St. Johnsbury Caledonian. [volume] (St. Johnsbury, Vt.) 1867-1919, 1908-03-18


Immediately resigning and being succeed
ed by I, {. Fletcher. Henry Fairbanks,
Alexander Dunnett and the present in
cumbent.
The records testify to several critical
periods when it almost seemed that the
sound business judgment of the men in
charge would counsel the closing of the
Hospital The question of finance was
the ever present argument for discourage
ment which in turn was partly attribut-
able to the inadequate equipment and
location of the building which has
housed the Hospital from the start.
However, the many friends of the
cause appeared at these critical periods
and in some way the bark was steered
over the rough course
Then, as necessity has so many times
appeared as the inventor or promoter of
ways and means, came to Brightlook
Hospital in its extremity the help that
often appears at critical periods.
From the records it appears that at
the annual meeting held January IL,
1905, there was manifest great dis
couragement on the part of the officers.
1t was finally thought best to use the
referendum and find out what people
thought about the work. Adjournment
was made to January 81 at the Museum.
At this meeting Rev. J. A. Thompson
presided over what was termed a
citizens conference about the Hospital.
Many spoke of the great good the insti-
Ia,yrr cfaAtcttrc
and finally, just as the meeting was
about to adjourn, w. A. Kicker made a
motion that then and there the deficit of
500 be raised. The motion was
enthusiastically carried and with what
help came later the deficit disappeared.
1t is safe to say that this meeting turned
the tide in the affairs of Brightlook
Hospital, for not only was there fine
spirit manifest, not only did the deficit
go out of sight, but at this meeting
historic indeed-announcement was
made that an unknown party would
donate $4,000 toward a new building
provided $4,000 more be provided by
Ian. l, 1908. That unknown party has
since been revealed in the person of Mrs.
Rebecca Fairbanks-one who has given
unspatngly of her time, effort, and
money, and who, as president of the
Brightlook Ladies Aid association,
working with the ladies, has done
wonderful things for the Hospital, and
at times they have been the means OF
keeping the ship, straight ahead with
full power on. All honor to her and all
the ladies for their faithful devotion and
work for the Hospital. More will be
said and written about the invaluable
services rendered by the Ladies Aid asso-
citation. Suffice it to say that we would
not be celebrating the present event had
not the ladies given generously OF Their
time, funds, and effort, and won the CO.
operation of the public in general.
Two events, occurring prior to the
Museum meeting should be spoken OF
now. Mrs. Alexander Dunnett, believing
that building fund should be started
deposited on August 13, 1908, at the
Passumpsic Savings Bank $1.O0 for
THE Brightiook Hospital Building
Fund" Again the day of small things
looms large on the horizon. In addition
to this Mrs. Dunnett's famous trips
through Caledonia county should be re-
called as evidence of her practical help II
gaining provisions, cash and friends toi
the Hospital.
Next, DR.. w. ]. Aldrich first, last anc
all the time, had persistently advocated
a new building before the hospital woulc
or could come up to its opportunity
Others felt that way, but through his
effort, mainly, backed by all those who
helped him, the above deposit of 81. OC
was increased by $780, $110 coming
from the play presented at the Opera
House and $40 from the purse OF DR.
Aldrich. 1900
During the summer and fall of 1906 ar
energetic campaign was conducted anC
together with the help of Rev. {. k. b
Dodge. the sum secured for the building
fund amounted on Nov. &c, 1906, tC
SIS, 285.29 a,sum sufficient to make al
the pledges binding :,
At a meeting of the Incorporators helt
Nov. 26, 1906, it was voted Tina
Brightlook Hospital Association shall
erect a new Hospital building"
AT the same meeting it was voted tC
purchase the lot on which this building
stands. This event took place shortly
after. and it is we'll to express now anC
again, in behalf of the Hospital th'
thanks due the E. & T. Fairbanks ant
Company for their ever hearty coopera!
fiona cooperation never more practi
callv manifest than when it decided tt
the Associati ton this lot of land in con
sideration of a nominal sum. 1t is SAT-
to say that no other hospital has
more superb location in the country an'
yet easily accessible.
While mention is made of the lot, it il
q pleasure to state that through tn
generosity of Mrs. Ashton R. Willard w
were enabled to purchase it. The fund