Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1912-05-21
SPLENDID Y. NJ. c. 4 BUILDING
ASSURED FOR CITY OF AUGUSTA,
Memorial to the Late Gov. John F. Hill to Be
Erected at Corner of State and Winthrop
Streets==Handsome Donations by Citizens.

1t is most pleasing news which greets
the citizens of Augusta, this morning.
We are tn have the long hopedfor Y.
NJ. C. a. building There are some con-
ditions TO he fulfilled, but there is not
the slightest doubt about their fulfill
ment. Not only should the amount
named for the endowment be easily
obtained, but more, so that the main
tenanee of The institution on the
soundest financial basis can be assur-
ed The way to all this has been OPEN
ed by the splendid generosity of some
of our own citizens. This is the story:
II will be remembered that on Sept
80. 1910. a banquet Of the Augusta
Board of Trade was held at the Au-
gusta House. Frank G.. Harrington
spoke on the subject of Y NJ. c. A.
building for Augusta. 1t was the speech
of the evening and was received with
enthusiastic approval. On Nov. 10 a
citizens meeting was held in the al
dermen's room at City hall. There
was a large attendance and the mat
ter WAS thoroughly discussed. 1t was
the unanimous opinion that such an
institution was needed in this city.
The question was how could it be
brought about IL was finally decided
10 appoint a committee OF investigate.
and, after consideration, to make rec
concentrations. The members of the
committee, announced. Dec. {. We're.
Hon. John f. Hill. Hon. George f. Ma
eonber, Frank q. Harrington. w. d.
Hutehins. e. 4. Hussey, J. r. Town
send, Norman L. Bassett
This committee has from time to
time held meetings and considered
what was needed in the way of build
ing, possible locations for it, methods
Of raising funds etc 1t was apparent
that a large sum would be required to
build the kind of building that Augusta
wanted and to place ii on sound sus-
5ailing basis. Governor Hill had at
the first meeting Of the committee
pledged an initial sum and showed a
strong interest in the project. The COM
mittee felt that not until definite
nlan of lot, building, cost, etc, could
be agreed on should the movement to
accomplish the purpose be placed be-
fore the public. There have been inev-
liable delays.
a short time ago Mr.. Macomber, who
casi always be relied upon in every
movement beneficial to Augusta, stat
ed to the committee at one of it's
meetings, that he would contribute
$4,000. Then came this letter.
Augusta, Me. May II. 1912.
Gentlemen-In memory of John f.
Hill. we viii build Y. Nj. C. A. build
condition that a suitable lot be pro-
vided for it and an endowment fund
raised OF at least $4,000.
He believed that this city needed
such an institution and wished to see
it established We trust that this COM
munication will lead To the early real
ization of his wishes and of our own.
Yours Very Truly.
LAURA C. HILL
PERCY V. HILL.
TO the Committee for Y. NJ. c. A.
To say that the committee was
overjoyed to receive such a generous
offer is stating it mildly The mem
bers at once realized that the build
ing was within easy reach. The COM
mittee Believed that the ideal location
was the Staples lot at the corner of
State and winthrop streets. This
lot is bounded on three sides by
streets. State winthrop and Winthrop
court. 1t has a frontage on State
street of 1870 feet and on Winthrop
street of 140 feet. 1t is easily aces
sibie from Water street and other
parts of the city, has ample land fol
connected with the building, and ha,
fine outlook. a building located
upon. this lot viii be an ornament t,
the city as wen as OF the creates
practical value.
| 1t was ascertained that the pur
chase price OF this lot was $4,000, Al
the contribution of Mr.. Macombe
practically took care of this the com
lmittee decided TO assume the respen
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