New-York tribune., 1900-04-22
A NEW BUILDING NEEDED.
WHAT THE EAST SIDE HOUSE HAS AC-
COMPLISHED IN DECADE.


Drawings have been made for the proposed en-
larged building Of the East Side House Settlement
and its Webster Free Circulating Library, on the
river bluff at East Seventy-sixth-st. Its trustees
appealing the intelligent liberality Of those
who possess wealth and culture To contribute
toward the necessary enlargement of a settlement
which in the ten years Of its existence has proved
valuable organizing factor in society.
The East Side House fronts 10 the north and
commands because Of the opposite open lots whch
have been taken by the city for pubic play
ground a refreshing view Of the river up to Wards
Island and Hell Gate. The line of the main
building and wing will face the river and stand
Immediately upon the so-called Exterior-st. which
is to be the river front. n boulevard of granite
wharfage following the river curves from Eighty
sxth-st. south.
Howells & Stokes. the architects. while profting
by the opportunity of the fine site for picturesque
expression. have emphasized the true Settlement
spirit which ressts the appearance of any
thing institutional.
At first thought the situation Of the East Side
House seems to have been i'll chosen. 1t is said
tha. river boundary restricts its field of work
10 a half circle neighborhood. But the tdefow Of
a great river and the panorama Of commerce are
llnceasing attractions. To people whose homes are
in tenement houses, whose labors are not con-
templatlve, whose opportunities TO enjoy nature
are rare a river hank affords pleasure. health and
inspiration that neither indoor provision nor in
cfty-keey-off-t the-grass park can give. Many who
come with thought only Of the river find on its
bank library Of books and museum TO take them
beyond river and sea. with gymnasium. games
teaching and companionship TO be had at the same
time II they come for books. class or club they
stay for what else Is TO be enjoyed in outside
pleasure. Here IS partnership in Settlement busi-
ress he special partner contributing the rich cap
tai Of refreshing breezes from Sound and ocean
and A beautiful, ever busy view of river and
islands.
BEGINNING ACQUAINTANCEs.
The opportunity too that the river grounds of
the East Side House afford by means OF swings
paviiion benches. inclosed swimming pool for
boys and ice water fountains Tor easy ana
natural acquaintance between the residents of the
Settlement and outside neiehhors is an advantage
that is made good and constant use Of The quar-
ter acre cared for and protected by the East Side
House is the popular meeting place OF Its man!
neighbors.
Pleasant acquaintance thus made there with
those whose home is the house admits the Settle
nlent resident later into the tenement home, be-
cause he or she invited aI.i received not as one
coming in performance Of a church or charity mis-
sion but with friendly welcoming
other theories and practices Of this Settlement
are learned from fits reports Of last year and the
year before. As instances the following may De
quoted:
petber persons OF separated lives, habits and
t9bomgnt to bring them together upon the tentative
haeie of common inherent aim and fellow feeling
TO evolve in practice TO some encourasIns, 3shiS, IA
emplary degree the association conrades9lp pii ana
corporation of the diverse atoms toward social
The underlying hope which has rooted itself @ in
this Settlement community which makes the mouse house
,1e,r an fnstiruton-and which is the basis for the
rieht and abiding growth Of any settlement Is that
Iii concerned the people themselves. of the Settle
ment. the outside contributors who give @ none m % 10
work shall inteiligently accept the truth that what
Is and edoPomic Of the community large That
whether one brings money alone anq t anUIa M
whatever is brought must come not IN gracious
TO
deemed inferior in the world Of hnmaIftE; M & oua @ ms
the natural and enjoyed perforinance, OF Que UI +
radeship. which, rendered as pridieg@s &c ana an nor
WHAT THE LIBRARY ACCOMPLIsHES.
In its nearly ten years of life the spirit of the
settlement has outgrown its body and its body has
far outgrogn its clothes It could double It's work
Il properly housed In every department, with Its
tventv-two clubs associations and classes, growth,
expansion and extension cry out for space and op-
portunity IL the library the need OF room is per
hans most visible Beginning in the spring of 1884,
the circulation 1900 has risen TO 5000 the MEM
bership TO $50 and the number Of volumes TO 100
II has the beginnings Of museum Of fine and useful
arts these possessions being employed 10 aid the
public school classes their studies of history fine
arts geography, geology, physiology and natural
history. The librarians excellent work in this line,
so helpful to teachers well students is
capable OF great expansion. Its fulfilment is only
limited through lack OF space.
Thus cramped. while opportunities Of great and
growing work calling for accomplishment. the
OF the East Side House ask the citizens Of
New-York who have riches, wisdom and love 10
help them command the 100000 required to buy.
build and equip meet present and future demands.
To those who would kindly and carefully consider
the solicitation Of the East Side House trustees.
copies Of the subscription form and building plans
will be forwarded upon application Everett p.
Wheeler, president, No. q State-st., or 10 John
Sabine Smith. treasurer, No. 30 Broad-st., or to
Clarence Gordon, resident manager, at the Settle
ment, Seyenty-siXth-st. and East River.
Bishop Potter wrote three years ago of Settle
endeavor:
II any human agency is TO reach. persuade ar6
enIghten the multitude in our great cities with
whom finally so largely the choice Of oul
rulers the ability of the Republic progress
OF cur civilization am increasingly persuaded thai
IT IS that which has shown itself inspired by a
spirit so heroic and distinguished by methods 50
singularly wise and so exceptionally successful.