This park is situated upon the east shore of Lake Winnecook, one mile
from Unity Village. It was purchased from Eben F. Thompson by the
Unity Lake Land and Improvement Association, and covers thirty acres.
One-half of the lot is covered with noble pines, and thrifty cedar and
fir trees, making it one of the healthiest spots to be found--an ideal
resting place.
For eleven years, James R. Taber was president and general manager
of the association. When he took charge, there was no water upon the
place. A meeting of the stockholders was called to see what action they
would take about piping water from a spring which they owned, about
one-half mile distant. Authority was given to do this work. Capt. Chas.
Baker, James R. Taber and L. H. Mosher were placed in charge. The job
cost $700.00.
Hon. A. J. Billings, then a member of the State Senate, took some of
the water to the State Board of Health at Augusta for analysis. Doctor
Billings received the following letter:
Hon. A. J. Billings,
Senate Chamber,
Augusta, Maine.
Dear Sir: On a separate sheet herein enclosed, I give the figures
obtained in the analysis of the sample of water sent by Mr. Libby,
February 25. The result shows no evidence of polluting matter, and
there is almost complete absence of all organic matter. It is a good
and pure water for drinking purposes, with a medium degree of hardness.
Yours truly,
A. G. YOUNG, _Secretary_.
_Analysis of Spring Water at Windemere Park_
Silica 48.15; alumina 32.5; magnesia 10.14; protoprid of mangonese
0.28; protoprid of iron 7.92; water 0.5, equals 99.49.
The Clough Veteran Association, G. A. R., have a large memorial hall
at Windemere, built in 1896, where the veterans of the G. A. R. and
their friends meet annually on the 13th of August for a reunion. Gorham
Clough gave liberally for the building of this hall, ably assisted by
the Hon. A. J. Billings of Freedom.
Windemere Lodge and Cottages: The Park hotel, a commodious and
attractive building, well fitted up for the convenience and pleasure of
summer visitors, is under the management of Norman J. Merrill. Eighteen
or twenty cottages, some under the hotel management, others owned by
private individuals, are filled each summer with visitors.
Along the shore, both to the north and south of Windemere, are the
summer homes, both of our own citizens and of those who came to us as
strangers, but who in their long sojourn with us have been adopted as
friends.