul !'/•(( i It i /t (/ 
 
 under an experienced horseman, at reasonable rates, 
 
 PAUL HENKY, Proprietor. 
 
.1 T) VER TISEM EN TS. {] 1 
 
 MOUNTAIN HOUSE, 
 
 (MT. WACHUSETT,) 
 
 PRINCETON, - MASS. 
 
 Situated on the eastern suU; of AVaeliii.s(>(t Mountain, 
 
 1300 FEET ABOVE THE LEVEL OF THE SEA. 
 
 At tlie terniimis of the Stage and Onuiibus line to tlie Boston 
 Bariv ct (Gardner R. R. at ]'rineeton station. 
 
 Witli abundant sliade trees, extensive views, unsurpassed for 
 
 beauty, cool and bracing mountain air, and a 
 
 magnificent growth and 
 
 \^(//-/r/// of Fcf'IiS (111(1. f)//i(ir irioi'd, 
 
 It ()tT(M-s unusual atti-aelion lo tlui 
 
 TOURIST AND PLEASURE SEEKER. 
 
 \n ^liililcs, liiiiiiuycil (iiTiiiiiils mill lli'iliiitil Pin'is. 
 
 Open for lioMitliM's and Ti'iuiisient Guests, 
 fV(j!n Juno 1st t.o November 1st. 
 
 M. H. BULLARD, Prop'r. 
 
«2 
 
 A T) VBR TISEMBNTS. 
 
 AMERICAN STABLES. 
 
 LIVERY, 
 
 BOARDING, 
 
 BAITING 
 
 and SALE. ! 
 
 ^U^t^-^r ' 
 
 WASHBURN & VAUGHN, Propr's, 
 
 Special attention paid to Boarding, 
 
 VV O K € 15 S T E R • 
 
 J. H. YMSHBURN. 
 
 L. B. VAUGHN. 
 
WARE, PRATT <t CO. 
 
 ALWAYS IN FULL STOCK OF FIRST CLASS 
 
 READ V- MADE CLOTHING, 
 
 Of theii' own miuiiifarturi ; toijctlior w illi ii large !iss(ntment of Commitii 
 ('l.)tl)iiii,^;it Lowest I'rie-es. 
 
 HEADQUAKTEKS FOR BOYS' CLOTHING, 
 
 of all the latest ami most dcsiral.h! stvlcs. Lariic and rhoicc vaiietv of 
 Clotlis, Ca^sinicrcs and I'ailoriiii.' Goods, at Wholesale and Ketail. 
 
 Custom Work for Men and Boys, Superior in both Style and Workmausliip. 
 
 Funiishini; Ooods in great varioty. Searco and Desiralde Goods can \\o 
 found hero. 
 
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