Poetry · Chapter
Lines on Tilsonburg explained
A poetic tribute to Tilsonburg, praising its water power, scenic lakes, fine roadway, and modern amenities like water works and a famous silo.
What happens
A poetic tribute to Tilsonburg, praising its water power, scenic lakes, fine roadway, and modern amenities like water works and a famous silo.
Themes in this chapter
Progress and Technology
Celebrates Tilsonburg's water works and silo as symbols of modern advancement.
Local Patriotism and Regional Pride
Expresses pride in Tilsonburg's unique features and beauty.
Key passages
“After him who did the mills own, This place was called in honor Tilson”
The town was named after Tilson, who owned the mills.
Explains the origin of the town's name.
“Bright gleaming like to a beaming star, Is clear waters of the Otter”
The clear waters of the Otter River shine brightly like a star.
Describes the beauty of the local river.
“And it doth form here a vast pond, Which extends for miles beyond”
The river creates a large pond that stretches for miles.
Highlights the extensive water feature.
“A fortune on town it will shower, This prodigious water power”
This immense water power will bring great wealth to the town.
Emphasizes the economic potential of water power.
“No other spots to youth appear, Like lovely little lakes round here”
No other places seem as beautiful to young people as the small lakes here.
Praises the local lakes as attractive to youth.
“And few small towns have fine roadway Lined with brick blocks like your broadway”
Few small towns have a roadway as fine as your Broadway, lined with brick buildings.
Compliments the town's main street.