DOUGLAS SURGICAL BUILDING, THE GIFT OF EX-GOVERNOR W. L. DOUGLAS Chapter of Whitman. was instituted by former members of the Brockton chapter several months ago and is itself one of the large chapters of the state. The regent is Mrs. Lysander D. Gurney, who is just completing her second year in office. It is as natural for Brocktonians to organize as it is for them to go to the front as organizations afterward. The "getting together" spirit has asserted itself in labor organiza there are organizations which, while perhaps not using the name of union, are practically for and amount to the same thing. Not only are the unions under conservative and able leadership, but many Brocktonians have been chosen for labor union leadership in state and national organizations. The president of the State branch of the American Federation of Labor is Francis J. Clarke, a Brockton shoemaker. A GIFT FROM DANIEL W. FIELD, SHOE MANUFACTURER, TO REPLACE FORMER BUILDING limb. Brockton was the first city in the state to abolish them, although it cost $2,000,000 to do it. Previous to 1896 the nearest hospital for emergency cases or illness which was available was in Boston. But this, when needed, was like Sheridan at Winchester, "twenty miles away." George Clarence Holmes thought of this and became the "father of the Brockton hospital," an institution equipped for medical treatment and for modern the hospital, and each person in the city, however poor or friendless, can find treatment there. It is as close to the people as it is possible for an institution to be, a decidedly Brocktonian idea. There were aged women in the city whose journey down the sunset slope of life might be made easier if a home were provided for them. Thus the Wales Home for Aged Women became another source of pride, growing from its But front and slippers of a city. bless you! the city has not yet celebrated its twenty-fifth birthday. It is just talking about it. It will not be time until next May. original building and equipment till there is now a magnificent building erected, a gift from Daniel W. Field, a Brockton shoe manufacturer. There, in peace, happiness and comfort, women's riper years Here is a model sewerage disposal system and many municipalities, far and near, have sent their wise men to catch the idea and put it into practice in many parts of the United States. The water supply had to be of the best to satisfy the Brockton thirst, and it was necessary to replace the old water system a year ago by drawing from Silver Lake, twelve miles away, at a cost of $500,000. Now the Brockton city water is as pure as any in GEORGE E. KEITH are being spent. It was also Brocktonian to arrange it so that it is available in such a way as to be without the brand of charity. Mr. Field has also given a dormitory and recreation building for the nurses at the Brockton Hospital which is at present in process of erection. The City Home itself-even the name of almshouse is not permitted -is a model institution of its kind, so pronounced by the authorities of the state. It is a large family hotel. in fact, an institution of which the city is justly proud. And so Brockton has been a trifle slow in park system building, which, after all, is but the shirt PRESTON B. KEITH the state and the supply unfailing. Brockton will have a park system before its youngest common councilman becomes its mayor. But it has had too many things to do and too many bills to pay for things more needed in the past to get around to whitewashing its hen coops. A city of homes, Brockton has also some attractive public buildings which impress the beholder BAALIS SANFORD PAST GRAND MASTER OF MASONIC GRAND LODGE OF MASSACHUSETTS AND DEAN OF building on Warren avenue, a little south of the school building, is to be dedicated April 17th. The High school building, which is of brick and stone, of imposing architecture, became possible through the wise and careful expenditure of $230,000. It contains eighty-three rooms, including an assembly hall capable of seating twelve hundred persons. The Armory has been constructed by virtue of coöperation with the state in the matter of finances and cost $30,000. The modern church edifices and business blocks in Brockton are architecturally satisfying and many BROCKTON MERCHANTS with their newness. The City Hall is a magnificent $350,000 building, between School and East Elm streets, constructed of brown stone, erected in 1894. The Post Office building on Crescent street was erected in 1900. It is a handsome structure. one block from Main street. The County Court house, erected in 1891, seems old in the history of Brockton with its up-tothe-moment habit of calculation. Within a month there has been dedicated the new High school building, the educational pride of the municipality. The Armory COLONEL JOHN J. WHIPPLE in number. The present day growth |