
Charles H. Haynes
Address by Charles H. Haynes
From The Forest City Courier, June 29, 1922
Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: It is hard for me to talk before the public, especially tonight, because of the memory this occasion brings to my mind. Therefore, I am going to ask you to pardon me for reading what I have to say:
On behalf of the Cliffside Mill I present the R. R. Haynes Memorial Building to this community.
“He was interested in the development of community life, and in everything that would bring to the people of this community the largest benefits of our modern civilization.”
My father was a builder and was never quite so happy as when engaged in planning some development which he conceived would be a success from an industry standpoint, and at the same time make a substantial contribution to the common good.
This Community Building was [a] thought of his for Cliffside and therefore it is especially fitting that this Company, which he organized, developed and managed should carry into effect his thought in presenting this building as a memorial to him and his work. He was proud of the village of Cliffside. He desired that it should prosper and advance along all right lines. He was interested in it as an industrial development and conceived the idea of building here a model town and a model industrial plant. But his idea was greater than the mere external of business developments. He was interested in the development of community life, and in everything that would bring to the people of this community the largest benefits of our modern civilization.
This building, then, typifies his ideas, combining the practical and the ideal. Practical in that it will serve the community life and tend to develop and cultivate the taste for wholesome entertainment and social pleasures of the elevating kind, giving opportunity for harmless diversions and general community enjoyment. Ideal in that it will serve to develop the community spirit, the fellowship and good will of all our people, the welding together of our common plans, purposes, interests, hopes and aspirations, so that we may grow together in the graces of love, sympathy and service.
Therefore, as a memorial to him, and in the confident hope that it will prove a blessing to the entire community, I have pleasure in formally presenting this building.
Reprinted with permission from The Daily Courier. Copyright owned by The Daily Courier.