The Barre daily times. (Barre, Vt.) 1897-1959, 1919-03-06

mate object TO be accomplished The
trustees also inspected modern library
buildings in this state; and, in Decem.
Der, 1903, five of the number: Trow
Perry, Phelps, McWhorter and Bisbee
went to Massachusetts,, at their personal
expense, to inspect several new library
buildings.
One of the objects to be accomplished
was to ascertain the cost of the build
ings; and TO be enabled to understand
what grade of building could be con-
structed with the available funds then
in their custody.
On Jan. 6, 1904, It was voted that
architects be asked to submit plans for
a library building in Barrf.
Plans were submitted by architects
residing in Barre and elsewhere, and on
Feb. II, it was voted to accept Mr. Penn
Varney Of Lynn, Mass, as the architect
II was then understood there were not
sufficient funds Of the Aldrich trust to
erect a suitable library building with
an all granite exterior; and at the same
meeting a committee was selected to con-
fer with the Barre quarry owners, and
with the Granite Manufacturers associa.
ton. to ascertain if arrangement could
be made to have the exterior of all gran
lite. A committee was also selected to
confer with the city council in regard
TO a site for the library. The city of
Barre, by vote Of its citizens in a city
meeting held for that purpose, purchased
the land on which the library building is
now located at a cost of Sl3, 1927, and
It was conveyed by deed dated Oct. 10,
1901. The city contributed the land TO
the Aldrich public library as a site for
the building; and it was conveyed by
deed dated June 3, 1905 The work Of
removing the buildings on the land was
accomplished early in 1906. From early
in the year 1904 until the close of 1906,
the trustees diligently tried to effect ar
engagements whereby the exterior of the
building be of Barre granite; and are
pleased to acknowledge the cordial as
sistance received from others to further
that end; and ii is to be noted that the
town OF Barre voted to contribute s. 900
towards the building provided it be Of
all granite exterior None of the pro-
posals received from contractors for such
a building. however. fitted the available
funds in the possession of the trustees.
On June %, 1906, Mr.. Frank McWhor-
ter, because of i'll health, rendered his
resignation as one of the trustees. The
resignation was accepted on Aug. 20,
1906; and on the same date Mr. OZias
D. Mathewson was elected to fill the va
cancy.
On Jan. 10, 1907, ladies of the Congre.
gational church in Barre contributed the
sum of SAC to the general library fund.
1t being the proceeds of an entertain
ment held for the purpose,
On Jan. %, 1907, the trustees had a
conference with the architect, and the
matter of a library building was fully
considered. Thereupon it was voted that
the architect be requested to revise his
plans and specifications for a brick and
granite building. They were revised;
submitted to contractors, and sealed pro-
posals solicited. Six proposals were re-
ceived; and they were opened on March
y. 1907, the date fixed for such purpose.
The lowest bid was submitted by Mr..
William f. Jackson of Montpelier; and
the contract for constructing the build
ing and foundations was awarded to him.
He began to excavate ON April Is, and
commenced to place the foundation walls
on April %, 1907.