Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1894-06-15


with invocation by Rev. A. W. Snyder, fol-
lowed by an address ty Hon. j. W. Brad
bury, president of the day, who spoke as
follows:
Feliotc Citizens. Ladies and GeiAlemen:
1t is suggestive truth that the good men
do in this world lives after they have left it
A good deed does not die. Our meeting on
this occasion is evidence of the fact.
We have assembled to lay the corner
stone of an editice for public library, de-
voted to the public good-when the rich
treasurer of learning of all ages of the
world, in history, biography poetry science,
art, general literature and fiction are to be
garnered, preserved and made available to
public use, for the free enjoyment of every
citizen. We owe this privilege to the pub
lie spirit of Llewellyn W. Lithgow--a man
that will be held in grateful remembrance
by the countless beneficiaries of his useful
and wise bequest, of the present and future
generations.
The library was founded by him. and it
appropriately bears his name; while liberal
and essential aid has been received from
others which is thankfully appreciated.
Mr.. Lithgrow was native of Maine, of a
family distinguished in its early history.
He was born in the town of Dresden, W here
he lived and entered into business and re-
mained until 1889, when he moved to Au-
gusta, where he resided for more than 40
years, a valued and respected citizen, until
his death which occurred Jan. 90, 1881.
By his will, dated Jan. 81, 1881, proved
and established by the court of probate,
July 25, 1881, be gave to the city of Au-
gusts $40 900 in trust, for the express pur-
pose of creating funi to be known as
THE Lithgow Library and Reading Room
Fund" the interest of which is to be used
in establishing and maintaining public Ii
brary in the city of Augusta for the use of
the citizens thereof.
He further provi led that the principal
must never be diminished; and if in any
contingency it should be reduced, the city
must make it good.
The city has accepted the trust, received
the $20, 900, and given its obligation to pay
to the trustees of the library, perpetually,
$1,000 per annum, in semi-annual payments
of $500. The permanency of the library is
thus secured.
In addition to this specific bequest, Mr..
LhehSo", III tbS iSsiuudiy CiduSc VI Ills VIII,
provided that after paying all his specific
his residuary legatees.
The clause in his will for the specific be-
quest was prepared for him by counsel, at
his request, but the re st of it was drawn by
himself, and in making the residuary be-
quest to Augusta he omitted to state that it
was for the same purpose as his other do
nation; and it became necessary to obtain
authority from the Legislature to enable the
city to carry out this intention.
In obtaining this authority an act of in
corporation was also secured, and "1'he
Lithgow Library and Reading Room" is
now legal corporation, with power to pro-
tect its property and maintain its rights.
Under this residuary clause the library
had received about $15 90 some years ago.
A literary and library association that ex-
listed prior to our organization had a vslua-
BILE selection of books costing over $25OO,
the sale of which was ordered as the asso-
citation was running in debt, but was ar
rested and this whole library, making a
material addition, was subsequently trans
ferred to ours at cost of a few hundred
dollars.
1t has been the effort of the trustees to
provide not merely works of fiction, which
are in great demand by the younger patrons
of the library. but largely hooks of more
instructive character, designed to interest
the general reader, to develop a higher
standard of taste, and gradually, as our
funds will permit, place on our shelves the
works of our best authors in every depart
ment of learning.
Two or three years ago there was a
strong feeling in favor of the erection of
library building, but after the payment for
the lot the funds applicable to that purpose
were much too small to pay the cost of a
suitable one.
In this exiRency the. trustees made re-
peated sppeals for aid. Without further
particulars (Which are fully stated in my
report to the city governmen) it is sufii-
cient on this occasion to say that enough
has been secured to bring the general or
building fund up TO $4,000, including in
it the balance received from the Lithgow
estate under the residuary clause in the
will, after the payment for the lot.
OF this amount there were ~ subscrip-
tions for $1,000 each. three for $500. FIVE
for $3.50. one for 5000, one for $l75, I2
for 500 and a good number for less
amounts, all being specifically entered upon
the records of the library.
1t includes the generous aid we have re-
ceived from non-residents of Augusta /:
from Mrs. Henry w. Fuller and Mrs. En-
mons Blaine of $1,000 each, and a like
amount from Mr.. Charles Alden, Mr.. Hor-
ace Willisms and Mr.. Emory A. Sanborn
and $4,000 from Mr.. Andrew Carnegie.
The library corporation now has a solid
standing.
Permanent fund, $4,000
General and building fund, 10000
The lot unincumbered, and a library of
over 600O books.
We have the nucleus of a good public
library. 1t has been my hope that we could
save enough from the general fund, with
the amount received from the takers of
books, to meet our current expenses, and
thus leave the whole of the $1,000 income
to be expended in the purchase of books
and additions to the library.
One thousand dollars annually and Judi
ciously applied to such purpose would in
time make the Litbgow library, in a good
CONTINUED on 9Th page.]
Highest Of all in Leavening Po