Historical address

The realization of the ideals of many years and the definite beginning of the building which we to-day dedicate dates back four years. On February 10, 1903, Mr. Carnegie talked over the project with the two gentlemen whom he had invited to his house. As the general scheme seemed feasible, he said that he was ready to provide the funds for a building if a practicable plan could be presented. An hour later, a meeting of engineers had been arranged for the following day. The scheme was discussed; plans were formulated, and a few days later, John Fritz, William A. Redding, Calvin W. Rice, Chas. F. Scott, John Thomson, and our lamented friend, John C. C. Kafer, discussed the matter freely with Mr. Carnegie. To us, on St. Valentine´s day, in the late afternoon, he said the magic word which transformed long-cherished dreams and newfound hopes into a reality.