Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1891-05-12
Kouneboc Natural History and Anti
quariau 9ccisty.

Ksunsbsc Natural History and Anti
quarian socisty.
When, few months ago, four or five
gentlemen met in an artistic down town
office one evening to talk over the plan Of
forming & club or society to be composed
Of those who were interested in the study
of local sn.iq aities and history. the natural
sciences and their related branches, they
little realized, we think, what popular
feeling had been touched, how many would
become interested in it, and to what
important proportions it would grow. Some
favored = sort of private club which would
hold meetings at the homes Of its members;
others q local or city association, and
still others an organization which
should embrace the whole Kennebec Valley
as its field, obtain public hall, and build
up local library and muse um devoted to
specimens Of Kennebec antiquities and
objects Of natural and local history, and to
devote its efforts to whatever would illus
trate any feature Of interest in the early
occupation and settlement OF the Kennebec
Valley and its present condition.
After few preliminary meeting had been
held the latter plsn prevailed aud the Ken
nebec Natural History and Antiquarian
Society was duly organic ed, and a board
Of officers elected. Regular meetings were
held, enc public lecture was given before
the society, and i 5 membership attained
about seventy within sbont two months Of
its organization. Twas then deemed advis-
able that steps be taken to have the society
duly incorporated under the laws OF the
State. This was thought best in order
that i! might secure esee of suitable
rooms for its headquarters, use seal,
obtain ard hold btqussis, and make col
lection Of literary ard historical property
which it could forever hold for the benefit
Of the public through coming generations.
The legal organic atom of the incorporated
society took place on Thursday evening
last, in accordance with papers previously
drawn, partisl board of officers was
chosen, aud the constitution Of the fomer
voluntary organization adopted for the
present government of the society.
One of the first things necessary for the
success Of the society seemed to be the
obtaining OF suitable rooms in which it.
meetings could he held and its collections
housed. It needed a horoe-room in which
Tie members could be interested, help
sdtrn aid make attractive with pictures,
relics, books and natural history speci-
mers room large enough for its lectures,
meetings and collections for feveral
years TO come. After an examina-
zion of several rooms and small
halls the Executive Council frauy
decided upon iha hall in the Pray bulldog
over the dental rooms of DR.. f. G. Briggs
east side Of Water street. This hall is 81
by 81 feet is size, and has been leased by
the society for term of five years. The
same has been put in fine condition, the
walls and ceilings tinted, the floor painted
and electric lights have been put in. There
is ample room for wall cases for specimens,
books, ect., leaving also sufficient room in
the centre for as la,gs AZ audience as
will be likely TO a.terd its
regular monthly meetings. When public
lectures are held by the society a larger
hail can be Obtained. /; is proposed by
the society to hold services appropriate to
the dedication Of its hall on Thursday
evening Of next week, May 2i,., Of whic
full particulars will be given hereafter.
The society proposes to hold two or more
"fleld day excursions the present summer,
'the date Of the frs; having been fxed for
Thursday, May 2s, programme for which
will be published later.
From the frs inception of this move
ment for scientific, historical and literary
society in this city, the plan has met with
hearty approval and support Its member.
ship has become Unexpectedly large and
this membership is not confined to residents
Of Augusta alone, but it already embraces
names in Hsllowell, Gardiner, Randolph,
Fsrmingdale, Vasssibaro, Portland and
other towns, the largest number Of
course being resident Of this city.
Already several donations have been
made as d beginning Of the society's col
lsctioDs, sad now that rooms have been
obtained, suitable cases ani o.ha, rssepta.
cles for deposisins specimens of all kinds.
relics, books, manuscripts, cu.io.i.ies, etc,
will be provided As soon IS possible, and
every body will be invited to make donations
to the archives Of the society. 1t has been
fortunate from the start IN having
the assistance Of many enthusi.
sstic workers devoted to the obiec.s
for which the society WIS organized
Among these are such well Known students,
scientific specialists and distinguished
gentlemen ~ DIR. W. Scott Hill, Hon
Samuel Titcomb. Hen, J. W. Bradbury,
Hon. Cbas. Z Nash, Capt. II. +. Bisa.
chard, Mr.. c. c. Willough5y, Historical
antiquities), Mr.. Frank r. Noble. (o.ni.
tholosy1, Mr.. P. s. Mooney, (entomo.
logy), Mr.. s. L. Bosrdman, Mr.. e. C.
Dudley, ar. L. D. Carver, Mr.
s. A. Russell ard many others.
The membership embraces many Of the
leading citizens Of Augusta, among vhica
are several ladies', sud j. is hoped the mem.
bership may be doubled within the next
month. All members will be expected to
join in the Field day excursion, May %
DR.. W. Scott Hill is president Of the
society.