Jasper County Democrat, Volume 19, Number 102, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 21 March 1917 — WHIRLWIND CAMPAIGN CLOSED [ARTICLE]

WHIRLWIND CAMPAIGN CLOSED

Saturday Night After About $5,400 Had Been Raised. The whirlwind campaign to raise $25,000 here for the Monnett School for Girls closed Saturday night. At that time something like $5,400 had been pledged, ‘although this sum is expected to be increased considerably as the solicitors did not get to see all' and there are others who have expressed their intention of contributing but have not done so as yet. The above sum was contributed by 162 people, which is evidence that all who are interested have not yet pledged anything. The largest single contribution was SI,OOO by Henry Amsler. This does not mean that the campaign was a failure or that the proposed new buildings will pot be erected. The work of securing funds will be pushed vigorously until all the money possible has been raised. It is hoped to secure $25,000, half of the sum needed, here in Rensselaer, and the other half will come from outside. Dr. M. D. Gwin, president of the board of trustees, has proposed that the funds already secured be turned over to a finance committee composed of businessmen and other interested citizens. This board will have charge of all building funds and will also assume control of future soliciting. It was expected to put this proposition before a meeting of the school officials and board of trustees held last night, and it was thought the same would be adopted. J. M. Davis of the Lafayette Y. M. C. A-, who was here last week and assisted the local workers, gave excellent satisfaction and it is probable that he will return again and assist with the work when needed. Those in charge of the campaign are very optimistic and feel that the ultimate success of the project is assured. It is their contention that Rensselaer can not afford to let this opportunity go by and that when the time comes for immediate action all will respond. The value of a school of this kind to a city can best be emphasized by pointing to efforts made by other cities to secure schools. When the Marion Normal school was moved to Muncie, the latter city put up near $1,000,000 to swing the deal. When the project of moving Moore’s Hill college was recently announced several cities put forth efforts to secure the same and Evansville bid $500,000 for the school - Rensselaer has an opportunity to secure the only school of its kind in the country and it is certain she will take advantage of the opportunity. AH kinds of fancy correspondence stationery in stock in The Desnnrrat’s stationery department