The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1911-06-30
new TOWN HALL.
LARGE OPERA HALL, ARMORY, and
LODGE ROOMS.
Odd Fellows Float Bonds Drawing a
Per Cent. Interest $4,000 Worth
OF Bonds Already Sold.
For the Advocate.

For the Advocate.
Preparations are at this time I'M
der way, looking toward an effort ~
get new town hall for this civ
something that is and has been for
some time an urgent necessity.
Ihe intention Is TO take the pres
ent nall as nucleus, and after re-
moving the entire interior, to make
an addition on the rear, the dimen-
Slons of which are to be 80 feet Nv
oV feet, and to run same I'D three
stories or the height Of the present
building.
The Opera Hall will be on the first
moor, the entrance ON level with the
sidewalk. The floor will slope grad
ually down from the front entrance
TO the rear of the present building
this entire floor will be used as All
audience room. The stage and dress
ing rooms will be confined entirely
to the first floor of the new building
q hot water plant heating the en-
tire building will be installed under
the stage. By using the entire floor.
Wdll
OF the present building, for seating
space, and sloping the floor, it is
possible to arrange for seating ca
paclty Of between five and six hun
dred persons.
The present hall has always been
dangerous fire trap, and it is now
proposed to arrange for a large en-
trance in front, large entrance in
the rear, and three doors on each
side Of the auditorium,-8 entrances
ID all that will open On the ground
level, SO that the building in case of
fire or panic, could be emptied in a
minute.
By lowering the first floor and drop
ping the rear end three or four feet
into the cellar, the ceiling will be
very high.
The second and third floors will be
supported by steel pilasters running
from the ground to the roof, with
several 'I" beams across the build
ing, supporting the floors, this will
eliminate all posts or supports inside
the building.
The second floor has been rented to
the State of Maryland to be used as
home for the local company of State
Militia: the drill floor will include
the entire second floor space OF the
present building, ana the second
floor of the. newDadditIon will be di-
vided into band room and officers
quarters. 1t is also proposed to use
these rooms for wardrobe and toilet
purposes, and they may be rented for
dances, etc, with ample accommoda-
tions for ladies and gentlemen.
The third floor VIII be used for
lodge purposes, and it Is the intention
to put this floor in first class con
dition for lodges: in The third floor of
the new addition, will be arranged a
banquet hall, kitchen and wardrobe
rooms for the various lodges.
The entrance to the second and
third floors will be on the outside of
the present building, enclosed in a
brick wall, this will be absolutely
fireproof, and will permit of the entire
first floor being fitted with chairs.
The entire building will be heated
with hot water, and lighted with cleo
tricity.
In order to make the above plans
a practical success, it is necessary
for the /. o. o. F. to float a mort
gage OF $7,50000 divided into $4,000
bonds, free from taxation, drawing 4
per cent. interest. The State of Mary
land has agreed to pay total of $400
year for lease on the second floor,
this amount will pay all the interest
on the bonds, and leave balance each
year OF $4,000, this amount together
with any other surplus profit arising
from the rent of the first floor or
Opera Hall and from tne lodge rooms
Will be used to retire the bonds, or
create a sinking fund for this pur-
pose.
The people OF this town have for a
long time realized that something Of
this kind was needed, and the Odd
Fellows have probably made it possi-
bic for the town to acquire this i'm
provement The bonds are perfectly
safe. as they are first mortgage lien
On the entire building after the inn
provements are made.
While the rate of interest is not
heavy, at the same time no one is
called upon to give outright or to
contribute any money in any way. 1t
is to be hoped that seventy five men
can be found in this, town who are
willing to come forward, and invest
$100 at four per cent. interest net.
Subscriptions are now being taken
by the Committee, for these bonds.
and over $4,000 worth have already
been sold. 1t is necessary to dis
pose of the balance as soon as pos
sible, as the lease with the State of
Maryland requires that II be given
possession on December first. This
means that the building operation
should start at once,so that the inn
provements may be completed in time.
The Odd Fellows have decided not
to instruct the builders TO begin until
all the bonds are subscribed for: it
was thought best to first take care
of the finances, before incurring any
liabilities. a great many folks wait
until they are sure Of success be
fore coming forward with the money;
IL everyone adopted snis plan nothing
would ever be started.
Twenty year gold bonds, drawing
per cent, with ample security for
sale by the committee.