McIntire gave to hometown in many ways

A persistent drought had lowered the water supply far enough below normal to necessitate taking action. Their first piece of business was to pass a motion to stop drawing up contracts “obligating” the city to furnish water to folks living outside the city limits until things got back to normal.

Then there was a little something called World War II that was taking up a lot of their attention. A practice blackout drill had shown they had a lot of work to do in that area, and getting the town on a war footing was no small feat in itself.

Even with all these pressing matters to deal with, the members found time during the meeting to show their appreciation to one of the city’s most generous benefactors. As “a gesture of appreciation” the members unanimously voted that Mayor W.H. Haden proclaim May 28 as “McIntire Day” in honor of Paul Goodloe McIntire.

Lifetime of kindness

McIntire was born May 28, 1860, in a two-story brick house on East High Street. During his lifetime he lavished his hometown with stupendous gifts, any one of which would have earned him a place in his neighbors’ hearts.

No one knows the countless acts of generosity and kindness McIntire did for individuals. His public gifts are nothing short of remarkable.

Even as a youngster his generosity knew no bounds, or restrictions. In the spring of 1865 Union troops were occupying Charlottesville.

Honesty as his policy

When a group of Yankees arrived at the McIntire home foraging for food, McIntire’s sister, Lizzie, told them they had nothing.

“There are hams in the attic,” her young brother told the soldiers. In telling the story years later, McIntire said the officer leading the foraging party smiled at him, and left the cache of hams intact.

Just the day before, the 4-year-old had been shaking his little fists at Yankee cavalrymen as they rode pass his house. What happened graphically illustrates the power of an act of kindness, and how it can lead to others.

When a Union officer noticed the defiant youngster, he reined in his horse and dismounted. The man gave the child an affectionate pat on the leg and some hardtack biscuits.

Later in life McIntire said that single act of kindness had made him love the Yankees, and it was a feeling that never left him.

McIntire attended the University of Virginia for one term, and then in 1880 moved to Chicago to seek his fortune. He started out as a coffee salesman, but became wealthy by buying and selling stocks.

The man from Virginia learned the trading ropes in Chicago where he had a seat on that city’s stock exchange. He then moved to New York where he held a seat on the New York Stock Exchange.

By the time World War I ended, McIntire was a rich man. He decided to move back to Charlottesville and bought a home on Rugby Road.

The late Irene Ashworth Valentine knew McIntire well. Her father-in-law, Robert Poore Valentine, had been friends with McIntire since their childhood.

During a 1990 interview with The Daily Progress, Valentine talked about visits McIntire would make to her father-in-law’s home. Their favorite place to chat was the front porch.

“All those two men seemed to ever talk about was how much they loved Charlottesville, and what they were going to do for the city,” Valentine said. “It seemed their whole ambition was to make the city as beautiful as they could.”

To this end McIntire gave the city land for parks. Lee, Jackson, Washington and McIntire parks are his gifts.

The philanthropist also commissioned artists to design and build the Lewis and Clark statue, as well as the Lee and Jackson statues. All were beautifully rendered, but the Jackson sculpture is considered one of the finest equestrian statues in the world.

McIntire also presented the city with the downtown public library.

He didn’t forget about UVa, giving the school $205,000 to establish the School of Commerce and Business Administration.

He also made generous monetary donations that helped build other things such as the orthopedic wing at the hospital, the amphitheater and the School of Fine Arts building.

In addition to providing numerous scholarships, he also donated 478 pieces of art and a collection of rare books to the university.

When McIntire died on July 1, 1952, the city lost one of its greatest champions. On behalf of the city Mayor Strother F. Hamm said, “In the death of Paul Goodloe McIntire, Charlottesville has lost one of its most beloved citizens and greatest benefactors.

“By his gifts to the University of Virginia, the public school systems, to the City of Charlottesville for parks, statues and other means of beautification, he has made an outstanding and lasting contribution to his native community.”

McIntire was buried in Maplewood Cemetery, less than a block from where he was born.

A year before city council proclaimed May 28 to be McIntire Day, he had been presented with a scroll from the city.

In beautiful lettering the message on the parchment read, “To Paul Goodloe McIntire, unswerving in loyalty and tireless in service, those with whom he has shared the fruits of devotion send on this anniversary of his birth affectionate greeting and the promise of unending remembrance. The County of Albemarle, the City of Charlottesville, and the University of Virginia will cherish throughout the years his contributions to the well-being of men.”

There has never been a statute of limitations on appreciation. May 28 continues to be McIntire Day in Charlottesville.