Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1882-01-25
The Library Project.
BOSTON. Mass. January II, 1892.

BosroN, Mass, January II, 1897.
Mr.. Editor'-l learn from the WATCHMAN OF
most commondable movement in my native town,
one that | heartily endorse and will aid TO the
extent OF my ability, viz: the establishment OF a
public library In Montpelier. All that you have
said In your article OF the value and Importance
Of such an Institution in place is true The
browning glory OF the cities and towns OF this
ancient and renowned commonwealth Ia their
public libraries, which, as you have said, are a
powerful agency for the diffusion OF intelligence,
the cultivation OF elevating habits, and the ad-
vancement OF public morality. have been look
ing forward for some years past to the centennial
anniversary Of the settlement Of Montpelier, now
near as time when would suggest this matter
Of public library to my old associates and
friends there; and since reading Of the move
ment recently in this direction, have thought
how appropriate and proper it would be to cele-
brate the centennial year Of the town with the
opening Of public library there, in a building
erected for the purpose and to this end will
make n subscription towards building fund, and
another towards the purchase Of books, and will
also solicit subscriptions for this object from
those residing here who are natives Of Montpe-
lier, and others who have resided there and claim
It ~ their old home; and will also present to
the library volumes Of newspapers, books and
pamphlets published in Montpelier at an early
day, also manuscript volumes relating to the
early history and institutions Of the town. 1t
was always characteristic Of the people OF my
native town that whatever they undertook to do
in the way of public improvements, buildings and
enterprises, there was no halfway work about it.
They did It thoroughly and well and | have no
doubt when this matter Of public library is fully
discussed all will see the usefulness and need of
1t, and will say zoe must hare Il and In Mont
peer that means we will have 1t. No better
monument could be erected to the memory OF the
fathers OF the town and no better legacy left to
their children, and 10 their children's children
for generations yet to come than public library
building, well filled with books. ! would bespeak
the interest in this OF those who were my fathers
associates and friends as well as my own: Mr..
Iangdon, Colonel Jewett Mr.. Walton, Mr.. Page,
Judge Red6eld, Mr.. Ellis and others, and OF those
who were schoolboys and playmates with me,
now occupying the positions fathers did in
those days forty years ago Mr.. Shepard, Mr..
Mead, Mr. Charles and Mr.. Edward Dewey Mr..
| Samuel Walton and others. How my mind goes
back to scenes and events Of years ago, as write
tnese nhhes! Long may they All i've 10 enjoy
the fruits of their abors is the wish Of their old
| friend and townsman
?. S.-My best wishes attend the efforts Of
those who have moved in this matter and have
| signed the call for meeting to talk up the
subject With some Of them am personally ac-
| quainted, in fact have known them from boy
hood, and been intimate with them in years gone
past at home, and with one OF them far away
from home in trials and hardships that but few
experience. Success attend their efforts
| Very truly yours, GEORGE B. REED.