Every evening, Wilmington daily commercial., 1920-04-17
Evening Yesterday l44UO
Save the Old City Hall.

Recent rIimors about a resale OF the
old CITY Hall, happily unfounded, served
To revive interest IN the ultimate tate OF
that historic and valued structure. IL is
nov in the title ownership of the HIS
tnrlcsl society of Delaware most ap-
propriatc resting place and there IS no
doubt of the purpose Of that body TO re-
store the building TO its ancient form and
appurtcnances. 80 that 1T shall stand Tor
the admiration of future generations as
IL stood for our forefathers and their sue
ccssors for wears civic structure COM
mcmorativo Of the days of its origin,
and one of the very best of the few re-
naming specimens of pure Colonial archl-
lecture To be found in all the country
Unfortunately. the Historical Society
is not a wealthy body. Its current reve-
nues arc meagrc. its permanent hnanclai
holdings of small dimensions. 1t must
depend upon the public for the funds that
will be necessary to a complete restora-
tion of the old City Hall to its original
form. and for providing its future useful
ness
While no formal campaign for the re-
uured funds has been entered upon, the
subject is one that our people should pear
in mind. for unless unexpected ASSISTANCE
should come in the form OF approprla-
tions bv the city or Stste-not remotely
probable at this time-the Historical
Society will naturally look to the people
for solid cooperation and assistance. II
is true we have had a plethora OF cam
psigns for funds of various kinds during
the past few eventful years until people
have become heartily tired Of hearing
about them. But this is subject In
which thev should have a deep con-
cern. and an interest which, although
largely sentimental, should prove most
appealing.
For the old City Hall is one OF the land
marks that connect the Wilmington OF
the pasta small, but aspiring borough
with the Wilmington Of the present, a
city teeming with industry and OF
large business Importance. By It's con
tinued presence. in restored form, we
may appreciate the extent OF the patriotism
and public-spiritedness of the people OF
that day in raising the money for such
laudahlc purpose. We can appreciate the
fine talent that was displayed in the con-
ception Of the old building, with its honest
Colonial features and strict adherence to
the accepted architecture of that day,
and the thorough honesty Of its construc-
tion, so that it's physical strength has
been in nowise impaired by its century OF
honorable existence.
Also. the associations of the old build |
ing are very appealing. 1t was Tor years
the civic centre of the community, the |
place where the people assembled for the |
purpose of giving serious attention to the |
affairs of State, and also, where various |
public functions were held, and assemblies
given for dancing and other diversions. |
Within its walls many notable receptions
took place, and at one time the great La
Fayette, the noble French patriot who
rendered such valuable services to our
Washington throughout the American
Revolution, was an honored guest of the
borough and of the Masonic fraternity, at
banquet spread In the old City Hall.
Ii would be remissness of almost
criminal proportions TO eountenance the
demolition and the passing away Of this
fine old Colonial structure, which means
SO much to our city. Every patriotic i'm
pulse should revolt at the mere suggestion
of such thing. And so, unsolicited. and
with only a sincere purpose to add some
thing that may help in the good work of
perpetuation, We call attention TO the
subject, in the hope that our people will
consider the suggestion. and
resolve to meet their duty. squarely and
10 the end