Daily Kennebec journal. [microfilm reel] (Augusta, Me.) 1870-1975, 1924-02-22

winter, in order that construction of
the building proper may begin the
following spring. This action was
taken and the project discussed at
u meeting of the Memorial Build
ing CoErnIttee at Portland last
Saturday. Those who were pres
ent are William Nee. Sawyer,
Chairman. and Hosea Buck, OF
Bangor, Harry Sutton and Howard
q. Philbr0ok of Boston, Norman II.
Mayo Of Portland. and President {.
G. Little and Alumni Secretary u.
l.. Clark of the University of Maine.
The bids for constructing the
proposed new high school building
at Rockland. which were opened
last Friday, were made public Wed
nesday by Mayor Il. l., Brown.
Sixteen bids on general construc-
ton were received and eleven others
on plumbing, heating and ventilat-
ing. These bids were made by both
LEGAL and outside firms. and it was
generally understood that all things
equal, local bidder should be
given preference. Charles f.. IfoXie
Of Augusta was the lowest bidder
on general construction, naming the
figure of $39,75l. w. T. Smith Of
Rockland was the lowest on plumb
ing. heating and Ventilating work,
with u bid of $I9.S50. These pro
posals have been accepted, and
building committee consisting OF
Mayor +. J.. Brown. Israel Snow,
George E. Wood. William d. Talbot
and Frank a. Richardson was APP
pointed to act on this matter, and
the School Board will be guided by
The acts pf this committee.
Since the publication of Gov.
Bakers letter to Mayor Brann,
setting forth the relative positions
of the State and the city of Lewis
ton. in regard to the armory prop
ertv, there mas apparently been
growing sentiment among Lewiston
people who are interested in the
future OF the city, in favor of the
city retaining the ownership and
control of tho arm0ry, says The
Lewiston SUN. There are some,
however who believe that the prop
crty, which has cost tie city more
than S325000, should be turned over
to the State. sacrificing the city's
right to use the building for the
sake Of shifting the burden of main
tcnanCe onto the State. 1T is said
that tho militia requires less than
one third of the entire building and
then has better military quarters
than is offered by any other armory
in the New England States. With
well lighted. heated and furnished
louncing rooms. shower baths, lock-
er rooms. private offices, etc, and
the use of the great auditorium for
drill hall the hearts desire of the
local military men has been met.
At present the State allows the city
about 500 a year for armory rent,
but with such elaborate quarters as
have now been provided. it is be-
IiCVed that the State would he will
ing to increase its allowance. TWO
rooms of the armOry are now being
used for school purposes at a saw
ing to the city of some $1,000, and
il is claimed 10y those WHO have
looked over the building with a view
to utilizing its unocCupied two
thirds to further increase the school
facilities, that the plan is entirely
feasible and would result in a big
financial saving to the city. 1t has
also been suggested that better than
give this valuable property to the
State. the armoTy could be easily
turned into a junior high school, and
another building with suitable arm
cry facilities erected nearby at a
cost Of from S25.00o to $50 900 with
the State aid. Mayor Brann has
said that If Gov. Bakers interpre-
tation of the law relating to the use
and control of armories, is correct,
he is in favor of Lewiston keeping
control of its armory.