”THE WATERVILLE WOMAN’S ASSOCIATION.
By Mrs. James H. Hanson.

The Waterville Woman’s Association was formed in the year eighteen eighty-seven. Mrs. Sarah Scott Ware, widow of John Ware, Sr., a large-hearted woman of excellent judgment, benevolent purpose, and friendly interest in the working women of the town, with ample means, invited friends who were in sympathy with the movement, to meet at her house to form an association whose object should be, as expressed in the following words of the revised constitution: “To provide and maintain a homelike and attractive room, furnished with facilities for literary and womanly culture and usefulness, which shall be free to all women young and old.

‘A special attraction to this room shall be a library enlarged and replenished from time to time as funds may warrant. Books may be taken from this library for home reading, on payment of one dollar yearly or one cent a day.’

After varying experiences, some discouragement, but no failure, a free reading room, well warmed, well lighted, bright and cheery was opened a portion of each week day and on Sunday afternoon from three to five. Mrs. Ware was the first president and became responsible for the rent the first year.”

Reference Data:

The Centennial History of Waterville, Kennebee County, Maine, by Edwin Carey Whittmore, 1902, page 381