The united opinion. [volume] (Bradford, Vt.) 1881-1970, 1899-06-23
A Splendid Philanthropy.

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sided. He gave brief statement of the
founders, purpose and plan. He said the
events Of this day were not uncommon
but were significant. Twenty years agC
this land was pasture, stranger enter
ed with keen eye for business, harness
ed the waterfall and applied il to practi
cal uses He was q man of sagacity anC
business tact and through years of worl
brought it to its present prosperity. Ht
entertained the desire to do somethinl
for his employees but only when life was
ebblng away two years ago was his plar
matured. Today it was dedicated anC
used as he wished. 1t was fitting to reaC
his words. These were read by his con
fidential clerk A. r. Brooks:
INSTRUMENT OF DONATION.
OAK RIDGE, Opposite Olcott, vt.
To Messrs. Herbert A. Wilder. Frederick
p. Campbell, Arthur r. Brooks. Ed
ward Goss, Thomas p. Goold, James f.
Colby and Mrs. Mayette T. Marston =
L hand you herewith check for $4,000
payable to the order of two of your mum
Der as trustees.
wishto donate that sum for the foun.
dation, establishment and maintenance
IN the village of Olcott, in Vermont, of a
free public library, and connected there
with place for restful and recreative re.
nave TO ask you to accept this fund
as trustees to see that such purpose is
accomplished; and to that end, [ hope
you will speedily cause to be formed a
corporation, yourselves being the corpor-
ators and first officers.
My state of health is such that | shall
not be able to assist in the construction
OF the necessary building but have en-
deay2red to make plain to some of you
my design and wishes which you will I'M
doubtedly sufficiently regard.
would suggest as name for the cor
poration and institution the "Wilder
Club and Library"
In my judgement not over one half of
this fund should be required for the pur-
pose OF land and the construction and
equipment of the building, and l give
this money with the request and direc-
ton that at least One-half of the amount
shall be invested in safe, income bearing
securities or properties, and so held, and
the income be applied toward the sup
port and maintenance of the institution.
t-".t Very truly yours.
"D1I CHARLES L. WILDER.
Mr.. Brooks added that the letter made
plain the rare quality of the founder and
his wish to establish free library. On
September 18th corporation was form
ed according to the laws of Vermont, a
site purchased and building erected,
using $40, 900. leaving approximately $780,
600 on interest. The chairman of the
building committee, Mr.. Edward Goss,
spoke of the munificent gift to the village
and handed tn e keys to the chairman of
the trustees, Mr.. +. P. Campbell. He
had known Mr.. Wilder for fourteen
years.o He was man of sterling qualities,
kiGd hearted, sympathetic, a christian,
was interested in his employees welfare
and wished to do something for the vii
lage.. he always contributed one-half to-
ward the church expenses. In 1897 he
called Messrs. Campbell, Brooks and him
self, and told his plans. He grew worse
and they had to carry out his purpose.
Mr.. Campbell took the keys, declared
the building open for the purposes de-
signed by the founder and hoped it would
be benefit to all.
This was followed by loud applause.
Several responses were given. First, by
Mr. G. w. Tarleton, who responded for
the citizens of Wilder. 1t was pleasure
to acknowledge the gift, this day would
be long remembered, it marked new
era in our village. Mr.. Wilder had the
best interest of the village at heart, he
wished to make every one better IN pub
lie and private life. He had the higher
life of the citizens in view. 1t was but
pebble cast in the water whose ripple
would widen and widen until the end
was far-reaching. He had the thought of
a library long time but waited to S, e
If the reading room was a success. The
trustees had held many meetings to ma
Iure plans and had performed their duty
faithfully. This takes our village a long
step forward, the result must be that we
would be bel ter citizens, have higher am
billions and advance as the donor wished.
Mr.. A. A. b. Ayerst responded in be-
hall OF his fellow associates at the mill.
He felt it an honor to be asked to occupy
this position but wished they had an
ADLER speaker. He thought that every
Individual felt grateful for the gift and
improve their minds. All were pleased
with the library and club rooms and the
beautiful building would perpetuate the
name of Charles T. Wilder.
Samuel +. Pingree, Esq responded for
he town of Hartford. He said that less
han twenty years ago this land was the
grazing ground of beasts, since hundreds
If people had had hand in building up
he village and thousands of dollars ex-
,ended. Postoffice had been established, |
chools and churches erected, and they |
lad come to stay. Men and women of |
rain and. Drawn had been helpful in |
building up the village The Just and |
enerous gift of Mr.. Wilder was far reach
ng iii its benefcence for his employees
nd their children for all time. 1t cannot |
all to be appreciated and enioyed oy
Yielding rich dividend to all
Tho use it. While busy with lifes duties
re cannot afford to lose good literature.
III who read are better equipped for the
uties of life, the standard of our citizens
'ould reach higher plane. He would
dice the sentiments of the towns PEG.
lie that we were favored by such gift
nd it might be perpetua;ed.
IL ,l, fyNcA IL D..
on Miss Louise Bartlett of st. Johns
ury, responded. She said the state ex-
ends most hearty congratulations.
hat library might be looked upon as
III college. We could read and study in
hatever direction our tastes led and
arm the thoughts of others. As the
earsepgo by the influence of a library
nOng the children would be seen, edu-
lting I hem for good citizenship.
President Tucker of Dartmouth college ,
as introduced. He spoke of the found
:, "His gift and its uses" He said he
I'd known Mr.. Wilder for several years ,
a business way but only when his life
as ebbing away that he learned the rare
lalities of the man and learned to love
m. He stimulated and inspired him.. {
e never knew one whose DAYS were 1
ensured who had clearer, keener mind
r business. He was a trained man, had
ntrol of his powers and knew how to
e his faculties. Had a system and or =
II in all his business. He was sympa- :
etc, spent hours in thinking and plan
ng for his friends welfare and the best =
ethod in bestowing the gift of library.
e wished to know what his EMPLOYEES
ere doing in their leisure as well as