Burlington weekly free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1866-1928, 1882-09-01
MR. PARK,s PHILANTHROPY.
A FUN Statement of Iiis Plans ana
Purposes.

| bennington Correspondence OF the RUTLAND
llerald.l
Mr.. Park has for long time been thinking
of doing something which would result In a
permanent institution for the relief and com.
fort of old ladies of his native State, and
when it became known that the beautiful
residence of the late $. b. Hunt of Bcnning-
ton could be purchased he conceived the
idea OF converting that into such place, and
accordingly barganed for it, thereby antici-
| pating the time Of commencing active opera
tions for at least two years, as the buildings
and grounds were already fitted for the
accommodation Of large number. There
are about 200 acres of land, with II main
building well and permanently built 50x45
feet, three stories high, including the attic,
which is high and completely finished, with
els and other necessary addition. The
barns and out-buildings are large and com
modious, having been built with reference to
| fitness and convenience.
The price, $25, 900, paid for the premises,
IL but fraction of the real cost, and the
saving could not well be for better purpose
than the one contemplated by the generous
founder OF such an institution.
An invitation being given for the citizens
OF both sexes of Bennington TO meet MIR.
Park at the Hunt place, Friday afternoon,
August 1S, large number from all parts of
the town convened, and after IN hour of
very pleasant greetings and hand shakings,
listened to familiar unfolding of his intcn.
tions relative to his plans for the future. His
idea was that it should not be in name a home
for the destitute, an orphan asylum, or an
asylum for the friendless. but home where
all should feel that by their humanity and
responsibility they should be free to enjoy
themselves and, if young, should be max
ing improvement in mind and body to be-
come useful citizens and even ornaments to
society; and perhaps some to fill places of
honor and trust ia the nation. Stranger
things have happened and are happening
under our own observation. He emphasized
the idea that there should be nothing in the
name of the institution that should tend to
humiliate one of its inmates, and that its
surroundings and workings should be, as far
us possible, such as to make all feel an
entire freedom in the enjoyment of its ptivi-
legcs, knowing that improvement, morals
and character only would be the results
aimed at. He at first thought of devoiiug it
to home for old ladies, but the idea grow
ing out OF fitting it this season forl the
''fresh-air" children from New lork-of
whom there are at present about sixty, with
number of their tired mOthers-was sug-
gested of making it home for old ladies in
connection with children. This had 50 fixed
itself in his mind that he proposed to carry
il out if ii met with the hearty cooperation
of the ladies and citizens generally of Ben
ningtou, who, Le thought, should feel inter-
estcd in the object so rs to heartily look
after its interests in manner that no amount
OF money could have done. He intimatcd
that the present buildings were perhaps
ample for a portion of the work intended to
be accomplished in his plan, and that as it
should develop others would be erected a
little removed, which would be better than
having it all under one roof, being more
convenient, and perhaps separating the diff
ferent branches, but there would be no re-
s,rctions in making it all the ladies OF Ben
nington would show themselves capable and
willing to make it, and of its ultimate great
usefulness he had no doubt.
His remarks were attentively weighed by
those present and responded to by the clergy
and citizens; and committee of ladies'
was appointed to take the iniliatury steps for
organization.
The estate and funds are to be placed in
the hands of Il board OF trustees, who will
have power to fill vacancies in their number
and care for the property. The lady manage
ment will be composed of Protestant ladies
selected from the different denominations in
town and Others from the different counties
OF the State