| The Acton Memorial Library |
| MALDEN, Feb. 27, 1890. |
To the Selectmen of Acton,
GENTLEMEN:—For a long time past, it has been my intention, if ever I was able to do so, to remember my native town by the gift of some memorial to the memory of those brave and patriotic men of Acton, who so freely gave time, strength and health and many of them their lives in the war of the Rebellion 1861-65.
To carry out this plan in what seemed to me the most advantageous and permanent method possible, I have purchased the estate of Rev. James Fletcher adjacent to the town house and erected thereon a memorial library placing upon its shelves some four thousand volumes more or less and I beg the privilege of presenting this property to the town as a free gift only stipulating that it shall forever be kept as a memorial library and free to all the citizens of the patriotic old town of Acton which I shall always be proud of.
If it shall please the town to accept this gift I shall be glad to pass all necessary papers for the transfer of the property to whom and at such time as the town shall direct. I am, gentlemen,
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Yours truly,
WILLIAM A. WILDE. |
The above letter was read at the town meeting last Monday. In response to this letter, the town, by a unanimous vote passed some fitting resolutions of acceptance and of thanks drawn up and presented by Rev. James Fletcher. In these resolutions the town tenders to Mr. Wilde, his companion and children, our best wishes for their happiness and our prayer that the donation in which they each have a share, may contribute to their mutual and lasting enjoyment.
The selectmen and trustees were constituted a committee to arrange for suitable dedicatory services on the 19th inst. The following named persons were chosen trustees.
Wm. D. Tuttle town clerk for 3 years.
Rev. James Fletcher, chairman of school committee for 2 years.
Howard B. White, chairman of board of selectmen for 1 year. |
WEST ACTON
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Are you going to hear Patti in this “her last farewell?”
The first robin reported here Thursday morning, the 13th.
Mrs. S. R. Burroughs has returned from the hospital, where she has been for some time for treatment it is hoped it may be beneficial.
An equally trite saying with “Make hay while the sun shines,” these days would be, “Gather your ice while it is frozen.” We hear of some good crops gathered in this vicinity, the thickest being fourteen and the thinnest ten inches.
The Phila May Concert company are to give an entertainment in the Universalist church next Monday evening, the 17th, under the auspices of the same committee that has conducted the last two entertainments.
We were misinformed with regard to the closing of the schools here, all of which closed last week for the usual short vacation, with the exception of the Grammar school, which had to make up a few days and closed this week Thursday. The High School will also continue here.
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There were several sleighing parties this week. Saturday evening a party of a dozen or more took a pleasant (?) trip to Concord. Monday evening another party of a baker's dozen took the same route and saluted the “Minute Man” by moonlight, and the verdict is that thirteen is not an unlucky number when “Hezekiah passes the oranges.”
George Y. Hutchins is very sick at his home in Stoneham. Typhoid fever and other complications, we believe.
There was a Sunday school concert at the Baptist church, Sunday evening, conducted by the teachers of the Primary department. Subject “Chapel Builders.” A special collection was taken, amounting to over thirty-one dollars. The money given for this purpose goes to aid mission work in the West. Last year the Sunday schools contributed enough to help erect seven chapels.
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ACTON CENTRE
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Geo. W. Tuttle is improving at last accounts.
Lyman Tuttle has purchased a pair of horses.
W. W. Davis is on the sick list, but we are in hopes to see him out soon.
The A. C. I. S. held another entertainment Tuesday evening and considering the night, a good crowd was present.
Wm. Wilde, Esq., was in town this week at the trustees meeting held at the library Tuesday night.
Don't forget Comical Brown in the town hall this evening. He is playing to good houses and gives a very different bill from former times. Do not miss him as it is worth seeing. Come and bring the children, as the prices are popular. |
SOUTH SUDBURY
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The W. C. T. U. met with Mrs. J. D. Goodenough, Thursday afternoon.
The Ladies' Missionary society held a sociable with Mrs. Nahum Goodnow, on Thursday evening of this week.
The History of Sudbury, which before has not been placed in the library for circulation, has now been placed upon the lists with other books.
The New England Farmer of March 1st contained a very interesting article concerning the greenhouses of C. F. Goodnow & Son at South Sudbury. The article was accompanied by an illustration of the interior of one of the houses. |
A Gift of Ten Thousand Dollars |
At the annual town meeting in Harvard last week, Henry L. Warner, a wealthy gentleman residing in Boston, presented his native town with the sum of $10,000. The presentation speech was made by Fred E. Haynes of this town and a cousin of Mr. Warner. He is now taking an advanced course in Harvard College. The income of this money is to be expended annually for the support of free lectures to be unsectarian and independent in politics.
Our rising young collegiate gracefully performed the duty devolving upon him in a manner that called forth many expressions of praise from the citizens. A vote of thanks was extended to Mr. Warner for his princely gift, action upon the acceptance of which will be taken at the April meeting.
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