Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1880-05-06
Notes by the Way.

PHILADELPHIA, Nav 3, 1880.
| A good deal of interest has always attached
to Girard college, on account of the conditions
under which Stephen Girard founded the in
stituton, and to kenne5ec people, because
the President, VIM. Allen, is an Augusta
man.
| twill be remembered that the condition
of the bequest was such that no minister of
the gospel can ever be permitted to hold a
religious service in the institution. As re-
suit, the religious services are conducted by
lay men, who are interested in the welfare of
the pupils The President of the institu-
ton often conducts the services. No secta-
rian views are inculcated, and children of all
the nationaities in the world are freely admit
ted Perhaps I ought to say it is intended
for orphan children of Philadelphia, only.
The buildings are full at the present time,
there being so pupils.
| The original and main building is Of mar
ble-even the roof is of the same material
and is surrounded by row of Corinthan
pillars, thirty -four in number and nearly sew
en- feet in diameter at the base. These are of
granite. In the vestibule is the life size
statue of Grard, standing in front of War-
BILE sarcophagus.
The first room we enter is the library and
directors room, which is ornamented by
crayon drawings by the pupils, that show
good taste and proficiency. The directors
meet here each month.
As we pass up the marble stairway we are
shown into the room which contains personal
effects of the founder of the institution. The
first thing that meets our eye is the chaise
that he rode in when living. 1t is an ancient
looking affair, as would be readily supposed
from its age. Then comes his library, house.
hold furniture, Office furniture, pictures.
crockery, wearing apparel, all as ancient
looking and as curious as those seen at In
dependence building; could relic hunters
get possession Of some of these ar
ticles they would bring fabulous prices.
But here they will remain, as that was stip-
ulaton in the will. Undoubtedly this institu-
ton has far exceeded the anticipations of its
noble founder, as the funds have been Judi
ciously invested and paid a large interest
As fast as the funds accumulate above the
annual expenses (Which are some $1,000
new buildings are erected and!improvements
made; a beautiful granite chapel has recent
ly been built that will seat 1000 boys The
buildings are all warmed by steam, the pipes
running under ground.
Mr.. Scribner. formerly from Manchester,
is one of the officials here, and he with his
estimable wife kindly took us through the
various departments, pointing out objects of
interest and explaining the workings of the
| institution.
| The dormitories are patterns of neatr,ess
and comfort. Each pupil occupies bed that
is covered by nice white spread In the
wash room each pupil has his own bowl.
brush and comb and glass, while in the base
! ment are pools or immense tanks of water at
the proper temperature, in which the boys
are allowed to frolic q suitable length of
time once week. |
We were shown into the laundry, where all
the washing for about one thousand people is
done by machinery, and the bakery which is
in the same building. The steam boilers,
eight in number, are immense affairs, and in
cold weather twelve tons of coal per day have
been consumed in making steam sufficient to
warm the buildings. The gas which furnish
es light for these buildings is lighted by cleo
tricity. This placeis worthy Of an extended
visit, but time and space forbid.
The weather has not been favorable for
sightseeing since We left home. and there are
many places we hope to visit.
Before closing wish to speak Of the p.
w. b. r. X. that have travelled upon q
good deal think it is the best conducted
road in this part Of the country. part of
the road has been open for travel since 1873,
only, and it is surprising how many suburban
places have sprung up between Philadelphia
and Chester, (the new part) distance less