The Newtown bee. (Newtown, Conn.) 1877-current, 1900-07-27

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in descent from Rev John Beach, assisted
ny John Kimberly Beach, the sixth In
descent, in the presence of company OF
$50 Newtown people who paid close at
tention to the exercises.
Rev George T. Ltnsley, the president
usl graceful manner. The exercises
were opened with prayer By Rev George
L. LinsleY as follows:
! Almighty God, the Fountain of all Wis
dom and Source of all Knowledge, who
didst send Thine Only Begotten Son to
be the Light of the World, mercifully
grant that this building, now being erect.
ed In this place, may be an effectual
means Of furthering the intellectual, NOR
al and spiritual interests of the people
Of this community. Bless, we humblY
beseeeh thee, all those who by their gifts
or skill or labors have had part in this
undertaking, and grant that these and all
our doings, being begun, continued, and
ended in thee, may be for the glory of
Thy Holy Name. AL of which we ask for
the sake and through the merits Of Him
| who is the Chef Corner Stone of our
Most Holy Religion, Thy Son our Saw
Jour Jesus Christ. Amen.
Mrs c. S. Platt was next introduced
and gave a short historical sketch of the
Library association, which follows:
While the Newtown Library is freshly
brought before the public eye by the
magnificent gift OF Miss Rebecca D.
Beach, let US examine for moment the
history of this worthy institution. 1t
was organized December IL, 1875, in the
postoffice building, now occupied by
che Newtown Savings Bank, by little
band of men who must have felt and
known what good reading means to a
place like this. These men were Abel
S5illson, Ezra L. johnson, Douglass
Fairchild, Edwin Clarke, Zalmon s.
Peck, Edgar F. Hawley, Charles Fair
man and Elmer Fairchild. The charter
was received and recorded by G. Fl. Peck,
town clerk, January 10, 1877, also record
ed in the secretary's office at Hartford,
January 16, 1877. 1t was soon removed
TO the private residence OF Theophilus
Nichols. 1t started with 100 books, and
Miss Charlotte Nichols librarian. Books
we're added from time to time in small
numbers. About the year 1885, the asso-
citation was in very critical condition.
A few realizing this called a meeting and
elected new officers. Charles 8. Platt
was made president, room was hired
in the Brick building and the books re-
moved. The Association seemed imbued
with new life. Prof Piatt and wife COM
menced series of entertainments, their
efforts were allotted by few faithful
workers, the public responded and at the
end Of his term of office 1890 had been
raised by entertainments alone and the
books numbered over 5000. Sometimes
people weary in we'll doing, again the
life Of the Library association seemed
threatened. The few who had labored
so hard to supply the funds for the main
tenance of such an institution were dis
couraged. No encouragement was re-
ceved from the town, which demanded
rent for the small room in which it exist
ed. The political life Of the town SEEM
ed averse to the better life which ema-
mates from carrying the best thoughts of
men into the home life. What could our
library do without home in which to
rest secure? 1t was then it was put into
the heart of Rebecca D. Beach to fur
nish the beautiful home for which we ar e
now assembled to lay the corner stone,
which will commemorate the good her
ancestors labored so nobly to impart in
our midst and aid in carrying on this in
stitution of which we may justly be
proud. The following are those who
have been officially connected with the
Association:
Presidents: Ezra L. Johnson, Daniel
G. Beers, Marcus G. Hawley, Rev J. A.
Crockett, Charles S. Platt, Arthur s.
Hawley, Samuel j. Botsford, Rev G. T,
Linsley.
Vice presidents Charles M. Beresford
Kew G. M. Wilkins, Edgar F. Hawley,
Reuben Fl. Smith, William A. Leonard,
Rev George 7. Linsley, Rev o. W. Bar.
ker.
Secretaries: Mary F. Peck, J. F. Gil.
lette, Mary E. Beers, Effie M. Glover
Emma F. Terrill, Ella E. Plat.
Librarians: Charlotte E. Nichols, Mrs
John Gay, Abbie L. Peck.
Treasurers: Mary C. Morgan, G. n
Northrop, Arthur T. Nettleton.
Trustees: Abel Stillson, Marcus q.
Hawley, E. f. Hawley, D. G.. Beers
A. r. Clark, Charles M. Beresford
Charles H. Gay, George P. Sanford, c
+. Beardsley, Prof Shul.z, Rev o. W
Barker.
Miss Rebecca D. Beach, the donor OF
the building, was introduced in a few
gracious words by Chairman Llnsley
She said that she did not know Until bel
arrival in town, Monday, that she was t.
have part in the exercises, so of course
was unprepared to speak. In speaking 0
Rev John Beach in whose honor the libra
~ is dedicated, sine said she could truth
- fully say That she had come to know hir
intimately through the careful prepare
ton of the memorial volume which recen
" appeared. She thought that the funds
II mental idea in laying 6 corner stone wa
.rrru.n.' II we are all living up to GU
ideals OF truth, we may have honor an
> have our names placed among tho.e VII
have lived inspired By higa ideals.
E. W.Peck, as representing the A. "
- Burritt Co., of Bridgeport, the contrac
ore, was called on for brief word, ar
responded gracefully. He said he was
e practical man and not epeech-make
in and 40 would not be expected to Sc
III ..,oh ;n+orootod