The Press., 1891-06-18
THE NEW MEMORIAL HALL AT
 WINDSOR LOCKS.

THE NEW MEMORIAL, HALL AT
 WINDSOR LOCKS.
 It is said that the new building at Windsor Locks is the first gift of the kind in the United States made by an individ- ual citizen exclusively for use by the C.. "A. R. ( The building is handsome in exterior, solid and square in appearance, its plain- ness relieved by circular tower at one corner, surmounted by circular roof bearing flag staff. One of the cere- monies of the dedication was the raising of an elegant silk flag upon this tower. Characterization of the exterior Is further secured by different shades of granite used, often in checkered fashion, all the stone being quarried in Mir. Chaffee's na- tive town, Monson, Mass. A great beauty of the building is it's appearance of solid ity-as if built to stand as monument through the ages. The entrance to the hall is by Roumanian arch, over which are the words in large gilt letters, "Me- morial Hall" Entering, the visitor is in large and handsome hall, lighted by glass in the long doors and small win dows on the side. On the left is the bronze tablet, a gift of the town, contain Ing the names of seventeen men from the town who were killed or died of disease in the service of their country i, --
 The first room on the right of the hall is library, finished in Canada ash, light ed by four large bow windows, seven feet curve of the tower. The room will be lighted at night with chandelier of four electric lights. There is an old-fashioned fireplace here made of rich tile work, over which is a beveled glass mirror. This room is finely frescoed, and the col ors harmonize beautifully with the nat ural color of the wood.
 The next room opening out of the hall is the reception room for the Sons of Vet erans. There is every convenience here for hanging hats and clothing, and it is we'll lighted, with two large windows and five electric lights. Next is the north west room, intended for the Woman's Re- lief Corps, size 22x42, lighted with six large windows and electric lights, hard wood, Canada ash finish, and nicely fres- coed walls. The southern pine floor is oiled. On the first room at the left of the hall is reception room for the Woman's Relief Corps, with the same kind of fire- place, mirror and finish as the room oppo- site. Out of the reception room open the toilet rooms, with all modern conven- fences. Opening from the hallway on the left is the hallway for the Sons of Vet erans. This is the same size as the hall on the northwest corner of the building, and is finished in the same handsome manner. The frescoing here is handsome and the border is filled with emblems of the order.
 Ascending the hallway, past the bronze tablet, by three easy flights of stairs and frequent landings, the upper hall is reach ed. It is well lighted with large windows The finish and fresco here are equally as good as in the hall below. On. the right is a reception room for the Grand Army post. This has four curved lower win dows, with tile fireplace and mirror on the mantle. The room is fourteen feet high and frescoed the same as the rooms below. There are sliding doors from both the reception room and hallway into the Grand Army hall Entering the hall the visitor will be surprised at it's attractive ness. It is 44x5O feet, and frescoed with a wide, deep border on which are the em- | blems of the order. The room is lighted by sixteen windows from the north, west and south sides. They are 74 feet high of two plates, and from them are good views of the town. There are two chan deliers, with eight electric lights each. In the hall is the new grand upright piano presented by the wife and daughter of MT. Chaffee. The rooms are furnished with | new desks and chairs placed there by the post and sons of veterans, and are ready | for meetings.
 In the basement are toilet rooms for gentlemen, and the cellar floor is cement ed and well lighted and heated.
 The frescoing of the rooms throughout | the building was not in the contract, but MT. Chaffee hardly liked them plain, and he ordered the work. The contract price was about $25, ,OOO, but the many improve. ments added to the building from time to time have made it cost about $30,OO0. THE GIvER.
 MT. Chaffee began life poor boy and served an apprenticeship as wool sorter He was g. good wool sorter. It has beer secret of his business success that he has done everything soeW that he has haG to do. He worked for time in Monson then in Rockville, and in 1862 went te Windsor Locks. In 1867 MT. Medlicott owner of a mill on the site of the large establishment now owned by MT. Chaffee being in financial difficulties, stock com pany was formed to take his business and MT. Chaffee became stockholder but had no active part in the business, as he about that time engaged in the stove and tinware trade. The Medlicott compan, failed in 1876. MT. Chaffee was made asslgnor, and in that capacity ran out its stock, then organized 8 new company ant became manager, and the business has al ways since prospered, as have all ventures managed by him. @
 He made goods which won reputation never hazarded by any attempt to cheap en, always in demand, and always will 'b' so long as they are associated with thu name of Chaffee. He was troubled tha any old employees of MT. Medlicott has lost part of their wages, though no re sponsibility for this rested upon him. H. Edesired the new company to assume thi Edebt, but the directors would not consent
 Then said MT. Chaffee, "These peopl Ishan receive their money if I have to pa, 1t myself" This he was not in a position II ,to do until 122S when tho nav roll wa