Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1907-01-22

Mrs. Dexter was born at Wayne, Me-,
81 years ego last August. and was the
daughter OF Mr.. and Mrs. Phineas Foss
of Wayne Hill. Following the custom
of the New England girl Of that time,
she was employed in the cotton mill at
Saco. where, like the many other girls
engaged il; the same work, she carried
on her studies and made rapid ad-
vancement. Later she moved to Bos-
ton and was married to Mr.. Dexter.
Nearly all of their married life was
spent in Worcester, where they have a
beautiful residence on Main street.
Mrs. Dexter was greatly devoted to
the interests of the church and educa-
ton. Many years ago her attention
was called to the needs of the young
ladies in Colby College. Several events
strengthened the impression which she
then received and during the presidency
Of DR.. Butler her intention was con-
fdentially communicated to him. III
gave a legal paper pledging her estate
for $4,000 more.
On Tuesday, Sept. 6. 1904, ground was
broken for Foss Hall. The formal ex-
ercises included the following words
by Pres. White:
puluiiiS - Tic S4lb VI WIS w IL
liam II. Dexter Of Worcester, Mass, and
is to be called Foss hall. May all who
study within it's walls learn the lessons
of industry which Mrs. Dexter's life so
nobly teaches, and attain that high plane
of Christian character which their benc-
factress possesses"
Miss Grace L. Berry, dean of the wo-
mems division of the college, then turned
a spadeful of earth and Rev. z. c. Whit
temore, d. D.. offered prayer.
On Oct. 6, 1904, in the presence of a
large assemblage, the cornerstone was
laid by Dean Berry in accordance with
the wish OF Mrs. Dexter. President White
read a letter from Mr.. Dexter, who wrote
in behalf of his wife, whose health pre-
vented her presence. A notable address
was then made by Judge Percival Bon
ney, LII D., vice president of the col
lege and chairman of the board of trus-
tees, and the dedicatory prayer was Of
fered by Rev. A. r. Crane d. d., of
Boston.
The formal exercises of the dedication
of Foss hall took place on Monday af-
ternoon, June 26. 1905. The exercises were
held in the spacious dining room. Prayer
was offered by Rev. George Bruce Mich
olson, rector of st. Marks Episcopal
church, and VIM. II. Snyder, So. D., of
Worcester. Mass. delivered an address
on 1.-THE Higher Education of Woman"
At the conclusion of Mr.. Snyder's adj
dress Mrs. Dexter made the formal pre-
sentation of Foss hall to the college
through the chairman of the board, Hon.
Percival Bonrey. She said:
my dear friends, I am very grateful
that my life has been spared to be pres
ent here today TO witness the dedication
of this beautiful dormitory. i was born
in the State of Maine and it is the dezr-
est part of the earth to me. love ev--
cry part of it, and especially the town OF
Wayne, where was born. 1t is a source
Of satisfaction to me that I have been
able to erect and give to Colby College
this Toss hall and that Waterville is so
near my early home. My father was
noble man. and am very grateful to my
parents for the loving and careful train
ing that they gave me. Every dollar
that has beer given for the erection of
this building has been earned by myself.
When was girl it was impossible for
ne to get an education. left home while
very young and have always intended to
provide a home for other girls in Maine
that they might have the education
which could not obtain. I am very hap
py to have this building called Foss hall,