PHOTOGRAVURE BY HASTINGS, 147 THEMONT STREET. BOSTON Yb , OF THK NORTON, MASS. WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 1. 1858. THE BUILDING ERECTED AXD WITH GROUNDS AND ENCLOSURE GIVEN" TO THE TOWN FOR THE USE OF THE LIBRARY CORPORATION BY MRS. ELIZA B. WHEATON. A FULL REPORT, WITH ILLUSTRATIONS. NORTON, MASS. ISSUED BY THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. PRESS OF LANE BROTHERS. 1888. 2. 733 THE TOWN OF NORTON, Represented by its Selectmen : Hox. AUSTIN MESSINGER, GEORGE R. PERRY, ESQ., WILLIAM ALLEN LANE, THE BOARD OF LIBRARY DIRECTORS. By the Constitution of the Library Corporation three Directors are elected annually for the term of three years, and the three Selectmen elected by the town are ex officio members of the Board. WILLIAM E. PAYSON, DAVIS GREGORY, HOWARD A. TINKHAM, GEORGE H. TALBOT, JACOB A. LEONARD, MRS. A. H. SWEET, REV. JAMES P. LANE, ARTHUR M. ROUND, M. D. MRS. E. T. WETHERELL, Term expires 1890. Term expires 1889. Term expires 1888. REV. JAMES P. LANE, President. DAVIS GREGORY, ESQ., Treasurer. ARTHUR M. ROUND, M. I)., Secretary. DEDICATION COMMITTEES. ON GENERAL ARRANGEMENT: AUSTIN MESSINGER, | SAMUEL A. CHAPIN, GEORGE H. TALBOT. ON DECORA TION: MRS. G. H. TALBOT, | MRS. R. P. HODGES, MRS. G. A. NOYES. ON COLLATION: MRS. E. T. WETHERELL, | MRS. A. H. SWEET, JACOB A. LEONARD. An exact copy of the programme is given on the following four pages. Jrreserjfea to li)e ^r0wr)~ r cr' BY MRS. ELIZA B. WHEATON af / INTRODUCTORY, . SAM'L, A. CHAPIN, President of the Day Music : Anthem. READING OF SCRIPTURES, Rev. JACOB I UK. PRAYER, Rev. C. F. NICHOLSON. ADDRESS, ..... . . . . S. C. EARLE, Architect. PRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING TO THE TOWN. RESPONSE by Mr. MESSINGER, Chairman of Board of Selectmen. PRESENTATION OF KEYS TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS: RESPONSE by Rev. J. P. LANK, President of Board. Music : Anthem. POEM, .... Miss LUCY LARCOM. ADDRESS (by letter), .... His Excellency Go v. AMES. DEDICATORY ADDRESS, . . . WILLJAM A. MOVVRY, Ph. I). Music : "America." BENEDICTION, Rev. J. P. LANE. THE LIBRARY WILL BE OPEN TO THE PUBLIC FROM 10 TO 10.45 A. M., AND AGAIN AFTER THE COLLATION. AUSTIN ME8SINGER, S. A. CHAPIN, J- Committee. GEO. H. TALBOT, INTRODUCTORY. The day chosen for the dedication proved to be the brightest and best of the season, with clear skies and air mild, genial, exhilarating. The people of the town were present in large numbers, with many friends from abroad and specially invited guests. The arrangements of the several committees had been well matured and, with the hearty cooperation of the people and willing labor of many hands, were carried out with complete success. The library building, with books neatly arranged on the shelves and all its tasteful appointments opened to inspection, elicited highest admiration from the masses who thronged the rooms. The Unitarian church, where the exercises were held, was finely decorated with festoons of green, the date appearing on the wall behind the pulpit, which was draped with climbing plants, and the front of the platform covered with vases of beautiful flow- ers, all arranged in excellent taste. The music by the double quartette choir from Mansfield was finely 10 executed. The introductory addresses of General Chapin, president of the day, the poem by Miss Lucy Larcom, the dedicatory address by Dr. William A. Mowry, and all the other exercises charmed and thrilled the audience, which compactly filled the house. The town hall, where the collation was served, to which all were invited and welcomed, with long tables completely covering floor and platform, laden with a bountiful provision and tasteful floral decoration, and with a galaxy of Norton's fair daugh- ters in waiting, presented an attraction that could not be surpassed. And the after-dinner flow of wit and sense sparkled with glowing utterance, befitting the occasion. Everywhere and all through the day faces were radiant with joy and gratitude to the modest, but noble woman who sat among them happiest of all, whose princely benefaction touched all hearts and in- spired a precious memory that will never fade away. It was indeed a red-letter day for Norton. The following pages give a full report of all the exercises of this memorable occasion. THE DEDICATION. Promptly at the hour appointed, after an organ voluntary, Gen. Samuel A. Chapin, President of the Day, addressed the assembly as follows. THE INTRODUCTORY ADDRESS. Our gathering this morning is somewhat similar to that of others which have occurred before in this same locality, regarding objects of intense interest. His- tory will repeat itself, rough-hew it as we may. One hundred and seventy-eight years ago, our grand old Pilgrim Fathers and Mothers, who had settled in these wild forests of Norton, within the territorial domain of King Philip, came in from every diverging trail and bridle path, from among the stal- wart oaks (emblems of the sturdy pioneers who felled them) which afterward furnished timber for the build- ing of the frigate Constitution and a score of other ships. They came with their children leading some and carrying other little ones in their arms all for 12 the purpose of installing their first minister, the Rev. Joseph Avery, and for dedicating their first meeting house, which stood on the common in front of this church where we are now assembled. That was the first dedication in this town. The first parsonage yet remains to greet our sight, somewhat modified and improved, on that beautiful rise of ground next to the residence of the late Mrs. Garfield. There was great jubilation when the pastor brought home a young and beautiful bride, Miss Sarah New- man of Rehoboth, to share his joys and his labors. In January, 1710, fifty-two good and loyal citizens of "y e town of Norton," ancestors of your Leonards, Hodges, Caswells, Lanes, Lincolns, Williams, Weth- erells, Woods, and some forty others, each contrib- uted of his landed possessions to make up 73 3-4 acres for their first minister. The land thus set apart for sacred purposes embraced all of the Capt. Dauphin King farm, now the Mrs. Garfield estate, also the land where this church stands and much more around it, and also a portion of the Rev. Pitt Clark farm. Thus you will observe that the common school house, this Unitarian church, and the old parsonage are all on these sacred premises, and if that doesn't establish a good preemption right then I beg you to tell me what does. Now we, descendants of those grand old stalwarts, will .also rejoice to-day to add another bulwark to the church and the school house a public library all of which are necessary to con- 13 stitute the great moral and intellectual spinal column of a good and loyal heir of that old stock. Some good angels have moved the heart of a good woman, long a resident of your town, to bestow this generous gift of a free public library, the walls of which have risen massive and beautiful, for your sons and your daughters to come within for ages hence, seeking knowledge and wisdom from the treasures of such a library. Therefore we are here on this bright and beautiful morning to consummate and celebrate this achievement, right upon this old, venerated and consecrated spot of our Pilgrim Fathers. And we will gladly invite your attention first to an anthem, "To Thee, O Country," which will be ren- dered by the double quartette of Mansfield. The double quartette, composed of Mrs. Hallett and Mrs. Bailey, sopranos, Mrs. Williams and Miss Hodges, altos, W. B. Rogerson and F. L. Cady, tenors, C. N. Crane and G. A. George, bassos, then rendered this fine anthem of Eichberg's with inspirit- ing effect. After the anthem, selections of Scripture were read by the Rev. Jacob Ide of Mansfield, and prayer was offered by the Rev. C. F. Nicholson, pastor of the church. The president then remarked that he would "intro- duce a gentleman whose magical hand had only to be stretched over any town or city and either a public library or a church is sure to arise. His magic skill 14 is now being exercised on the Clark University of Worcester and the Pilgrim Church of the same city, the Goodnow Library of Princeton, the Damon Li- brary of Holden, and many others. Allow me to introduce Mr. Stephen C. Earle of Worcester, the architect of this library building." THE ADDRESS OF MR. EARLE. Norton is not one of the hill towns so often spoken of, whose beacon lights could flash a signal from height to height over a whole county, but she never- theless is as a "city set on a hill which cannot be hid"; for from here goes out an influence, far and wide, with those daughters, who, in a ceasless pro- cession sojourn here for a few brief years and then go to shed the influence of its Christian culture, each in the circle where her lot in life may fall. Educa- tion has always gone hand in hand with New Eng- land civilization, is, indeed, the vanguard of that civilization, and this little town stands prominently, as a representative of this New England idea, yes, even as a very fortress, for here are leagued together against ignorance and vice, those mighty powers, the church, the school, the library and the home. From the geography and the air of this village, I am often led to imagine it as a vast cathedral cruci- form in plan after the accepted model, its long drawn nave vaulted in Nature's own handiwork, the church at one end, the school and home at the transepts, 15 and now, with the library at the remaining end, com- pleting the fabric. But fancies aside, let me address myself to the matter in hand, a description of the building which your honored benefactor, Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton, to-day adds to the long list of her good gifts. The building occupies the most commanding site in the village, standing as it does at the head of the main street and the common, facing the rising sun, and looking down the long vista through the trees. It is no magnificent example of architecture, being modest in style and dimensions, but is built of the best materials, in the most thorough manner. The walls are of brick and Longmeadow brown stone, starting from a base of rock-face rose-tinted Milford granite, and the steep gabled roof is covered with the best Maine slate. Handsome posts and curbing of granite similar to that of the base of the building, make the finish at the front line of the premises, and a substantial iron railing on granite posts is carried around the other three sides of the lot. Passing un- der the arching elms, up the broad bluestone flag walk, we enter the building by an open porch of Romanesque design, through a stone archway with its clustered twin columns, and richly carved caps, and its two guardian owls, looking as wise as stone owls can look. The floor of this porch is of blue- stone, the walls and arched ceiling of brick. By the main entrance which has a double door of oak, we 16 enter the vestibule, which is 6x8 feet, with tiled floor, brick walls, marble base and paneled wood ceiling. A wide double door directly opposite the main entrance gives access to the library, and a door :it the left, to the reading room. The fourth side has a little window of stained glass, rich in effect of col- or, though of a simple design, and the transom lights of the several doors, have all more or less of color. The library is aline room 24x34, and is 18 feet high, with a dado of pressed brick and terra cotta, with brick finish around the doors and windows, and a string course and corbels of terra cotta, high up on the walls. The remaining wall surface is plastered directly on to the hollow brick-work, no furring be- ing used on the walls here or elsewhere in the build- ing, and the plastering is painted in tints to harmon- ize with the brick and terracotta which give the key- note of color. The ceiling is sheathed with white- wood, and has beam finish of oak. The room is well lighted by windows on the East, North and West sides, extending the full height of the walls, with transoms separating the upper and lower por- tions. The oaken book-cases are at present disposed along the walls, but the plan has been arranged with the expectation that as the books increase in number, alcoves will be made ; still further shelving may be had by means of a gallery and a second tier of al- coves, and the ample land at the rear of the building, suggests enlargement in the future by means of 17 wings, when more room still shall be required for books. A librarian's desk of oak, with plate glass screen above it, is arranged for convenience of deliv- ery and exchange of books, and there is a large ob- long table for general uses inside the library. The corner devoted to the public in waiting, is furnished with a solid oak settee. From this public corner of the library, a door leads to the reading room, which is about 15x20 feet, and occupies the Southeast corner of the building. This is a pleasant and cosy room finished and furnished in quartered oak, includ- ing the floor and the paneled wainscot. A large table for periodicals occupies the middle of the room, a case for books of reference and a rack for hats, stands upon one side, a terra cotta fireplace with its proper furnishings is upon another, and windows on the other two sides admit the sunshine from the East and South. A little stained glass in the transom lights gives a tinge of bright color, and the walls and ceiling are treated in soft harmonious tints. At the Southwest corner of the building is a librarian's room 11x14 feet, connecting directly with the library, and separated from the reading room by stairs leading to the basement and to the unfinished attic, and having the same general style of finish as the reading room. In this room is also a fire-proof vault. A high airy basement is devoted to the storage of fuel and the Magee furnace. The building is abundantly lighted by means of gas from a Springfield gas machine. 18 Mead, Mason & Co., of Boston, were the contract- ors for the building. The granite work was fur- nished by T. N. Sherman, of Milford. The stone carving was executed by T. Dunn, the slating by the West End Roofing Co., the terra cotta was fur- nished by H. A. Lewis, the tiling was furnished and laid by the Boston Brass and Tile Co., the stained glass was furnished by Redding, Baird & Co., the decorative painting was done by Butler & Sten- berg, the gas fixtures were furnished by E. H. Tarbell, and the vault doors by the Damon Safe and Lock Co., all of Boston. Charles Haggerty, of Nor- ton, did the painting and hardwood finishing, and Frederick Jefts, of Worcester, made most of the fur- nfture, the chairs, etc., being from Paine's, and the roller top desk from the Derby Company, of Boston. The splendid gift of books by the same generous do- nor who provided the housing, is the crowning item, and this has also been handsomely supplemented by gifts of the same kind from others. May the blessings attend this enterprise that we all expect, and may a kind Providence long spare to us the noble benefactor, whose life is devoted to the good of her race, and whose very presence is a bene- diction. O 19 PRESENTATION OF THE BUILDING TO THE TOWN. President of the Day, General Chapin, remarked that it afforded him great pleasure, in behalf of the donor, Mrs. Wheaton, to present to the town of Nor- ton her deed of gift and a brief statement from her which he would then read. MRS. WHEATON'S LETTER. Being desirous of giving the citizens of the town of Nor- ton increased facilities for reading and general intellectual culture, I have caused to be erected the building now opened for inspection and occupancy. My object in its erection was to furnish a place for the Library Association which was incorporated April 7th, 1886, for the circulation of books, and for a reading room for the citizens of the town, which should be open as often as deemed advisable ; but the building and the lot on which it stands, with the fixtures and furniture therein, I desire should belong to the town of Norton, with the con- dition that the town shall always be represented by three selectmen on the board of directors of the "Norton Public Library," and I do now present to the town a deed of the property, with policies of insurance, hoping they will feel inclined to accept it at their annual town meeting, and adopt it as a charge they will gladly cherish. ELIZA B. WHEATON. Norton, Feb. 1, 1888. The president, then resumed : In presenting this deed of the library building to the town, I desire to 20 call attention to the location which was secured for its erection. "The choicest spot in all the town," has been the expression of every one. Neither Mrs. Wheaton nor myself would wish this occasion to pass without expressing gratitude for the cheerful cooperation of Mr. George H. Talbot, and the late Mrs. Garfield and her son and her son-in-law, Mr. Edward P. Denison of Providence. Without such cooperation, we could not have secured that choice lot. It is very gratifying to note the fact that out of the amount of money paid to Mr. Talbot, for that old homestead known as the "Bonney-Storer cottage," $250 was at once given by him to the library for the purchase of books. You have already had a full description by Mr. Earle, the architect, of this building and its purposes. It has been the intention of the donor from the first to have every portion massive and enduring, and we trust that the completed edifice will itself bear testi- mony to the skill of the architect and to the fidelity with which the contractors, Messrs. Mead, Mason & Co., have executed the work. The granite curbing and large granite posts will certainly speak well for the excellence of the work done by Mr. T. N. Sherman of Milford. Is it too much to believe that our sons and our daughters and their descendants may gather here for hundreds of years to come, seeking treasures of knowledge more precious and enduring than treasures 21 of gold and silver. These golden treasures may soon become exhausted and disappear. Such has been my observation in California, the richest bonanzas are soon depleted and worthless. Thank God that such is not the case with knowledge gained in a well stored library which reaches on and on into the unnumbered years. That young man who has free access to a library has an ambitious point to gain daily, so that he may well make this his motto: "The goal of yesterday shall be the starting point of to-day." It was this spirit and perseverance that took Henry Wilson from the shoemaker's bench in Natick and made him a royal man, and put him in Congress, and made him Vice-President of the United States. This same hun- gering for knowledge took the unlettered Andrew Johnson from the tailor's bench and made him a gov- ernor and then President of the United States. Let us remember also what books did for that un- gainly and homely Abraham Lincoln. Devouring book after book by torchlight and candle-light till he was well equipped \vith knowledge and wisdom to cut his way among men, he left his axe and the plow to become a surveyor, then a captain in the Black Hawk War, then a lawyer and a member of the Leg- islature, then a member of Congress and President of the United States. Such is the power of knowl- edge stored away in this good library, open and free for every one who will come and partake. 22 To you, Mr. Chairman of the Board of Selectmen, I most gladly commit this deed of gift with the other documents. RESPONSE OF HON. AUSTIN MESSINGER. In behalf of the Board of Selectmen and of the town, who will ratify this act, I accept this generous gift. I voice the feelings of all its citizens when I express my gratitude. The town is certainly fortu- nate to number such a woman among its people. She has richly endowed a seminary, built a church, and now gives the town this token of her beneficence which will be appreciated more, if possible, than any other. It is not so much in the building that her memory will be cherished, but it will live in the hearts of a grateful posterity. And now that she, like myself, is in the sere and yellow leaf, I would wish that her last days may be full of peace and joy, and when the summons comes, she may go "Like one who wraps the drapery of his couch About him and lies down to pleasant dreams." PRESENTATION OF KEYS TO THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS. President Chapin now read MRS. WHE ATOM'S LETTER. The Directors of the Norton Public Library will now accept the keys of the Library Building, together with a 23 policy of insurance on the books, with my very best wish- es for their success. I am deeply sensible of the long continued service which they, and others associated with them, have ren- dered in sustaining a Magazine Club and Reading Room, without compensation, except a trifling sum to one or two persons, and I have some conception of the unceasing care and labor involved in keeping a Free Public Libra- ry in a prosperous condition. For this labor they have my heartfelt thanks. ELIZA B. WHEATON. Norton, Feb. 1, 1888. REMARKS OF MR. CHAPIN. To you, Mr. President of the Board of Directors, I have the pleasure of hearing these keys from the hands of Mrs. Wheaton. They will unlock the ar- mory of intellectual power. I am sure, sir, that you will always cheerfully turn these keys for every one who desires to put on that armor which shall betoken noble manhood and womanhood everywhere. RESPONSE OF REV. J. P. LANE. Mr. President : In receiving these keys in the name of the Directors of the Norton Public Library, I would express heartiest appreciation and gratitude for the noble gift to the town by Mrs. Wheaton, whom you represent. But words are poor and cannot ex- press that which we feel, not only as we look on 24 yonder building and the grounds enclosing it, admire its strength and beauty, its fine proportions and adap- tation to the purpose for which it has been erected, and the unstinted means provided to secure the per- fection of taste and art in every part, but especially as we grasp the thought of the sublime ideal which this massive and beautiful edifice with its tasteful grounds and enclosure embodies, the benefit, the educational power, the pleasure and the inspiration to noblest things that may be for every child of Nor- ton, and more and more as in its wealth of literary treasure the public library shall grow and become more and more worthy of the place it occupies. As we think of the rich opportunity for culture and re- finement, for education and power of influence, free to all the people, and with radiant hope see the pres- ent and future generations coming forward to embrace it, we find ourselves unable to express our sense of the value of this princely gift and the measure of our gratitude for it. We can only say that we do appre- ciate the gift and are grateful beyond expression for it. And in saying this I speak not for the Board of Directors alone, but for the people of Norton, whose servants we are. The beginning of our work to establish the Norton Public Library was without ostentation, a simple seed- planting from Avhich we hoped and believed would come the growth of a noble tree with luscious fruit. With motives of the purest and highest that ever in- 25 sfpire the human heart, an outlook for a future good to all the people of Norton, irrespective of any sec- tional, sectarian or partisan interest, was this seed planted. A few volumes on the shelves of the "Nor- ton Magazine Club," a room that was free of rent by permission of the town authorities, and for three years had been maintained as a public reading-room, free to all, a desire to fulfill the long cherished and noble thought of one of our number of blessed mem- ory who had gone to her heavenly rest, with a self- denying interest and wish for the welfare of the town prompting our own personal contributions, the Ex- ecutive Committee and Librarian of the Norton Mag- azine Club, in the exercise of a sacred trust which they could not let go or slip away from them, ob- tained a State charter, and organized the nucleus of the Norton Public Library. The State charter was issued the 7th of April, 1886. The books that we had on our shelves, with others given and purchased by cash contributions, were labelled, arranged, and numbered, a prospectus and list of these books, which formed the nucleus of our undertaking, was printed and distributed, and all opened free to the public the 1st of July following. Only three days after, as I sat in my study on a Sat- urday evening collecting thoughts for the duty of the coming Sabbath, a messenger came to my door with a note that I read with a thrill of joy never to be for- gotten. It was as follows : 26' NORTON, MASS., JULY 3, 1886. Deai- Mr. Lane : It is but a brief reply to yours of June 7, in reference to the Free Public Library that I can now give but be assured the organization has my hearty interest. I herewith enclose check to our treas- urer, Davis Gregory, for $100. This will help pay ex- penses, and perhaps buy some books, but my chief object will be first to have a suitable building to put books in, and then have suitable books. I have decided to do something in regard to a building, and friends to the ob- ject can then have a safe and respectable deposit for books they wish to give. Sincerely Yours, E. B. WHEATON. This was communicated to the Board of Directors on Monday evening, at a special meeting called for this purpose. It was received with heartiest pleas- ure and thanks, and that we then felt more than we could express is evidenced by the fact that one of the directors soon after supplemented Mrs. Wheaton's $100 with another $100, his own cash gift, that another director added his personal gift of $250, that other directors, who had not the means to give so largely, did what they could, giving money and also choice treasures of books from their own private li- braries. Other friends to the object also came for- ward with cash gifts, and gifts of books. Yet we all felt that the expression of Mrs. Wheaton "to have a suitable building to put books in, and then have suit- able; books' ' was wise. We did not wish to use the 27 funds so freely given prematurely, and, in our judg- ment, did not. But the popular interest already manifesting itself was so great that we could not do otherwise than to meet the want of fresh reading mat- ter by some constant additions to the library. The well-selected books of the "Rhetorical Library Asso- ciation' ' of a former day were almost immediately of- fered as a contribution to the Norton Public Library, and thankfully received. New books, as called for, were purchased, other books were given, and thus the library grew, eight supplements to the original list of books being issued, until there was absolutely no more shelf-room in the apartment occupied at the Town Hall, and a goodly number of volumes were piled upon the floor. That the library was meeting a felt want, and was reaching by its influence a large number of the homes in Norton, is beyond question. A few days after that note of July 3, 1886, Mrs. Wheaton secured the finest site in the village for her purpose, and soon matured plans for one of the finest public library buildings in the state. The execution of the purpose then so briefly stated has been with a bountiful liberality and perfection of taste and art surpassing our brightest anticipations. A few weeks since, anticipating occupancy of this building, the books of the library were all called in, those which by use had come to 'need rebinding, were re-bound, and provision made for the purchase of new books sufficient to nearly double the number. 28 These were very carefully selected to secure the choicest works in various departments, and the pur- chase was made. The work of re-labelling all the old and labelling O ^r the new with revised and improved regulations, of covering all with strong manilla paper covers, of writing the titles on the backs of all, of arranging on the shelves and numbering, has been vigorously prosecuted, and this hard work of many days, freely given, deserves mention as no small contribution to the value of the library. A catalogue, full and com- plete, embracing all previous issues and the more recent additions, has also been for several months in preparation. In this catalogue all the books are ar- ranged by their titles and authors and also by their authors and titles in alphabetical order, except that under an author's name when books form a connected series their titles are given in the order of their con- nection. Books published anonymously, whose au- thors are not known, appear only by their titles. Under an author's name appear all the works of that author which are in the library. Real names of authors, when known, are given in preference to pseudonyms, but pseudonyms which are commonly identified with their works are also given in paren- theses following the real name, and they also have their place in the alphabetical order of authors' names, with a reference to the real name. The books are also classified in sixteen general classes, which are 29 named at the beginning of the catalogue and num- bered from 1 to 16. It has been thought best not to make any more minute classification, as in the "Dui System," but only to name these general classes, which will be readily recognized and useful in guid- ing a choice for reading. Each book in the library, according to its general character, has its class-num- ber. By running the eye down the columns of these e?a.s, January 30, 1888. ) Hox. AUSTIN MESSINGER, Norton, Mass. My Dear Sir : I regret exceedingly that my engage- ments are such that I cannot accept the courteous invita- tion tendered me to join in the dedication of the library building, at Norton, on Wednesday next, in person, to pay my tribute of respect and appreciation to the gener- ous giver for this latest of many acts of public spirit and benevolence on her part, and that of her family, which have contributed so largely to the prosperity and pleasure of your people and made the name of Wheaton honored and famous far beyond the limits of the town. I congrat- ulate the people of Norton upon the addition of such a 36 beautiful and useful building, but I congratulate them more upon the possession of the generous and beneficent donor, who may, I trust, long be spared in prosperity and comfort to witness and enjoy the fruits of her benevo- lence. Yours very truly, OLIVER AMES. FROM DR. BRONSON. ATTLEBORO, January 30, 1888. HON. AUSTIN MESSINGER. My Dear Sir : I am in receipt of your invitation to at- tend the dedicatory exercises in Norton, February 1, next. I regret that a prior engagement will prevent my enjoy- ing with you this most interesting and auspicious event an event that history will record as one of the most im- portant in your municipal life. Literature has her victo- ries as well as commerce, and I trust that the beneficent influence which a well-selected and thoroughly read libra- ry must have upon the good people of Norton will prove an ample compensation to the almoner of this munificent gift. I assume that the possession of this structure by the town guarantees its occupation by a wholesome, varied and attractive library, which means a higher cul- tured people. Accept again in my own behalf and that of my family, our congratulations, and believe me Very truly, J. R. BRONSON. President Chapin announced that he had also re- ceived a letter from one who had for many years been identified with Norton's history, in fact none 37 other than the historian of Norton, Eev. Geonre F. O Clark, now of Hubbardston, who in 1857, while pas- tor of the Unitarian church, compiled the "History of Norton." FROM NORTON'S HISTORIAN. HUBBARDSTON, MASS., Jan. 30, 1888. Many thanks for the kind invitation to attend the ded- icatory exercises of the new library building, on the first of February next. I regret exceedingly that I have an important engagement on that day which will prevent my attendance. But I greatly rejoice that through the gen- erous liberality of Mrs. Wheaton, you are now to have a permanent location for the library, recently started in your town, and from this date on I hope it will go on pros- pering and to prosper. It is an institution in which every citizen of Norton should feel a deep interest, and use all honorable means to give it efficiency and success, for a good library is one of the best educational institutions that any town can pos- sess. It will stimulate the young in the desire for knowl- edge. It will furnish them with the means of profitably spending many leisure hours and may keep them, perhaps, from places of questionable resort. To all who use it, it will afford a perpetual source of enjoyment. Just praise should, therefore, be awarded to those who have organized and made the project successful, to induce that noble woman, whom I remember with much pleasure, to provide the valuable repository for the books. Long may she live to continue her beneficent works in behalf of edu- cation and good morals. 38 Now that the library is placed upon so firm a founda- tion, allow me to express the hope that the town in its corporate capacity will take it under its protecting care and yearly make a generous appropriation for its support, and I hope that a word to the wise will be sufficient. Though absent in body I shall be present with you in spirit on the first proximo, and trust you may have a glo- rious and happy time. Most truly yours, GEOK<;E F. CLAKK. The Orator of the Day, William A. Mo wry, Ph. D. , of Boston, was then pleasantly introduced by Presi- dent Chapin, and was received with hearty demon- stration. His admirable address held the close and unflagging interest of the audience to the close. THE DEDICATORY ADDRESS. THE RELATIONS OF THE PUBLIC LIBRARY TO EDUCATION. Our American civilization is an experiment. For a full century we have maintained a republican gov- ernment, constantly broadening, deepening, expand- ing. Our five millions of people have become sixty millions. Our eight hundred thousand miles of ter- ritory have changed to three million, six hundred thousand. Out of a few weak, jealous, discordant colonies has grown one of the most powerful nations of the earth. Yet, what is one century in the world's history ? A thousand years is but as a single day in His sight. Our nation is to-day confronted with great perils. We have a task placed upon us more difficult and more severe than, perhaps, any nation has heretofore staggered under. In our early history the people were to a great ex- tent homogeneous. They were largely animated by one purpose ; they were governed by one set of prin- 40 ciples. Our fathers founded here a republican gov- ernment, and the success thus far of their experiment has been so great, and the upward progress of the people so rapid as to attract to our shores multitudes from all parts of the earth. OUR COSMOPOLITAN POPULATION. In these latter days, the republic shows a more cos- mopolitan people than can elsewhere be found in any one nation on the earth. Upon the original English stock has been engrafted a miscellaneous population from France and Spain, Italy and Greece, Holland and Germany, Norway and Sweden, Austria and Russia, China and Japan, Africa and the Islands of the sea. There are to-day American cities contain- ing more Irish, parents and children, than Dublin has ; more Germans, parents and children, than any city in Kaiser William's realm save one. We have whole towns and almost entire counties of Scandina- vians, of Hungarians, and of Italians. In the midst of the city of San Francisco is located a perfect fac- simile of a town in China, with all the Chinese habits, manners, customs and vices intact, and every soul, except possibly a few, a very few young children, born in China. We have engrafted upon our nation- al constitution a provision that the right to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state, on account of race, color, or previous condition of servitude. Many of these emigrants are intelligent, upright and moral persons, and will make 41 good citizens. Many of them, however, are ignor- ant, degraded, vicious. In too many cases Castle Garden has opened its doors wide to receive the pau- per class, and the refuse of European cities. We are no longer a compact community, but our country has grown territorially, until it stretches from the torrid gulf to the frozen sea, and from the shores of the Atlantic to the great ocean. THE PERILS OF THE NATION. We are threatened by the ignorance and vice of a distinct people, a separate race, lately freed from slavery, numbering seven millions, a large propor- tion of whom can neither read nor write. We are still further threatened by political corruption and demagogism. Having gone so far toward universal suffrage, we are reaping a harvest of the most direful results from the misgovernment of our large cities. Scarcely a city of 100,000 inhabitants in the land but is almost hopelessly involved in debt, and that debt constantly increasing, although the people are sub- ject to high rates of taxation. Scarcely such a city can be found which is not under the control of a po- litical ring including some of the worst elements of society. Amid these great perils one may well pause and ask the question : Is it possible for the ship of state to avoid the rocks of ignorance and vice on one hand and to steer clear of the shoals and quicksands of political jobbery, avarice and corruption on the 42 other? We have indeed before us a most Herculean task, but let us not despair. "'Let truth and falsehood grapple, Who ever knew truth put to the worse in fair and open conflict?" The good old ship will yet outride the gale. She will neither dash herself to pieces on Scylla nor run aground upon fell Charybdis. We have faith to be- lieve that she will yet anchor in the haven of national thrift and prosperity, having completed a thoroughly successful voyage. OUR HOPE FOR THE FUTURE. But it is necessary for us to constantly bear in mind that no ends are attained without the necessary means. Results take care of themselves after they arrive, but the means must be used to bring them about. The means necessary to attain our greatest national prosperity may be reckoned under live heads: (1) the family, (2) the school, (3) the church, (4) society and, (5) the state. Of the state it is not necessary here to speak. The republican principle of government by majorities, properly guarding the rights of minorities, possibly engrafting upon our plan the principle of cumulative voting, will certainly in the end prove itself successful. The Christian church now, as in all ages, is absolute truth fighting against error. There is no danger but that it will in the end attain a full success. The family is the unit of true civilization. The greatest advance- 43 ment, the highest attainment, can never be realized, except as society is founded upon the purity, the cul- ture, the happiness of the Christian family. We have, then, remaining, to be carefully looked after, watched, guarded, and improved, the school and so- ciety, in their molding and guiding influences. THREE CIVILIZATIONS. Within the first quarter of the 17th century, three definite and distinct efforts were made at colonization in North America. These were the beginnings of a contest on this continent of three diverse civilizations. In the year 1607 was planted the first permanent English colony in this country, at Jamestown, Vir- ginia. The following year witnessed the first suc- cessful French settlement, at Quebec. Twelve years later, the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth. Of the one hundred and five men who composed the three ship loads of emigrants to Virginia, forty-eight were "gen- tlemen," according to the notion of the time. They despised work and expected to gain wealth either by chance or through the labor of others. Twelve years after the landing at Jamestown and one year before the Pilgrims set foot on that solitary rock at Plym- outh, new elements were introduced into the colony at Virginia. In addition to twelve hundred new set- tlers, a company of "jail-birds" were brought over and sold to the colonists as indentured servants. These consisted of one hundred "disorderly persons," or convicts, sent over "by order of the King." And 44 it was in the same year that the first cargo of negroes from the African coast was brought over by a Dutch vessel, and sold to the planters to become slaves for life. Here we have then upon the banks of the James River, on the little island of Jamestown, which for generations has been an absolute ruin, with only the brick chimney of a church standing upon that part of the island, the beginnings of an effort for a new civilization, upon the basis of a self-suffi- cient aristocracy to be supported by enforced slave labor. In 1671 Sir William Berkeley, governor of the colony, while demanding strict loyalty to the civil powers and conformity to the established church, ut- tered these strange words : "I thank God there are no free schools nor printing in this colony and I hope there will not be for a hundred years : for learning has brought disobedience into the world and printing has divulged them and libels against the best govern- ments." Another governor gave the order : "Allow no person to use a printing press on any occasion whatever' ' ; and still another taxed school masters at 20 shillings a head. As a contrast to this state of things and to these efforts to promote ignorance, note the following : the governor of one of the New Eng- land colonies, in answer to certain official inquires as to education said, "One-quarter of the annual reve- nue is laid out in maintaining free schools." France is certainly entitled to great credit for early attempts to settle North America and especially are her priests 45 to be praised for their self sacrificing labors in mak- ing known the Christian religion to the aborigines. The little settlement at Quebec had spread itself right and left, until the French nation controlled the entire valley of the St. Lawrence, pushed across the Lakes to the Ohio and the upper Mississippi and down that magnificent valley to the gulf. The Eng- lish, upon our coast, were establishing colonies, building cities, founding new worlds. The French were busy, exploring the country, discovering water- sheds and river valleys, erecting forts and proselyt- ing the Indians. And now let us look carefully, with profound ven- eration and reverent respect, to the beginnings of that true American civilization, which started from Plymouth rock and which in less than a century and a half subdued the French and swept them from the continent, and which, within our time, has triumphed over the Virginia slave oligarchy and established this nation upon the principles of universal freedom and universal education. On the llth day of November, 1620, at sea, off Cape Cod, the little band of Pilgrims "thought it meet for their more orderly carrying on of their affairs, and accordingly by mutual consent they en- tered into a solemn combination, as a body politic, to submit to such government and governors, laws, and ordinances, as should by general consent from time to time be made choice of and assented unto." 46 "Many attempts," says the "New England Chroni- cle," "have been made to settle this rough and north- ern country ; first by the French, who would fain account it part of Canada, and then by the English, and both from mere secular views. But such a train of crosses accompany the designs of both these na- tions, that they seem to give it over as not worth the planting, till a pious people of England, not allowed to worship their Maker according to His instructions only, without the mixture of human ceremonies, are spirited to attempt the settlement, that here they might enjoy a worship purely scriptural and leave the same to their posterity." So now, having arrived near their destination, these pious Pilgrim fathers, in the cabin of the Mayflower, put their names, with solemn prayer and thanksgiving, to a written instru- ment, which became the forerunner of all our repub- lican institutions in America. This immortal docu- ment has in it these words : "We * * * do, by these presents, solemnly and mutually, in the presence of God and one another, covenant and com- bine ourselves together into a civil body politic, for our better ordering and preservation, and furtherance of the ends aforesaid ; and by virtue hereof, do enact, constitute and frame such just and equal laws, ordi- nances, acts, constitutions and officers, from time to time, as shall be thought most meet and convenient for the general good of the colony : unto which we promise all due submission and obedience." 47 This was the first embodiment of that republican idea which more than a century and a half later was framed into the Declaration of Independence, to be sent to the world, and down through all the ages in these words : "Governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed." The Pilgrims established themselves in a country comparatively bleak and barren, but which was hostile to sloth and carelessness and favorable to energy and industry. The settlers of New England were honest, earnest, God-fearing people. The principles which they here established have since largely dominated the whole country. From the beginning they planted the church and school house side by side. Our own be- loved Quaker Poet characterizes "Our /State" in words which deserve to be immortal and should be burnt into the memory of every school child in the Commonwealth . "The South-land boasts its teeming cane, The Prairied West its heavy grain, The sunset's radiant gates unfold On rising marts and sands of gold. Rough, bleak, and hard, our little state Is scant of soil, of limits strait ; Her yellow sands are sands alone, Her only mines are ice and stone. From autumn frost to April rain, Too long her winter woods complain ; 48 From budding flower to falling leaf, Her summer time is all too brief. Yet, on her rocks, and on her sands, And wintry hills, the school-house stands, And what her rugged soil denies, The harvest of the mind supplies. The riches of the Commonwealth Are free, strong minds, and hearts of health ; And more to her than gold or gain, The cunning hand and cultured brain. For well she keeps her ancient stock, The stubborn strength of Pilgrim Rock ; And still maintains, with milder laws, And clearer light, the Good Old Cause. Nor heeds the sceptic's puny hands, While near the school the church-spire stands ; Nor fears the blinded bigot's rule, While near the church-spire stands the school. THE AMERICAN PUBLIC SCHOOL. The principle of the American public school is this : The property of the state shall be taxed to edu- cate the children of the state. The necessity of this principle lies in the law of self preservation. A re- public cannot stand except upon the intelligence of all the people. The ignorant voter is a dangerous element in the body politic. Without intelligence and integrity no people can long be trusted with the 49 sacred function of government. To-day among the various perils which threaten our future must be ranked as foremost, the danger of the double igno- rance of the black race at the south and the illiterate portion of our foreign population, so rapidly pouring in from all quarters of the earth. This question of the uplifting of the ignorant classes is the question of all questions for the American patriot and states- man. Already is its importance felt by thoughtful men in every section of the country. From the be- ginning the school-houses have dotted the hills and valleys of New England. Not so, however, the southern states. Their civilization was of a different type, their body politic was made up of an aristocracy and a slave population. Between these two civiliza- tions there must inevitably be "an irrepressible con- flict." That conflict came. It was long and severe but the result could not be doubtful. The intelligence, the persistent perseverance, the high moral purpose, which were behind the minie ball of the North, finally triumphed. The Great Rebellion was crushed, the slave was emancipated, and slavery was forever pro- hibited through our whole domain by Constitutional enactment. Then it was, that the two distinctive New England institutions, the public school system and Thanksgiving Day, became nationalized. It is particularly to be noticed that we have not only had an immense immigration from all foreign lands but, meantime, and somewhat incident to this, 50 there has been going on a great migration of our own people from one section to another. New England first settled the valley of the Ohio, and later pushed forward westward, until through her own sons she has largely molded the policy of all the Northwestern states and those of the Pacific slope. Wherever New England men have gone they have planted the public school. Intelligence follows in the train of New England emigrants. Northern men are now migrating to the South land. Florida is to- day almost a Northern state. Atlanta is called a Northern city, and Chattanooga has few Southern el- ements in it. Tennessee is rapidly developing its mineral and other resources through Northern enter- prise. Missouri now retains but little of the Border Ruffian element. The Carolinas, Georgia, Lousiana, Texas, and New Mexico are rapidly being leavened by Northern men. Every state in the Union has to- day an organized system of public schools, already in operation. PROGRESS IN EDUCATIONAL THOUGHT. Never before in the history of this country, or any x other, has the thought of the whole people been so generally turned to educational questions as to-day. Books on psychology, pedagogy and methods of in- struction are published by scores and hundreds. The best thought of English minds has been reproduced by American publishers and receives a wide circula- tion. A single book, by an English author, re-pub- 51 lished here, has had a sale of 5000 copies within a short time. Reading Circles, Schoolmasters' Clubs, Teachers' Associations, both county and state, and great national gatherings, numbering thousands of the teachers in our public schools, are from time to time discussing important questions relating to edu- cation. The daily press, the monthly magazine, and the quarterly review, are all considering, in the most vigorous manner, questions relating to public educa- tion. Not only the statesman, the learned professor, and the leading teacher, but the whole people are coming to a rational discrimination as to the proper province, in this matter of education, of the family, the school, civil society, the church and the state. A more intelligent view now prevails of the special province of the school, the important function of the church, and the positive duties of society in their several relations to education. It has sometimes been supposed that to the school should be relegated everything pertaining to education. But it is now more clearly seen that education is much broader than the school, and must include our whole life. A portion of it is assigned to the family, another por- tion to the church, the state controls and supports the public schools, in some cases extending to the university. In other cases private munificence must endow seminary and college. Meantime we are rapidly coming to understand the vast importance of 52 .guiding', directing, controlling and stimulating the reading habits of our communities. THE PUBLIC LIBRAHY. One of the most interesting features of our pro- gress in intelligence and in thrift is the growing at- tention now given to the public library. This move- ment may be said to have begun in connection with the district schools of New England and New York about fifty years ago. As the special division of townships into school districts is unwise and unphil- osophical, so the establishment of separate libraries for each school-house could hardly be expected to prove entirely successful. The public libraries, how- ever, in towns and cities, are now attaining great success and assuming their proper importance. The gigantic strides made by our American people within fifty years in the establishment and upbuilding of public libraries is nothing less than marvelous. In 1836, there were, according to the best reports, in our country but 57 of those public libraries which in the year 1876 numbered each 10,000 volumes or more. That list, however, in 1876 numbered 266 libraries. In 1836 the aggregate number of volumes in the 57 libraries was 580,201. Forty years later the 266 libraries aggregated 6,984,882 volumes. In 1876 there were 3,647 public libraries in the United States with over 300 volumes in each, and a total number of 12,276,964 volumes. Ten years later still, 188(5, there were 5,338 libraries contain- 53 ing each 300 volumes or more and they contained an aggregate of 18,560,000 volumes. To broaden this comparison still farther, and to observe the growth of public libraries by periods, not confining our list to the larger libraries as before, it appears that between 1775 and 1800, 30 libraries which now number 242,171 volumes were established. Between 1800 and 1825, 179 libraries now number- ing 2,056,113 volumes were formed. Between 1825 and 1850, 551 libraries now containing an aggregate of 2,807,218 volumes were founded. Between 1850 and 1875, 2,240 libraries which now number a total of 5,481,068 volumes were instituted. In 1875 there were in the country 2,953 libraries, each containing more than 20,000 volumes and having a total of 12,- 039,724 volumes: two of these libraries containing one-half million volumes. The little state of Rhode Island has now over 80 public libraries, each containing over 300 volumes, and all of them an aggregate of nearly 500,000 books. The Old Bay State, ever foremost in matters of learn- ing and general intelligence, now points to 569 such libraries, which contain more than 3,500,000 volumes. A NATION OF READERS. From these figures it plainly appears that our peo- ple, throughout the whole country, are awaking to the importance of looking after the reading of the masses. At a time when greater efforts are making than have ever before been made for the education of 54 all the children of the country, it is an encouraging sign that civil society is arousing itself to guide, di- rect, control and increase the general reading of the people. Indeed, it is surprising, when we think of it, that this important department of education has not, at an earlier date, received its proper attention. We are, indeed, fast becoming a nation of readers. Doubtless many persons read too much. The guid- ance that they require is quite as important as that of those who read too little. There is a class in every community who may be called omnivorous readers. They are what Horace calls "Heluones librorum," gormandizers of books. They seize upon books with avidity, skim over the pages, are pleased with the images spread before their minds, which they only glance at, and seem to take great satisfaction in the consciousness that they have read such a large num- ber of books. A man of this sort may read forever without increasing his mental ability or making any real addition to his stock of useful knowledge. In- deed such persons seem to make not the slightest distinction between learning and that practical wis- dom which makes learning available. The poet Cowper, in his "Task," well illustrates the difference between knowledge and wisdom : "Knowledge and Wisdom, far from being one, Have oft times no connection. Knowledge dwells In heads replete with thoughts of other men ; Wisdom in minds attentive to their own. 55 Knowledge, a rude unprofitable mass, The mere materials with which Wisdom builds, Till smooth'dand squared, and fitted to its place, Does but encumber what it seemed to enrich. Knowledge is proud that he has learned so much ; Wisdom is humble that he knows no more. Books are, not seldom, talismans and spells, By which the magic art of shrewder wits Holds an unthinking multitude enthrall'd. Some to the fascination of a name Surrender judgment hoodwink'd. Some the style Infatuates, and, through labyrinths and wilds Of error, leads them, by a tune entranced. While sloth seduces more r too weak to bear The unsupportable fatigue of thought, And swallowing, therefore, without pause or choice The total grist unsifted, husks and all." It was Isaac Taylor who said: "Thinking, not growth, makes manhood. Accustom yourself, there- fore, to thinking. Set yourself to understand what- ever you see or read. To join thinking with reading is* one of the first maxims, and one of the easiest operations." AIDS TO PROPER READING HABITS. This class of readers needs that gentle but persist- ent aid in the way of suggestions and hints which a good librarian learns by experience how to give, and which are so essential to the proper usefulness of books. But it should not be forgotten that nature everywhere furnishes an antidote for evil. Those 56 who have had the most to do with reading and read- ers need not to be told that the average mind will oftentimes, without much aid, bring itself out of this difficulty. This law is apparent with regard to the quality of reading. We have in our country a class of libraries usually termed circulating libraries. These aim to furnish the most popular reading to all comers, charging a fee of a few cents a week for the use of the books. The class of books principally found in these libraries is often of a lower order of ability and worth ; mostly fiction, largely stories of crime and criminals, remarkable adventures, hair- breadth escapes or silly love stories. This sort of reading often proves harmful. At best it is only feeding on husks. But I believe that most librarians have observed that this kind of mental pabulum, whether it be of the sawdust kind, or hollyhocks and sunflowers, or lobelia and ipecac, in very many cases cures itself. The reader is either nauseated and so turning from such books in disgust seeks better food, or finding no nutrition in sawdust, he becomes really hungry for that which will nourish and strengthen. I have known many a boy dive into this lower grade of novel reading, swim along through the slimy, muddy, loathsome pool, become disgusted with the taste and sight of such stuff, pull to shore, leave the stench behind him and washing himself clean in the pure running stream of good books, come forth purified, healthy, vigorous. While it is doubtless 57 true that minds, really vicious in their tendencies and desires, are often permanently injured by bad reading, I believe it to be equally true that the aver- age youth is quite likely, after a time, to weary of the lower grades of reading and betake himself to books of a higher and better quality. Yet even in such cases, how much better would it be, if all young persons by kindly hints and pleasant suggestions could be brought in contact with books equally in- teresting and far more profitable, thus saving them from the wasteful and uncomfortable experience of feeding for so long a time on husks and choke-cher- ries. TOO LITTLE READING. By far the larger part of the community, however, belong to that class w r ho read too little. The man of business becomes so absorbed in his merchandise and his stocks that he loses all taste for fine thought and clear-cut ideas, rhythmical cadences, charming sen- tences, beautiful word-painting. Many a mechanic and laboring man, wearied with his long hours of toil, has no disposition in the evening to sit quietly by his own fireside and enjoy a beautiful poem, a fine essay, an article from the latest magazine, or a vigorous ap- peal from his newspaper. He may, indeed, take up a newspaper of a lower grade, run his eye over the columns of facts, news, figures, and reports of vice and crime, and then lay the paper down in disgust, as he ought to. Besides, it cannot be disguised, 58 that we have everywhere too many persons with empty heads. Adhering to the inner surface of the cranium there may be a few cells of grayish matter, resembling somewhat the brain substance, just enough to cause them to utter a mild cachination at a stale joke or a pun. They may be able to dance or walk, or ride, to eat and drink, to have an eye for h'nery and bright colors and appear to have a kind of enjoyment in certain classes of company, especially such as are as ignorant and light-headed as them- selves. Sometimes such persons cultivate muscle, sometimes stomach, sometimes they travel and spend the money which others have earned, yet in travel- ling they appear to see not with their eyes, hear not with their ears and have no understanding. Now, all patriots and philanthropists should ever bear in mind that those faculties which are exercised con- stantly gain in strength. If the faculty of flippancy or story-telling or joke-cracking is exercised, then the growth comes in that direction. If the exercise be of the John L. Sullivan kind, or, far better, the use of the blacksmith's arm, then muscle is the prod- uct. So by the same law if the brain be put to work and kept at proper, stated and continued tasks, it will gain in power. I have known the empty skull of a brainless youth to become filled from exer- cise and study, in a word from education, healthful reading and finally, thought, with proper brain tis- sue so as to give its possessor such powers of thought, 59 memory, reason and reflection as to make of him an intelligent, useful and successful man. In thus ele- vating the different members of the community, the public library is destined to perform an important work. THE LIBRARIAN, The librarian holds a responsible position. He has the power of making himself a real benefactor to his race. But he must be trained for his position. "To begin with," says Mr. F. B. Perkins, formerly of the Boston public library, "business-like management is the whole story. A public library for public use should be managed not only as a literary institution but as a business concern. The business department of educational and literary institutions is too often overlooked or undervalued." With proper business management the public library will be brought into close relationship to the schools as well as to the pub- lic. The librarian, on the one hand, should reach out to the readers, and, on the other hand, the teach- er should put his pupils into communication with the librarian. This he may do often by sending the pu- pils individually with a note or other message to the librarian. In other cases the teacher may visit the library in company with one or more of his pupils. Says Mr. W. E. Foster of the Providence public li- brary : "In order that the pupil may use to the best advantage that portion of the library which is suita- ble for him, special efforts need to be made in his fiO behalf on the part of the library as well as the school. The librarian should be willing not merely to pre- pare special lists but to cooperate with the teacher whenever it appears that important benefit may be rendered in individual cases." Mr. Foster further says that another "function of the library, which is coming to be more fully acknowledged, is that it not only furnishes the material for the reading of the public but also as far as possible indicates the meth- ods of reading and study." No one knows better than Mr. Foster what the library can do, not only in "indicating the method of reading and study," but also in directing, guiding, and stimulating this read- ing and study. No one has done more than Mr. Foster, during the last few years, in introducing new and improved methods by which the usefulness of the library has been greatly increased. QUALITIES OF A LIBRARIAN. A librarian in order to be of the highest usefulness in his work must be (1) an accurate scholar, with a clear head and good judgment. (2) An affable man, easily approachable by old and young. (3) A well read man, knowing the contents of his books and ready to give a correct judgment as to their charac- ter. (4) He should be an enthusiast in his profession. (5) He should be a man of the best character and should have genuine love for young people. That his work should be of the greatest service, and the library over which he presides the most useful, he 61 should not be hampered by too strict rules of the trustees. In general, it is very clear that the man- agement of the public library will exercise great res- pect for the suggestions of their librarian and if he have proved himself wise and reliable, they will ever encourage him to express his views upon all points as to how the library may be rendered more efficient. THE LIBRARY AND THE TOWN. There will always be found a reciprocal influence between the library and the town. On the one hand the usefulness of the library depends very largely upon the character of the people. They must be edu- cated up to its use and to an appreciation of its value. It is clear that a library, even of the best character and under the best management, would be of but little worth among savage tribes of Indians. Its value will everywhere and in all cases be enhanced by the gen- eral intelligence, the educational advantages, culture and elevation of the people. On the other hand the library is designed to cultivate and to elevate all classes of people. To produce the best results, its management should aim to furnish to all the people, old and young, of average intelligence and of the highest intellectual culture, the necessary means for two things, namely, intellectual improvement and intellectual entertainment. It should strive by all possible means to gain access to every class. It should reach out its arms to the old and place accept- able reading in their hands. It should ever open its 62 treasures to business men, such as would benefit them and attract their attention. It should have a word of encouragement for the disheartened and desponding. It should furnish amusement and instruction to the indolent, that large class in some communities, fre- quently termed "constitutionally inactive." It should provide proper food for the ambitious and those who are desirous to better their condition and improve their prospects. It should furnish a variety not only of the best reading but of such reading as will prove to be the most available, that is, the best that these several classes will receive and appreciate. It should take great care, therefore, not to shoot above the heads of the people. Above all, and before all, it should take the greatest pains to provide all sorts of reading appropriate, entertaining and beneficial, for the young. For with this class, this large and impor- tant class in the community, will be its most efficient work. The librarian should, therefore, put himself into easy communication and the most intimate rela- tions with all the teachers of schools, public and pri- vate. He should be free to make suggestions to these teachers and to call their attention directly to various books adapted to the children in their classes. He may furnish to the public, from time to time, lists of books upon topics of public interest. For example, a distinguished lecturer comes to the town, to speak upon a certain subject, perhaps the tariff. It is entirely immaterial to the work of the li- 63 brarian whether the lecturer favors a high protective tariff or whether he is a free trader. How greatly the usefulness of the library may be increased by posting upon its bulletin board a well selected list of books bearing upon this topic, containing the best thought of the wisest men, upon the subject. Again suppose Mr. John Fiske delivers a lecture before the people of the town, upon Gov. Hutchin- son of Massachusetts. Here is a subject about which many know but little. It is an important topic in our early history, but great difference of views pre- vail concerning the character and influence of Gov. Hutchinson. The librarian may greatly add to the usefulness of his library and increase the intelligence of the people among whom he lives, by preparing for them and posting in the library a carefully selected list of books touching upon this disputed subject. The farmers' club holds a meeting in the town and discusses with more or less intelligence the subject of the cultivation of strawberries, or under drainage, or top dressing. Let us suppose that for a week prior to this meeting a list of books, the best in the world upon the subject in question, is posted in the library. The farmers call in, on their way home from the store or the gristmill, take out a book, read up before hand and when the time comes they are prepared to discuss with greater intelligence and more interest the topic in hand. 64 GOOJ> RESULTS. It will readily be seen that by such a course as here indicated the librarian plays an important part in molding the thought, increasing the intellectual activity and furthering the prosperity of the town. A town which puts to proper use a good public libra- ry of books, well selected and under proper manage- ment, can scarcely fail of being thrifty and intelli- gent. And what a vast difference these things make in the character of a community. There are towns in our country noted for their dram shops, their gambling places, their dog fights and cock fights, for the drunkeness and squalor and unthrift of the inhab- itants. What a contrast exists in every way between such a town and the town of Concord in our state, or of Pittsfield, or Andover, or Norton. Would you like to take up your residence in a community where no man can read? Where no one has a book? Where no newspaper makes its regular visits? Where there is no public library, and where no post- office is needed? On the other hand how delightful a place for one's residence would that town be where all the women are Mrs. Stowes, or Julia Ward Howes, or Mary Lyons, and all the men were Haw- thornes, and Way lands, and Lowells. And now, citizens of Norton, permit me to con- gratulate you on your favorable surroundings and improvements and increasing facilities. You are for- tunate in your history : fortunate in your location : 65 fortunate in your citizens and your institutions. That town is surely to be congratulated which is distin- guished for its liberal minded and benevolent citizens. Fortunate indeed is the community which has, in addition to good public schools, a liberally endowed and efficient seminary of learning;. And now you are to come into possession of this highly useful and ex- ceedingly beautiful building, which is to contain the treasures of thought and the beauties of wisdom gathered from all countries and from all ages. This noble gift, from a family which has for so long a period been identified in such generous ways with all the interests and all the prosperity of your town, will, for all time to come, prove of the greatest use- fulness to your community. It will increase the value of your real estate, improve the quality of your people, add both to your virtue and your intelligence and be the means of attracting to your town for per- manent residence families of material wealth, intel- lectual cultivation and moral virtue. Jealously and sacredly guard, protect and transmit this great bless- ing : magnify your opportunities, appreciate your ad- vantages, make the most of the blessings God has given you. So shall you "Add to your faith, virtue ; and to virtue, knowledge ; and to knowledge, tem- perance ; and to temperance, patience ; and to pa- tience, godliness ; and to godliness, brotherly kind- ness ; and to brotherly kindness, charity." CONCLUSION. At the conclusion of the address by Dr. Mo wry, the choir sang "America" : "My country, 'tis of thee, Sweet land of liberty." President Chapin asked the indulgence of the au- dience while another communication was read, a letter just placed in his hands, from the "ladies of Norton." It informed them that a collation was prepared at the Town Hall close by, and cordially invited all and every one to come and receive freely at the close of the dedication exercises. The benediction was then pronounced by Rev. J. P. Lane, and as soon as prac- ticable all were on the way to the hall. THE COLLATION. Upon entering the hall the people saw the entire floor and platform covered with rows of long tables laden with abundant provision of food and beautiful 68 floral decorations, with a goodly number of young ladies and gentlemen, attendants, awaiting. When alt were seated the divine blessing was invoked by Rev. Jacob Ide of Mansfield, and for nearly an hour the bountiful repast was enjoyed. At the close of the feast General Chapin arose and said that Mrs. Whea- ton felt joyous and grateful for the events of the day and desired to express to the people her great satis- faction and pleasure for the beautiful arrangements and services, and her thanks to the friends from Mansfield who have delighted us with their musical talent. Rev. J. P. Lane then arose and said that while we all appreciated the sentiments of gratitude expressed by Mrs. Wheaton, it seemed fitting that the people should also give expression to their joy ; he therefore moved the adoption of the following resolutions : That the heart} 7 thanks of the people of Norton and of this assembly are here expressed : To Mrs. Eliza B. Wheaton for her noble gift, with the prayer that she may live long to witness the benefit to the town, and have the consciousness of a memorial in the hearts of all for many generations. To the Unitarian society for the use of their church, and to the ladies for the skill and beauty of their decorations. To the ladies and all cooperating with them for their sumptuous collation. To the representatives of the press for their presence and reports of this memorable occasion. To the choir from Mansfield for their choice music. 69 To Miss Lucy Larcom for her excellent poem, to the reader for so finely rendering her sentiments, and to Dr. William A. Mowry for his eloquent and appropriate dedi- catory address ; and that copies are requested for publi- cation. These resolutions were adopted unanimously. President Chapin then very felicitously called upon and introduced in succession Rev. Jacob Ide of Mans- field, Rev. C. F. Nicholson of Norton, and George Randall, Esq., editor of the Attleboro Advocate, whose brief addresses sparkled with wit and wisdom and gave great delight and satisfaction to all. AFTER THE DEDICATION. The grateful spirit in which the services rendered by the ladies were appreciated in their decorations at the church, and in furnishing the collation, is indica- ted by the following note from General Chapin : To the Ladies of the Dedication : Mrs. A. H. Sweet, Mrs. G. H. Talbot, Mrs. G. A. Noyes, Mrs. R. P. Hodges, Mrs. E. T. Wetherell, and their associates. Dear Ladies : A resolution of thanks for all your de- voted and artistic work in decorating the church and pro- viding that sumptuous and beautiful collation on the oc- casion of dedicating the Public Library Building on the 1st inst., was very appropriate and well deserved, but not so substantial and abiding as it ought to be. As an expression of my own sincere thanks and gratification al- low me to present you my check for $100, with which to fill one section in the library with "Good Books" and 70 have the section marked with an engraved plate, and to be forever known as "The Ladies Dedication Section." I have a desire on this occasion especially to be placed on record with good company, and will you allow me to make that check $200, that I, also, may personally fill a section next to your own, which may, if agreeable, be called "The Chapin Section." I presume our worthy board of directors will accede to this request when they recall the fact that I have gladly devoted many days and weeks to this noble enterprise during the period of con- struction, embracing more than a year and a half. I have in view other good friends of the library in town and elsewhere who, I think, will cheerfully each assume the task of filling a section on similar terms. Is it not worth while to make an effort? I am sincerely and cordially yours, SAMUEL A. CHAPIN. The interest awakened by this occasion had an ex- pression a few days after in several donations of choice books for the library, among them, one by Miss Lucy Larcom, who gave a fine edition of her published works of several volumes from the well known firm of Houghton, Mifflin & Co. ; another by Rev. Wm. M. Thayer, of Franklin, who sent a num- ber of his published works fresh from the press, ac- companying the gift by the following note : FRANKLIN, MASS., Feb. 3, 1888. REV. J. P. LANE. Dear Bro. : The memory of my mother, who was a na- tive of Norton, and one of the best and noblest women that ever lived, is very dear to me. All that I am or ever 71 expect to be I owe to her. That I received a collegiate education was due to her. That I entered the Christian ministry was due to her. That I became an author was due to her. Therefore I take great pleasure in present- ing the accompanying books to the Free Public Library of her native town, assuring the custodians thereof that, but for her, the gift would never have been made. Truly Yours, WM. M. THAYER. The venerated and beloved former pastor of the Unitarian church, Rev. W. P. Tilden of Milton, with pleasant reminiscences of former days, sent kindly greeting, accompanied with a gift of sixteen volumes of excellent books from his own library, inscribed with his autograph. Of these he wrote : "I have not selected old books stowed away on the up- per shelves that nobody will read, but books of real worth, some of which I have only recently obtained. It is pos- sible that some slight value may be attached to these vol- umes by my old friends, from the fact that they have been a part of my own library. At all events I send them gladly as a small contribution to the Norton Library, which promises to be a perennial and immortal blessing." Of the sixteen volumes thus given, "Buds for the Bridal Wreath," of which Mr. Tilden is the editor, and "Seventy," an account of his own birth-day commemoration, are of special interest to his many friends in Norton. A daughter of the late Rev. Thomas Shepard, D. D., of Bristol, R. I., in memory of her father and 72 the interest he always felt in his native town, sent u choice gift of popular and standard works, with best wishes for the success of the library. Rev. Wm. Barrows, D. D., of Reading, formerly pastor of the Trinitarian Cong'l Church here, sent a full set of his published works, nine volumes, with expressions of interest and congratulation to the town. Mr. Seneca Sanford, of the well-known firm of Estes & Lauriat, publishers, Boston, sent a choice selection of 25 volumes, some of the most popular works issued by that firm. A friend of the library, requesting that his name should not be mentioned, with kind greeting sent a hundred dollars to the treasurer for the purchase, of books. An additional collection of 66 volumes, most of which are of rare value, belonging to the private li- brary of the late Miss Ann E. Carter and Miss M. L. Mellus, were also generously given. All the books given have been incorporated in the new catalogue as it was passing through the press, though they could not all appear in the alphabetical order, those not so appearing being placed as a supplementary list at the end of the catalogue. We hear of other intended gifts and are assured that the library has a large place in the interest and good will of many friends. We cannot doubt that it will be always cared for as a treasured Norton insti- tution. 133 V THE LIBRARY UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA Santa Barbara THIS BOOK IS DUE ON THE LAST DATE STAMPED BELOW. Series 9482 UC SOUTHERN REGIONAL LIBRARY FACILITY A 000 743 869