On December 3, 1883, Frederick Billings wrote to UVM President Matthew Buckham regarding money. Billings was supervising the construction of Billings Library.

In March, Billings had agreed to pay $75,000 for a fireproof library, and then in November, his gift grew to $100,000. It was merely two and a half weeks later, and Billings was explaining architectural details and their costs, mentioning the stone arch, the carving on the banner beams, and ceiling paneling.

He believed the cost shouldn’t exceed $110,000, and would result in a beautiful building. Billings has been on the National Register since 1975.

The Vermont Book Of Days photo.