Memory Lane
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A Stroll Down Memory Lane

It’s been a year since we reproduced copy from a century-old newspaper by a reporter who called himself " The Man About Town." He describes dream-like scenes of the Tripp Lake of yesteryear. Visiting different cottages around the Lake on Sunday afternoons, he entertained his readers with flowery adjectives and crisp verbs. So let’s continue down melodramatic Memory Lane.

The Man About Town describes the "newly built cottage of Fred McCann situated in a beautiful location with splendid shadey trees surrounding it." Though it isn’t yet completed, "it has the appearance of being the handiwork of one who has taken much pride in having one of the most substantial cottages on the shores of the lake. One of the crowning features is a veranda of ample dimensions. Not far from his house is a neat little stable. Near that is a garden in which are growing all kinds of vegetables from which Fred expects to harvest enough to run several teams into town and supply all of our markets with Crosby corn, potatoes, tomatoes, squash, etc."

"Nearby is a new departure in buildings—a bungalow, built by that prince of genial prevaricators and equivocal statesman, known as the ‘ice man.’ It is confidently asserted that his bungalow is a reproduction of one of his hundred pound cakes of ice, embellished with applique trimmings and passamenterie. On bright and beautiful days when the sun's rays beat down upon its quartered roof, it scintilates and sparkles like the diamonds of Golconda, and you can readily imagine that a wizard of genius and art planned its exterior. It was built and is owned and occupied by that fearless and incorruptible statesman who, by his matchless wisdom and personal magnetism has so -long been a potent factor in our political life—Fred H. Waterhouse."

The Man about Town hoped to chat with Fred but "was informed that he and his family were at church, so we walked around his pretty bungalow, and admired the beautiful location." He then says, "When you dedicate it, Fred, to truth, honor, justice and integrity, may we be there to drink your health in sparkling Poland Water."

Does anyone know where either of these Freds lived on the Lake? If so, let us know. Thanks to Marion Emery for these nostalgic pieces. ..Babs

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