Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1901-11-08

was appropriated, etc. In due time, at a
special town meeting, the following COM
mittee were appointed to have full con-
troll of the erection of a new building to
replace the one destroyed: f. w. Rob
ertson, n. NJ Worden, r. McCaughern,
s. A. Day and W. f. Fay, and they have
performed their duties in a manner highly
satisfactory to the townspeople.
The new hall stands on the site of the
old one, and is a two-story brick build
ing. The first floor is occupied on the
east side, front, by the public library and
reading room, and is especially we'll fitted
to that purpose. The library is fitted
with steel stacks, and every appointment
of an up-to-date library. 1t has upward
of 5000 judlciously selected volumes on it's
shelves. 1t will be open Wednesday even
ings and Saturday afternoons and even
ings. and is in charge of Miss Lucy
Spooner. The reading room is cheerful,
well lighted place, having four tables,
and furnishings of both library and read
ing room are in quartered oak. 1t has
on its tables and racks more than 30
magazines and periodicals. For the or
namentation of the ROOM Mrs George
Fisk of Springfield, Mass, has presented
a fine oil painting, Amid Old Times"
the Chatauqua circle a bust of George
Washington and N. NJ. Worden a finely
mounted deer's head.
In the rear of the library is a conven-
lent and commodious selectmen's room,
with fireproof vault. A hall runs through
the entire building. and on the west side
is the large store which is already rented
to G.. S. Howe, who was in the former
building from the time of it's completion
until it's destruction. Back of all these
rooms and opening off a hall are the
lavatories
On the next floor in the hall proper,
with a seating capacity for $50 people,
The hall is arranged with two large
ante-rooms in front with sliding doors,
a horseshoe gallery, and a good-sized
stage, supplied with a large amount of
first-class scenery, the gift of John
Hooker of Los Angeles, Cal, a former
resident of Hinsdale.
In the rear of the hall, in a sort of
intermediate story, are four dressing
rooms with toilet rooms, and complete
furnishings. The hall has besides the
main entrance, two rear entrances.
In the basement the west side will be
occupied by the store while on the east
side there is a large polling room, with
brick vault and two gas ranges, and in
the rear of this are the boiler rooms,
equipped with two sectional steam
boilers. The entire building is piped and
wired for both gas and electricity.
The clock was the gift of the Robert
son brothers. 1t has illuminated dials,
and is lighted by electricity. The bell
was a gift to the old hall, by the late
ex-Lieut.-Gov. William H. Halle of
Springfield, Mass, and after the fire was
recast with suitable inscription, Mr..
Halle bearing all expense connected with
it.
The building is an ornament to the
town, and speaks we'll for the thrift and
generosity of its citizens. 1t is also an
honor to the architects. Gardner, Pyne &
Gardner, of Springfield, Mass, and the
builders, Dunn e. Ingraham of Leomin-
ster, Mass.
The expense of the building and fur
nishinPs was about $4,000.
The dedicatory services were held We'd
nesday afternoon, and although the hall
was not packed, a good audience was
present. The stage was occupied by the
building committee selectmen, builders,
clergymen and other speakers. The ex-
ercises were opened with invocation by
Rev. w. F. White The opening address
was by Prof. d. L. Fisher who also read
a pleasant setter from Governor Jordan.
DR.. w. S. Leonard spoke upon "A Free
Library in its Relation to Community"
and r. A. Clogher upon 1.-THE Public
Reading Room as a Means of Education
and Culture" Each speaker had his
subject well in hand, spoke pithily and
to the point, and knew whereof he
spoke"
few well chosen remarks, presented to
the chairman of the selectmen by Prof.
d. L. Fisher. The benediction was pro.
nounced by Rev. e. j. Deane.
Fine music was rendered at intervals
by Bryant's orchestra of Orange, Mass,
and after the services, the building was
open for general inspection.
From to 9 o'clock in the evening a
concert was given by the orchestra, and
the exercises of the day closed with a
grand dedicatory ball, which was largely
attended. Eighty-two couples Joined in
the grand march, led by Mr. and Mrs
M. D. White, assisted by Robert Nc
| Caughern, jr., and Miss Walker. Inter
ested friends were present from Boston,
| Springfield, Chicopee, Mllers Falls. Tur.
ners Falls, and Greenfield, Mass, Brat
| tleboro VT, Keene. Swanzey, Winches-
ter and Chesterfield. During the hours
| of dancing, the brlght-hued dresses of the
ladies. with the mingling of the sober
apparel of the men, made the scene a
brilliant one and as all seemed possessed
| of a spirit of good cheer, the occasion
was a thoroughly enjoyable one. Supper
was served at Hotel Ashuelot. Dancing
] was suspended at a late hour, and the
| dedication of the Hinsdale town hall be.