"Topping Off" Ceremony Marks Construction Milestone

Burrillville
Tuesday, January 30, 2007

A handful of spectators watched Tuesday afternoon as the ceremonial "topping-off" beam was hoisted and bolted into place in the new Jesse M. Smith Memorial Library. The beam-- identified in blueprints as "Ajax #1" -- marks an important milestone in the construction of the new building.

The beam had been signed by several dozen residents and officials who wanted to be part of town history. More than a decade in planning, the new library is seen as the cornerstone of efforts to revitalize the Stillwater Mill complex in Harrisville, the town's central village. The project is on schedule to open no later than late spring 2008.

"I am thrilled by the many encouraging messages written on the beam by library patrons, town officials and other well-wishers of all ages," said Library Director Sandra P. Mundy, who witnessed the topping off with Town Manager Michael C. Wood and a few others. Among the messages written on the beam were memorials to earlier library officials Gladys Gaucher, Winifred Thompson, and Amy Cavanaugh.

The ongoing construction draws a crowd of spectators most days, including a number of men and women who once worked at the old mill. Next time you pass through Harrisville, be sure to take a look.