USA > Massachusetts > Middlesex County > Newton > History of Newton, Massachusetts : town and city, from its earliest settlement to the present time, 1630-1880 > Part 64
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In January, 1848, a few gentlemen met at the house of the first pastor of the Eliot church, Rev. William S. Leavitt, to take into consideration the matter of forming a Book Club, for the diffusion of general literature and mutual improvement in the community.
Twelve gentlemen were present at this first meeting, and, after due deliberation, it was determined to form an association to be called the "Newton Book Club." Twenty-six subscribers were obtained, and regulations adopted.
One article provided that the library should be under the direc- tion of five members, chosen annually, etc. Another article pro- vided for the good care of the books, " as they are intended to form a permanent library for the benefit of the village."
During the first year, one hundred and eleven books were pur- chased for the use of the Club, and its prosperity showed the ne- cessity of a permanent library. Consequently, at its first annual meeting the initiatory steps were taken, and a Corporation formed, entitled the "Newton Literray Association."
A number of new and standard books were purchased, and about this time the old library at Newton Centre was donated to the Association, and a catalogue printed.
In January, 1851, a vote was introduced to open the doors to all paying for the privilege. Two hundred new and valuable books were added by purchase this year, and the library was or- dered to be open a part of two days in every week. In February, 1851, the catalogue, with a printed supplement, was distributed to every house in the village. At the annual meeting in January, 1852, the Constitution was amended, opening the library to all, under certain conditions. This was another step for the public benefit. In October, 1852, a course of public lectures was agreed upon, to be delivered during the ensuing winter for the benefit of the library.
At a meeting of the Newton Literary Association, *- held at the house of Hon. D. K. Hitchcock, on Tuesday evening, July 21,
* This Association, sometimes called the "Newton Debating Society," was formed December 8, 1856, and held its meetings weekly, first in the American Hall, and after- wards, for about four years, at the house of Dr. Hitchcock.
667
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
1865, the following statement was presented by a committee ap- pointed for the purpose, concerning the original suggestion and first movements towards the establishment of a Free Public Li- brary in Newton. The statement is important in the history of the Newton Free Library.
STATEMENT.
At a meeting of the Newton Literary Association, held at the house of Hon. D. K. Hitchcock, March 2, 1865, the subject of a Free Public Library was first introduced by Dr. Hitchcock, who urged the matter upon the attention of the Association, and offered the following Resolutions, which were unanimously adopted :
Whereas, the ancient and highly favored town of Newton, with all its wealth and enterprise and rapidly increasing population, is remarkable alike for its intelligence, public spirit and benevolence,
And, whereas, the best interests and claims of the people have, in one par- ticular, at least, been overlooked,- Therefore,
Resolved, that the town should be furnished with a FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
Resolved, that in view of the great advantages enjoyed in other places, hav- ing free access to large and well endowed libraries, it is very desirable that the necessary measures should be taken to bring this subject to the notice of our citizens, in order that they may enjoy the pleasure and the privilege of establishing a Public Library which will be worthy of the town.
Resolved, that a committee of three be appointed to nominate a Standing Committee on the NEWTON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
H. D. Bassett, Henry Fuller and William Guild were constituted such committee.
At a subsequent meeting of the Association, held March 16, 1865, the following named gentlemen were constituted a Standing Committee on the FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY, to wit : Dr. D. K. Hitch- cock, Dr. H. Bigelow, G. W. Bacon, George Alden, George H. Jones, George C. Lord, H. M. Hagar, M. M. Chick, George H. Quincy, Rev. W. G. W. Lewis, Charles W. Pierce, George Lin- der, A. G. Brown, H. Lemon, L. S. Holman and Orrin Whipple.
Subsequently, on the 20th of March, 1865, Dr. D. K. Hitch- cock made a subscription of One Hundred Dollars towards the en- dowment of a FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY in Newton, and paid the same into the hands of H. D. Bassett, then President of the Asso- ciation, as the first subscription towards the object, and subject to
-
668
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
call, on demand, by the Treasurer, on completion of such organi- zation as is necessary for the safety and accomplishment of the en- terprise.
Subsequently, a meeting of the Standing Committee was held at the house of Dr. Hitchcock, March 22, 1865, at which were present Dr. D. K. Hitchcock, Dr. Henry Bigelow, Rev. W. G. W. Lewis, George H. Quincy, George C. Lord, George Alden, M. M. Chick, L. S. Holman and A. G. Brown; Dr. Hitchcock, Chairman ; A. G. Brown, Secretary; and after discussion, D. K. Hitchcock, Henry Bigelow and George C. Lord were appointed a committee to confer with certain gentlemen of property and standing, to enlist their support and influence in this enterprise.
Messrs. Lewis, Alden and George H. Jones were appointed a committee to report a plan of organization; and Messrs. Hitchcock, Lewis and G. W. Bacon were appointed a committee to take measures to have a grand public meeting, to bring the en- terprise to the notice, and secure the co-operation, of all classes, in regard to the Library.
In accordance with this action, a public meeting was called by the following notice, which was circulated extensively in the town :
NEWTON FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
The Newton Literary Association beg to announce that a meeting will be held in Eliot Hall, Newton Corner, on Fast Day evening, 13th instant, at seven o'clock, to consult in regard to endowing a FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY for the town of Newton.
Hon. Alexander H. Bullock, Judge Russell, and other distinguished gen- tlemen will address the meeting.
The committee have invited the following persons to act as officers of the meeting :
PRESIDENT.
[To be chosen at the meeting.]
VICE-PRESIDENTS.
NEWTON UPPER FALLS .- E. J. Collins, Frederic Barden, Willard Marcy, F. A. Collins, Otis Pettee.
NEWTON LOWER FALLS .- Thomas Rice, jr., Isaac Hagar, Vaughn Jones.
NEWTON CENTRE .- Gardner Colby, James F. C. Hyde, M. S. Rice, George C. Rand, D. H. Mason, George S. Dexter.
AUBURNDALE .- John S. Abbott, G. W. Briggs, H. B. Williams, J. E. Woodbridge, J. Willard Rice, Professor Cushing, Cephas Brigham.
PUBLIC LIBRARY.
669
FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY.
WEST NEWTON. - E. H. Eldredge, S. F. Dix, William E. Sheldon, Addi- son Macullar, J. W. Plympton.
NEWTONVILLE .- William Claflin, Joseph Walker, T. D. Adams, W. D. Coolidge, John L. Roberts, A. H. Ward, Dustin Lancey.
NEWTON CORNER .- John S. Farlow, J. N. Bacon, John C. Potter, George H. Jones, Henry Bigelow, Orrin Whipple, George C. Lord, George Linder, H. D. Bassett, John C. Chaffin, Alonzo Lilly, William Guild, D. B. Jewett, Henry Claflin, George Alden, Benjamin Sewell, John Q. Henry, Samuel Chism, Henry Fuller, George Hyde, George H. Quincy, James F. Claflin, Albert G. Brown.
DAVID K. HITCHCOCK, GEORGE W. BACON, Committee.
W. G. W. LEWIS,
April 10, 1865.
In accordance with this Notice, a meeting was held, which was called to order by H. D. Bassett, President of the Association. Hon. D. K. Hitchcock was chosen President, and the meeting was addressed by Dr. Hitchcock, His Excellency Governor A. H. Bullock, Hon. Thomas Russell, Rev. J. W. Wellman, George H. Jones, Esq., Rev. Mr. Lewis and others.
The following were the remarks of Dr. Hitchcock :
The object of our meeting is to secure a Free Public Library for this town. I need not speak in detail of the advantages and blessings which such an in- stitution would give; for that would be a reflection upon your intelligence and public spirit. But this I do state,- and you will cheerfully bear witness to the truthfulness of the remark,- that, as a people possessing great wealth and enterprise, we have overlooked one of the greatest blessings, which should have long since been secured. This is an age of progress. We have new facilities and improvements which our ancestors never enjoyed. We find them in the shops of our industrious mechanics. The anvil and the loom, the plow and the reaper, the rail-car and the telegraph, the silent riv- ulet, the majestic river, the ebbing and flowing tide, are employed to aid our artisans and to turn the wheels of our manufactories. Fire and steam are harnessed to our carriages, and are indispensable to our artisans, while light- ning is held in subjection to our will, transmitting and printing our thoughts with the same ease as the cunning fingers of the accomplished organist in yonder church command the various tones of musical expression.
On looking over the records of the Mayor and Aldermen of the city of Boston, we find, that August 5, 1850, the City Government passed a vote of thanks to the Hon. John P. Bigelow, for his contribution of one thousand dollars for the purpose of founding a Free Public Library. That auspicious beginning, nobly seconded by the contributions of the late Abbott Lawrence, of happy memory,- the gifts of the eloquent Everett, and the noble endow- ment of Joshua Bates, besides other donations from generous and approving
670
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
friends, has given to the Metropolis of New England a magnificent Library, as free as the air we breathe, notwithstanding fifteen years have not passed, since the first money was paid.
The principal cities, and in some instances, a few of our small towns, have established Free Libraries; and wherever that has been done, it has been found, that a taste for reading has been increased. Works of science, travels and histories, essays, poetry and choice romances have superseded the nov- ellettes with which we have been flooded, whilst it has rendered those places more valuable, always attracting the attention of those who appreciate such superior advantages.
If we have neglected to secure a Free Public Library for this ancient and illustrious town, let us hasten to do our duty. The demand for good books, the pursuit of knowledge, the claims of the young earnestly appeal to us, to provide for their intellectual wants. .
The committee for procuring a Free Public Library have had the great- est solicitude as to its success. They were willing to be hewers of wood, drawers of water, or serve in any capacity. And the Chair is especially gratified in being able to say that this good work meets with the most cor-' dial approbation of the whole town. All are willing to unite in securing its endowment, regarding the present moment as just the time when we should commence. Our national struggles are about ended. Peace, blessed peace is once more to return, when we shall beat our swords into plougli- shares and our spears into pruning-hooks. Let us emulate each other in our peace offerings.
After this, the matter was taken in hand by the citizens, and carried forward to the desired consummation.
The Statement preceding was adopted as the judgment of the Association, and it was
VOTED, that the same, with the proceedings of this meeting relating there- to, signed by the President and Secretary, be furnished to the proper com- mittee, to be inclosed in the box to be placed in the corner-stone of the new Library Building.
Attest, RALPH W. HOLMAN, President.
ALBERT G. BROWN, Secretary.
In 1868 the library of the Newton Literary Association num- bered 1,700 volumes. This Association was subsequently absorbed into "The Newton Free Public Library." The following notes indicate the progress of the organization until it became a compo- nent part of the Newton Free Library, which was its successor.
The year 1864 opened very favorably. The receipts for the year 1863 showed an increase of nearly 300 per cent. on the pre- vious year. The number of books loaned during the year was. 3,028.
671
NEWTON FREE LIBRARY.
The Librarian reported, at the annual meeting held in January, 1865, that sixty-four volumes had been added to the library during the past year, and 4,816 books loaned. Receipts during the year, $395.64.
At the annual meeting in January, 1866, it appeared by the Sec- retary and Treasurer's book that forty new members had been added, and 5,069 volumes loaned during the past year.
Suitable resolutions were passed at this meeting on the death of Dr. Henry Bigelow, one of the founders of the Library, as well as one of its most active and ardent supporters. The intellectual growth of the people was his characteristic desire ; and his in- fluence was present wherever this was the aim.
The matter of raising funds to increase the Library and procure a building for its use, was discussed. A proposition was offered, also, to remove the Library to one of the vacant rooms in the new school-house at Newton Corner ; but on account of the remoteness of the latter from the centre of business, it was judged best not to remove the books, but to await the erection of a new building in a central situation, to accommodate the mass of the people.
The erection of a new building for a Free Library and Reading Room had now become imperative, and direct steps tending towards such an enterprise were thought necessary.
On the 26th of March of this year a special meeting of the Association was called for the purpose of considering the subject of a new building, and a Free Library. This subject had been before the Association, under different forms, for fifteen years ; but for various reasons, the chief of which was that it was thought the town was hardly large enough to undertake such an enterprise, it had been, from time to time, postponed.
It was now thought by the Association that they would be derelict in duty, should they refuse to move at once in the matter. The citi- zens were looking to them as the natural guardians in trust for the free circulation of works of literature among the people, so that those unable to have libraries at their own homes, and especially the young men, might enjoy equal advantages, in that regard, with the most favored.
In June, 1866, Mr. Joel H. Hills obtained a subscription of thirty-three hundred dollars, with which to purchase a lot of land to be offered as a gift to the Newton Library Association, on which to erect a Library Building ; and, if declined by that Association,
672
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
to offer the same to any other organization, which would guarantee the erection of such a structure. The following are the names of the subscribers :
D. R. Emerson,
George H. Jones,
J. C. Chaffin,
Wm. O. Edmands,
G. D. Gilman, Louisa S. Brown,
Albert Brackett,
H. D. Bassett,
A. B. Underwood,
Joel H. Hills,
J. W. Wellman,
Aaron F. Gay,
Joseph N. Bacon,
I. T. Burr,
James French.
Fred. Davis,
Francis Skinner,
The land purchased, about 20,500 feet, is situated on Centre Street, formerly the property of Captain William Thomas, and is the same lot on which the Library Building of the Newton Free Library is now located.
The following statement, compiled from the subscription book of the Newton Free Library, shows the number of contributors, and the amounts paid from June, 1866, to January 1, 1876. In case of several subscriptions by one individual, the full amount is entered, with the exception of subscriptions to the Land Fund, which is given in full.
One
gave,
$17,000.00 6,500.00 5,000.00
Two
gave $125 each
$ 250.00
One
Thirty
100
66
3,000.00
Two
$2,500 each,
Three
66
75
66 225.00
Two
2,000
4,000.00
Thirty-six, "
50
1,800.00
One
66
1,600.00
Two
66
30
66 60.00
One
66
1,500.00
Forty
25
66
1,000.00
Four
66
$1,250 each, 5,000.00
Twelve
20
240.00
One
1,100.00
Four
66
15
60.00
One
1,000.00
One
66
800.00
gave $10 each,
1,320.00
One
66
750.00
One gave 5.00
One
66
700.00
Four
$500 each,
2,000.00
Three hundred and five gave
$60,535.00
Three
400
1,200.00
One
375.00
By proceeds from lectures and other sources,
1,420.77
One
66
350.00
By sundry persons for pur- chase of land,
3,320.00
Five
66
$250 each,
1,250.00
Seven
66
200
1,400.00
Total, $65,275.77
Five
66
150
750.00
One hundred and thirty-two
One
300.00
The late J. Wiley Edmands, Esq., in 1870, made a special gift to the Newton Free Library of $5,000, for the purchase of books, to be paid in five annual instalments.
J.A. J.Wilcox Boston.
Att iny Edward-
673
NEWTON FREE LIBRARY.
September 20, 1866, the subscribers to this fund met and organ- ized, and chose a Board of Trustees. The Trustees were empow- ered to collect the amounts subscribed to the fund, to have the property transferred to them, to receive the deeds of the same, and to hold the property for the proprietors, to be for the use and purposes of the subscribers, as set forth in said subscription paper. It was also voted "that the Trustees take the initiative in any measure that will promote the interests of a Free Public Library in this place, and in the erection of a suitable building on the land purchased by the subscribers to the fund." In accordance with the authority thus given them, the Trustees collected the subscrip- tions, and received the title to the land. In 1867, the Trustees re- ported to the subscribers their action, and the condition of the enterprise, which was unanimously endorsed by vote of the sub- scribers.
It was also voted "that the Trustees have full powers to treat with any existing Library Association at Newton Corner for the receiving of the gift of the land from the subscribers, on the con- dition expressed in the indenture ; or, to initiate proceedings, by calling public meetings, procuring subscriptions, or otherwise, for the formation of a new Library Association to receive said gifts on said conditions ; to receive in trust, if they deem it best, any transfer of stock or property from any existing Library Associa- tion ; to procure any legislation they may think necessary, or take any other action which they may judge best adapted to carry out the purposes of the subscribers ; and, that they report their action in the premises to the subscribers, at a meeting to be called by them at such time as they may deem most expedient for the enter- prise."
Under the powers thus conferred upon the Trustees, they com- menced their labors. In January, 1868, they reported to the sub- scribers the gift of $15,000 by the Hon. J. Wiley Edmands upon certain conditions, as follows :
"First, that a like sum of $15,000 shall be fully secured by the Trustees previous to the first day of March next ; second, that a building shall be erected under the general supervision of the pres- ent Trustees, or their successors in office, and in accordance with plans which shall be satisfactory to him; third, that when com- pleted, it shall be organized under the name of the NEWTON FREE LIBRARY, with a Board of Control, consisting of eleven Managers,
43
674
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
three of whom shall be the present Board of Trustees, or their suc- cessors, the remaining number to be elected from the contributors to the above specified amount ; fourth, that all contributors of $10, and upwards, shall have a right to vote ; fifth, that these conditions shall be fully entered in the subscription book."
In accordance with a vote of the subscribers, at a meeting held April 1, 1867, the Trustees made a tender of the land, under cer- tain conditions, to the Newton Library Association. The condi- tions were, 1. That the Library Building, to be erected, should be of brick or stone, two stories high. 2. That it should be completed on or before June 28, 1871. 3. That it should cost not less than ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
The "Newton Library Association " declined to accept this gift ; but, in accordance with a communication received from the Trustees of the Library Land Fund Association, dated November 21, 1867, voted, "that the Association will transfer all its books and other property to the Trustees of the Library Land Fund, when any Association shall accept of the lot of land named in the commu- nication of the Trustees, and guarantee to erect such a building as is therein mentioned, to be held in trust by said Trustees until the completion of the said building, when they shall transfer the same to the new Association, provided it shall be maintained as a Free Library, and be located in that part of this town now called New- ton Corner."
At a meeting of the subscribers, held January 6, 1868, the Trus- tees were empowered to raise fifteen thousand dollars ($15,000) in addition to a gift of a like sum, to proceed to erect such a build- ing as shall be, in their judgment, in accordance with the perma- nent and effective establishment of such an institution; and they were authorized, when they should have received the full amount of thirty thousand dollars, to convey the land to an association to be called the Newton Free Library. It was also voted "that the Trustees procure an act of Incorporation."
By energetic and persistent effort, public meetings, courses of lectures and private labor, the sum of $36,683 was obtained, and in June, 1868, the present Library building was commenced. Ground was broken June 10, 1868. The corner-stone was laid August 13, 1868, and there were deposited in it, for the inspection of posterity, the Town and School Reports for 1868, copies of the Newton Journal, Boston papers of the day, the American Alma-
675
NEWTON FREE LIBRARY.
nac, specimens of coins, bank-notes and currency in use, the his- tory of the Newton Free Library, and the several reports of public meetings. Also, a copy of the Subscription Book, engrossed on parchment, giving the names and amounts subscribed.
On this occasion, the principal address was by the Rev. E. J. Young. An original hymn, by Rev. I. N. Tarbox, was sung. The ceremony of laying the stone was performed by J. Wiley Ed- mands, Esq. Prayer by Rev. J. W. Wellman. The hymn " America" was sung, followed by the Benediction, by Rev. C. S. Rogers. .
The rough stone for the walls was taken from the quarry of S. H. Gooch, Esq., Newton Centre ; the split and cut stone for trim- mings, from Hallowell, Me. The Newton Library Association delivered its property to the Trustees and Managers, in compli- ance with its vote of January 6, 1868, and the same was received by the Newton Free Library, in accordance therewith.
NEWTON FREE LIBRARY.
The Newton Free Library was organized September 29, 1869, with a President, Secretary, Treasurer, and a Board of eleven Managers. The first Board of Managers was composed of the following names : George H. Jones, John C. Chaffin, Isaac T. Burr, J. Wiley Edmands, George W. Bacon, John S. Farlow, A. B. Underwood, Joel H. Hills, George S. Bullens, George S. Harwood and Abner I. Benyon. The Library building was dedi- cated June 17, 1870. An awning spread in front of the edifice, furnished an audience-hall accommodating from 1,500 to 2,000 persons ; and on this historic day, sacred to patriotism, and now, also, sacred to letters, the people of Newton, from the talent of their own citizens, celebrated this literary feast. An address of welcome and congratulation was offered by Governor Claflin ; report of the Trustees, by the Chairman of the Board of Mana- gers, George H. Jones, Esq., including a presentation speech, in which the free use of the Library was formally given to the town ; the principal address of the occasion by Rev. J. W. Wellman, D. D. ; an appropriate poem by Rev. S. F. Smith, D. D., and an ad- dress by Hon. Thomas L. Rice, accepting the donation in behalf of the citizens. The Library Hall had been beautifully decorated with pictures and flowers, and was visited, during the afternoon and evening, by a large number of persons. The cost of the
676
HISTORY OF NEWTON.
building and fixtures, including land, was $36,695.20. At the commencement of the enterprise, about $7,000 was expended for books, and $500 for the Reading Room. Hon. J. Wiley Edmands, having contributed, unsolicited, the largest amount of any indi- vidual towards the building on Centre Street, besides other liberal donations,-in his honor the principal room in the edfice is called " Edmands Hall." The Library was opened with 7,084 volumes. The clock in Edmands Hall is the gift of N. P. Coburn, Esq.
On the third of November, 1875, at an adjourned meeting of the stockholders of the Newton Free Library, a vote was passed, empowering the Managers to tender the Library to the city of Newton. A committee, consisting of Messrs. J. Wiley Edmands, J. S. Farlow and E. W. Converse, Esqs., was appointed by the Board with full powers to consummate the transfer of the franchise and property of the Corporation to the city. After due consider- ation, the donation was accepted by the Mayor, Aldermen and Common Council, on behalf of the city, and the Legislature of Massachusetts passed an Act, necessary in the premises, authoriz- ing the transfer. This Act, by an agreeable coincidence, received the signature of approval of the Governor of the Commonwealth then occupying the Chair of State, the Hon. Alexander H. Rice, a native-born citizen of Newton, and who had received his early edu- cation in her schools.
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