History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume II, Part 35

Author: Mills, James Cooke
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Saginaw, Mich., Seemann & Peters
Number of Pages: 838

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Shortly after, the committee on teachers and books recommended that the library be removed to the Union School and that A. L. Bingham be appointed librarian. Evidently this was favorably acted upon, for on Novem- ber 15 the committee reported that the clerk of the Township of Buena Vista had come and taken possession of the books of the library by charges thereon. and carried them off. An effort was then made to secure a settlement of the disputed ownership of the books by legal means. Meanwhile the money collected in the tax of 1859 for library purposes was diverted to other uses. In 1861 another fund of one hundred dollars was collected by tax and the pur- chase of books authorized. The books arrived in November, the expenditure being one hundred and ninety-one dollars; and the hours of opening, 2 to 5 on Saturday, were established.

The annual report of 1862 states that two hundred and twenty-six dollars were spent on the library, and that there were one hundred and nine volumes on the shelves. Reference was made to the fact that the Buena Vista library was estimated to be worth three hundred dollars, but apparently no settle- ment had been reached as to the ownership. A few months after the books had increased to one hundred and seventy-five, and the circulation for seven months was five hundred. C. K. Robinson was the librarian, but was suc- ceeded the following year by M. H. Allard. From this small beginning made under great difficulties has sprung the large and efficient public library, which is an important factor in our educational development.

In 1872 a room in the Central School, opposite the superintendent's office, was fitted up for the library, and the library committee was authorized to make a new selection of books. Miss Louise Johnson was then appointed librarian at a salary of one hundred and fifty dollars a year, the library to be open on Wednesdays from 4 to 6 and on Saturdays from 3 to 7 o'clock. That year seven hundred and ninety dollars were spent for books, when the number of volumes increased to eleven hundred and thirty-eight. In 1874 the library was recatalogued and renumbered, and four hundred and forty-seven dollars spent for new books. It was then deemed necessary to secure larger quarters and adopt new methods to make the library more useful to the public.

With this in view a proposition was presented to the board for the pur- chase of the books and property of the Library Association, which occupied a building on Washington Avenue. After much discussion of the matter, the real estate consisting of the so-called "library building" with twenty feet frontage, was taken over by Christopher Palm, and on October 18, 1875, the Library Association turned over its library and furniture to the Board of Education, for the consideration of one dollar. The board then leased of Mr. Palm the second floor of his building, at a rental of one hundred and twenty dollars a year, for a period of five years, for use of the library and board

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rooms. The library was then moved to the more central and convenient loca- tion, and merged with the other. The consolidation added eighteen hundred and thirty-five books to the seventeen hundred and seventy-eight volumes of the Public Library, making a total of thirty-six hundred and thirteen. Addi- tional book shelves were provided, a catalogue recommended, and the public congratulated on possessing a "valuable library." In 1876 William L. Smith was the librarian, his salary being two hundred and fifty dollars a year.

In 1878, in order to make the library still more useful to the public, the hours of opening were extended to eleven hours a week, namely, from 3 to 5 every day except Sunday, and from 6 to & every evening, except Sunday and Wednesday, and from 10 to 12 on Saturday morning. Up to this time the work had been done by some teacher or other person devoting only a small portion of one or two days a week, but from now on the librarian was expected to give her whole time to the work. Mrs. Emma 1. Shaw was then appointed to the position at a salary of four hundred and fifty dollars a year. In 1881 a petition was received asking for a reading room and period- icals, and, since more room was needed for the uses of the library, it was removed in January, 1882, to the second floor of the building on South Jeffer- son Avenue, where it has since remained. On June 18, 1879, Mrs. Susan Cole was elected librarian. The number of volumes had increased to forty- seven hundred and twenty, and the circulation to thirty-three thousand five hundred. The number of cards was thirteen hundred and sixty-five, showing that the facilities of the library were more generally enjoyed by the public.

Mrs. Cole served as librarian until July 1, 1886, when she was succeeded by Mrs. Lucy E. Houghton who continued in the position for a period of twenty-five years. During her efficient administration the library expanded greatly, so that at the time she relinquished her duties the number of volumes had increased four fold, and the library become correspondingly more useful. On July 1, 1911, Miss Mary E. Dow assumed charge of the library, and in a relatively short period has greatly increased its usefulness. The library in

INTERIOR OF PUBLIC LIBRARY, EAST SIDE

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1915 contained twenty thousand volumes, and the circulation reached eighty- two thousand. In that year the second floor of the building was given over entirely to the use of the library, and remodeled to meet the growing needs of the time.

The front is entirely of glass from floor to ceiling, affording an abundance of light: and the book stacks are arranged so as to be easily accessible to persons wishing to browse among the books. Besides the reading and study room at the front. there is a children's section supplied with low tables and chairs, and shelving with separate catalogue for juvenile books. There is also a mechanical branch in the Manual Training School, and books are dis- tributed from three other schools. The library has a yearly income of about five thousand dollars, but after the usual expenses are deducted only a small sum -about three or four hundred dollars -remains for the purchase of books. This small amount does only meager service in supplying new books from the ever increasing literature of the age.

The Hoyt Public Library

Approaching the end of an honorable and successful life. Jesse Hoyt summoned to his home in New York City his counsel, Abraham Van Sant- voord, and his Michigan attorney, William L. Webber, in order to arrange for the preparation of his will. His large properties and interest in Michigan necessitated the presence and advice of someone familiar with the laws of that State. During the conference and while the Michigan properties were under discussion Mr. Hoyt expressed his deep interest in Saginaw and his desire to do something for that city in permanent form which should be an evidence of his affection and a lasting token of his good will towards its people.

The gift of Hoyt Park to the city had been considered and the estab- lishment of a library for the benefit and free use of all the people of Saginaw was suggested. Mr. Iloyt felt that some portion of the expenses of a library should be borne by the city and finally gave the park under such conditions. benefiting the proposed library, as his executors should prescribe. Mr. Hoyt then said that he would give a site for a library building and one hundred thousand dollars as a fund with which to build the building, purchase books and carry on the institution. Mr. Van Santvoord, probably aware of the real requirements, suggested that the amount should be fixed at two hundred thou- sand dollars, but Mr. Hoyt replied: "No, that should be enough. If the people want more than that will accomplish they ought to provide it." The will was executed on June 26, 1882, and Mr. Hoyt died on August 12, 1882.

On January 26. 1883, William L. Webber, Michigan executor and trustee of the Estate of Jesse Hoyt, conveyed the four lots upon which the library building stands to Henry C. Potter, Joseph C. Jones, Timothy E. Tarsney. Henry C. Potter, Jr., and James B. l'eter, as trustees and paid to them one hundred thousand dollars. The trust deed empowered surviving trustees to fill vacancies and perpetuate the trust. The present trustees are Eugene C. Warriner, Gilbert M. Stark, James G. Macpherson, Fred Buck and James B. Peter. In the interval between the date of the deed of trust and the pres- ent time, William L. Webber, Aaron T. Bliss and Thomas A. Harvey were elected to fill vacancies and served as trustees until their deaths; Benton Hanchett and George W. Weadock were also elected to fill vacancies and served as trustees until their resignations. The officers of the Board of Trustees are: President, Eugene C. Warriner, who was preceded by Benton Flanchett, Henry C. Potter, and William L. Webber; Secretary and Treas- urer, James B. Peter.

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Contemporaneously with the establishment of the library, in considera- tion thereof and of the transfer of Hoyt Park by the Estate of Jesse Hoyt to the city, the latter agreed to pay one thousand dollars annually to the trustees for library expenses and also agreed to pay all taxes assessed against the library property.

The fund remained invested until 1887. During that and the following two years about fifty-six thousand five hundred dollars was used in the erec- tion and equipment of the building and approximately twenty-five thousand dollars was used in the purchase of books. There then remained about fifty thousand dollars of the original bequest. In November, 1901, Alfred M. Hoyt, Samuel N. Hoyt, Estate of Mary N. Hoyt Pettit, Estate of Reuben Hoyt and Mary Hoyt each gave five thousand dollars, and in February, 1907. Samuel N. Hoyt gave twenty thousand dollars to the library: the whole forty-five thousand dollars so given being placed in a special fund, the income only derived therefrom being available for library uses. The income from the unexpended portion of the bequest and from the subsequent gifts, together with the annual payment by the city, constitutes the entire income of the library.

The building was designed by Van Brunt and Howe, of Boston, who were appointed architects after a competition in which such eminent archi- tects as H. H. Richardson, of Boston; MeKim, Mead and White, of New York, and others participated. The accepted plans for the library resulting in a building of dignified and artistic proportions, with outer walls of stone from the Bay Port quarries, trimmed with Lake Superior red sandstone. The finish of the interior is of oak. All division of space was planned for the most convenient and economical use by librarian. attendants, students and readers. In the construction of that portion of the building in which the books are shelved protection from fire was especially considered ; the shelving capacity being estimated at fifty thousand volumes. For the protection of the building the grounds are surrounded by a substantial but open iron fence. and with the trees, vines, shrubs and flowers are well kept and attractive.

The name of the library was established by the deed of trust which also provided that the library should be for consultation and reference only. The selection of the first books purchased was by Professor I. N. Demmon of the University of Michigan and included about twelve thousand volumes, which number was increased by the purchase of about four thousand volumes by the librarian under authority from the trustees and by the acquisition of some two thousand volumes of governmental reports. Mr. Webber at that time also donated about five hundred miscellaneous books. When the library was opened it contained something over eighteen thousand volumes and now has approximately thirty-five thousand volumes, representing every department of research required in a well balanced library of reference. All subsequent purchases of books have been made by the librarian under authority and by approval of the trustees. Many valuable books, pictures and other things of historical value have been received as gifts from various donors. There are about two hundred periodicals, scientific, literary, artistic and miscel- laneous, which include the best of English, American, French and German publications, many of which to be accessible are bound annually.

The library was opened for free use by the public about November I. 1890, under the care of Miss Harriet H. AAmes, who came from Boston in 1888, was then appointed librarian and during the following two years com- pleted the preliminary work of placing the library in order. Under her most helpful and satisfactory management, thankfully appreciated alike by the trustees and users of the library, its work has been ever since conducted. In addition to the librarian there are two assistant librarians and a janitor, this

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THE HOYT PUBLIC LIBRARY

being the entire salaried list. Excepting for the annual summer vacation of one month and on Sundays and holidays the library is open every day and evening and has an average daily attendance of over one hundred readers and students.

The average annual income of the library is about six thousand four hun- dred dollars; the average annual expenses, including usual repairs, about four thousand six hundred dollars, leaving about one thousand eight hun- dred dollars. After payment for newspapers, periodicals and binding there remains available for necessary improvements, extraordinary repairs and the purchase of new books an average annual amount of less than five hundred dollars. In order to maintain the condition of the building, which as time passes requires more frequent attention and larger sums, less funds remain with which to acquire new books or to otherwise increase the efficiency of the library. This unfortunate situation is increasing and in all probability will be more marked when in the future, as will probably be the case, the rate of interest upon safe and desirable investments is reduced. No part of the trust funds of the library, either principal or interest, has ever been lost or its value impaired. The average annual expense of caring for the financial and accounting department has been less than one hundred and fifty dollars per year.

The trustees appreciate that the usefulness of the work in their hands might be enlarged and increased. The library occupies a unique situation in that it is solely for study and reference and has no department of books for circulation. It is evident that provision must be made before many years for an increase of shelving capacity. The building was located as it stands with reference to possible future additions which might be required. The deed of trust contemplated the possibility of placing the City Library upon the grounds adjoining that occupied by the Hoyt Public Library, and ample room remains for a building to be attached to the present building, of the

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same material and architectural design. Neither library would conflict with the work of the other and each would fill its respective field to the benefit of the public.

The library should be open every day and evening of the year. In many cities a special department for young children has been very attractive and successful. Lack of and inability to command means has prevented the trus- tees from making improvements and carrying out plans the profit and success of which have been demonstrated in other . libraries. The trustees are em- powered to receive money or property from other sources and use the same for educational purposes without the restrictions attached to the bequest. The results of the years of its existence justify the foundation of the work which has stimulated and enriched the intellectual life of Saginaw.

The name of Jesse Hoyt is linked in many ways with Saginaw and its history but in no more visible, enduring and useful way than through the institution which bears his name.

-- James B. Peter

Time through the intervening years has mellowed the colors of the stone of this artistic building, and nature has outdone the architect by covering the walls with a luxurious growth of ampelopsis. Besides the rare trees and shrubs which adorn the grounds, there is a somewhat unusual hedge of holly- hocks, which in bloom is the special pride of the librarian. With the attrac- tive little park adjoining and the Federal Building, this square is one of the beauty spots of Saginaw.

The entrance to the library is through a broad porch on the south and west facades, the columns and arches of which are of red sandstone, and the entablature of the same material is richly carved. Opening from the double vestibule on the main floor are a cloak room, two large reading and study rooms, librarian's office and the stack room. Through faulty design the stacks are entirely shut off from the other rooms, and the books not being easily accessible to the public the library falls short of meeting its utmost usefulness. On the second floor is a lecture hall, now used as a stack room for government documents, including the "Globe" and other Congressional records and department reports, of which the library is especially strong. There are also on this floor a trustee's room and a smaller room used for study purposes. All the rooms utilized for study are spacious, well lighted and quiet, thus insuring an ideal place for students and readers.

That the privileges of the library are appreciated by High School students is evidenced by the large number who frequent the study rooms during the latter part of the afternoon. To the literary and reading clubs the facilities for research afforded by this library are invaluable, and much of the success- ful work accomplished by the clubs is directly due to the earnest co-operation of the librarians. In times past Miss Grace Bush was the accomplished assistant to the librarian, and her years of faithful service are alike appreciated and remembered by the older patrons of the library. In more recent years the greater part of the detail work of the library has devolved upon Miss Blanche Topping, the able associate librarian, and Miss Mae Hebert, her assistant, whose untiring efforts to increase the usefulness of the library have added appreciably to its popularity.

Literary Clubs

In the broad and liberal view of education. the literary and reading clubs of Saginaw command a prominent place in her intellectual life. For nearly forty years women's clubs have been an important factor in the general scheme of education, and today their work is along lines of deep and thorough

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research. In striving for higher culture - the object and aim of literary circles, the mind is broadened and one's views of life, under the influence of proper reading and debate, often undergo a corrective change. This has an important bearing upon the home life and tends to elevate the moral tone of the household.

Among the very early clubs, the forerunners of our prominent literary organizations of the present day, was the Tuesday Club. It was a small but very exclusive club of women, all very close friends, who were prominent in the social and religious life of the city. They first met together in the early eighties, and the name was suggested by the choice of Tuesday as the weekly time of meeting. The membership was limited to fifteen, and there was always a waiting list of leading women eager to enter the inner circle of their friends. There was no very formal organization, and the charter mem- bers were not enrolled on vellum in letters of gold. The gold they sought were the nuggets of knowledge gleaned from thoughtful study and reading of the best literature. The picture on the opposite page, taken from a photo- graph made in 1885, probably embraces nearly, if not all, the original members.

The members shown in the picture, which was taken on the steps of Mrs. Buckhout's home on North Washington Avenue, are: Mrs. Chauncey Wis- ner, Mrs. Farnum Lyon, Mrs. C. Stuart Draper, Mrs. Gurdon Corning, Mrs. Edward Mershon, Mrs. Henry D. Wickes. Mrs. William F. Potter, Miss Lizzie Thurber, Mrs. James F. Brown, Mrs. L. A. Clark, Mrs. Sanford Keeler. Mrs. Byron B. Buckhout and Mrs. John J. Wheeler. Mrs. Robert Boyd and another member of the club, not now recalled, were not present at the time this picture was taken.

The work of the Tuesday Club was always conducted very quietly, with- out the least publicity, but its influence upon the intellectual life of its mem- bers, with reference to the sociological and philanthropic side of their natures, was very marked. Through death and removal from the city of its leading members the club at length disbanded, after an existence of more than twenty- five years, but the recollection of its good work still lingers with the few mem- bers still living.

The Monday Club. the Tourist Club, the Carpe Diem and other literary clubs of later years, all accomplished an excellent work covering a more or less extended period, but for various reasons finally dissolved, and only the memories of pleasant and profitable hours spent in meeting remain for those who once were prominently identified with their work.

The Winter Club

Of the prominent literary clubs to retain their organization and continue research work, the Winter Club is the oldest. It owes its existence to an informal gathering of less than a dozen men and women in the autumn of 1877, for the study of English history. This band of studiously inclined persons numbered twenty at the close of the first year, but was increased to twenty-four in the second year. There was no formal organization, although a chairman was elected who appointed a committee to arrange a course of study, as required from time to time.

In October. 1879, the membership was increased to thirty-two, officers were duly elected, a constitution and by-laws adopted, and a line of study mapped out. Meeting regularly each Monday evening, for seven months of the year, at the homes of members, the club was fairly launched into club life. with Julius K. Rose as first president. In 1880-81 George B. Brooks was president, and the first printed program appeared with the subject of Roman history, with appropriate readings from Shakespeare. The second part of the program contained the full list of officers and members, and it is interest-

[From a Photograph by Goodridge, 1885.]

MEMBERS OF THE TUESDAY CLUB AT MRS. BUCKHOUT'S HOME

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ing to note that a quarter of a century after, eight of the thirty-two still retained active membership. George B. Brooks has the distinction of being the only charter member still active in the club work.

Those who became members in 1878-79 were Mrs. Byron B. Buckhout : Miss Harriet V. Bills, now Mrs. George B. Brooks; Miss Fanny C. Farrand. now Mrs. John F. Boynton; Mrs. Henry C. Ripley, with Julius K. Rose. James T. Oxtoby, D. D., and John S. Estabrook. In 1881-82 Bradley M. Thompson was president, and the detailed program gave thirty evenings in Greece, in the study of the art and literature of that ancient civilization. The following year, with William !1. Masker in the chair, the subjects took the members through sunny France. In their literary travels the members visited the ends of the earth and the isles of the sea : they traversed Siberian wastes and penetrated African jungles; they climbed lofty mountains and stocked aquariums from the depths of the sea ; they sorrowed over the perils and sufferings of Arctic navigators, and they shuddered at the wickedness and horrors of war.

Science and invention opened their secret doors to curious eyes; and the voices of the wizards Edison and Marconi awakened them to the possibilities of new forces, while the feats through the upper air of Santos-Dumont thrilled them, and they rejoiced in all their triumphs. In later years they studied the great lights of English, German, French and Italian literature ; gave many original interpretations of the immortal lines of Shakespeare. entered heartily into reform work with Luther, Wyclif. Savonarola and Ball- ington Booth, indicated to the Pope of Rome a few errors in his theology, and gave their views regarding the care of alien races, the uplifting of the negro, and the civilization of the American Indian.

The Winter Club is the only association in the city where men and women meet on a common footing, and is one of the very few clubs in the State to which men are admitted, on any terms. Besides those already men- tioned there were Theodore Nelson. Franklin Noble, Warren F. Day, L. M. Woodruff, George H. Wallace and William H. Gallagher, the characteristics and distinctive attainments of each being treasured memories of members still living. Roswell G. Horr with his fund of humor added greatly to the pleasure of the club, during the short time he was a member. Among those who won national fame was Mrs. Alice Freeman Palmer, who was with the club two years during its programless period, and who died in 1903 in Paris. where she was studying with her husband. Two others of the High School were John O. Reed and E. C. Goddard, who later, with Bradley M. Thomp- son, one of the charter members, filled places of honor in the University of Michigan.

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History of Saginaw County, Michigan; historical, commercial, biographical, Volume II, Part 35

Author: Mills, James Cooke Publication date: 1918 Publisher: Saginaw, Mich., Seemann & Peters Number of Pages: 838

Author: Mills, James Cooke
Publication date: 1918
Publisher: Saginaw, Mich., Seemann & Peters
Number of Pages: 838