Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1885-03-23
A NOBLE BENEFAcTIoN.

Mrs e B. Croker, of this city, has
added another to her many noble benefac-
lions. In spirit OF broad philanthropy,
and with an unobtTusiveneSs that speaks OF
true nobility, she has rendered to the peo-
pie Of Sacramento the splendid temple
known as the Croker Art Gallery, and all
the beautiful and costly works of art there
in. 1t is a free gift to the people of the
Capital city and the State of California.
She places this beautiful building, not sur
passed 10y any in the country, in the hands
of the California Museum Association, that
within its walls it may continue the labors
it has entered upon, and which are Of the
highest character and lofticst aim, and yet
of such 4 practical order as to command
the interest OF tl.e business sense while OBJ
tanning the respect of culture and of the
art taste. Such bcncdiction has never
been bestowed by any. woman of California
upon the people, for It is blessed by the
kindliness of a heart overlooking with
desire to do good to its fellows and to con-
tribute to their welfare, and is unincum-
bered Icy any selfish ambition or the
slightest desire for the worlds plaudits.
All over this city are to be seen evidences
of the charity Of this lady; there is not a
household in Sacramento where her name is
not spoken with tender regard and that re-
speet which honest worth commands and
which no wealth can enhance. II is an act
ST wisdom when one becomes his own
executor. Mrs. Croker very evidently
realized that except BY some such method
rs she has adopted the beautiful property
referred TO would in time fall into disuse and
bebemeaned to ignoble purposes, while the
magnificent collection of paintings treasured
within its walls would he scattered abroad
and be stripped of the tender recollections
and cherished memories that surround the
years which she and her deceased husband
devoted to their collection. II was wise
provision, therefore, 20 attach to the gift
that hundred thousand dollars shall be
raised and invested, the income of which
shall be devoted to the preservation Of this
beautiful temple and its rich contents, and
to carving ON the work of the Asso-
citation to which she intrusts the property.
Without. this the gift would have been un-
wieldy and might not have proved the
blessing il now certainly will. 1t was a
wise provision, also, that the recipients
attach to the acceptance Of the gift that
the giver shall become, and remain for her
life, Director of the Association. Thus
she Will still remain closely related to the
property around which such fond recollec-
tions dweIl. The work of the Museum
Association, which is thoroughly repre-
sentative body of men and women, some
rich, some poor, some Of independent
means, some toiling from day to day for
wages, but all actuated by common I'm
selfish and laudable purpose is broad and
varied, but entirely possible Of accomplish
ment. 1t is work which will benefit
every man, woman and child in the COM
munity, and make life for each better
worth living. 1t will elevate the public
tastes, cultivate the better part, en-
rich the minds of our children and enlarge
the public intelligence. 1t has a very
material phase also. While it proposes
to afford the people of the State the adj
vantages of art instruction, to provide
teachers Tor the young in drawing and
painting up to the demand for them, it