The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1911-11-30
ANSON'S NEW HALL
This Model Building, Which is the
Pride of the Citizens, Dedicated
Thursday.

Practically every available foot of
space, that could be utilized for either
sitting or standing was occupied by an
audience of 500 people that gathered,
Thursday evening for the dedicatory
exercises of the new town hall in An
son.
The stage and front of the hall were
prettily decorated for the occasion
with the national colors. The COM
pany was called to order at O'Clock
by Asa NJ. Gilman, who acted as
master of ceremonies, the program
was: Piano solo, Miss Florence
Walker; prayer, Rev. Anthony Roberts
pastor of the Methodist church at
North Anson; anthem by the Baptist
and Free Baptist church choir; med
ley by chorus composed of Chas.
ToWne, H. L. Booker, Mrs. Arthur
Moore, Mrs. T. A Maxim Mrs G. n.
ingalls,, Miss Amey Johnson, c. E.
Blackwell and G.. H. ingalls,; Kinder
garten song, Alta Tinkham AT this
time came a short speech by c. o.
Small OF Madison, expressing the
greetings and good wishes of the sis
ter village across the river. Mr.
Small closed by reading a letter Of
greeting from Rev. f. H. Means, who
was unable to be present. This was
followed by short speech by f. l..
Powers, a former resident of Anson.
Music, "Suwanee River by the Old
Home Double Quartet, composed of
f. A. Dinsmore, w II. Spear, Mrs.
Flora Baxter. Mrs. Emma Walker
Mrs. d. II Randall, Mrs Ethel Mich
OILS, O, Walker, r. II. Spear; recita-
ton. The Wind" Thomas Handley;
short speeches by Wilbur Simmons
and l. L. Nichols of the board of select
men of Anson; music by a male quar-
tet, composed of Messrs Towne,
Booker. Blackwell and Ingalls,; read
ing, THE Tale of a Postage Stamp"
Victor Pease Mr.. Pease made a de
cided hit with the audience and was
recalled for three encores. Music by
a female quartet, consisting of Mrs.
E. A. Weybrant, Mrs. Baxter, Mrs.
ToWne and Mrs. Ingalls,; farce, How
the Story Grew" by Mrs. z. c. Gilman,
Mrs. Fred Pratt Mrs. John Chandler,
Mrs. o. NJ. Hilton, Mrs. Sherman
Houghton, Mrs. Moody, Mrs. f. A.
Dinsmore At this time at the sugges-
ton of Col. E. E. Gould a unanimous
vote of thanks and three cheers were
given for the building committee; the
program closed by all joining in sing
ing America.
This hall is an object of much pride
on the part of the citizens in the
lower part of the town, who for many
years have felt the need of suitable
place for town meetings and other
public gatherings. A little over II
years ago a movement was started to
hold part of the town meetings in
the south part of the town instead OF
all in North Anson. A vote was taken
to do this, and one meeting was held
in the old Gilman rink, II years ago.
But as there was no available place
it was decided TO hold all meetings as
had been the custom At the annual
March meeting in 1910, after consid-
erable discussion. it was voted to raise
$500 for the erection of a buildinesfor
the fire department in the south end
of the town, and Asa NJ. Gilman, James
Nj. Norton and {. E. Sampson were
appointed building committee. Work
was commenced in June of the same
year on two-story wooden building
on Wilson street. 36x60, and one small
room was finished on the ground floor
for the fire apparatus.
At the annual meeting in 1911, $1l00
more was raised and this amount has
! been expended in finishing the hall in
the second story. This hall has a
12-foot stage, is prettily finished up
and with the gallery will comfortably
seat about 1926 people. When finished
besides quarters for the fire depart
ment on the ground floor, there will
be a selectmen's office, a lookup and
smaller hall, 36x36