Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1897-07-02
BIG ENTERPRISE.
Old Public Library TO BE Mammoth
Amusement Booth.

BOSTON, Mass, June 29-This city, which
stands without peer in the new world a.
ceutre Of instruction and popular amus@.
ment, Is shortly 10 be endowed
with the only accessory it lacks In
this respect-a permanent geological eK-
hibit. The fame of the present ZOO,
which has transformed the oil public library
building on BOylston street into yeritahls
Mecca. has spread and illustrated the
strong hold such an educational exhibit
ton always has upon the popular mind.
Successful as this novel enterprise has been
far beyond the highest expectations OF its
projectors the present exhibit and its ac-
companying features is nothing to what II
will soon be. Elaborate plans are being
arranged looking to the purchase OF the
building and site and its transformation into
one Of the most unique and extensive
amusement enterprises Of the age, combln-
ing all the salient features of the Zoo, and
the legitimate drama. all this TO be done,
too, without essentially impairing the
value OF the building as a Boston Landmark.
A more happy location for the creation
of such a temple Of amusement could not
possibly be selected. II will be convenient
and accessible for city residents and subur-
ban visitors alike, lying as it does about
midway between the present aud the two
projected big railroad terminal stations, and
adjacent to the Common and Public Gar
den. the new Subway, the mammoth new
hotel Touraine and the retail shopping dis
trict of the city itself. Nearly every street
railway line will be tributary to it, and 1t
can be reached from every quarter ot
the city with minimum of time and effort.
A number of Boston's best known finan-
ciers. knowing that the city is desirous OF
disposing of this property. have formed what
is known as the Old Public Library Trust.
One of the cty's most influential financial
institutions has been selected to act as
trustee and the enterprise has been properly
flnanciered. The valuation placed upon the
estate is $3.50. 600. OF this amount the trust
will pay to the city 800 900 in cash to secure
title. giving a 10 year mortgage at per cent
for the balance. For the purpose OF raising
the 100000 cash for the payment, and an
additional 300, 900 for the purpose OF putting
the building into a condition suitable for the
uses to which it is to be devoted. it is pro-
posed to issue $500 900 in trust stock, which
will be offered to the public of Greater Bos-
ton, and New England in general. lu shares
of SO each, and with guaranteed annual
dividend OF per cent
SO far have the plans progressed that the
trust has already entered into an agreement
with Mr. Chas. F. Atkinson the energetic
and successful manager of the present
"Zoo,' whereby that well known amuse-
ment magn8te will assume lease of the
building for term of ten years. devoting it
to the purpose already described and per-
sonally guaranteeing the payment OF the
per cent dividends on the 1900, 600 stock.
In addition to this. he will also guarantee
to pay the annual interest Of per cent or
the S750,000 mortgage, the whole, with
taxes and insurance, entailing total annual
fixed charges Of 100000.