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LIBRARY DDITION THE MENAH4 EVENING BREEZE
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FIFTH YEAR, NO. 106.
MENASHA, SATURI AY, OCTOBER 22, 1898.
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PRICE 5 CENTS.
MEMORABLE FOR MENASHA
AN EPOCH MHRKED IN THE
CITY'S HISTORY.
Mary Visitors Joir) our Citizens
in Celebrating Dedication of
the New Library.
When Elisha D. Smith, Esq., turned over to Mayor M. M.
Schoetz the keys of the new Public Library building, last night,
he gave to the city of Menasha one of the handsomest library
buildings in the world, and to the citizens of the community a
treasure that in years to come will be a source of gratification
and pride to them and to those who are to follow.
Yesterday's dedicatory exercises were notable for a spirit of
quiet enthusiasm, prevalent not only among those who took ac-
tive part in the ceremonies, but among citizens in general and the
visitors who began flocking into the city early in the day. Un-
fortunately, the weather was decidedly unpropitious, but the
gloom of the clouded sky did not extend itself to the spirits of
those who had gathered to witness the transference to the mu-
nicipality of the almost priceless gift of a public institution which
is and always will be public in every sense of the word.
Menasha is proud of her new library, as any city might well be
in the possession of such a noble
institution, the possibilities of
whose future for good are well
nigh incalculable. She is proud
also of being able to number
cussed the relationship of state and ºcal libraries.
Hon. Robert Shiells, of Neenah, was expected to speak, but was
unable to be present, sending to Chairman Lake, however, an in-
teresting letter of regret. *
—ſ—-
CHAIRMAN LAKE OFºnS EXERCISES.
After calling the meeting to order, Chairman Lake spoke as
follows:
LADIES AND GENTLEMEN: We feel that Menasha is making
history today, or, if you please, the Library movement is being
placed on a more secure foundation by the events of today.
We meet to celebrate an event which is the most important in
the history of this city, to dedicate this beautiful and magnificent
building as a library and reading º founded by the munifl-
cence of one of our citizens. 3.
The presence here of so many fºr n neighboring exties, is an
assurance of the deep interest tak, in library and educational
work. º
It may be of interest to those of you who are not fortunate
enough to live within the confines of Menasha to learn some
what of the origin of the movement which has resulted in the
establishment of such a public institution as this—the length of
our program will allow only a moment for this.
Two years and a half ago, Menasha did not possess a single
library book outside of the schools. There were no library rooms
and seemed to be no library spirit. In the spring of 1896 a few
people were called together one evening and it was determined
to establish a library with the idea of eve',tually placing it under
muni ipal control. A Library Assºciation was found at that
meeting based on the Wisconsin Skate Library laws a subscrip-
tion list was started headed by Mr. Smith with $500 on
condition that an additional $1000 was raised. In
less than two weeks, books, were purchased library
rooms secured and thrown open to the public. I want to add
here that in the selection of books cºre was taken to secure those
that would make friends for the Library such as Polish and Ger-
pulses for this important work. I trust our gathering this after-
noon will be profitable and pleasant to us all. It is a good thing
for us to engage in any work that has for its aim the enlightening of
any whom we can reach, and thus give our communities the ben-
efit of our efforts. Our work thus far has been very pleasant, and
we certainly hope for good results in the future. Again welcom-
ing you, I give way to those who are to address us.
—\—
LIBRARIES AND WOMEN'S CLUBS.
Mrs. Morris' address on “Libraries and Women's Clubs” was,
in substance, as follows:
“This thing of beauty must remain a joy forever. Some cynic
has declared a thing of beauty is a joy to a woman only until
the fashion changes.” The gems of thought which are to find
an abiding place in this treasure house can never go out of
fashion. Nor should it ever be out of fashion or out of order, to
pay tribute to the far-sighted generositv of the founder of this
landmark of progress. The prograº ºf the meeting is ar
earnest of the correlation of various important forces in behalf
of library extension, and in one sense they are identical, being
now classed as “outside educational forces.’”
Mrs. Morris next took up the interdependence of libraries and
women's clubs, and gave an outline of what has been accomplished
in Wisconsin in behalf of library extension by organizations of
women. She discribed the traveling libraries of reference books
circulated by the State Federation, which are accompanied by
printed outlines for study and collections of photographsillustra-
tive of the courses of study. She advocated a central traveling
library system with the libraries cared for by the state, to which
clubs women may apply for assistance in various lines of re-
search, such system being in successful operation in some states.
She said the time is not far distant when every county in the
state will have a traveling library system, and that club women,
because of their network of organization, may render valuable
assistance to their end.
Mrs. Morris reminded club women of Neenah and Menasha of
the magnificent opportunity that is opened unto them by the far-
sighted generosity of the donor
of the new library, for they may
have club rooms within its walls,
and then the ilbrary would pos-
sess the fine literary atmosphere,
among her citizens one so liberal
and public-spirited as the man
who not only made the Library
a pos-sibility, but by his timely
and generous contributions caus-
ed it to become an actuality—
Elisha D. Smith. And thus it was
that the countenance of every
loyal citizen of Menasha beamed
yesterday, and thus that the in-
terest in the dedicatory exercises
- did not for a minute flag.
The history of the Elisha D.
Smith Public Library from its in-
ception to the present day will
be found in subjoined columns.
Henceforth, it will speak for it-
self now that it is fairly launched
as a public institution. As a fac-
tor for good, and as a medium
for education of the growing gen-
eration, its possibilities aſ e not
to be measured; and, from the
standpoint of sordid concrete-
ness authorities agree that it is a
model institution. As to the
building itself:
The interior arrangement of
the new building has received
many words of praise from li-
brary experts. Shortly after the
plans were accepted, Miss Stearns, of the Library Commission,
sent cuts of the interior and exterior, together with a description
of the same, to the Library Journal, the official organ of the Am-
erican Library association. W. R. Eastman, professor of library
architecture at the library training school at Albany, N.
Y., immediately secured one hundred copies of the plans for the
use of his students. Mr. Eastman commended the design as be-
ing the most satisfactory arrangement for a small library that
he had ever seen. It is but just to state that the specifications
for the interior arrangement, for the guidance of the architects,
were drawn up Mr. F. A. Hutchins, the secretary of the State
Library Commission.
Visitors yesterday were enthusiastic in their praises of the
handsome building, and were yet more laudatory of the interior
finishing and arrangement. The floral decorations also brought
forth much favorable comment. They consisted of smilax, roses
and palms, the latter to remain as permanent decorations.
In spite of the threatening weather, the attendance at both
afternoon and evening exercises was all that the most earnest
worker in behalf of the Library could desire, and the various
speakers were listened to with the deepest interest. The music,
throughout, was excellent, and gave evidence of the fact that
those having the arrangements in charge had spared no pains to
make the dedicatory exercises successful in every way.
Last evening the Breeze published the program of the afternoon
exercises, and in this issue reproduces several of the leading
speeches delivered. Dr. Plantz, of Lawrence University, delivercol
the response to the address of welcome. Dr. Plantz said he felt
it a privilege to participate in the exercises. He congratulated the
people of Menasha on their elegant Library building, and warmly
congratulated Mr. Smith upon the successful outcome of his long-
cherished plan for benefiting his fellow citizens.
Among the other speakers were Rev. Dr. Merrell, of Ripon; F.
B. Hoskins, of Fond du Lac; Rev. S. E. Lathrop, of Ashland, and
R. G. Thwaites of the Wisconsin Historical Society, who dis-
man publications and juvenile books, because we realized that
we would meet the greatest opposition when the attempt was
made to induce the city authorities to take charge.
The patronage given to this embryo library was a revelation.
Books could not be purchased fast erough. In the selection of
books, in fact, through all the work connected with this move-
ment, the aid rendered by the Wisconsin State Library association
represented by Miss Stearns and Mr. Hutchins, has been invalua-
ble and this aid was extended even in the selection of plans for
this building.
When the opportune moment arrived the municipal authorities
were asked to place the question of . mill tax before the people.
This was done during the spring of 1897, and at that time
the people decided by a large majority to establish a mill tax for
the maintenance of a library; then Mr. Smith did the rest. He
made his princely gift of over $20,000 for a library building, and
an additional $10,000 as an endowment, and today is the cul-
mination of it all. We have our library building complete in every
detail 3000 volumes on our shelves and money to buy more. Do
you wonder that the people of Menasha are happy today. Do
you wonder that we are proud of the fact that we have among
us, one whose love of humanity is so great that he is willing to
give freely of his wealth for its uplifting?
I am sure that I voice the sentiments of all who are within the
sound of my voice, when I say that I am twice glad that Mr.
Smith is present with us. Not the least pleasant part of our ex-
ercises is the fact that he is our host on this occasion, and he
will now speak his words of welcome.
—ſ—
MR. SMITH WELCOMES VISITORS.
Ladies and Gentlemen:—We give you our cordial greeting. We
are glad to see you all. Your presence here today gives evidence
of your interest in the work we hope to accomplish through our
library and reading room. Some of you are already engaged in
similar work. The speakers will give us new thoughts and im-
the true culture-spirit with its
vivifying power, that must ac-
company such a union of inter-
eSt.S.
PARENT AND LIBRARY.
In her address on “The Parent
and the Library,” Miss Stearns
said that the greatest complaint
among the librarians of the pres-
ent day was the lack of supervis-
ion of the child's reading upon
the part of the parent. So many
children come to the library ev-
ery day for a fresh book. This
must result in desultory reading
or neglect of school work. Miss
Stearns urged upon parents the
necessity of supervising the
child's reading and watching
over it in a kindly, tactful way.
She also urged parents to come
to the library with their children
and help them in selecting proper
books. She paid a high tribute
to the quality of the children's
books found on these shelves, and
stated that the Library was par-
ticularly free from rubbish, here
being no interminable series of
Optic, Castlemon, Alger, and “Elsie Books.”
If a father finds that his boy is reading such works as
“Dick Deadeye, or, the Bushwhacker Avenger,” he should come
with the boy to the library an 1 get something for him ex-
citing yet wholesome, without the “bluggy” element, basing his
argument for so doing upon the expulsive power of a new affec-
tion. If a mother finds that her fifteen-year-old girl “simply
adores ‘The Duchess,’” she should visit the library and obtain one
of the many wholesome books of happy home life which hav
been purchased to do away with the love for sickly sentimenta
ity. -
PRESIDENT ELIOT's IDEA.
Miss Stearns stated that President Eliot, of Harvard College,
sounded the key note of modern library thought and spirit when
he said “It is always through the children that the best work is
to be done for the upliftlng of any commuuity.” Miss Stearns
suggested many ways of making the Library helpful to boys and
girls. A fine stereopticon could be used to great advantage in
the auditorium of the Library, in giving lectures to children on
foreign countries, works of art, etc. An amusement room, in
which innocent games might be played, was suggested for the boys
when they get tired of looking at magazines in the reading room.
“The opportunities are infinite,” said Miss Stearns, “and under
the influence of such a librarian as Miss Pleasants, we are con-
fident that the Menasha Library will become a tremendous up-
lifting influence in the community.”
ON TRAVELING LIBRARIES.
Secretary Hutchins, upon being introduced, spoke upon the
subject of “Free Traveling Libraries,” as follows:
It has been evident for a number of years that the cities and
villages of the country are all soon to have well-equipped public
libraries. The puzzling problem with educators and philanthro-
pists has been to secure the free reading of books for people in the
(Continued on page 4.)
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BELONGS TO THE PEOPLE
DEDICATION CEREMONY CONCLUDED
AT THE OPERA HOUSE.
Mr. Smith F0IIllally Telleſs the Keys Of the
library 10 Mayor Stilleſ Wilſ (tells
them in the Mille 0 the PCO)10.
Long before 7:30 o'clock, the time set for opening the evening's
exercises, visitors and citizens began flocking to Germania Opera
House, and by the tima stated the hall was nearly filled, despite the
fact that many persons remained away on account of tile threaten-
ing weather. There was a considerable delay in opening the cere-
monies, as Mayor Erb and the city council of Appleton were ex-
pected, and it was first decided to await their arrival, so that it was
well after 8 o’clock. Before the meeting was called to order by
Chairman Lake, who said:
CHAIRMAN LARE’S EVENING ADDRESS.
Ladies and Gentlemen, and Citizens of Menasha:-We meet here
tonight to receive a gift which shall be more than a gift. It shall
be a sacred trust. This trust is placed in our hands by Mr. Smith,
and I speak his name with reverence and affection, because he loves
this city and its people.
This city, through its municipal head, is to receive the magnifi-
cent Library building and reading room, erected during the past
year, and with it comes $10,000 as an endowment. Tonight we
are to dedicate this building for the purpose I have stated.
It has been said to me, within the past year, that the people of
Menasha would not appreciate this gift. I want to refute that asser-
tion. I want you citizens of Menasha to help me refute it tonight.
It has been said by these wise people, that our library would do a
little good for the time being, but it would soon be forgotten, and
that this great gift would be another lost cause.
We speak of lost causes, we speak of waning interest, we think
of things that have had promise in them and then have gone into
decay, but there are undying forces in the physical world, and the
great purpose, the great effort that has been made, though it may
seem to have borne for us no fruit, has not failed.
The mother bends down over her babe and sings bersweet lullaby at
eventide. By and by the lips are sealed, but forever and forever
that lullaby lingers, and so with these words that are spoken and
these deeds that are done. They are all recorded, and things that
are forgotten still linger somewhere, and so shall it be with this
gift. The beauty of it, the purpose of it, will be with us for all
time. I have the pleasure of presenting again to you Mr. Smith, our
“grand old man.”
Elisha D. Smith, Esq., then took the floor, and in the following
earnest speech, turn d over to Mayor Schoetz the keys of the Li-
brary building;
PRESENTATION BY MR. SMITH.
Ladies and Gentlemen and Fellow Citizens: I am to present
the Library Building and its furnishings to the city tonight. The
deed of the lots was made last fall, before the building was com-
menced. It may be well, in a few words to say why I made the
proposition to the city in August of last year. I have long felt
that our city needed just such a library and a building suitable
to its purposes. The marked success of our Library confirmed
my previous impression. You will hear something of the incep-
tion of the Library tonight.
I felt that we must have a building good enough and large
enough to meet the growing wants of our city for many years,
and one that would be worthy of its use and our city. I have
taken great pleasure in aiding to make our Library of permanent
usefulness for our city for all time. Everything in connection
with Library matters has been carefully and legally done. None
need fear but that our Library will be a constant and increasing
benefit to our community.
And now we simply urge all our citizens to get all the benefits
that the Library and Reading Room offer. We pledge you that
there shall be no lack of useful and entertaining reading matter
in the rooms at all times. We especially invite our young men
and women, who are employed during the day, to the reading
room, eveniugs. Rest assured that all will be welcome.
And now, Mr. Mayor, I hand you the keys in token of this
formal presentation to the city. I do this with the full ex-
pectation that all our people will be benefited by what
has been, and will be done for them. I want to say, Sir, that it
has been a source of great gratification to me to have had the
hearty cooperation of the Directors, who sit with us tonight.
The great interest they have shown, thus far is evidence of what
they will do in the future. I am sure that as guardians of this
portion ofcity property, they will guard it properly and well,
and the income, that is placed at their disposal wiil be wisely
administered, so that the best results will be obtained for the
good of all our citizens.
Mayor Schoetz, in the address below quoted, accepted in the name
of the citizens of Menasha, the precious gift; and the Elisha D.
Smith Public Library became the property of the people.
MAYOR SCHOETZ ACCEPTS THE GIFT.
Mayor Schoetz accepted the gift of the Library in the follow-
ing words:
Ladies and Gentlemen: It affords me pleasure, as your mayor,
to be present on this important occasion, and to participate in
these exercises, and I wish that I could do the subject more
justice.
Situated as we are on the beautiful banks of the Fox River,
where Nature has provided us with fine scenery and drives, it
remains for us to develop the natural resources that stand us in
hand, and it is fortunate for us that we have people so disposed.
They say that poets are born, not made so it can be truthfully
said that kind and liberally disposed men are born, not made,
We all feel proud that we have one such man among us.
Mr. Smith had the working people in mind when, for their
special comfort and happiness he erected this magniffcent
library building, filled with useful books, regardless of denomina-
tion or language, and provided a reading room so they might
better their condition of life and fit them for a higher position ac-
cording to the merits of eachman, woman and child.
What the Smithsonian institute at Washington is to the people of
the United States, the Elisha D. Smith Library is to us, thc people
of Menasha; what the great Tilden library of New York is to the
people of that great city; the Elisha D. Smith library is to us;
what the Statelibrary at Madison is to the people of Wiscon-
sin the Elisha D. Smith librarary is to us, the people of Menasha.
In conclusion let me repeat again, what I have said before, that
it is the proudest hour of my life to be able to be present on and
to participate in this grand occasion, and to have the honor to
accept this princely gift, the Elisha D. Smith Library, on behalf of
our city. And let me thank you, Mr. Smith, on behalf of every
man, woman and child, of our city. I can assure you that we
now, and those generatiºs to come, will always praise the
founder and endower of the ſºlisha D. Smith library. Again
we thank you.
##############################
*:::::::::::#################
ELISHA. D. SMITH.
At the request of The Breeze, Miss Elizabeth D. Smith, sister of
Elisha D. Smith, Esq., has kindly contributed the following bio-
graphical sketch of our honored fellow-townsman's career:
Elisha D. Smith was born in Brattleboro, Vt., as most of his
western friends know. His father, Mr. Henry Smith, who was
for many years a prominent business man there, was born in
Hadley, Mass., and his mother, Miss Ruth Dickinson, was a na-
tive of the same place, her family, on her father's side, dating
back nine generations.
After their marriage they lived a few years in Northampton,
Mass., before going to Brattleboro, where they passed the re-
maining years of their lives, greatly respected by all who knew
them. They had a family of seven children, three sons and four
daughters, who all lived to maturity. The subject of this sketch
has often referred to his ohildhood and youth there, as among
the happiest years of his life. To show his appreciation of his
birthplace, he gave, a few years since, $5,000 towards provid-
ing a “Home for the Aged and Disabled,” which has been added
to, and a fine building is to be erected as a memorial of him.
When Mr. Smith was about seventeen years of age, after re-
ceiving an education in the Brattleboro High School, his father
placed him in a wholesale and retail store in Boston, where he
remained utitil he was twenty-one. He then went to Woon-
socket, Rhode Island, where became acquainted with his future
wife, Miss Julia Mowry, and after their marriage, in 1850, he
decided to come West, where he had been previously to investi-
gate the country. For some time he had been in doubt between
the two, Menasha and some place in Georgia, as he had been
South. Menasha was then a place of but a few inhabitants, and
I have heard him say that the house they lived in was the only
ane in town, with a brick chimney. They started for the West
immediately after the wedding, and had a long and disagreeable
journey, an experience quite new to the bride, an only and petted
daughter, who had all her life lived in affluence.
For several years after Mr. Smith came to Menasha he was in
the mercantile business, but finally decided to engage in the man-
ufacture of wooden ware, upon a small scale. Although at differ-
ent times, he met with losses, factory burned, etc., his courage
never failed him; but after all this, which a man of less energy
would have succumbed to, he went on, determined to overcome
every obstacle. Finally, his two sons went into the firm with
him, his business increased, and his success has been such, as to
enable him to help others in various ways, until he came to the
he came to the conclusion to give substantial evidence of his in-
terest in the city, by presenting it with a $25,000 library build-
ing, in addition to several acres of land for a park.
Every evidence has been given to show that the people appre-
ciate these splendid gifts now, and as time goes on, they will
more and more see the great good which will result from the be.
stowal of so much money upon their city for library purposes.
Then will the earnest hope of the giver be fulfilled, and the high-
est and best good of our people be fully realized.
###########################################:::::::::::::::::::::::::::
P. V. Lawson then spoke on “Our Library,” as follows:
MR. LAWSON RECITES HISTORY.
The story of our library is a tale of marvelous success. It con-
clusively proves that the people crave books. It was quite gen-
erally supposed that the people of our community being largely
of fareign lineage, either would not or could not read. However,
--
Miss Pleasants, after conferring with a large number of citizens,
caused an anonymous notice to be inserted in the daily papers,
calling a public meeting to consider the establishment of a li-
brary; and on November 19, 1895, a large and interesting meet-
ing was held, at which Mr. Elisha D. Smith subscribed five hun-
dred dollars, if one thousand additional could be raised.
A determined committee, headed and enthused by Mr. F. D.
Lake, went to work. Money was given in large and small sums.
The local papers not only gave printing, but through their ur-
gent and splendid efforts the daily publications had much to do
with the success of the project. The shelying was given, Mr.
Schneider prepared the lumber, Mr. Hawkshaw made the shelves,
Mrs. Schwentner cleaned the rooms, Master Mark Banta printed
the cards, and Mr. Tuchscherer gave three months rent free.
Hon. S. A. Cook gave 150 volumes, the first books received, and
Mr. A. J. Webster of Superior gave the chairs.
By the following spring the full amount was raised and the
Free Library Association, which had secured a charter, was or-
ganized, and one thousand dollars worth of books ordered pur-
chased. On September 23, 1896, the rooms were opened to the
public, under the intelligent guidance of Miss Pleasants, and free
to all, the one dollar annual fee intended to be charged for ex-
penses, being waived.
RUSH OF THE PEOPLE AFTER BOOKS.
The books were carefully selected, under the advice of Mr. F.
A. Hutchins, secretary, and Miss L. E. Stearns, librarian of the
State Free Library Commission. They were selected with a view
to attract the public to the library. While they were choice, re-
freshing and ennobling, they were not too learned for the ordi-
nary reader.
The first day the library was opened 37 books were given out,
the next day 63 books were taken, the next day 70, then 84, and
October 10, there were 101 volumes given out; and thus it went
on, the library ever increasing in popularity. In the month end-
ing January 16, 1,161 books were read, and 168 taken out that
day.
Crowds lined up at the rooms, and each waited his turn pa.
tiently. The Polish books, bound several paper covers in one
volume, were scarce, as they were mostly imported, and these
people often waited a whole afternoon for the return of some
book in use. Father Pescinski, of St. John's church, not only
furnished the list of Polish books, but came in one day and laid
down several pieces of silver for the good of the cause,
Up to July last year, nearly 10,000 volumes had been read. Du-
ring the last fiscal year, up to September 3, last, 12,139 volumes
have been read, and 1,634 were taken out in one month. This
year 1,057 German and 586 Polish books have been read. Dur.
ing the two years the library has been open, nearly 25,000 books
have been read, which is the more surprising and significant when
it is known that we had scarcely 1,500 books to select from.
The unexpected avidity of the public for books emboldened the
association to offer the library to the city if it would support and
maintain it with a one-mill tax. Twelve days before the spring
election, last year, the proposition went before the council, which
unanimously ordered it to a vote of the people, and it was car-
ried by a rousing majority. The fears and hopes of a few days
before were set at rest—1,458 volumes were turned over to the
board of directors appointed by the city.
- GIFT OF ELISHA D. SMITH. --- ---
More than thirteen years ago, Mr. Elisha D. Smith formed the
idea of presenting a magnificent tract of land, covered with his-
toric oaks and elms, to the city as a public park, and later on la-
bored earnestly to have a well-known college moved to part of it,
expecting to have the city enjoy part for a library and park. The
uniting of the college with another made the project impossible,
and Mr. Smith then determined to make the gift to the city at
once. His plans had been maturely and carefully considered.
On July 14, 1897, having requested a special meeting of the
common council, and invited a few friends to attend, Mr. Smith
made his handsome gift of the park, which, with additional gifts
since aggregates nearly 27 acres, and at the same time promised
$25,000 for library purposes, expecting that $10,000 would re-
main for endowment after the building was completed and fur-
nished.
In his own words, the park was “for the purpose of promoting
the health, pleasure and comfort of the citizens,” and the income
from the endowment “shall go towards increasing the library
and its usefulness year by year, for profitable reading matter for
the citizens.”
CREATES GREAT ENTHUSLASM. -
The manner in which the magnificent gift was received by the
people was graphically described by the Press of the following
day in these words:
“After the unanimous acceptance of the proposition by the
council, an adjournment was had, and then began one of the live-
liest and heartiest impromptu celebrations ever witnessed in Me-
nasha. The fire and chnrch bells rang, the whistles blew, sky
rockets were sent up, fire crackers added to the din, tin horns
were tooted, gongs were pounded, and everybody made merry
over the grand gift. It was nearly midnight before the noise
wholly subsided.”
** Coming down into the street, Mr. Smith thought there was a
great conflagration, but when he was finally made to under-
stand the cause of the din, he was as much astonished as pleased,
having thought all along that his proposition might be rejected,
because of some excellent and salutary moral conditions embod-
ied therein.
The following Saturday night the people got together the
greatest public demonstration ever witnessed in our city, to visit
Mr. Smith at his home and personally thank him for his noble
gift. There was tremendous enthusiasm throughout the city,
and headed by the full Arion Military band, which came from
Camp Douglas by special train, with the Crescent band, of Osh-
kosh and the Union band at intervals in the line in the words of
the Breeze, “The procession reached from Main street to Mr.
Smith's residence. It is a conservative estimate that places the
number of men, women and children who gathered on the large
lawn and on the streets about the house at 6,000, many having
come from Neenah.”
After numerous speakers had congratulated Mr. Smith, he re-
plied, among other things, that he did not make the gift for ful-
some praise, and said:
“Let me say to you, my friends, and all of you, that it is a
grand thing to do for those who are needy. I think any person
will live longer, will be happier in this world, by doing something
to help mankind.”

The most was made of these events to exploit the usefulness of
the library and add to its popularity.
THE FREE LIBRARY COMMISSION HELPS IT ON.
One of the best provisions of our state was the establishment
of the Free Public Library commission for the promotion of li-
braries. All our books were selected and bought, the catalogue-
ing thereof done, the rules and regulations of the library Set, and
in fact, every step taken, under the experienced advice and ripe
counsel of Mr. F. A. Hutchins, Secretary, and Miss L. E. Stearns,
librarian, of the commission, and their wonderful enthusiasm has
tended much to make the library a splended success. Their main
idea is to have the books where the people can get them and to
make it cheerful and friendly, and free to all.
Now the Board called them in again, to assist in designing the
Library building; and while the exquisite and delicate lines of the
Grecian Architecture of the Elisha D. Smith Library building are
due to the genius of Van Ryn & De Gelleke, the real thing, the
large, airy reading room, its children's corner, its reference book
place, its stack room, delivery and receiving desk, while all nomi-
nally separated, still all in one, and all open in full view, over all
of which comes a flood of light was the design of these excellent
people. Not only has the design been praised on all sides as well
as by the official library journal of the National Association, but
it has been adopted as a model in the Albany school of Library
architecture, which is a great honor to the architects themselves.
It is a great pleasure to speak of these gratuitous efforts in our
behalf, now that they have accomplished their mission success-
fully, beyond expectation.
LAYING THE CORNER STONE.
The excavation for the foundation of the edifice was begun on
Saturday, February 12, last, and the corner stone was laid on
the eighteenth day of March, in presence of a vast concourse Of
people. After speaking on the triangle, the stone was laid by
Master Mowry Smith, who spread the mortar, and Miss Julia
Smith and master Carlton Smith, who placed the stone in posi-
tion, while Miss Helen Smith garlanded it with flowers and Miss
Margaret Smith deposited the box of records. - Though the rain
fell in torrents the crowds crawled over the piles of stone, brick
and lumber to see it all, and remained to the last.
Mr. Smith, in California, wired a message saying “The corner
stone means a solid, enduring library for Menasha," and a mes-
sage of greeting was returned to him with prolonged cheers.
TWO SPLENDID GIFTS.
It has been a great pleasure to the Board to have Mr. Smith
as its president, always so full of work and vigor to promote
its ends. His sole object has always been to get. the people to
read, to get them into the library, and after making the gift to
locate the building on the beautiful park, he thought possibly it
might be too far for some so after getting the consensus of
opinion he purchased the present site at a cost of $2,000, and
presented it to the directory for a site, -
By August it was discovered that the cost of the building. and
furnishing would considerably exceed the amount appropriated
and that it might require use of some of the endowment to finish
the work, but Mr. Smith came forward and said he would CO111-
plete and furnish it, and leave us the $10,000 endowment intact.
Being in the east at the time, I was delighted to get this mes.
sage on August 4: “The grand old man puts up anºther five
thºusand, making the ten thousand endowment a certainty."
TOTAL GIFT $32,500,
The building and site, complete and furnished, cost nearly
$22,000, which, with the $10,000 endowment and previous
gift of $500, makes the total of the liberal gift of our beloved
fºllow townsman for this great and noble purpose $32,500. Be-
sides this he has established the Elisha'D. Smith Traveling Library
of fifteen cases, with 50 volumes in each, for the country towns,
with our library as headquarters. As the free use of our library
has been extended to the surrounding country, the influence of
these splended privileges ought to work much good in the years
to COme. -
WILL HAVE GOOD MORAL INFLUENCE.
The library now contains 2,900 volumes, and the reading
rooms, open seven days in the week, contain the leading periodi-
cals and newspapers. The expectation of The Baard, and Mr.
Smith's great leading idea, is, that the institution will be not
only useful and beneficial in its instructive forces, but that it will
have a healthy, moral influence in its competition with the evil
influences of other gathering places.
“A little spring had lost its way amid the grass and fern,
A passing traveler scooped a well, where weary men might turn.
He walled it in, and hung with care a ladle at the brink,
He thought not of the deed he did, but judged that toil might drink.
He passed again, and lo! the well, by summers never dried.
#." cooled ten thousand parching tongues, and saved a life besides.”
Rev. S. T. Kidder, formerly of this city, now of Ripon, was the
next speaker, and met with a cordial welcome as he stepped to the
front of the stage. He was followed by President Adams, of the
state university, in a short but earnest address, in which he felici-
tated Menasha and her citizens upon the acquisition of the Library.
Rev. H. A. Miner, of Madison, was next introduced, and spoke
briefly, as did nearly all those on the program.
Judge C. D. Cleveland, of Oshkosh, was then called upon for a
few remarks, and responded in a felicitous manner, after which the
Amphion quartet and the audience joined in singing “America.”
Hon. James H. Stott spoke cºntertainingly irom a practical stand-
point and was followed by the Hon. S. A. Cook in a short but pert-
nent speech; Rev. S., E. Lathrop, of Ashland and Henry Fitzgibbon,
who made an address the force of which was in no wise impaired by
the introduction of a few humorous remarks.
Miss Stearns, librarian of the Wisconsin Free Library Commis-
sion, although not on the evening's program, was called upon for a
few remarks, and responded most gacefully. Miss Pleasants, who
was expected to speak, felt too much worn as the result of recent
hard work in connection with the library to deliver her address.
Secretary Hutchins, of the Wisconsin Free Library Commission
made the concluding address, on “The Library of the Future,” as
follows :
LIBRARY OF THE FUTURE.
The records of the public schools of many states show that the
average boy and girl drop out of school before the are able to
read their third readers intelligently; but these same boys, in fu-
ture years, will be called upon to settle questions of national finanoe
and administration, of the relation of the state to corporations and
the great problems of municipal administration that require wide
knowledge of men and events and careful and intelligent study. It
is evident to every thoughtful student that we need a Bystem of
popular education in addition to that which the schools afford, in
order to fit our youth for intelligent citizenship. -
Our schools teach the children to read, but that power will do
them no personal good and will be of no benefit to the state unless
they use it to read and study good literature; but no person will
read good books unless they have the opportunity as well as the de-
sire. It is the special privilege of the library to give this oppor-
tunity to every boy and girl, no matter how poor and neglected they
may be, and it gives them not only books, but the best books, se-
lecting with wisdom for those who are unfitted to select for them-
selves,
The boys and girls of certain families may get an education be-
yond that of the school life in their homes or in college, and it is
probably true that the best of all libraries are those in cultivated
homes where intelligent parents are the librarians and can give to
the individual readers careful instruction in the use of books. It
is the privilege of the public library to do for the child from the
sordid home what the private library does for the child of the re-
fined home. The library of the future will find its noblest mission
in educating the neglected children, both intellectually and spirit-
ually, and in doing for them what the best parents have heretofore
done for the most fortunate children,
This means that the librarian of th public library will treat each
child as an individual, giving to each
tention that the intelligent parent gi
§he same loving care and at-
!, to his child. It means that
the library shall be made a home for every child in the commnnity,
###################################################
MISS LUCY LEE PLEASANTS,
Of all those who have earnestly labored in the interest of the
Library, none have been more instrumental in its advancement
than Miss Lucy Lee Pleasants, the librarian, and the following
biography from the pen of her brother, J. McC. Pleasants, will
be of interest:
Miss Lucy L. Pleasants, librarian, was born in Richmond,
Virginia, removing thence when a very young child, to the fami-
ly seat at “Riverlea,” on the Potomac river, near Washington,
where she resided until she came to Menasha, about 18 years
ago. Miss Pleasants inherited literary tastes, and was carefully
educated at home by governesses. She early developed consider-
able facility with the pen, and has at various times contributed
stories and poems to the Atlanta Monthly, Scribner's Monthly,
The Youth's Companion and other periodicals of the first class.
The love of books naturally led her to take a deep interest in the
movement for the establishment of the Menasha Library, to
which she has given from the beginning a large amount of her
time. She has been at Mr. Smith's right hand always, never
counting the cost, and looking always unselfishly at the end to
be attained. -
########################## #########################
that he shall feel in it a sense of personal possession, and shall go to
it instinctively as a refuge in the idle hours which are the most
dangerous en my of every boy. But it is not only to the child that
the library of the future will furnish a home; it will be the gather-
ing place for all the other people in their leisure hours, and it will
furnish them not only the means for study but the inspiration to
continue the studies started in the schools. It will be the center
for study clubs of many kinds, clubs so various that there will be
some to attract people of all classes. We all of us know that we
ought to have some favorite studies unconnected with our business,
and that the man or woman who is intºrested in some special line
of thought may not only find in it a relief from daily cores, but also
a means of intellectual growth. But most of us need companion-
ship to inspire us to persistent study, People organ-
ized in study clubs with intelligent leaders will find pleasure and
improvement in many lines of study, when their interest soon flags
if they are forced to do isolated work. The public library gives not
only the place for such clubs to organize, but it gives the inspira-
tion and the intellectual atmosphere that are essential to secure the
best results,
The library of the future will be the intellectual and the social
center of its community, constantly inspiring enthusiam for the
higher interest of life, It will be so centrally situated and it will
be so great a factor in the daily life of the town that every boy and
girl who grows up under its shadow will feel that good books an
their study are among the most important concerns of life; and in
the study of the lives of great and noble men and women they will
come to be controlled by high aspirations and ideals The library
of the future is only possible where its board of trustees, its librar-
ian and its community are all interested in making the library of
the utmost service in promoting the intellectual and spiritual wel-
fare of every member of the community, and of organizing in the
library a system of popular education which shall make it a school
for the old as well as the young.
I have felt free to describe the library of the future so fully in
this presence because I believe the foundation of one of the best of
these new libraries has already been laid in Menasha. I believe
–
this because I know that the librarian, the members of the board
and the generous donor of the beautiful new building are all act-
uated in their work by the broadest sentiments of philanthropy, and
that they will continue to search for every method of making
the Elisha D. Smith Library of the utmost possible value to the
people of Menasha. In all its work there has been an unselfish
spirit which must be a wonderful object lesson to all the boys and
girls who come within its influenee, and the spirit of the leaders has
communicated itself to all the people of the town; and everywhere
we find an overflowing pride in an affection for the library which
promises most happily for its future. All these friends here, and
all of the hundreds of children who cannot find a place in this hall
have caught the generous spirit of Mr. Smith. They feel happy
in his happiness, they are proud of his gift, and they desire to show
their love and appreciation for him by making this library a note-
worthy example of what a public library may do to raise our stan-
dard of American citizenship and to make noble as well as intelli-
gent men and women.
The program was interspersed with delightful music rendered by
the Amphion quartet and Planner's orchestra, both of which organ-
izations acquitted themselves in a highly pleasing manner.
Owing to inability to secure copies of some of the addresses early
enough, the Breeze is forced, most reluetantly, to omit the text of
the same, albeit the satisfaction of printing every speech in ful
Aould be great, inteed. Hence the fact that, almost without ex-
ception, the addresses quoted in this special number of the Breeze
were in type and in the forms before last night's meeting began,
having been banded in from twelve to forty-eight hours in advance-
It wiil readily be seen that, with these addresses occupying nearly
all the available space, it would have been impossible to use all of
last night's addresses, even had there been sufficient time to get
them into type. There is no unfair discrimination in the matter;
it is “a condition, not a theory” that confronts the Breeze, and
there is no option. However, it may be of some interest and not
a little satisfaction to the friends of the speakers to learn that the
board of irectors of the Library has decided to publish a booklet,
in which the various addresses will appear in entirety.
Öhe 9°rogram as {Printed.
Elfternoon Exercises,
O
TLibrary Elubitorium, 2:30.
|public and Craveling Libraries.
Music—Gondolicr'9cztcttc.
f. O. J.akc, - Chairman.
€lisha O. Smith, QIclcome.
Pom. ſ. P. Stout, - - Response.
Grectings from Sister Librarics in Fox River Valley—
Mrs. G. Ficlcis, Grcem Bay. Robert Shiclls, Neemah.
Miss Lizzic Smith, Ocncre. Tſ. Howard jemkime, Oshkosh.
Rev. GCIm. Filburne, Kaukauma. f. B. Poskins, Fond du Lac.
G. C. jomes, Hpplctom.
Music—Gondolicr Sextette.
Librarics and KIomen’s Clubs— - -
Mrs. C. S. Morris.
Relation of historical Library to fºrce Cublic Libraries— -
R. G. Chwaites.
K)arent and Library— - - -
Mið9 I... 6.. 9tcarms.
€lisha O. Smith fºrce Craveling Libraries— - -
£. H. Butchins.
Music—Gondolicr Sextette.
Evening Exerciseg,
(5ermania Qpera ||Youge, 7:30.
jormal Ceremony of Ecoication.
Music—K)lammer's Orchestra.
f. O. J.ake, Chairman.
€. O. Smith, Korcsentation.
M. M. Schoctz, Mayor, Hcceptance.
Singing—Hmpbion Quartette.
Our Library– - -
K). W. I. awsom.
Riddrcsö – - - - -
Rev. 9. C. Ridder, Ripon.
Music—K)lammer's Orchestra.
Hdidn'c39– - - - -
Rev. F. H. Mincr, Madison.
Hmerica–Humphion Quartette and Hudience.
My cou:try, "t is of thee,
3rºcet taxid of liberty,
Of thcc I, sing:
Land where my fathers died,
Land of the pilgrim's pride,
£rcºm ev’ry mountain side
Lct freedom ring.
Rddress–
Mg native country, thce,
Land of the noble free,
ºchy name I love;
I love thy rocks and rills,
Chy woods and tempted bills;
My heart with rapture thrills
Liſtc that above.
poºl. 3. p. 5tout, Menamonic.
singing –Hmpbiom Quartette.
Cbc Librariam's Çızlcome - . - -
Miss Lucy Lee Oleasants.
Library and the Citizen- - -
pon. 9. H. Cook.
Singing – Hmpbiom Quartette,
Benefits of Our Library - - - -
Benry Fitzgibbon.
Chc Library of the future- -
£. H. Butchins.
Music—Otammer's orchestra.


--- --- - - - - --~~.
-
ON TRAVELING LIBRARIES.
(Continued from page 1.)
_ - ------- - —--—
country districts. In thousands of small communities little pub-
lic libraries have been established, but they have generally failed
to be permanently successful because of the difficulty of securing
fresh books. When the books have been read the interest in a
library flags, and the books are allowed to fall to pieces from
shelf wear, although they have been read but little.
The first systematic effort to give the people of the country dis-
tricts a continuous supply of fresh books was made in the state
of New York in 1893, when Mr. Melvil Dewey inaugurated a
state system of traveling libraries. He proposed to send to any
small village which would guarantee the good use and safe re-
turn of the books, a fresh library every six months. The plan of
work proved so practicable and the books were so well enjoyed
that a large number of new libraries were sent out in New York
on the following year, and in 1895 and 1896 the states of Iowa,
Ohio and Michigan formed similar systems and sent out the
books at the expense of the state.
Post Office in Wisconsin Sand Belt. Room view is in rear of office, show-
ing Traveling Library on a milk cupboard.
The greatest extension of the traveling library system has,
however, come since 1896, when Hon. J. H. Stout, of Menomonie,
Wis., purchased a number of traveling libraries and began to cir-
culate them in Dunn county. He proved immediately that the
people were eager for the books and wonld use them to good
advantage and take good care of them. His experiment proved
that it was not necessary to wait for state aid before starting
traveling libraries, and that they could be well managed by pri-
vate philanthropy. It also proved that the farmers could be sup-
plied with an abundance of wholesome and interesting reading
matter at a comparatively small cost, and that there need be no
expense for the salaries of librarians, and for rent and fuel, in sup-
porting these libraries; that the books could be sent from com-
munity to community until they were worn out, and there need
be no loss from shelf wear. The interest excited by Mr. Stout's
experiment was remarkable, and people in all parts of the United
States soon began to follow his example. There are now nearly
fifty systems of traveling libraries et work in twenty-five differ-
ent states, and all but five of these systems are dependent for
their support upon individuals, or upon associations composed
of private persons.
FIRST TRAVELING LIBRARY.
The first traveling library was sent out in February, 1893, and
on May 1st, 1898, there were 1,657 such libraries, with 73,558
volumes. Among these libraries is one which is sent to the life
saving stations along the New Jersey coast; others are sent to
the mountaineers in Kentucky, Tennessee and northern Georgia.
The Womén's Clubs of Utah have a number, which are sent to
the remote valleys in that state. In New York the system has
been so extended that photographs of famous pictures, stereop-
ticon slides, and many books upon technical subjects are sent out.
to study clubs within the state. The Sea Board Air Line Rail-
way company, which runs through Virginia, North and South
Carolina and Florida, has secured the founding of many village
improvement associations in the little towns along its line, and
it sends to these associations traveling libraries which contain
books upon forestry, horticulture and the care of home grounds.
It does this work because it hopes through this means to inter-
est the people along its line in making their towns more attrac- -
tive, and thus induce people from the North to make their win-
ter homes along its line.
Very much of the great growth of interest in traveling libraries
has come from the women's clubs. They seem to have adopted
this method of helping their sisters of the country districts by
unanimous consent. Wherever there is a women's club there are
people interested in the founding of traveling libraries. Of all the
states which have become interested in this new method of popu-
lar education none have done so much work during the past two
years as Wisconsin, except those in which the libraries have been
bought by the state, and none of them have secured so
much popular interest in the work. The 37 libraries which Mr.
Stout has at work have now many rivals. J. D. Witter, of Grand
Rapids, has 32 in Wood county, E. D. Smith will soon have 15
at work in the vicinity of Menasha, an association at Ashland
has 25 at work in the counties of northern Wisconsin, and the
women's clubs of Beloit, Berlin, Chippewa Falls, Green Bay,
Marinette, Stevens Point, Wausau and La Crosse have each a
number. A few months ago Joseph Dessert, of Mosinee, sent the
Wisconsin Free Library commission a check for $500, to be used
in buying libraries for farming communities in the state. A doz-
en such libraries were purchased with Mr. Dessert's money, and
are now at work. Other citizens have given the commission
quite a number of libraries, and it has now 32 under its exclusive
charge, while it assists in managing nearly all the others in Wis-
consin.
ANOTHER SUCCESSFUL PLAN.
During the last few months the commission has been trying a
novel experiment, which lyās proved very successful. Mr. Stout,
Mr. Witter and J. M. and”. J. Pereles, of Milwaukee, have given
the money to purchase quºe a number of libraries, which are to
be used solely to send to
free public libraries. Any village of less than 1,500 inhabitants
which establishes such a library may receive a small collection of
fifty books, which will be exchanged every six months. This
method of helping the villages has proved very attractive to
them, and has already been the means of establishing quite a
number of village libraries.
In addition to the books that are sent out in the traveling li-
braries. the commission has secured and distributed with these
libraries a great many thousands of copies of popular periodicals.
The people who gave them derived as much pleasure from their gifts
as the people to whom they were sent, and in thousands of -
homes the bright stories or of Harper's and McClure's, of the
Youth's Companion and St. Nicholas have been read with as
mnch delight as the books. The commission binds the Youth's
Companion in substantial volumes, and the unanimous testi-
mony of the librarians has been that rhe children and parents in
many homes where they do not read English easily enjoy the
short articles of this periodical when they would not study out
the packed pages of a book. In this way the children's periodi-
cals become a bridge from the meager text books of the school to
the wholesome volumes of the traveling library. When one con-
siders the monotony of life in many country homes, and the
scarcity of wholesome reading matter, it is little wonder that the
people have hailed the advent of the traveling libraries as the
dawn of a new era in the social and intellectual life of farming
communities, and that the people of the cities have been greatly
pleased to aid this cheap, but effective, means of helping to edu-
cate their brothers and sisters on the farms. The advantages
of this new method of education for the people ofisolated commun-
ities have been submarized, as follows: ... . . . . -
To sum up briefly: the traveling library gives an abundant
supply of wholesome literattºre to the people of small communi-
ties at a slight cost, and not only excites their interest in such
literature, but confines their reading to it until their tastes are
formed. It is a free day and night school which does not close
Saturdays or for long vacations. It instructs, inspires and
amuses the old as well as the young, and its curriculum is so
broad that it helps the housewife in the kitchen, the husband-
man in the field, the machanic in his shop, the teacher in her
school, the invalid in the sick-room, the boy in his play and the
citizen in his civic duties. It leaves no room for bad literature,
and keeps it from circulating, without resort to threats, by nat-
ural and wholesome methods. - .
-
FROM Fond DU LAC.
MR. F. B. Hoskins BRINGs ELoquENT GREETING.
This week I spent in Chicago, where in spite of the incleriency
of the weather, processions and banquets, decorations and illu-
minations have been enjoyed by thousands of people at a cost of
thousands of dollars. Today an army of workmen is busy re-
moving the triumphal arches, the lights and bunting, and tomor-
row all that remains of the great Peace Jubilee will have van-
ished. It was but for the pleasure of a moment. -
Five years ago the finest, the grandest and the most collossal
array of architecture that ever pleased the eye of man was
erected on the shores of Lake Michigan within the limits of
Chicago. To-day that great white city, the admiration of
millions, the educator of thousands, is as completely wiped from
the face of the earth as are the cities of Babylon and Syracuse
of old. It did the work for which it was created, and mankind
is the better because it was built. But it was for this day and
this day only.
This structure and this library which we are now dedicating
is not only for you and your children, but their children's chil-
dren. This solid and substantial building guarantees the perma-
nence of your library and through it the increased intelligences of
each generation that shall live in your city, and generations yet
to come will reap the benefit of Mr. Smith's act, and pronounce
him wise beyond his fellow man of this day. May God bless him.
|lages which will establish permanent
made free to all.
CHRONOLOGY OF LIBRARY."
ACCRATE DATSN HISTORY OF THE
INSTITUTION.
Progress of Movement from its Incipiency to
the Present Time.
Those who favored and supported the movement for the estab-
lishment of a public library will be interested in the appended
chronological history of the splendid institution presented by Mr.
Smith to the city of Menasha last night.
Early in November 1895, Miss Pleasants placed notice in the
daily papers, calling a public meeting at parlors National Hotel,
to take preliminary steps to establish a public library.
Nov. 19, 1895: First meeting at National Hotel, P. V. Law-
son, Chairman. Elisha D. Smith offered $500 if $1,000 more
could be raised. Soliciting committee appointed, viz., Mrs. R. M.
Scott, M. M. Schoetz, Miss Eva Hine, Henry E. Trilling, Miss
Mamie Kelly, F. D. Lake, Miss Mary Whipple, Silas Bullard,
Mrs. P. V. Lawson and S. H. Vaughn. Committee on constitu-
tions, J. R. Bloom, A. B. Dunlap, Henry Fitzgibbon, J. L. Fiewe-
ger, J. W. Pleasants. Officers elected, Miss L. L. Pleasants,
president, and Henry Fitzgibbon, secretary.
Mar. 10, 1896: Meeting at City Hall. Mr. Lake reported
full amount raised. Organization perfected. Following direct-
ors elected: Mrs. J. R. Bloom, Henry Fitzgibbon, A. B. Dunlap,
Miss Lucy Lee Pleasants, P. V. Lawson, F. D. Lake, Mrs. R. M.
Scott, E. D. Smith and J. L. Fieweger.
Apr. 18, 1896: First meeting Board of Directors. F. D. Lake
elected president, Mrs. R. M. Scott vice president, Miss Lucy Lee
Pleasants secretary and A. B. Dunlap treasurer. Notice sent to
F A. Hutchins, secretary of State Free Library commission, to
come and advise as to list of books, and cataloguing, rules, etc.
May 3, 1896: Hon. S. A. Cook presented the first books to
the library (150 volumes and some maps) and on motion Hon.
E. D. Smith tendered vote of thanks. Book committee ordered to
purchase $1,000 worth of books. Rooms rented in Tuchscherer
block for library, to be open Wednesday afternon and Saturday
afternoon and evening.
May–, 1896: During this month Miss L. E. Stearns, librari-
an and F. A. Hutchins, secretary, of State Free Library com-
mission, came and instructed as to list of books, policy of library,
rules, etc. -
Aug. 26, 1896: Books having come were being rapidly put
in shape to give out. Miss Lucy Lee Pleasants accepted position
of librarian at an annual salary of $50.
Sept. 23, 1896: Library opened to the public and 37 books
given out.
Oct. 2, 1896: It having been determined at the beginning to
charge an annual fee of $1, this was abandoned, and the library
Mar. 22, 1897: Henry Fitzgibbon prepared the resolution
tendering the library to the city, provided the people would
vote a one mill tax for its support and maintenance. It then con-
tained 1,458 volumes, and had $300 in money, and tables, desks,
chairs and shelving. Mr. Lawson moved the adoption of the
resolution, and it was unanimously passed.
Mar. 25, 1897: Resolution came before the common coun-
cil, composed of Mayor Lawson, Ald. Lenz, Vaughn, Schneider,
Voissem, Miner, Strange, Linsdau and Whipple, all of whom
were present and voted aye to submit the proposition to vote of
the people April 6.
Apr. 6, 1897: Vote on proposition, carried by a majority of
243, out of 665 votes cast.
May 4, 1897: The common council, by resolution, accepted
the gift, under the authority of the popular vote, made the levey
and established under law the Menasha Free Library and Read-
ing Room.
June 29, 1897: The Board was named as follows: E. 1).
Smith, J. L. Fieweger, George Banta, F. D. Lake, Henry E. Tril.
ling, Silas I ullard, John Wons, Henry Fitzgibbon and P. V.
Lawson. - - -
July 13, 1897: The association held its last meeting and
completed transfer to new Board of Directors, of library prop-
erty, consisting of $322 in money and accounts, 1,458 books
and all maps and furniture.
July 14, 1897: Elisha D. Smith went before the common
council and made public his gift of $15,000 for library building
and $10,000 endowment to the library.
July 17, 1897: Great public demonstration, with three brass
bands, to express general public thanks for the gift.
Sept. 1, 1897: Mr. Smith changed site to Mill street and
gave that lot also.
Sept. 6, 1897; Competitive plans requested.
Oct. 6, 1897: Twelve plans filed and discussed.
Oct. 7, 1897: Plans of Van Ryn & De Gelleke, of Milwaukee,
accepted.
Dec. 15, 1897: Notice for bids for contract work.
Jan. 5, 1898: Forty bids filed.
Jan. 6, 1898: Contract for building let to C. F. Ehlers of
Milwaukee, for $14,670, and Bogard, heating, $700.
Feb. 12, 1898: Work begun on excavation.
Feb. 18, 1898: Building Committee appointed: L. J. Noble,
F. D. Lake and H. E. Trilling.
Mar. 18, 1898: Laying of corner stone.
Aug. 4, 1897: Mr. Smith added $5,000 more to gift to
complete and furnish building.
Oct. 18, 1898: Library building opened to the public for in-
spection. -
Oct. 21, 1898: Dedication day.











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