Franklin County ME Archives History .....Farmington, Maine 
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Tina Vickery tsvickery@adelphia.net March 16, 2007, 9:59 pm

Stimpson, Mary Stoyell. "Farmington, Maine". New England
Magazine June, 1904: 387-403. 

Though bearing her years with exceeding grace and with
beauty Farmington is by no means a young town. It was fully
one hundred and twenty years ago that the first families
moved up the shores of the Kennebec River, and reached Sandy
River Valley—a valley whose luxuriant forests had, up to
that time, been the vast hunting grounds of the Red men.

Farmington is the shire town of Franklin county and contains
besides the incorporated one, three flourishing
villages—West Farmington, Farmington Falls and Fairbanks. It
was at the Falls (Messee Contee-Herring place) that early
explorers found a small tribe of Indians, but when the
settlers arrived in 1781, only two families remained, that
of Pierpole and that of Phillips. The last named soon
disappeared, but Pierpole stayed on, helpful and friendly to
the white man. Not so his black-eyed wife, Hannah Susup—a
daughter of the Norridgewock tribe—she distrusted the pale
faces and showed them scant courtesy. Not long after the
arrival of the English settlers, Pierpole, his wife and
children, the last of the aborigines, located on a lot in
Strong which had been reserved for him by the state of
Massachusetts. He built a frame house and adopted many of
the habits of his white neighbors, but clung to the dress of
his forefathers, wearing a blanket, moccasins and ornaments.
He was repeatedly urged to copy the costume of the newcomers
and did, on one occasion, don a pair of buckskin breeches,
but soon removed them with the remark, "Too much fix urn."

He was singularly intelligent, with good features and
expressive eyes. He had a gentle disposition and performed
many acts of kindness for the pioneers. As the years went
by, the valley filling ever thicker with strangers, he
perhaps felt cramped for room, and dreading further
innovations, grew restless. Thus it came to pass that after
twenty seasons of good comradeship with the thrifty farmers,
he one day, with neither farewell nor explanation, placed
his family in their canoe and paddled out of sight, never to
return.

"Where he' went, 
no white man knoweth, 
Whether to Canadian waters, 
Whether to the rocking ocean, 
Whether to the banks of Menan 
No man knows, but down the rapids 
Went the Indian forever."

The settlers along the Sandy River, which is a confluent of
the Kennebec chose-, an auspicious period for their venture.
The depredations of the Indians had ceased; the war for
Independence was drawing to a close; our troops, weary of
bloodshed and strife, were glad to enter upon the peaceful
though arduous task of founding new homes in the wilderness.


It was a small band of pioneers who passed that first winter
in Farmington — eight families in all. But they were people
of energy and intelligence. None of them were illiterate.
Most of the early settlers came from Massachusetts towns
where the common school system was in operation, and they
lost no time in having their children placed under daily
instruction. In a small log house, pupils of all ages
gathered, taught in the summer by young women, men being
employed during the winter months.

The town was incorporated in 1794 and it was only a few
years later that its citizens built a church and a school
house. In 1794 Dr. Aaron Stoyell began the practice of
medicine and in 1800 the first lawyer, Henry Vassal
Chamberlain, settled in Farmington. The first religious
services in the township were held in the log house of
Stephen Titcomb, whose wife sent for a Methodist minister to
baptize her infant son — the first white child born in this
wilderness. Mr. Titcomb began his explorations as early as
1776, in the valley of the Sandy River, and built the first
log house on the river. He soon had a farm of abundant yield
and by thrift and industry acquired a handsome property.
This worthy couple, both of whom lived past the age of
ninety, brought up a large family of children who "have
maintained to the third and fourth generations, the sturdy
virtues of their ancestors.

Supply Belcher, a man of fine education, who had been
engaged in mercantile life in Boston, and who had held a
captain's commission under Washington, moved to Farmington
in 1791 where he soon became a conspicuous figure. It was
Captain Belcher who, acting as agent for the township, went
to Boston and secured the necessary act of incorporation. He
was a skilled musician, being a singer, composer, and
violinist, and was called the "Handel of Maine." He was the
first choir-leader in town and the accurate, stately music
rendered by "Squire Belcher's singers" was regarded with
admiration. His wife, a Boston girl of broad education, is
remembered as a woman of charming presence, and generous
hospitality.

In that same year Thomas Wendell, a direct descendant of
Evart Jansen Wendell, "the immigrant ancestor of a family,
long distinguished in American life and letters," who had
arrived from Salem as early as 1786, began a clearing upon a
farm on which he afterwards passed a long and busy life. He
was deeply religious and "was one of the founders of the
Congregationalist church in Farmington, serving it as clerk
and served on its board of trustees until his death. 

Enoch Craig, having done faithful service in the Continental
army, laid down his arms to explore the new country. He was
among the pioneer settlers, and, having much skill in
agriculture, was not long in showing broad acres under;
successful cultivation. Pretty Dorothy Starling was nothing
loath to occupy "the best log house in the township," and so
rode away, one day, with the capable young farmer, to the
nearest Justice of the Peace (who was more than 30 miles
distant) to have their marriage solemnized. She lived to
preside over a fine frame house and to see her husband
occupy many important offices.

In 1812 the Farmington Academy was opened for instruction
and great was the joy of the citizens over an institution
whose purpose was "the promoting of piety and virtue and the
education of youth in such of the languages and such of the
liberal arts as the Trustees should direct." For more than
fifty years this Academy sent forth students whose names in
many cases fill prominent places in Maine's history. Its
last four preceptors—Alexander H. Abbott, Rev. Jonas
Burnham, Rev. Horatio O. Ladd, and Ambrose P. Kelsey, have
been widely known as educators in and beyond New England.
Among the pupils of these years (1841 to 1863) may be quoted
Dr. Edward Abbott who has been rector of St. James Episcopal
Church in Cambridge, Massachusetts, for twenty-five years,
and whose parishioners have recently given a fund for the
erection of a church porch on the west side of St. James
Church, to be called the "Edward Abbott Porch," as a
testimonial of the affection they bear him who has served
them for a quarter of ;a century. Rev. Samuel B. Stewart,
who was recognized at the Academy, at Bowdoin, and at
Harvard Divinity School as a diligent student, was installed
as minister of the Unitarian Society of Lynn, Massachusetts,
as long ago as 1865, and still remains its honored leader.

Prominent among makers of books is D. C. Heath, president of
the D. C. Heath & Company publishing house of Boston, which
has branch offices in New York, London, and Chicago, and
whose volumes are widely used in schools and colleges all
over the country. He has a charming suburban residence,
"Heathcote," at Newtonville, and in spite of his business
activity, finds time for athletics, club life and various
charities. Major S. Clifford Belcher, member of the Franklin
County Bar, of distinguished record in the Civil War, and
high in the Masonic Order, is not only remembered as a
student at the Farmington Institution, but as Principal of
the Foxcroft Academy in another part of the state. Dr.
Elbridge Gerry Cutler is a medical practitioner of repute,
in Boston, and also instructor at Harvard Medical School.
Major Nathan Cutler, another faithful servitor in the war of
the rebellion, filled the post as Commandant at the U.S.
Military Home at Togus, Missouri, later practicing law in
New York City. Horatio Quincy Butterfield, a Harvard
theologian, has filled the President's chair at Washburn
College Kansas, and Olivet College, Michigan. Warren
Johnson, after conducting a family school for boys at
Topsham, Mine became supervisor of schools in Maine and
Massachusetts successively. Moses C. Mitchell has for many
years been the Principal of the Military School for boys at
Billerica, Massachusetts, one of the best disciplined
schools in New England. U. S. Senator Washburn and Judge
Enos T. Luce, author of Maine Probate Law, were connected
with the old Academy days, while one of the earlier pupils
was Freeman Norton Blake (brother to George Fordyce Blake,
one of Boston's wealthy inventors) who was American Consul
to Canada under two Presidents -- Lincoln and Grant.

In 1863 the trustees of the Academy made over to the state
all the funds and other property for the establishment of a
State Normal School, which was opened for instruction the
following year. Its first principal was the late Ambrose P.
Kelsey, who was succeeded, in turn, by George M. Gage and C.
C. Rounds. Since 1883 Mr. George C. Purington, a Bowdoin
man, as occupied that chair. The brick buildings have been
enlarged and remodelled, from time to time, until they now
present a picture of architectural beauty, and well-nigh
perfect in their furnishings and equipments. Although this
was one of the first schools of its kind to be established
in the state it has always ranked high among the training
schools of the country, Prof. Purington is devoted to its
interests, and his reputation in educational work is
enviable. He is a friend to music and has been a tower of
strength in the Maine Music Festivals. On a site next the
Normal School Building, stands the Cutler Library building,
a recent gift to the town from the late John L. Cutler and
his brother, Isaac Moore Cutler, as a memorial of their
father, the Hon. Nathan Cutler, who became a resident of
Farmington in 1804. The giving of a store-house for books
was a fitting tribute to one who was a man of broad culture,
himself. All his tastes were scholarly, and from his college
days at Dartmouth, whence he was graduated in 1794, to the
day of his death in 1861, he was a student of the classics,
and a lover of literature. It was immediately after his
admittance to the bar that he settled in Farmington, where,
though devoted to his profession, he yet lent himself, with
vigor, to educational and political movements. He was one of
the founders of the Farmington Academy and a member of the
charter board of trustees, so it seems eminently suitable
that his memorial should adjoin the grounds of an
institution in the founding of which he played so important
a part. Situated in the centre of the town—on Academy
Street—constructed of North Jay granite and containing all
the modern .library fittings, it is a model edifice of which
the architect, W. R. Miller, of Lewiston, may well be proud.
Both sons (the donors of this handsome building) settled, in
middle life, far from their boyhood home, but lost neither
their affection for nor their interest in Farming-ton. John
Cutler was, like his father, an able lawyer, and all through
his life was a friend to students and libraries. Isaac
Cutler of Maiden, (the other donor) has been the unknown
benefactor in several worthy enterprises.

For more than a dozen years the May School was a prominent
feature in the educational life of the young people. Miss
Julia May is an author and lecturer, still busy with her
pen. In her volume, "Songs from the Woods of Maine," several
of her tenderest verses are ¦dedicated to her sister, Miss
Sarah May, of hallowed memory. "The Willows," known beyond
the confines of the state as a luxurious all-the-year-round
hotel, was used originally as a boarding school for young
ladies, conducted by Miss Lucy Belcher (now Mrs. Nathan C.
Goodenow.) Among the pupils are remembered Mrs. Alice Frye
Briggs, since prominent in educational and club movements
and for two years, the President of the Maine Federation of
Women's Clubs; and clever Patience (Tucker) Stapleton who,
though living only the briefest time beyond girlhood, left
behind a series of brilliant sketches and more than one
novel of merit. Yet had she never written anything but that
story of subtle charm (whose scene is laid on the island of
Monhegan) ."Trailing Yew"—her genius would have been
established.

The famous Abbott School for Boys has always been a notable
institution and from first to last has not only a pleasant
history of its own but had for its builder no other than
Jacob Abbott, and since it was conducted from 1844 until
1902 by some member of the Abbott family, has interwoven
with its existence much that is interesting concerning a
family prominent in American letters. The school has never
been a large one—perhaps fifty or sixty pupils at the
outside—but it has exerted a wide influence and ranked high
among like establishments. A few years ago fire destroyed
the dormitory and the closing of the school became
imperative. Later, Mr. George Dudley Church, a former
teacher, purchased the property and in corporation with a
stock company built a new dormitory after modern design and
restored the grounds. Mr. Church assumed the principal-ship
and retained the name of Abbott School in recognition not
only of the founder but of the long association of the
Abbott family with its life and history. "Little Blue Boys"
these students have always been called and will no doubt
bear that name to the end of the chapter. Among its former
pupils are included men occupying prominent positions to-day
in Congress, and in state and municipal affairs. It was in
the early '70s when Col. Alden J. Blethen (now an editor and
publisher in Seattle, Washington) was principal, that Nat
Goodwin, all round actor and prince of comedians was
enrolled as one of its students—showing then, in declamation
and mimicry, his remarkable histrionic ability- "Little
Blue" was selected by Jacob Abbott as a family seat in 1837
or 1838 when he had gone to Farmington to visit his father
who lived just opposite this unimproved tract of land. He
foresaw its capabilities and began developing its natural
beauties. He deepened a brook into a pond, laid out paths,
and "a rude sand bank where an insane hermit had, not long
before, made his lonely cabin, was trimmed into graceful
proportions with the scraper, soiled, sodded, planted with
trees, receiving the name of Little Blue out of respect to
Mt. Blue which towered in the horizon twenty miles to the
northward." For six years he lived in a small cottage which
he had built in the midst of these grounds, which were
steadily growing in beauty under his industry and genius,
and then he moved to New York; Rev. Samuel Abbott, a
brother, leasing the place for the purpose of opening a
family school for boys. At' his death in 1849,' Mr.
Alexander Hamilton Abbott, a native of Farmington, but
belonging to another branch of the Abbott family, succeeded
him and he spared no time or expense in further developing
the beauty of the twenty acres. He coaxed choice shrubs and
exotics into luxuriant growth and planted rare trees until
the spot became the show place of the town and chance
tourists often printed accounts of its unique charms.

Before going to Farmington to reside, Mr. Jacob Abbott had
begun to write his "Young Christian" series, the first
volume being received as enthusiastically in England,
France, Scotland and Germany as in America. The popularity
of these books has never waned and some of them have been
translated into French, German, Dutch, arid several
missionary languages. While residing at Little Blue his pen
was unceasingly busy. The "Rollo Books," "Lucy Books," and
the "Jonas Books" were written at this period. From 1843
until ^i he was engaged in teaching with his brothers, in
New York, and when he retired from the school he again
turned his attention to writing. Previous to his visit to
Farmington, which culminated in the building of Little Blue,
he had been a remarkable pedagogic power both by pen and
word of mouth. He was a forerunner of several progressive
educational movements. When principal of the Mt. Vernon
School in Boston he added an extra year to the regular
course which made a semi-collegiate" training possible for
such girls as desired it; he was largely instrumental in
inducing Lowell Mason to go to Boston to teach music in the
Mt. Vernon and Other schools, he caused some drawing cards
to be printed for children to color, and in a volume called
"The Teacher" advanced suggestions (then new) which today
arc widely adopted. Always intelligently devoted, to the
spread of musical knowledge, he was the first president of
the Boston Academy of Music, and did much for the beginners
of musical cultivation in that city.


Jacob Abbott had four brothers who like himself were all
graduates of Bowdoin College—all five men studied theology
at Andover, all were at some time pastors and teachers; and
all save Samuel became authors. Jacob Abbott's four sons who
lived to manhood, Vaughan, Austin, Lyman, and Edward, showed
also a curious unity of achievement. All graduated from the
University of New York; all but Edward studied law; all
became authors and editors and each did years of service as
church organists and choristers. Dr. Lyman Abbott practiced
law for some years in New York City in partnership with his
brothers, Austin and Vaughan. Later he studied theology with
his uncle. Rev. John S.C. Abbott and was ordained to the
Congregational ministry in 1860. His first charge was in
Terre Haute, Indiana, and since then he has filled the
pastorate at the N. E. Church of New York City and the
Plymouth Church of Brooklyn, New York. For eleven years he
edited the Literary Record of "Harper's Magazine" and for
some time conducted the "Illustrated Christian Weekly." In
1876 he assumed joint editorship of the "Christian Union"
with Henry Ward Beecher, and eventually had entire control
of the paper. Two of his sons, Ernest and Lawrence, are on
the staff of the "Outlook," while the third, Herbert, is a
brilliant journalist of New York City.

Dr. Edward Abbott was ordained to the Congregationalist
ministry at Farmington, in 1863. In 1879 he took orders in
the Protestant Episcopal Church and has been rector of St.
James Episcopal Church, Cambridge, as previously mentioned,
ever since. He has been editor of the "Literary World," one
of the foremost critical papers of this country from 1877 up
to 1903, with the lapse between 1888 and 1895. Beginning in
1869 he was for nine years associate editor of the
"Congregationalist." He has written both prose and fiction.
His paragraph histories of the United States and the
American Revolution and his story in verse, "The Baby's
Things," are perhaps his best known works. His descriptive
writings have a peculiar charm. In his library, at his home
on Dana Street, one finds wonderfully convincing proof of
the industry and ability of the Abbott Family. Here are rare
and odd editions of his father's works in every conceivable
size and binding; scrap books relative to the activities,
travels and writings of this remarkable group of thinkers;
original manuscripts in Jacob Abbott's neat handwriting, and
shelf upon shelf of bound magazines edited by Mr. Edward
Abbott, who remarks as he points to them, "These are my
play." Surely the reading world has profited by what he
pleases to term his recreation. His two daughters have the
family gift for writing and teaching. Mrs. Madeline Abbott
Bushnell has done clever editorial work and her sister, Miss
Eleanor, has written charming poems and is the present
Secretary of the State Normal School at Lowell,
Massachusetts.

In the Dana Street library, in spite of able works on
history, theology, law and literature, and the embarrassment
of riches as to topics for reflection and interrogation,
one's memory veers straight' toward the author of "Gentle
Measures with the Young"—Jacob Abbott— that "ideal Christian
gentleman" who, from time to time, honored Farmington by his
presence and who settled there quite permanently about 1870,
on the old homestead, "Fewacres," which lay just across the
street from Little Blue. He made many additions to the
original buildings and all over the grounds delighted in
laying out new paths, making seats, arbors, and terraces so
that beneath his hand the place grew in beauty and
enchantment. Although the last ten years of his life were
spent in comparative leisure, he wrote one hundred and fifty
books and the entire list of published works written and
compiled by him comprises more than two hundred titles. Mrs.
Clara Cutler and Miss Salucia Abbott, his sisters, who lived
also at Fewacres, took a deep interest in the young, and
planned many instructive entertainments for the children of
the village.

John S. C. Abbott, widely known as the author of "Life of
Napoleon," and such of the "Red Histories" as pertain to
France, was acting pastor of the Congregational Church in
Farmington for two years, where he was deeply loved. He had
a fine emotional nature and as a speaker was eloquent and
dramatic. He graduated in the famous class of 1825 at
Bowdoin College. His ministerial labors lasted forty years
and his eight pastorates were all in New England. Aside from
this he wrote more than fifty Volumes and with his brothers
was one of the pioneers for the higher education of girls in
America. His sunny disposition and exquisite courtesy won
friends all his life.

Farmington is the birthplace of the famous prima donna,
Nordica, who has recently added to her laurels by receiving
from the Crown of Bavaria a gold medal in recognition of her
Wagnerian renditions at the opening of the new Wagner
theater. Mme. Nordica is the first American to receive this
honor. She was born Lillian Norton and began her musical
study at the New England Conservatory of Music. She showed
great talent at an early age, inheriting it from both
parents. Her mother, a woman of strong character, was the
daughter of Rev. John Allen—better known as "Camp-meeting
John," a man deeply respected for his earnest piety. As a
youth he was converted at a camp-meeting and ever after had
a fondness for such gatherings. Having attended nearly four
hundred he recently won his quaint sobriquet. Brilliant in
repartee, uniformly cheerful, he was a unique character in
the village life.

From the day Lillian trudged to school with her primer
'neath her arm, until the wealthy New Yorkers presented her
with her magnificent tiara of diamonds^ and crowned heads
were lavish with their gifts, she has kept a loyal heart to
her old friends and birthplace. Her grandfather did not have
all the wit. There was strong mentality on the grand-
mother's side as well. Annah Allen's father, Nathaniel
Hersey, of Hallowell, was taxed in 1777 ten shillings for
his "faculty," the queer old tabulation of that locality
showing that tribute was paid on live-stock, real estate,
poll, and faculty (this last being imposed upon such men as
had, from superior education or native ability, a better
chance for success than their fellows.)

Happy Nordica—paying neither for her faculty nor wondrous
voice, her song delights the world and makes Maine proud
indeed!

Farmington's church history has been, happily, one of peace,
concord and steady growth. From the building of the old
"Center Meetinghouse," and the loving ministrations of
quaint "Father Rogers" down to the present time, the
citizens have given loyal support to the religious life of
the community. Among the younger Farmington-born men to
enter the ministry are the Revs. Charles Herrick Cutler,
Oliver Sew-all and Arthur Titcomb. Rev. Roland B. Howard,
Secretary of the American Peace Society, who died some years
ago at Rome, was for several years pastor of the
Congregational church.

The first president of a Farming-ton bank was Hon. Samuel
Belcher, a citizen who held many town and state offices. He
was Representative to the Legislature, Speaker of the House,
County Attorney and Judge of Probate. Other presidents have
been as follows: D. V. B. Ormsby, Reuben Cutler, Francis G.
Butler, and Joseph W. Fairbanks. The last named is still
living, actively busy in municipal affairs. Primarily a
merchant, he has "been closely connected with the monetary
interests of the town; entered the Legislature in 1865 as a
representative from Farmington, was re-elected the following
year, and for the two succeeding years was returned to the
Senate.*

Timothy Belcher, who served the Sandy River National Bank as
cashier through a long period of years, was a gentleman of
unfailing courtesy who, during a banking and mercantile
career of forty years, held the esteem and affection of the
people. This pioneer bank is about to locate in larger, more
modern rooms, having purchased the corner store on Main and
Broadway, long occupied by the late Hiram Ramsdell, one of
Farmington's most respected merchants, and a director of
this institution.

The Franklin County Savings Bank was chartered in 1868,
while a more recent banking house is The Trust Company,
occupying fine quarters on Main Street and founded by
Messrs. George Wheeler, George Currier, and Bonney Bros. The
Peoples National Bank is the newest and largest bank of the
town, having been organized in 1901 and having resources of
nearly a million dollars. Its president is Mr. George W.
Wheeler and Prentice Flint its cashier.

It is an ever increasing satisfaction to the inhabitants
that an accurate and comprehensive history of Farmington was
written by the late Francis G. Butler, during the last few
years of his life. It was fitting that his pen should
transcribe the annals of a town in whose affairs he had
played so conspicuous a part during his life of eighty
years. He was a member of the Maine Historical Society,
possessed a remarkable memory, and was a reliable
statistician; thus his volume is a fine example of
historical work.

The broad strips of intervals which stretch out from Sandy
River to merge later into hills and mountains are constantly
enriched by freshets so that the soil has become the richest
in the state. A distinct line of the farmers' work in this
section is the raising of sweet corn for Burnham and Morrill
of Portland who have one of their many canning plants in
Farmington.

Agriculture has been the prominent industry of this region
but there are a few manufacturing enterprises carried on.
The wood-turning factory of Russell Bros., gives employment
to a number of people. Sportsmen value the split-bamboo
fishing rods made by Charles Wheeler (the only ones of their
kind manufactured in the state) and Greenwoods' Ear
Protectors find ready sale in the colder states of the
Union.

The Printing and Publishing House of Knowlton, McLeary &
Company is a busy place to visit. The publications are
mostly of an educational character. Mr. David Knowlton, the
senior member of the firm, is a Bowdoin man who besides
being a trustee of the Normal School has always had the
interests of the common schools at heart.

A local paper, the "Chronicle," began its existence nearly
sixty years ago and has been under the management of many
able men. Its present editor is J. M. S. Hunter.

"Old Home Week" is no empty sound to Farmingtonians. During
the summer months the town fills with sons and daughters
from all points of the compass who take quiet, abiding
delight in reviewing the familiar scenes. Prominent among
the annual visitors is Dr. Charles F. Thwing, President of
Western Reserve University and leading authority on College
statistics in America.

One of Farmington's most prominent sons and present-day
benefactors is Mr. Edmund Hayes of Buffalo, N. Y., who is a
civil engineer and bridge builder of national reputation. He
has been connected with some of the largest bridge building
companies of this country and is now engaged in "harnessing
Niagara Falls."

When weary Washington politicians and denizens of crowded
cities turn for their vacation toward the fishing-grounds of
Rangeley Lakes, they leave at Farmington the cars of the
Maine Central R. R. and take the little toy train of the
Sandy River R. R., which is narrow gauge. There are a good
many interesting things about this road. At the time it was
built (1879) there was no road in this country of so narrow
a gauge and people shook their heads when it was proposed,
saying it wouldn't work, wouldn't pay and would be
dangerous. But they were wrong in all three counts. George
E. Mansfield, builder of the road and father of the narrow
gauge system in this country, was not long in proving the
three things he claimed—economy, safety, ease. The good
points of the system so commended themselves to such as gave
careful investigation that other similar roads were
constructed until Maine now contains eight of the two feet
gauge roads. The Sandy River R. R. has the happy record of
having never in its existence of over a quarter of a
century, taken a life or maimed a human being, and the
wealthy capitalists who own it know they hold a road whose
stock brings the largest price of any in the world. The
president of this road is Mr. Weston Lewis of Gardiner,
Maine.

A good many of the tourists like to break their journey by
an all night tarry in Farmington, where they find every
evidence of prosperity. The streets are wide and regularly
laid out. The offices and stores are for the most part brick
blocks. Its six churches are all substantial edifices. In
front of the handsome court-house—in a bit of a green park—a
fine soldiers' monument, the gift of a soldier citizen, has
just been erected and will be soon dedicated. A movement is
also under way whereby "Fewacres" will be restored to its
former beauty, and preserved in memory of the author of the
Rollo Books, Jacob Abbott.

The schools—a source of pride to the residents—have good
buildings, while the majority of the private residences show
an air of elegance. As far as the eye can reach, beautiful
scenery stretches out before one—scenery which is varied by
green interval, winding stream and a sturdy background of
wooded hills. In all New England there is no spot fairer
than Farmington— Farmington, in the valley of the Sandy,
nestled 'twixt Mount Abram and the ocean.

Additional Comments:
Stimpson, Mary Stoyell. "Farmington, Maine". New England
Magazine June, 1904: 387-403. 

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