Daily Kennebec journal., 1922-05-02
Kahill Portrait of
Charles M. Bailey
Unveiled Monday

- SA4>NA AV4V1kNAOy
The unveiling Of the beautiful oil
painting of the late Charles NJ. Bailey
and the presentation of this picture to
the trustees of the public library took
place at 2 o'clock Monday afternoon at
the Charles NJ. Bailey Fublc Library
in Winthrop in the presence IF ;he
trustees and the members of the Bal
ley family. A profusion Of beautiful
pinks, a6 in all. Mr.. Bailey's age at
the time of his death and his favor:te
Hover. were used as decorations. The
brief but impressive ceremonies were
opened with prayer by Rev. Arthur
Jones, pastor of the Friends church at
Winthrop Center. Then Mrs. Elnora
S. Woodman, Mr.. Bailey's daughter,
presented the painting. speaking brief
ly but with sincere feeling, of her
father, his love for the town and his
pleasure in presenting the town with
its beautiful library. She referred to
the perfect April morning six years
ago when Mr.. Bailey turned the first
sod for the erection of the building.
and of his enthusiasm on that crown
ing day in December when the build
ing was dedicated. The picture was
then unveiled by Paul and Charles
Bailey, son OF Irving and Elwood Bal
ley and grandsons OF c. NJ. Bailey,
John A. Mc1lroy. representing the
board OF trustees, accepted the gift
with fitting words Of appreciation. Aft
cr the hanging Of the picture by the
artist, Joseph Kahill. the doors were
thrown open to the public that they
might have opportunity of viewing the
fine painting which will henceforth
acorn the library walls. The picture is
4 life-size painting and is wonder
was for so many years a leading citi-
zen of the town and who was so wide
ly known for his meny philanthropic
works throughout the State. The gen
erous gift Of Mrs. Woodman of this
beautiful memorial to the memory of
her father will be greatly appreciated
by the people of Winthrop. Charles
NJ. Bailey was maker of history in
Winthrop throughout the 96 years of
his long and useful life, and surely o
more appropriate place could be found
for his potrait than the beautiful IL
brary building, his last gift to his ma
tive town.
Much has already been said and
written Of Mr.. Bailey. but it seems
particularly fitting to recall some of
the principal events Of his life at this
time. Born in Winthrop October "A,
1920, the son of Ezekiel and Hannah
Bailey, he spent his life IN his native
town, making for himself a name
known all over New england, if not
all over the United States, for he built
up the oilcloth industry in this State
until the plant of the G. NJ. Bailey
Sons & Co. is one of the largest as
well as one of the oldest in America.
lie not only made a name for himself,
but amassed a considerable fortune,
but he never considered these things
to be the really worthwhile accom-
plishments Ct his life. He was most
generous giver. Good VIII Farm re-
ceived generously from his bounty and
Oak Grove Seminary was generously
remembered, as Veil as other schools
and colleges. During the later years
OF his life he frequently talked of a
memorial, something worth while. that
he might leave to the town where he
had lived SO long. So it came about
that in April, 1916, the first sod was
turned for library, and on December
>, 1916. the building was presented TO
the town at beautiful dedicatory ex-
ercise long to be remembered by all
who attended. This was done in the
Goth year of Mr.. Bailey's life and Il
nally accomplished only a few months
before his death