ALTAMONT’S PROPOSED NEW VILLAGE HALL

THE VILLAGE BUILDING.

In answer to inquiries about the progress in the matter of the erection of a village building, a bond issue for which was voted some time ago, and that the subject may be thoroughly understood by the people of the village the following statement is made.

The special meeting voted for the purchase of a lot and erection of the building the sum of $6,000. The bonds for this have not been issued for the reason that it was unwise to incur the debt and pay the interest thereon until such time as the money would be required for use. Mr. Wheeler D. Wright was engaged as the architect to draw plans and specifications, which were approved. An option was secured on the vacant lot next north of the Lainhart block on Maple Avenue. Then commenced what has proved to be the most difficult step in the proceedings, namely the securing of bids from contractors for the erection of the building at a cost within the appropriation. The bids ranged all the way from $6,200 to $14,800. Architects, builders and contractors have been freely consulted on the problem and they all agree that the building cannot be completed for the money at our disposal.

The cut in this issue of the Enterprise gives an exterior view of the building the ground measurements of which are 40 x 30 feet, and it has been planned to accommodate the official needs of the village as follows:

Cellar — Heater room, coal bins, closets and lavatory, a room for tools and supplies.

First Floor — A spacious room for the fire apparatus, front vestibule, club and meeting room for the Hose company with necessary lockers and attachments.

Second Floor — Upperhall, board room for the village officials, small room for a clerk’s or document room, large room about 28 x 24 feet which could be used for public hearings, village and general elections, Hose company banquets and entertainments, a home for the village band, Grand Army Post and other small lodges and organizations.

One of the greatest needs of this village is a Public Library and Reading Room and this would afford a most convenient and suitable place for the village library and a reading room properly conducted where all of our people, young and old, would be welcome and could pleasantly and profitably spend hours in a refining and educational atmosphere. It is possible to secure a good library and when this building was first projected one of the first steps I took was in this direction. It is to be regretted that this community is not blessed with some philanthropic person of wealth whose heart throbs with a sufficient love of humanity and for the enlightenment and culture of our young and the happiness of the older, to donate a library to the village. But perhaps this is a mistake. There certainly are several persons of ample means to make such a present. Perhaps they never have thought of it. Perhaps they considered that a building would also have to be given, and now if they see the village providing a home the library will come. The case may not be hopeless.

This village building should not be for the use of the village officers alone – not for the Hose company alone. Erected by the people, it should, under adequate supervision, be open to all the people of the village for proper uses.

The building itself should be in keeping with the village’s progressive surroundings, a credit to our people and an ornament to our little municipality in the present and for the years to come.

Such a building cannot be put up without an increase in the appropriation of two or three thousand dollars. The special meeting at which a bond issue of $6,000 was voted was called by the Board of Trustees upon the petition of twenty-five tax-payers. Now, if the same number will petition the Board for another meeting to vote on a proposition for an additional sum, such meeting will be called as provided by law. Citizens of Altamont, taxpayers, it is up to you.

JAMES E. KIRK, Village President.

Dated, January 14, 1915.