Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1900-08-16
cllNT0N'S L,BRALY.
Continued from page -
7 az

ed pride in the past, what have we 20
look forward to in the future? We can
certainly expect even greater improve
ment. The donor of this library hls
felt the need of the rising generations
and in his generosity has supplied the
need" The speaker then very warm
ly expressed the gratitude of himself
and that of his fellow citizens to the
donor of the library, and the great love
and esteem which he enjoys in his ma
tive town.
Il would" he continued, that We
could welcome him in a manner be-
fitting his station. but he abhors
pomp and wishes that his gift be re
ceived more quietly. He has gone OUT
from his native town and won his bat
tie in the outside world. Now he re-
turns to share with us his reward.
May he long enjoy the blessings of a
we'll spent life"
w. w. Brown, the donor of the IL
brary, was then introduced, and as he
rose to speak was met with storm
of applause. His address was beaut
full in its simplicity and kindness ana
as he brought to the mind of his lis
teners the trials and privatons of fo.-
mer years that have made the build
ing of the library possible, many an
eye was filed with tears and many
heart went out to the kindly old man
who toled and suffered in his early
years and then returned in his old age
10 make the paths Of other ambitious
youths in his old home easier than it
had been for him.
After a short Introduction he very
appropriately gave a brief sketch of
his parents. Mr. and Mrs. Jonathan
Brown, in whose memory the library
has been built He spoke in part as
follows:
One hundred years ago my father.
Jonathan Brown. came to Clinton and
clearing a small piece of land in til"
wilderness. started crops. Soon after.
he married "A beautiful. comely maiden
of Il years who was Injured t. the hard
ships of frontier life and who made
fitting helpmate for him in his toll.
The fruit of the union was u children,
six boys and six girls, born in each
one Of the months of the year Nv
earliest recollection goes back to -
years ago There were then only seven
families in the town beside my own.
The whole region here was primeval
forest. The main road practically end
ed at this town. There was what
would now be called a blackboard road
through to Pittsfeld, but il was
scarcely passabe. | we'll remember
the PcnObscot Indians as they made
their regular annual pilgrimages from
their homes to the sea shore. whera
they made baskets during the sum
merS.
The only school was three months
in the summer for the younger chill
dren and three months in the winter
for the older ones. My father. how
ever. gave his children an additional
three months in the academy to com
rlctc our education. The only reading
we had was the Bible few school
books and one paper. When about -
years old got hold Of Rollins Ancient
History and devoured it at odd mo-
ments. ! always had a great love fDr
books ana always wished for a good
library of my own. After | had su"-
ceeded in getting this | thought Of nv
old home. | always looked upon my
parents as the ideal of the best of all
that is best in life. and what better
could | DO to cherish their memory ana
benefit others than to give library
[ have therefore long had a desire to
give a library. Well do | remember
my first commercial venture which
yielded profit Of SO. But 7 have
found that the pleasure Of giving. cs-
peciallY in this case, has been greater
than the pleasure Of receiving"
Mr.. Brown then cordially thanked
those who had been connected with
him in the building of the library, for
the way they had carried out his wish
cs and completed the work according
~.
sire he continued, lis now accom-
plished. and all that remains is the
transfer of the key and a check for
the endowment fund
The scene which followed will never
he forgotten by those who Witnessed
it Mr. Brown. whose voice had brok-
en- several times during the latter part
of tn address. turned t. Mr.. Felker.
who was to receive the gift in behalf
of the town. and with his eyes swim
ming in tears of JOY mingled with the
pain Of memories Of days long past
quietly handed him the key and check
which represented so much both t.
him and to the town. The audience
was stirred through and through with
the beauty and pathoS Of the scene,
and after moments hesitation burst
into applause such as the Town hall
has never Witnessed before. II came
from the very hearts Of those present
and was a choice reward for the mar
who had made it possible
After the applause had subsidized. :
u. Felker accepted the gift on behalf
of the town and spoke in part as fol-
lows: 1T gives me pleasure to accept
in behalf of the town of Clinton this
magnificent gift presented by William
W. Brown Of Portland. In accepting
this gift I assure YOU Mr.. Brown, that
every citizen of Clinton most heartily
appreciates your kindness and from the
fullness of their hearts and souls thank
you for the beautiful library you have
erected in our village.
one year ago when YOU appeared
among us with plans for a library it
seemed almost like a dream. Today.
as We gaze upon as beautiful a library
with as choice a selection of books as
can be found in any library in the State
We realize that our dream has proved a
reality and that we truly have a public
benefactor whom We should reverence