Seventy Years Of The Worcester Polytechnic Institute: Page 3

This much of the background of these men is needed to understand the significance of their meeting. It is also important to recall that Boynton was extremely reserved. He possessed little intellectual culture, was regarded as an honest, unambitious man of very moderate wealth. Probably Whitcomb knew him better than others, yet it is equally probable that he was somewhat surprised when his cousin disclosed the purpose of his call.

No record of the conversation exists, yet from subsequent statements by Whitcomb, it may be assumed that Boynton discussed his circumstances and his desire to dispose of his wealth before he died. He was then seventy-three, and in failing health. His second wife was dead, leaving him childless and with no near relatives.

He disclosed to Whitcomb that he had somewhat over one hundred thousand dollars, which he wished to donate for some educational institution that would provide opportunities that both of them had been denied. It was in his mind that a school where young people could receive a practical education might be established in Mason or Templeton. He had little vision of what the scope of the school should be, but insisted that it should be free.

Whitcomb agreed that this was a very worthy proposal and readily accepted the trusteeship of the funds until such time as a definite plan could be put into operation. He pointed out to Boynton that although income from his gift would probably be adequate for the educational purposes of the school, some other sources of funds must be found for buildings and equipment. Hence he urged that the school be located in Worcester, where there were men of wealth who might be influenced to contribute to its physical development. He secured permission from Boynton to lay the plan before certain citizens of Worcester who possessed the education and vision needed to work out details. It was agreed, however, that no mention of the donor's name would be made until all plans were complete.

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Last Modified: Fri Jul 30 11:15:25 EDT 1999