In the establishment of the branches of the library already in existence, or to be created hereafter, it is the conceded policy of the city of Boston to place in its different districts such collections of books, of a popular and useful character, as shall possess general interest, leaving the purchase of a large class of works of a permanent value, like those upon the shelves of our Bates Hall, to the public spirit of the neighborhood to whose convenience and instruction each branch ministers. As was observed in the recent conference with your board, it is our hope that every branch shall be made a subject of local pride and shall increase largely by donations and bequests. In such cases of benevolence it will be equally the duty, as well as the pleasure, of this board to endeavor to carry out faithfully the intentions of the donors. Indeed, in this manner, the large central library has been most signally benefited, to the grateful acceptance of the trustees and to the inestimable advantage of our fellow-citizens. While each branch may be thus enriched, it will not, in any manner, interfere with the progress of the great reference library conveniently and naturally placed in the heart of the city. That the excellent collection of books, heretofore provided and sustained by the intelligence and liberality of the citizens of Charlestown, shall continue to increase in value and usefulness is the earnest desire of its new trustees. I am, dear sir, with much respect, very truly W. W. GREENOUGH, yours, President Trustees of Public Library. To Hon. T. T. Sawyer, President Trustees of Charlestown Public Library. The annual report November 15, 1873, gave the number of volumes catalogued for home use, 12,310; reference library, 2810; duplicates not catalogued, 720. Total, 15,840 volumes. The trustees say in this report: "The books and property of the library are in a condition in every way creditable to the librarian and satisfactory to us; and we take great pleasure in commending Doctor Cartee as peculiarly well fitted for his office, and as a man whose systematic habits, constant interest in his work, and general excellence of character have won for him the full confidence of the community." The last meeting of the board of trustees of the Charlestown Public Library was held April 24, 1874. A vote complimentary to the president was passed, expressions of friendship and good wishes between the members were exchanged, and then a trust, the duties of which they had for a long period endeavored faithfully to discharge, was turned over to the care of the trustees of the Boston Public Library by an adjournment without day. The following bequests have been received and accepted by the City of Boston, for the benefit of the Charlestown Public Library, since its care devolved upon the Boston Public Library: Charlotte Harris, "$10,000, to be invested on interest, said interest to be applied to the purchase of books published before 1850." Also her own private library and the portrait of her grandfather, Richard Devens. This bequest was accepted by the city July 31, 1877. Edward Lawrence, $500 "to hold and apply the income and as much of the principal as they may choose to the purchase of special books, to be kept and used only at the Charlestown branch of the public library." Thomas B. Harris, $1000 "for the benefit of the Charlestown Public Library." The private library of Charlotte Harris, to which reference has just been made, consisted of 1082 volumes of valuable books. The whole number of volumes in the library, December 31, 1893, was 29,961. SEPTEMBER 15, 1894. Index ABBOTSFORD HALL, 227, 275. Abbott, Samuel & Co., 38, 81. Academy, Cordis Street, 44, 45,140. Adams, Benjamin, 182, 265, 461. Adams, Edward, 181, 444, 449. 476, 478, 480, 481, 486, 489, 493, Adams family, 451. Adams (Kettell) estate, 171–174. Adams, James, 72, 80, 277, 399, 419, Adams, James, Jr., 497, 498. Adams, John, President, 18. Alden, Admiral James, 331, 436. Alger, Rev. William R., 359. Allston, Washington, 122, 301. Ancient and Hon. Artill. Co., 271. Arkell, Tufts & Co., 471. Armstrong, Commodore James, Armstrong, Samuel T., 209, 298. Arnold, Deacon William, 83. Austin, Eben, estate, 273, 274. Austin farm, the, 224. Austin, Francis B., 54, 220, 225, 428, 448. Austin, Henry D., 225. Austin, Isaac, 223. Austin, James Walker, 226. Austin, John, 216. Austin, Joseph, 216. Alexander, Giles, 19, 419. Alford, John, 212-214, 300. Austin, name of, 216, 223. 505 Austin, Nathaniel, 24, 216, 217, 227, 258, 264. Austin, Richard, 216, 217. Austin, Timothy, 216. Austin, William, 217, 220-223, 225, Ayers, Oliver, 268. BABB, JOSEPH, 182. Babbitt, William E., 114, 115. Baker, Mrs. Alice (Bridge), 231. Baker, Richard, 45. Baker, Richard, Jr., 45, 87, 421. 86, 119, 272, 334. Barker, Ebenezer, 266, 289, 394. Barnard, Stearns & Gage, 286. Barstow, Dr. Gideon F., 207. Bartol, Rev. Cyrus A., 359. Bates, John D., 21. Bates, Joshua (banker), 282-283. Bay State Brick Co., 414. Beckford, Capt. Thomas, 120, 174. Bell, Dr. Luther V., 159, 426, 434. Berry, George W., 182, 449. Bird, James, 25, 26, 54. Black Horse Tavern, 62, 66. Blanchard, Isaac, 427. Blanchard, S. Stoddard, 80, 427. Boston & Albany Railroad, 36. |