The Scranton tribune. [volume] (Scranton, Pa.) 1891-1910, 1897-01-20

to the build'nS fund Sl,OOO thus forming
the nucleus around which other gifts have
gathered
More than two years after the contract
for the foundation had been awarded the
fire of last January again brought the
home prominently before the public. Gen
eral expressions of sorrow were heard all
over the city in regard to the disaster
The spectacle of the inmates of the home
turned adrift into the intense cold of Il
winters night moved all hearts to pity
As a consequence, a meeting of citizens
was called at the board of trade rooms TO
devise means by which the structure al
ready commenced might be completed at
an early day. The meeting was not large,
owing to multitude of other affairs in
progress that evening. but the work of
raising subscriptions was begun with such
enthusiasm that the prospects seemed
bright, indeed. More than 5000 were
promised on the spot. committee, con-
ssting of Messrs. William Connell John
Jermyn w. r. Smith, w. II. Taylor and
o. s. Johnson We're appointed to con-
clude arrangements for raising Il fund of
$4,000 the amount deemed necessary to
complete the new building and provide
for additional fire proof expenses.
PLANS WERE REVISED.
The managers, encouraged by the outlook
and the widespread sentiment prevailing,
at once took steps toward carrying out the
apparent wishes of the public. The plans
were revised to meet the demand for fire
proof structure, and bids were received
on June 21 from seven responsible con
tractors The bids received were about
$1,000 above those of September 1894 a
committee was appointed to go over the
plans and specifications with the archi-
tect, and If possible, reduce the cost of
construction. This committee, after a
careful consideration of means of cheap
ening the building without weakening 1t.
of making it practically safe from fire by
means of floors and halls only, of slow
burning construction, and cutting off all
ornamentation, presented the revised plans
and specifications, which We're again sent
out, the same contractors bidding, as be-
fore. on July the bids We're opened in
the presence of the advisory, inspection
and building committees. The Peck Lum-
Der Manufacturing was awarded the con-
tract, which was entered into the 10th of
July, and was for the sum of $3S 800. This
contract is for the main building and right
wing. The bid of the Peck Lumber com
pany was increased over IS, 600 above that
of 1894, mainly, perhaps entirely, owing to
the adoption of slow burning construction
ON Sept. u a contract was entered into
with G. h. Scott for heating the build
ing for $j,S7S.
on Nov. "A a contract was entered into
with Hunt q Connell for plumbing, gas
piping and electric wiring the building for
So 999
The building is now nearly under cover
The treasurer's report has given you the
financial details. The amount pledged tC
the citizens committee was $l725O. 1t viii
be readily seen that the society must have
funds if the good work is continued. Vol.
untary subscriptions would be most
thankfully received.
At Thanksgiving time donations were
received from the public schools Among
the gifts was one little penny box OF
matches from a poor little child over ii
Hyde Park.
Perhaps no more fertile suggestion ear
be left with the many friends of the home
than the one contained in these little Incl
dents.
May the suggestions bring a response
quick and generous.
Mrs. w. d. Kennedy, Secretary.