USA > Iowa > Boone County > History of Boone County, Iowa, Volume I > Part 44
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CHAPTER XLIII PUBLIC INSTITUTIONS
ERICSON PUBLIC LIBRARY
In this day and generation the people of Iowa are keeping abreast of every movement that makes for advancement, physically, morally and mentally. Blessed with all that contributes to the grosser necessities of mankind, the opportunity is constantly pres- ent for improvement of the mind and the acquisition of mental pabulum of the highest order. Iowa stands out prominently and pre-eminently as a state of schools and colleges, and today it harbors scarcely a town of any consequence that has not its public library, well filled with works of fiction, history, science, reference, poetry and the like.
The citizens of Boone long have maintained a reading room and library, which always has been well patronized. The inception of the local public library was due to an informal meeting of a group of Boone ladies, held at the Methodist Church, September 2, 1885, as shown by the minutes of the secretary, Maria C. Gibbs. The object of the meeting was to consider "the advisability of opening a free reading room in the city of Boone, Mrs. T. C. Peterson acting as chairman. Discussions ensued and by the unanimous vote of the ladies present it was decided to organize a society or union for the carrying out of the above object. It was also determined by vote that all ladies becoming members of said society should pay a fee of twenty-five cents.
"The election of officers resulted as follows: President, Mrs. H. G. Burt; secretary, Mrs. P. S. Bibbs; vice president, Mrs. D. F. Goodykoontz. A committee was elected, consisting of Mesdames Ensign, Crawford and Barnes to draw up a constitution and by-laws for said society.
"A resolution committee was appointed, consisting of the fol- lowing ladies : Mesdames L. W. Clark, McMahon, Bacus, Hughes, Purinton. Awaiting the results of their efforts a motion was made and carried to adjourn until September 11, 1885.
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"The adjourned meeting of September 2 met at the Presbyterian Church on Friday, September 11, 1885. Meeting called to order by the president. Minutes of the previous meeting read and ap- proved. The report of soliciting committee showed that Mrs. Clark and Mrs. Hughes had collected $189; Mesdames McMahon, Bacus and Purinton, $64; in all $253, and this without calling upon all the citizens. While this sum was given for the purpose of estab- fishing a free reading room in the city of Boone, yet it was suggested by many of the donors that the ladies make an effort to open a public library in connection with the reading room."
It will be noticed that the idea of a library was in mind even at this early stage of the undertaking. The reading room was opened to the public on the 5th of October, 1885, the room being on the first floor in the rear of the First National Bank building, later occupied by the Security Savings Bank.
The work was carried on the first year under many difficulties and with misgivings as to its future existence. To show the ways and means employed to raise funds to carry on the work, the minutes of the association relate the following, which may be of interest at this time:
Postmaster Simmons was prevailed upon to give Shakespeare's play, Macbeth, with his excellent company, the proceeds of which were $19.65
The society was incorporated as the Public Library Association of Boone, Iowa, in October, 1886. Its first officers were : President, Mrs. T. C. Peterson; vice president, Mrs. H. G. Burt; secretary, Mrs. P. S. Bibbs; treasurer, Mrs. Chan Cook ; directors, Mesdames L. W. Clark, J. O. Barnes, Joshua McMahon.
First account of the books was taken December 17, 1886:
Books on catalogue. 228
Books sent by Congressman Holmes 243
Total 471
In February, 1888, the scope of the association was enlarged, articles of incorporation were issued creating the Public Library Association of Boone, lowa, which fell heir to the assets of the par- ent organization. After a year it was deemed safe to appeal to the people to accept the library law of the state, and at the spring elec- tion, in 1889, this appeal was sustained, the city council was asked to accept the trust and the books and furniture of the Public Library
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Association were turned over to the city's care in May, 1889, three trustees being chosen by the council as provided by the statutes.
The library was moved to the city hall and the office of librarian devolved upon the city clerk, who found it impossible to devote much of his time to the new duties gratuitously thrust upon him. Yet many books were acquired during the year under his manage- ment, both by gift and by purchase.
In May, 1894, the mayor of Boone, acting under the provision of the act of the Twenty-fifth General Assembly, appointed nine trustees, with terms of two, four and six years respectively, under whose direction the first card catalog of the books was made by Mrs. Mary F. Loomis, a graduate of the Albany, New York, Library School, and the systematic management of the library was com- menced. The result was seen in increased attendance and widened circulation of the volumes by the close of the first year and constant like increase since that date.
Miss Bessie Moffatt was elected librarian in 1896, and still is performing the onerous duties of her office, faithfully and effi- ciently. Her assistants are Miss Sarah Bibbs, first assistant, and Miss Sadie Stevens, second assistant.
In February, 1900, Senator Charles J. A. Ericson of Boone made a tender to the city council, proposing to erect a library building "to cost not less than $10,000," upon condition that a suitable site be furnished by the city, and the same be forever maintained as a public library. In March such a site was obtained at a cost of $4,500, and during the season the building was erected, the interior finish made in the following winter, and by October, 1901, Was turned over to the city complete with its furnishings, books, heat- ing plant and competent corps of attendants. Mr. Ericson's gift was increased before the completion of the enterprise to nearly $12,- 000 and the entire structure, as it now stands, cost nearly nineteen thousand dollars.
On Wednesday, October 2, 1901, the new C. J. A. Ericson Library Hall was opened to the public and formally dedicated, with a well arranged program. The interior had been beautifully decor- ated and the magnificent gift in all its appointments presented a very attractive appearance. Mrs. A. J. Barkley presided over the func- tion and introduced Rev. J. B. Harris, who opened the exercises with praver. Then Mrs. Barkley formally introduced Hon. C. J. A. Ericson, who presented the building to the city in the following few, but expressive, sentences :
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"Mr. Mayor :- This new home for the books just completed, I now have the pleasure of presenting to the city of Boone, through you, as its legal representative, to be used for a free library for all future time." Accepting the gift. Mayor J. J. Snell, said in part :
"It gives me unfeigned pleasure to accept on behalf of the city of Boone this beautiful library building so generously tendered by our townsman and friend, Mr. C. J. A. Ericson. Tonight I feel it to be true and, therefore, desire to say upon behalf of the city, that we prize this gift many fold more, coming as it does freely from one among us whom we have long since learned to love and respect, than we would a gift of perhaps greater pretensions dropped down out of the great world about us from a hand we have not learned to honor. The city rejoices tonight in this gift, whose halls our feet may tread, and its fair proportions our eyes delight in as our very own. It gives us greater joy and satisfaction that in the lifetime of its donor we can still claim him as one of us, share with him its possession and at least return the city's thanks."
The new library building is situated on the corner of Green and Seventh streets. The building is a two-story structure and is without question one of the finest in the city. The front steps are of stone, with lamps on each side. The front doors are of glass, showing the beautiful hall and stairs. On the inside are screen doors. The big hall is beautifully finished. A small flight of stairs takes you to the reading rooms and library proper. From this level two grand staircases extend to the second floor and the main audi- torium. The librarian's desk and office is the center room down stairs, while in the two adjoining rooms, the books and papers are kept on file. These rooms are carpeted with cork, which deadens the sound and gives a finished appearance to the building. The building is finished throughout with oak.
The auditorium is also finished in the same style as the library. The upstairs is divided into five rooms besides the hall. The cen- ter room is used for a lecture room. To the left is the art gallery and museum. To the right is the ladies' club room. Just in front of the art gallery is the board room. To the right of the hall is the reception room. Toilet rooms are also provided. A private stair- way leads from the basement to the second floor.
On the exterior the building is finished in terra cotta. Over the entrance is the name of the building: Ericson Library.
The annual report of Librarian Moffatt for the fiscal year end- ing December 31, 1913, shows a summary of items from which is
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Courthouse Biblical College Eleanor Moore Hospital
Old Eastern Star Masonic Ilome Erieson Library Post Office
VIEWS OF BOONE
THE NEW YORK PUBLIC LIBRARY
AUTOR, LENEK TIL DEN FOUNDATIONS
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taken the following: Total number of volumes in the library, 14,- 255; total circulation during the year, 17,565; largest daily circula- tion, 106; smallest, 20; total number of borrowers' cards in force, 3,136; number of days open during the year, 306. Amount received from city tax levy of two mills on the dollar for support of the library, $2,547.41 ; amount received from township tax levy of one- fourth mill on the dollar, $140. The total receipts for the year were $2,760.84; total expenditures, $2,046.80.
In the year 1913, the board of directors established an historical department of the library, in token of its appreciation of the interest manifested by John M. Brainard in matters pertinent thereto. This valuable addition to the advantages already offered by the manage- ment now is a permanent feature of the institution and is known as the Brainard Historical Department. Mr. Brainard is thus hon- ored, for he has always been an ardent and helpful friend of the library and a puissant factor in all that makes for its advancement and perpetuity. In this connection mention also should be made of Carl Fritz Henning, whose sympathies with the library movement and its splendid institution often have been substantially declared. Many cases of birds, mammals, etc., beautifully preserved by the taxidermist, are on exhibition in the room devoted to this depart- ment, as loans-practically permanent-from Mr. Henning.
The first president of the library board was J. R. Crary, who served from 1889 to 1890. His successors were: R. F. Jones, 1898- 1901 ; Hon. C. J. A. Ericson, 1901-1910; Mrs. A. J. Barkley, 1910- 1914. Librarians, F. D. Gay, 1889-1891 ; W. W. Nixon, 1891-1893 ; Miss Bertha Skliba (now Mrs. George Brown), 1894-1896; Miss Bessie Moffatt, 1896-1914; assistant librarians, Miss Alice Bibbs (now Mrs. W. W. Loomis), 1900-1905; Miss Sarah Bibbs, first as- sistant, 1905-1914; Miss Sadie Stevens, second assistant, 1914.
The present board is made up of the following named per- sons: Mrs. A. J. Barkley, president; J. J. Snell, vice president; Charles Mason, E. C. Jordan, Mrs. Mary Sherman, Miss Emma Herman, Miss Mary Bork, H. H. Canfield, S. R. Dyer; Miss Bessie Moffatt, ex-officio secretary.
ELEANOR MOORE HOSPITAL
The city of Boone is very fortunate in having identified with its business and social activities a man like S. L. Moore, who is a product of that force that mapped out and developed this, the cap-
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HISTORY OF BOONE COUNTY
ital city of Boone County, and one of the commanding commercial entities of the great state of lowa. Mr. Moore stands out pre-emi- nently as a man of good, big things, dealing out largely of the profits that naturally come to the capable mind and hand. There is today, in this community, a monument which stands not only for generosity, but rather in its broader sense, an enlargement of the means that the modern community requires and seeks in its extremity occasioned by disease and the inevitable ravages of nature. Mr. Moore sought to aid his fellowman to the extent of his ability and at the same time pay a loving and fitting tribute to the mother who bore him. To this end he created a fund, in 1900, and erected the Eleanor Moore Hospital, at an original cost of $20,000, which was furnished by himself. The building, a two-story brick structure of very pleas- ing architectural design, was put up on a beautiful tract of land at the corner of Marshall and First streets. The interior ar- rangements provided for two wards-a women's and a men's-or in other words, a capacity for thirty-five patients. The institution so filled the needs of the public that in 1909 it became necessary to enlarge its capacity. To this end an addition was constructed, costing $15,000, making the physical element of the institution rep- resent an outlay of about fifty thousand dollars, the greater part of which sum of money has been furnished by Mr. Moore. It should be understood, however, in this connection that rooms and wards, furnished by some of the leading fraternal orders of the city, should be included as being favored by contributors, which relieves the institution from having an individual character or atmosphere.
The Eleanor Moore Hospital was incorporated in September, 1906, by Drs. W. L. Pollock, G. H. Stanger, J. H. Norstrom, S. O. Stockslager, D. N. De Tar, G. D. Rowe, A. Deering, and S. L. Moore. The authorized capital stock was $25,000, divided into shares of $25 each. The actual paid-up capital was $17,700, and the first officers were as follows: President, J. C. Petersen; vice presi- dent, Mrs. A. J. Barkley; secretary, Mrs. J. H. Graham; treasurer, J. H. Herman.
Eleanor Moore Hospital and surroundings are considered the show place of beautiful Boone. The grounds and buildings are sit- uated out of the way of the hurly burly of traffic and present to the eye a home-like and at the same time an art-like aspect. The insti- tution itself is one in which every loyal citizen of the town takes a personal interest and the city, as a community, looks upon it as a splendid asset in more ways than one. In some ways its main sup-
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port has been its munificent originator and sponsor but, in recent years, the hospital has been so liberally patronized that it has not only been self supporting, but its treasury has also shown a profit. For the fiscal year ending December 31, 1913, the records show there were about five hundred cases attended here. The expenses, as indicated by a general survey of the account books, show an out- lay of from ten thousand to twelve thousand dollars a year. The ex- penses for the fiscal year of 1913 were $9,000, and receipts, $10,000. This is a very encouraging showing, the more especially as the hos- pital was not devised nor intended to be maintained as an institution for profit.
The present officials are: S. L. Moore, president; Dr. G. D. Rowe, vice president; Dr. E. M. Myers, secretary; J. H. Herman, treasurer; Miss Luella Bristol, superintendent. There is a resident and non-resident staff of physicians and surgeons.
EASTERN STAR HOME
Magi Chapter, No. 139, Order Eastern Star, was organized Oc- tober 5, 1893, by Mrs. Eliza J. Harrison, Mrs. C. T. Ballou, Mrs. Luella M. Ballou, Mrs. Philander Wells, Mrs. Kate Hall, Mrs. William H. Crooks, Mrs. Amelia Crooks, Charles Tucker, Mrs. Emma A. Tucker, A. P. Fogg, Art Duckworth, Mrs. Maggie Duck- worth, George W. Crooks, Mrs. Rebecca Crooks, Jacob Stevens. Mrs. Lucretia Stevens, Mrs. Ollie Tillson, Charles H. Bohn, Mrs. Alice Graham, Joseph Graham, Mrs. Rosina Kail, Mrs. Mary A. Stevenson, Frank Caldwell, Maggie Caldwell, Peter Matteshead, Miss Luna Stevenson and Ed Harrison.
As early as 1891 the idea had at least taken abstract form in the hearts of the Masonic fraternity to erect a haven of rest and security for members of Masonic families. This took concrete form in 1905 and it was in that year the first Eastern Star Masonic Home was completed and occupied in Boone. Mrs. J. B. McHose, who took a prominent part in the movement, from its inauguration to the completion of the splendid institution, is responsible for the follow- ing concise and comprehensive description of the various plans and arrangements which finally met a happy consummation in the splen- did home, which upon its completion cost about fifteen thousand dollars, of which Masons and citizens of Boone, through the efforts of the Commercial Club, gave $7,000. The home in its entirety rep- resented an investment of $40,000. The building comprised a two-
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story structure, So feet from north to south, and so feet from east to west. It was of yellow brick, with white stone trimmings. A great porch extended across the front of the north part of the structure, where it met a porte-cochere on the west. The building had a ca- pacity of about thirty inmates and was altogether an institution that met the requirements of its promoters. Let us see what Mrs. Mellose had to say in regard to it at the time it was opened :
Less than a mile east of the city limits is situated, on a most beautiful spot, the elegant Eastern Star Masonic Home, established and maintained by the Grand Chapter of the Order of the Eastern Star of the state of lowa, for the care of such of its members as may find it necessary through any misfortune to seek its protection.
This home, with eighty acres of lowa's most fertile soil, now fully established and furnished in elegant style, has none of the ear- marks of the usual so-called home, but really is an ideal home and a fit monument to the spirit of charity of the more than twenty-five thousand members of the Masonic order now in the state.
Although the advisability of establishing a home had been a common theme of discussion by the membership for some years be- fore, the home was given its present shape at the Grand Chapter held at lowa City in October, 1903, when a committee of five was elected to secure a site and establish a home. This committee, or board, consisted of the following persons: Jennie E. Mathews. Rockford; Jennie A. Rule, Mason City; Mary A. Clements, West Union ; O. C. Meredith, Newton ; P. 1. Sever, Stuart.
Early in the following spring the board sent out notices to all chapters in the state, stating the general requirements for the home and inviting proposals from such locations as chose to offer them. Magi Chapter of Boone at once took appropriate action, to secure if possible the home, by appointing a proper committee, as also did Mount Olive Lodge, A. F. & A. M. Their efforts were soon re- inforced by prompt action of the officers and members of the Com- mercial Club, who worked with unflagging zeal from the beginning until the location of the home in Boone was an accomplished fact. Their moral and financial assistance were unquestionably the de- termining factor in securing the home.
In August following, four members of the board who were on a tour of inspection visiting the various localities to which they had been invited, visited Boone by appointment and were received by local committees and many citizens, escorted to the Wells House,
NEW EASTERN STAR HOME, BOONE
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where they were entertained during their stay in Boone, without expense to themselves, by the courtesy of Magi Chapter.
They were taken in carriages with quite an escort of citizens to the various proposed sites offered, but it was evident that the old John A. Hull farm, owned by S. L. Moore, received their especial attention. The day before the session of the Grand Chapter in the last of October, 1904, the Home Board met in Waterloo to receive the proposals from the various localities and to decide upon a loca- tion.
Early in the race a large number of places had been candidates for the location of the home, but at the hearing all had practically withdrawn except Parkersburg, Manchester, Mason City and Boone, each of which sent representatives to this meeting to urge their claims. Many were the meetings of the various committees in Boone and much strenuous work done in the endeavor to present a proposition at Waterloo that might be looked upon with favor; but no attempt will be made to note the many difficulties encountered, and at last, as it proved, overcome by this band of workers both inside and out- side the order. As is usual in such cases, the financial factors were not the least, and these were not wholly- disposed of until the con- mittee arrived at Waterloo. The Home Board was to meet Monday evening and it became necessary for the Boone delegation to leave before 6 o'clock A. M., and on a freight train to reach Waterloo in season. Boone met the Home Board with much the largest and best equipped delegation sent by any of the competitors, and took along enough enthusiasm to encourage the most faint hearted. On this delegation were H. T. Cook, S. L. Moore, W. H. Canier, presi- dent of and members of the Columbian Commercial Club; S. G. Goldthwait and J. H. Boys, editors of the two daily papers in Boone; Mrs. Kate Hall, Mrs. Helen Richardson and Mr. and Mrs. J. B. McHose, a majority of whom were not members of the order.
A few days previous to this meeting a special committee had been sent to see the individual members of the Home Board at their respective homes to present the interest in the home to them. The Home Board opened its meeting at 7 P. M., hearing each dele- gation separately, in turn, determined by lot. Boone's hearing com- ing first and after presenting its case with what force it could, retired to an adjoining parlor in the hotel where the members stood on guard in full force till after 11 A. M., when the board came out and announced its choice for Boone.
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In its offer to the board the Boone committee not only made cer- tain definite financial propositions but promised the moral support of her citizens and that her interest in the home would not cease with the location of the home in Boone, but that she would continue to interest herself in its welfare. We believe the statement may safely be made that not only have the particular offers been kept to the letter and to the entire satisfaction of the board, but that other promises locally made have been fulfilled. People of Boone got together and in addition to other self-assumed obligations, furnished a parlor, or "Boone room," at a cost of some three hundred dollars. In this connection the faithful work and financial assistance rendered by Boone citizens, both inside and outside of the Masonic order, is greatly appreciated and given a rightful place in making this splendid beneficence possible.
HOME DESTROYED BY FIRE
On the 4th day of April, 1912, at about 3:30 P. MI., fire was dis- covered in the building and within a very short time the splendid structure was consumed by the flames. This had been the home of John A. Hull, a Boone County pioneer, and with its beautiful col- onial porch and large dimensions, was easily the most pretentious and attractive residence in this section of the state. The property was purchased of S. L. Moore and meant an outlay of $18,000. On this was an insurance of $17,000. Insurance to the amount of $3,500 was carried on the furniture. As the loss on building and furnish- ings amounted to about thirty-five thousand dollars, it would seem at first glance, that the home was badly crippled financially. But when the insurance money received is considered and the fact that Mr. Moore bought back the land, paying a generous figure, the situation takes on a more cheerful phase.
BUILD A NEW HOME
The authorities of the Home were not daunted nor discouraged by the catastrophe. Arrangements were soon completed for a new, more modern and convenient building. To this end a tract of land was bought in West Boone, on Third Street, of George Held. the purchase price of which was $6,200. Upon this handsome and con- venient site a brick structure was erected in the fall and winter of 1913. The material is a light colored brick, with stone trimmings.
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It is two stories in height. The exterior is both stately and pleasing in its general lines. The interior finish is neat and rich, being of mahogany and other hard words, with delicately tinted walls. In harmony with it all is the furniture and other equipment, much of which represents gifts of various chapters of the order within the state, and its many friends at Boone.
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