Newport, Vermont, USA (Newport Center)
1883 - Newport

Forty miles south of Sherbrooke, on the Passumpsic Railroad, upon the shores of the romantic Lake Memphremagog, and amid scenery of the most picturesque character, is situated the village of Newport, a place long famed as one of the most attractive and beautiful of New- England summer resorts. Few travellers who
have the leisure at command can well withstand the temptation to halt at this pleasant spot, expecially if they have formed a previous acquaintance with the elegant and substantial comforts afforded by the well known MEMPHREMAGOG HOUSE. The natural attractions of Newport have, within the past few years,
been greatly enhanced by improvements of a
practical kind, and there are many cities not as well provided for in a sanitary way as
this country village. The guests of the hotel, instead of being compelled to drink the water of the neighboring lake, which might be deemed good enough at other similar resorts, are supplied from the pure and crystal springs
upon the hill across the arm of the lake, (pipes leading directly to the house across the
bay. The drainage is also perfect. Prospect Hill, a very sightly elevation a short distance from the hotel, has been made most charming
resort by the construction of drive ways and paths. A reservoir is located here,
spring water obtained from the same copious sources which supply the hotel, is furnished therefrom to houses in the village. The view from this point is very extended, including the village with its surroundings of lake, river and mountain, and many far-away peaks. A
large expanse of the lake is seen, together with the bay which assits in forming the peninsula on which Newport Islands. Owl's Head, a sharp peak which rises from the western shore of the lake, and Jay Peak, 4,018 feet high,
and the third highest of the Green Mountains, are near at hand. Mount Elephantis is beyond Owl's Head, and Mount Orford, 3,300 feet high, still farther away. The three mountains last mentioned are in Canada, and Jay Peak in Vermont. Southward the Willoughby Mountains, with the remarkable gap in which Willoughby Lake was formed, are plainly seen. The places of interest in the neighborhood of Newport are
very numerous, and a long sejourn would be necessary to exhaust the extended list of sides
and boating excursions which can be taken with the hotel as a starting point.

To meet the requirements of guests, carriages, saddle horses and boast are always at command, the supply of the latter having been increased last year by the addition of six elegant new boats. A new boat-house has also been built in front of the hotel and near the railroad station. Steamboat landing, station and hotel
are all near each other.

Among the many places of interest near Newport,
are Clyde and Conventry Falls , the former of which are within an half- hours walk of the hotel. It is a pleasant drive to Stanstead, which is situated across the Canadian line, and an other pleasant excursion may be made to Jay Peak. A delightfull excursion by row-boat may
be made to Black River, which pursues its way toward the lake in graceful windings, amid the greenest and most luxuriant folliage. Barton River is another point of interest to be reached in the same way, while the lake shores have many attractive points. Experienced and
careful boatmen are always to be had.

The MEMPHREMAGOG House is a admirable kept by
Mr. W. F. Bowman, and will accomodate four hundred guests. It has been thoroughly renovated , and to a large extent refurnished for the summer season of 1883 , and is in splendid condition for the reception of tourists. Music will be furnished by Mr. Jané W. Cheney, Boston's favorite pianist and propter, who will be assisted by a violinist and cornetist from the Boston Symphony
Orchestra. The broad and spacious verandas, which extend upon all sides of the hotel , afford glorious out-looks upon the lake and the other scenic beauties of Newport.

Lake Memphremagog is from one to two miles wide, and thirty miles long , fully two thirds of its fair expanse lying in Canada. Its out
let is at Magog, which is situated at its northern extremity and Newport which is at
the southern end, is therefore at the
head of the lake. An excursion down the lake in
one of the fine steamers , "Mountain Maid," or "Lady of the Lake," is a most delightful experience. Along the western shore is a range of mountains, of which Owl's Head and Mount Elephantis are the most prominent elevations. The eastern shore is less wild, though very
picturesque, and towards the southern end, it is dotted with the pleasant summer villas of some of Montreal's wealthy citizens. The late Sir Hugh Allan, of Montreal, had a villa here. The his family and friends, make frequent excursions on the lake in a handsome steam
yacht, a perfect model of his large ocean steamships. Not infrequently the trim little
steamer pays a visit to Newport, do bearing, perhaps, a party who desire to attend one of
the hotel hops.

Memphremagog is an Indian name, and is said to signify "beautiful water", a most happy designation, surely. The scene greatly resembles that upon Loch Lomond, the "Queen
of the Scottish Lakes." There are upwards of twenty Islands in the lake, the largest of which, one hundred acres in extent, is known as Province Island. Round Island is a gracefully formed and wooded isle, guarding the bay which
leads up to Owl's Head. Lord's Island is near the foot of the lake. On Long Island is a huge boulder, known as Ballance Rock, and upon Skinner's Island is a cave of which romantic stories are told in connection with early
smuggling operations. The summit of Owl's Head affords a magnificent prospect, and is frequently visited. There is a hotel near the steamboat landing known as the Owl's Head Mountain House, which was substantially rebuilt last season and placed in excellent order to entertain transient guests and picnic parties. The steam yacht "Raymond" will run between Newport and the Owl's Head Mountain House, and can also be chartered by parties who may wish to visit the several places of interest on the lake. The only village on the shore of the lake between Newport and Magog is Georgeville, on
the eastern shore. The steamers touches also at Knowlton's Landing, opposite Georgeville, on the west side. At Magoun's Point, fifteen miles from Newport, the Passumpsic Railroad Company has fitted a picnic grove up (Bay View Park) , with a pavillon for dancing &c. , and steamer excursions to this place are frequently made
during the summer.

Guide to Quebec and the Lower Saint-Lawrence .... (1883). Canada: éditeur non identifié.

Visit Newport, Vermont, USA (Newport Center)
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