Page:History of Barrington, Rhode Island (Bicknell).djvu/680

 554 THE HISTORY OF BARRIXGTON. secure the nucleus for the library. The first public meeting for a library organization was held at the schoolroom of Isaac F. Cady, on the even- ing of Jan. I, 1880. As liberal donations of books had been secured, the meeting decided to prosecute the work, and a board of trustees was elected, consisting of David A. Waldron, Lewis B. Smith, Isaac F. Cady, Erastus L. Walcott, and Royal D. Horton. Later, on the 27th of Janu- ary, the board organized by electing D. A. Waldron, President, and Isaac F. Cady, Secretary and Treasurer. On the 2d of March, the trustees voted to transfer the books and other property of the library to the town, whenever the town by vote should accept it. This the town did at the annual meeting, April 7, 18S0. Mr. Cady's school building was hired for the uses of the trustees, and the library was dedicated March 30, 1880. Mr. Cady was the first librarian, and the library of 2,000 volumes was opened to the public on Ma}- S, 1S80. In the construction of the town hall, rooms were set apart for the library, and it was removed to the new quarters on the completion of the new building. The library now con- tains 8.606 volumes. Its annual circulation is 5,253 volumes. About 250 volumes are added annually from town and state funds. The trustees are: George T. Baker, Howard J. Weeks, F. O. Field, R. D. Horton, Ebenezer Tiffany, Jr., and Miss E. S. Bradford is the present librarian. F. O. Field is president of the trustees. The Barrington Antiqt.tarian Society was organized in May, 1885, for the purposes of cultivating the historic spirit in the town, and for the collection of various ancient articles which represent the character and conditions of our earlier and colonial life. Dedicator}' addresses were made by Prof. William Gamniell, LL. D., President of the R. I. Historical Society, and by Thomas W. Bicknell, and a poem was read by Hezekiah Butterworth, on " The Flag of Taun- ton Green." Rooms were set apart in the town building for the uses of the society, and an interesting and valuable collection of material has already been made. Generous donations have been and will continue to be made by persons who desire to place in safe keeping and for the public benefit such articles of various kinds as tell of the honorable past, and in- spire respect for ancestry. The society owes much of its success to Mr. David A. Waldron, its first president, who devoted much time and zeal in securing contributions to its shelves and show-cases. The object les- sons of the collection will increase in value with the years, as the silent teachers multiply in number and value. The Barrington Grange, No. 16, Patrons of Industry, was organized May 31, 1SS8, and erected a Grange Hall at Drownville. The Barrington Council, No. 30, Order of United American Workmen, has its headquarters at the Grange Hall at Drownville. Secretary, Theodore G. Darby.