Butler citizen. [volume] (Butler, Pa.) 1877-1922, 1891-12-25
High School and Library.


A special meeting of the School Board
of Butler was held, Monday evening, for
the purpose of considering the proposition
of Dr. j. Cooper Mckee as to the erection
ofa Public Library and High School build
ings on his lot at corner Of Jefferson and
Washington SITS.
President Ralinson stated the object of
the meeting.
Sec'y Galbreath read the Dr's proposition
the gfst of which is as follows: If the
people of Butler will raise $4,000 within
one year for the purpose of erecting a
Public Library and High School, he Will
deed to the School Board his lot fronting
79s feet on Washington St. and $50 feet on
Jefferson st. He will select three trustees
and he and his trustees are to locate the
Public Library, decide upon the plans for
it, and select the architect. The town Is
also to contribute S. 900 for books to be
selected by a committee named by the Dr.,
and is to provide a librarian and janitor,
and donate $500 year for new books.
| In note to the Board the DR.. says the
lot has been valued at 80. 900, end it was
stated that he had already selected plan
Of building for Library, that could be
erected for SO. 900.
The Committee, appointed TO consider
the proposition, reported that additional
school facilities for this town were abso-
lutely necessary, and thought that an
appeal should be made to the citizens OF
this town, and particularly to those of
wealth, for aid in building a Public
Library and High School Building, that
this lot was in central location and on a
paved street, that money for a High
School building could be raised by bonds
and taxation extending over a time OF
fifteen years, and advised the acceptance
of the proposition.
Mr.. Goucher offered set of resolutions
Istating that there were now 100 scholars
attending the public schools Of Batter,
that the town employed 80 instructors,
that we are hampered for room, that more
rooms and better facilities are a pressing
necessity, that immediate steps should be
L TAKEN 10 ulttl-lut Nd1iS vi buC ulotAiNh IL
this respect, and that as the Committee
had reported faForably on DIR. McKee's
offer that IT be accepted with the thanks of
the Board and citizens-the library to be
named the Col Mckee Public Library
Mr. Mitchell thought it would be wise
| TO accept the offer and 90 to- work at once
and referred to the beautiful ornament
across ethe street.-the .. 2. Church
built at cost of $50, 900.
Mr.. Galbreath favored acceptance and
said that such action would not bind US, as
| if we fail in one year to raise the money
| no harm will be done; and our duty as
members of the Board and citizens requires
that we make the effort If we succeed
great good will come of it for ourselves
and future generations.
| Mr.. BOwser thought that at first blush
| the figures named looked big, but as we
| had year to raise the money, we should
make the effort, the necessity for more and
better school facilities was apparent to all,
we are hampered for room and are poorly
provided with apparatus, the high school
should interest us all ahd these grounds
| are suitable, available and central; he
would be proud to sae handsome and well
equipped buildings there; takes native
| pride in this matter and believes we can
get through with it.
| Mr.. Findley concurred in all
/ that had been said; the Board was com
PEELED to do something, and if we fail in
| this matter we will be no worse off; knows
| Of people who have located in other towns
on account Of their superior educational
advantages, that $50, 900 building on that
lot will add 300, 900 to the value Of the
town.
Mr.. McJunkin said lie realized the need
| ef more school room and agreed with all
| that had been said in that direction; but
this lot was only 79x1s0, the sum required
is $50, 900 and the conditions expensive, and
| he thinks the requirements of the town
can be fully met at much less expense;
that the Board should not burden itself
with maintaining Library and that it can
do better acting independently.
| MT .furVib ABTeeu Win MI McJ uHhint
he was pleased with Mr. McKee's offer as
IL brought the High School question to a
focus, he wants High School and thinks
il can be secured for. S25, 900 or $780, 900,
but he does not like Mr. McKee's condi-
| tions.
| Mr. Gouchcr thought this good time TO
agitate the question as business is dull and
we have nothing else To do.
4 Mr.. McJunkin thought the gist Of the
question before the Board Of the people Of
Butler was will we pay bonus Of $25, 900
for the privilege OF building "a $25, 900 High
School on that lott is a good location
and generous offer, but the conditions are
Objectionable. The resolutions carried
none voting against them.
On motion Of Mr.. Gouchcr a committee
Of nine to solicit subscriptions consisting
OF Messers. Joseph l.. Purgis. J. II. Trout
man, D. Osborne, Il. Mackey, A. Il. Reib-
or J. r. Anderson, All Wick, W. j. Nc
Kee and Joseph Hartman was then elected
and Board adjourned.
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