Page:Life of Isaiah V Williamson.djvu/149

Rh founder's idea, Mr. Baird sought to avoid unnecessary ornamentation, to secure simplicity of construction, and the most perfect adaptation possible to the work to be carried on. In these ideas the Board heartily concurred. As granite of an excellent quality had been found on the school tract, it was decided to use that to a large extent, and quarries were opened.

Ground was broken on the first of May, 1890. In the presence of several of the Trustees, architects and contractors, Mr. H. C. Townsend turned over the first earth with a shovel, since kept among the school's trophies. A large force of men was soon put at work excavating, under the contractor, P. E. Jeferis, of West Chester. President Shrigley and Lieutenant Robert Crawford (for several years the enthusiastic and popular Superintendent of the School) gave the building their constant personal attention. On Saturday afternoon, November 8th, the corner-stone was laid, the Board of Trustees being represented by Messrs. Townsend, Longstreth, Brooks and Catherwood. A copper box in the stone contained a historical