Recollections of Portland

(By Mrs. N. A. Polifka, Appleton )

         The opening up of the Plank Road between Portland and Watertown brought a good deal of prosperity, not only to the towns connected but all along the line.  Farms were very fast opened up and new people were coming in daily.  In due time, a postoffice was given Portland which was a great convenience.  The mail was coming several times a week from Watertown and Columbus .  At first it was carried on horseback and afterward by a stage line.  The merchants and hotels had come to the little Village of Portland prior to this.  Society also caught the spirit of the times and people were very gay and social; the old fashioned ball was at the front.  They would commence to gather a little after sundown and dance all night, returning to their homes after the sun was well up feeling happy but somewhat exhausted, but they all did their days work just the same. 

         Card playing was also indulged in, especially for rainy days and evenings, while fishing and hunting was left for Sundays.  Here I want to speak of the wild flowers all through the country around Portland .  They were perfectly grand, in all shades, colors, sizes and shapes.  One can just imagine the forest and virgin soil all aglow with their beauty and sweetness.  There were also lilies of the marshlands.  Many springs were found sparkling with an abundance of pure water, but as the land was opened up and farms started, the forests were cut off and inhabitants were coming in so fast that much of the water supply was cut off and springs became dry in a few years.  The wild flowers did not bloom so profusely, and with cultivation of the soil, much of the real natural beauty was sacrificed much to the regret of many people.

         Soon after the settlement of Portland , a small day school was started in a very inferior building, but after a few years, it became very necessary to make plans for a new schoolhouse.  The large schoolhouse was built about fifty years ago.  It was a very commodious building with good grounds and surroundings.  I think Professor Amos Squires was the first teacher. 

         It was my privilege as a little girl to go with my father to the raising of the schoolhouse, the event calling out all the neighbors for miles around and a great day it was indeed for there were several other children on hand and we kids did have a jolly time all day.  My father at that time was one of the school board and building committee.   With the completion of the new building, it brought not only day school but preaching on Sundays and also a large enthusiastic Sunday School.  Out first Superintendent was truly a man of God and beloved by all.  His name was Mr. George Fostee. 

         My brother, Duncan Campbell, was the librarian and treasurer of the Sunday School.  We had good attendance, good singing and many faithful teachers who labored hard to teach us the word of God.  The women of the church organized an aid sewing society to raise money to help in the different departments for furnishing the schoolhouse, sewing for children that they too might appear in the Sunday School. 

         The most lively events were the suppers and dinners furnished by the women to which nearly everyone attended coming for miles around to gather at the festive board, and not only to partake of all the good things furnished, but to look into each others faces and a warm hand clasp.  I remember their smiling faces and happy expressions while enduring all the hardships of a new country and very often poverty, and very little to give them happiness except pure air, God's bountiful sunshine and the perfume from the wild flower.  One almost shrinks in comparison to our lives at this day surrounded with all the comforts and luxuries of an up-to-date civilization.  During the winter, donation parties were given the minister where a good supper was served and many brought of their storehouse for gifts to maintain the preacher. 

         Also, in our day school, we had spelling schools, sleigh rides, etc.  During the summer months, we had Sunday School picnics and last day of school picnics, with much speaking and singing by the children which meant a great deal for us. 

        After we got to be quite young folks, we thought to hold a dinner party during the noon hour.  We took our food in the morning and keeping it warm until noon , we set a long table and gathered around for our meal.  I remember one good mother who sent us a heaping pan of fried cakes which were so good and appreciated by all.  I shall never forget this little part of our school life. 

         As I think over the past and those good old pioneer days when each man and woman were neighbors in the true sense of the word and helped each other in sickness and health; in the true spirit of self sacrifice for others.  Who can tell, but God alone can reveal the many struggles and hardships that the dear mothers had in those early days raising their families that were to become the men and women of the future.  Mothers battling from day to day that right should prevail. 

Here I am reminded of the words from the poet, "the bravest battles that ever were fought were fought by the mothers of men".  After all, what are our lives now as compared to those happy carefree days of our youth when we dwelt in peace and harmony with our dear parents who have passed to the other shore and are the companions of the Saints?

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