Worcester Democrat and the ledger-enterprise., 1937-02-05
PUBLIC BUILDING
SHOWS PROGRESS
in CONSTRUCTION
Gables Will Be Finished In
Weather Boarding, AS First
Planned By Architect
LIKELY TO BE FINISHED
EARLY IN MONTH OF MAY

The delay in putting the finishing
touches to the gables of the NUM-
cipal Building, now being erected at
the corner of Clarke Avenue and Vine
Street, has been caused by some de-
bate as to whether a town ordinance
requiring stone. brick, slate or metal
of some kind, to be used in construc-
tion, would be violated by using wood
in the gables and on the dormer win
dows.
The architects specifications called
for wood, placed on as the usual sid
ing is done, and the attention of the
Mayor and City Council was called
to this as a possible violation of the
city laws requiring buildings in the
district ravaged by the 1922 confla-
grafton to be, as far as possible, fire
proof.
The matter was fully taken into
account by the city authorities, and
brick or slate was at one time sug-
gested as the substitute for the wood
siding. But a decision was finally
reached to adhere to the original de-
sign of the architect and use the wood
finish. An argument for this was
furnished by the fact that these gables
would not contain as much of that
material as another nearby building
erected in the same burnt district.
Furthermore, strong fire-resisting
paint would be used in covering this
material. The work is now going on,
and, it must be acknowledged, the
wood makes very attractive finish
for both dormers and gables.
The work on the new house is pro-
crossing very rapidly and satisfactor-
lily. Plasterers are at work and it
will not be many days before inside
trimming will start. Remarkable prog
ress has been made, considering the
weather, and Superintendent, C. R.
Hare, states that the building will be
ready for occupancy some time with
in the month of May.
Mr.. Hare has earnestly pushed his
labors and not only have they been
marked by speed, they have received
the unanimous endorsement and ap-
proval of Messrs. Roberts, Keefer, and
Shyrock, all P. w. A. Government in
spectors. This new addition to the
appearance of the city,
will, not only impove the beauty of
steets, but will fulfill a long-felt want.
The architects, Messrs. Buckler and
Fenhagen, have solidified their ideas
into very beautiful specimen of Co.
lonial architecture, and, while a loca-
tion might have been chosen where
the public eye would have come into
contact with it more frequently. and
thereby, maybe, enhancing Pocomoke
City's claim to the "City Beautiful,
but, in so far as it's utility is concern
ed, it's location is most practicable.
After the completion of the build
ing, the City Council should take into
serious consideration. it's preservation.
Regretful as it may be, there is of
ten a disregard for public buildings,
which leads certain element to take
delight in desecration. Open to the
public, the new Municipal Building
will be visited by all classes. It may
become place for rowdyism, shell
'er for roughs, who would make it
very disagreeable for the better class
IS to use it for purposes intended.
A reliable manager and superinten-
lent should be appointed and see that
he building is not abused. Much
money has been expended in it's con-
'truction and care should be taken
20 prove to the taxpayers that their
money has been well spent.