History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume I, Part 64

Author: Downs, John Phillips, 1853- ed. [from old catalog]; Hedley, Fenwick, Y., joint ed. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Boston, New York [etc.] American historical society, inc.
Number of Pages: 649

USA > New York > Chautauqua County > History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume I > Part 64

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MINERVA FREE LIBRARY-The Minerva Free Library of Sherman, like many another successful enterprise, had its day of small beginnings. At the close of the club year in May, 1906, the Minerva Club found itself with less than fifteen dollars in its treasury. It had for several years heen the cherished hope of the club to sometime provide a free library for the town, and small as the sum on hand was, it was then and there decided to use it for the purchase of a few books, the nucleus of the much desired library.

Early in the following year, 1907, a board of trustees (five in number) was elected, and the Minerva Free Library Association was formally organized and a provisional charter from the State Board of Regents applied for and secured. A pleasant room on the first floor of the village building, with bookcases, electric light, telephone service and heat, was placed at the dis- posal of the Association. With about five hundred volumes on hand, the Minerva Free Library was opened to the public, September 21st. A free library in Sher- man had become an established fact.

On April 17, 1908, a letter was received from Oliver W. Norton, of Chicago, Illinois, in which he proposed to "build a $10,000 library building, completely fur- nished and equipped with every modern convenience, provided the town of Sherman would raise by taxation $500 annually toward its support." A few days later Mr. Norton added a further gift of $1,000 for a suit- able site for the building. February 13th, 1909, the library building was opened to the public, with ap- proximately 2,000 books upon its shelves, and a read- ing room with current magazines. The service of a librarian was secured, and on June 6th, 1909, an abso- lute charter was granted by the State Board of Regents. Mr. Norton has from time to time added books, and has fitted up in the basement a fine dining room and kitchen for the use of the Minerva Club.

In the passing of Mrs. Julia H. Thayer, the Library lost one of its strongest supporters and zealous work- ers, she having been president of the organization since its foundation.

MARY E. SEYMOUR MEMORIAL FREE LIBRARY-The Mary E. Seymour Memorial Free Library of Stockton was founded in 1899, by Henry W. Seymour, in memory of his only daughter, and chartered under the name, The Stockton Free Library. In 1901 this name was changed to its present form by an amendment of the original charter.

Mr. Seymour's death occurred June 9, 1907, and since that time the work has been carried on by his wife, Mrs. F. Florelle Seymour. The names of the follow-

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ing assistants may be mentioned : Glenn C. Hart, Misses Jessie T. and Doris L. Wakeman, Blanche L. Stratton.

In 1908 the Library contained 2,647 volumes, when the State organizer commenced classifying and cataloguing the books, a work which has been continued by Miss Edith Rowley, of Stockton, librarian of Allegheny Col- lege, Meadville, Penn. The growth of the Library may be noted in that it now contains 5,388 volumes, of which an unusually large number are religious works. The total criculation for the year ending June 30, 1919, was 6,324.

The Stockton Library is one of thirty-two in the State recently reporting a per capita circulation of two or more volumes of non-fiction, with a total per capita circulation of eight or more volumes, that of Stockton being fourteen volumes. During the first years, the local Chautauqua Literary and Scientific Circle, Young Men's Christian Association, and other social activities, were connected with the library. Cooperation with the faculty and pupils of the Union School has been a happy feature of the Library work.

AHIRA HALL MEMORIAL LIBRARY-This Memorial Li- brary was presented to the town of Portland in 1904. by Ralph H. Hall, of Fredonia, a son of Ahira Hall, who located in the town of Portland in 1816. The grounds in the village of Brocton upon which the library building stands, were presented by Garrett E. Ryckman, a grandson of Elijah Fay, who located in the town in 1811. The Library is supported by a town appropria- tion of $1,000 annually.

There are now upon the shelves about 4,000 volumes, the annual circulation of books being about 14,000 volumes annually. The Library is open three days each week from 2 p. m. until 9 p. m., and is well patronized by the residents of the town, the younger portion of the community especially availing themselves of the Library and its privileges.

SINCLAIRVILLE FREE LIBRARY -- This is the oldest free circulating library in Chautauqua county. It was begun in February, 18;0, when Rev. E. P. McElroy gave 185 volumes from his private library, and $25 for the pur- pose of encouraging in the youth of the community a taste for reading and mental improvement, and naming eleven prominent business men as trustees of the foundation.

The idea of a public library at once became popular ; a dime society was formed by the women, the young people gave dramatic entertainments, there were rounds of socials, fairs, concerts and festivals-all serving to create and increase public interest. From a library for the youth, it grew into one for all ages, classes and tastes. In December, 1894, it was incorporated under the Regents by the above name and, as a Free Circulat- ing Library, is second only in this county to the Pren- dergast Library of Jamestown.

It has always had the hearty support of the village and large surrounding community and has been recipient of various legacies, notably from Mrs. B. W. Field, Mrs. Dora Eldridge and John H. Losee. While far more books have been worn out than now remain, the Library at present contains several hundred volumes, besides having a substantial sum in the treasury.

THE TUESDAY CLUB LIBRARY OF MAYVILLE-Aside from the early library movement which lapsed with the introduction of school district libraries introduced in 1838, the Tuesday Club Library is the first to achieve permanence in this village. The Tuesday Club Library was established in 1901 by the literary club of that name, the ladies of its membership taking charge of the work for ten years before a regular librarian was employed. The Library received a provisional charter from the

State in 1901, and a permanent charter in 1905. There are at present about 3,900 volumes, housed in the fire- proof building which is shared by the Chautauqua Coun- ty Historical Society, each having its half of the fire- proof building formerly occupied by the county clerk's office. Miss Martha Gifford is the librarian.

BEMUS POINT LIBRARY-It was in the summer of 1907 that Mrs. Elizabeth A. Bemus, president of the Bemus Point Study Club, conceived the idea of establishing a free library for the benefit of the village of Bemus Point and town of Ellery. A special meeting was called to discuss ways and means by which this could be accomplished, as there was not then one cent avail- able. By getting in communication with Mrs. Frank Thomas, of Utica, New York, chairman of the Library Committee of the State Federation of Woman's Clubs, books from the different clubs of her city were re- ceived to the number of about 300. Mrs. Bemus donated the use of her home as a library during the first winter (1907-08), and the books were loaned to those who desired them. In January, 1908, the gift of a suitable lot for a library site and $100 toward a building fund by Charles W. Bemus, made it possible with help from members of the Study Club to proceed with the work of securing a library home. During the summer of 1908 a cozy cement building with one room and basement was completed at a cost of $800. Book stacks from the Art Metal Construction Company of Jamestown were installed, and later an asbestos roof was put on the building. The summer guests in the village caught the spirit of enthusiasm which inspired the little band of workers and contributed books to the number of about 200, as well as gifts of money in amounts from five to fifteen dollars, until with the proceeds of a party, a fund of $400 resulted. On December 15, 1908, the books were installed in the new library building, their permanent home, thus proving again the old adage : "Where there's a will there's a way." The debt incurred was to Mr. Bemus, who carried it at three per cent. interest, and nearly every year that was omitted. Early in the year 1914, metal work stacks were placed around the entire room, and in 1916 a small annex was added. The Library now (1919) has about 3,000 volumes, is out of debt, and has a good cash balance in the treasury. The Library revenue is derived from the readers among the summer guests, from entertainments, and from dona- tions. Mrs. Elizabeth A. Bemus is president of the Library Association, and librarian.

ASHVILLE FREE LIBRARY ASSOCIATION-The idea of a library at Ashville was suggested by members of a little social organization in the village, and under the auspices of this society a meeting of citizens, November 4, 1913, formed the Ashville Free Library Association, whose object as incorporated in its by-laws was "the free distribution of books and periodicals to Aslıville and vicinity." A board of nine trustees was elected from the membership, the terms of one-third to expire each year, the first board consisting of the following persons : Mrs. Bertha K. Bly. Mrs. Josephine G. Loomis, Mrs. Lillian Skinner, Miss Mable Truesdell, Mrs. Grace Ramsey, Mrs. Eliza Abbott, W. H. Bly, J. A. Powers, and B. P. Diffily.

A hundred dollars was raised in the community, this amount being duplicated by the State, and this sum has formed the nucleus of the library book fund. Up to the present time, the Library has been financed en- tirely by yearly membership fees, by local entertain- ments for money raising purposes, and by voluntary contributions. The most important gift was a dona- tion of $100 from J. W. Packard, of Lakewood, New York, that being particularly timely as it came when the

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treasury was nearly empty. Through the good offices of another friend it was made possible for the Library to purchase a sample section of Art Metal book stack for a comparatively small price. Valuable gifts of books have been received, probably one-half of the total collection having been donated by interested friends. At present the Library is located in an upper room of the village hotel, and is opened three afternoons of each week, with Mrs. Josephine G. Loomis acting as librarian. The Library contains about 1,300 volumes, and has nearly 400 book borrowers, with an annual circulation of about 3,000 volumes, in a community and countryside that would otherwise be without library privileges. The value of the library in Ashville is due in a large measure to the ability and enthusiasm of the president of its board, Earle W. Gage.

FALCONER FREE LIBRARY-This was organized on May 19, 1913, through the efforts of the local chapter, Chau- tauqua Literary Scientific Circle, and received its char- ter from the State Regents. A building and lot were fully paid for by popular subscription in 1919. The Library is supported by a village tax of $300 annually. The Falconer Library will be housed eventually in the proposed community building. At present the Library has about 2,500 volumes, and is open to the public three days a week, averaging a circulation daily of 60 volumes. Mrs. Kate Davis acts as librarian, assisted by ladies of the village. Three remaining days of the week, Mrs. Davis serves at the library of the high school.

THE FLUVANNA FREE LIBRARY-The Fluvanna Girls' Club, the object of which was study and self-improve- ment, was organized under the direction of Mrs. Bertha S. Phillips, on February 3rd, 1912. The club grew and flourished, and in September, 1914, at the suggestion of Mrs. Phillips, who was leaving to make her home in the west, a meeting of the people of the vicinity was called for the purpose of forming a Library Associa- tion. At this meeting, twenty men and women signified their interest by agreeing to become members of the association. Books were also asked for, and quite a number received at this time. On September 28th a meeting was held at the home of G. E. Bentley. Five trustees were elected, with officers as follows: Mrs. Hetty Sherwin, president; Edwin Sample, vice-presi- dent; Mary Camp, secretary; Fred Strunk, treasurer ; Jay Chapin, trustee.

The first money contributed for the library was given by the Girls' Club. They gave $30 for a book fund and $17 for supplies, besides a small bookcase and table.

With these gifts and the membership fees of the twenty associate members, the trustees were able to set aside at once $45 for new books. This amount was duplicated by the State, as is customary for free libraries, and the first books, fifty-eight adult and thirty-three children's books, were purchased.

On November 19th, 1914, the Regents of the Uni- versity of the State of New York granted the library a provisional charter. The work of the trustees now began in earnest as funds had to be raised to equip the library. A donation of boards was asked for, and enough were given to make three stacks. These were built without charge, and this solved the problem of shelving for a time.

The library is established in the Fluvanna school hall. It is open to the public every Friday afternoon from one o'clock to four. The first year it was kept open, Miss Anna Sondell volunteered her services as librarian. The library is supported by the membership fees of the Association and money raised by entertainments of various kinds. On November 28, 1916, the Library was registered as the Fluvanna Free Library, by a vote of the Board of Regents. In 1917 the trustees, acting for the Association, purchased a well situated lot 54 by 100 feet, upon which it is hoped a library building may be erected in the not far distant future.

In March, 1919, a campaign was conducted to obtain new members. The work was done by the Girls' Club, and a thorough canvass made with the gratifying result that 275 additional members were secured and $293 in membership fees and gifts. This enabled the trustees to make the final payment on the lot, set aside $210 as a nucleus for a permanent fund in the bank, besides fur- nishing $50 for new books. In addition to the books owned by the library, the traveling libraries provided by the State are used. The library opened with 214 volumes, 151 adult and 63 juvenile works. The number circulated in the first year was 227. In the five years of the library's existence the interest felt in it has in- creased steadily. At the close of its fifth year it has a total of 1,350 books, and in 1918 the number circulated was 1, 162.

Chautauqua also has a small library used by its peo- ple and by the summer library-training class during the season of its study. There are excellent libraries con- nected with the high schools of the county, seventeen in number, and other schools have book collections to some extent.

SOME MEN AND WOMEN WRITERS OF CHAUTAUQUA COUNTY. By Mrs. Olive R. Schlender.

Chautauqua county writers seem to have invaded nearly all realms of literature-History, Fiction, Essay and Poetry-all have their quota of contributors. [ failed to find a dramatist, but hope in my future search- ings one may be revealed. The wonderful hardy spirit of the pioneer was never beaten or broken in the early struggles for a foothold in this country, but sang and spoke through the cold icebound winters and the busy summers. Their diaries and letters formed a nucleus for our histories, and there are many rare and interesting documents which testify to the early literary tastes and talents of the founders of our county.

Almost the first mention found of a writer in Chau- tauqua county is in 1820. James H. Price, a lawyer practising in Jamestown, contributed poems to the "Eagle," a newspaper edited by Robert Curtis. Two

of his poems are given in the county history-"Ode to a Grasshopper," and a hymn. I quote one verse of the hymn.

"Be calm, ye winds; ye floods that roar, With gentlest music, kiss the shore; Ye storms by winter whirled Smooth every harsh discordant sound And whisper as ye travel round A Savior of the World."

He collected his verse and prose and published it in a small volume at about that time. One history gives the first book as "A Contrast Between Christianity and Calvinism," by Rev. Brown, in 1824.

Chautauqua county has contributed much to the liter- ature of education, and one of the first text-book writ- ers of the country was Rev. Lewis A. Todd, also of

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Jamestown. In 1824 he produced a work on Arithmetic, and one on Grammar. Both very superior for the time.

The hardships and burdens of pioneer life could have not weighed very heavily on one, Oliver Barbour, for he has to his credit no less than 140 volumes on law. He attended Fredonia Academy in 1821, and practised law in that place. His "Chancery Practise" and "Treatise on Criminal Law" are probably his most valuable works.

One of the first novels, if not the first, written by a Chautauquan, was by a Fredonia school-teacher, Orphia Turner Hammond, entitled "Love versus Fascination." The book mentions many characters of local fame. On the shelves of a dear "Olde Book Shoppe," so fascinat- ·ing and so unusual that one almost expects to rub shoulders with Christopher Morley poring over sonie rare old edition, presided over by a kindly gentleman, with an unconventional science of salesmanship but with a marvellous fund of delicious reminiscences, you may find collection of these books by early Chautauqua coun- ty writers. There is a story dealing with Indian tradi- tions, "Ida Norton," by the Rev. H. H. Moore, a Metho- dist minister : a volume of story sermons by the Rev. E. P. Adams, of Dunkirk, written for his daughter; and Eber M. Pettit, of Fredonia, in a group of sketches told of the activities of the underground railway in this region. There are many graphically told stories of narrow escapes and thrilling flights. One of the very rarest books of this period is "The History of the 30 Days Campaign of the 68th Regiment," by Silas W. Lewis. This is a compilation of diaries written by the men of the regiment, and gives a vivid impression of those turbulent times.

There is a little book of verse called "Thoughts," by Julia Doolittle; a collection of essays and addresses by Oscar Johnson; and other equally interesting volumes. The collection was a labor of love, and the people of the county should be most sincerely grateful to the thoughtful connoisseur of our local literature.

In the "Geneological Sketch of the Andrew Putnam Family" I found this reference, "Worthy Putnam was appointed Supt. of Schools of Chautauqua County. He had a practical knowledge of elocution and oratory, and taught and lectured and gave readings. He published a book in 1854 entitled, 'The Science and Art of Elocu- tion and Oratory,' which became sufficiently popular to have a second edition."

Grace Greenwood (Sara Jane Clark Lippincott) was born in Fredonia, and educated in the local Academy. The "Fredonia Censor" was the first publication to recognize her literary gifts. I was told that at one time she conducted a select private school in that place.

Possibly one of the best known authors which we claim as our own is Judge Tourgee. Though not a native Chautauquan, he made his home for some years in Mayville, and much of his writing was done there. Besides his reputation as a writer, he held an enviable position as a lawyer of prominence. His group of books is well known to us, and to most readers of twenty or thirty years ago. His introduction to "Hot Plowshares" gives his aim and purpose clearly and distinctly. He says, "Many years ago the author conceived the idea that he might aid some of the fellow countrymen and countrywomen to a juster comprehension of these things by a series of works which should give in the form of fictitious narrative the effect of these distinct and con- trasted civilizations upon various types of character and during specific periods of the great transition." Of course, "Button's Inn" is particularly interesting to us because of the location of the scene of action. His

best known books are: "Hot Plowshares," "Figs and Thistles," "A Royal Gentleman," "A Fool's Errand," and "Bricks Without Straw."

One of the first books on manual training was by Samuel G. Love, of Jamestown, called "Industrial Education." I was told that Miss Mary Willard assisted in the work. Dr. Berthat Stoneman has written a book on South African botany which is wonderfully illus- trated, and now in its second edition. Mrs. Susan Blodget Pulver, of Jamestown, wrote a small volume called "The Legends of Chautauqua," about fifteen years ago.

In the Centennial History of our county is this tribute to Mr. Johnson, whose book is mentioned as being in Mr. Leworthy's collection: "There is no writer of merit that so entirely belongs to our county or in whose literary excellence we may take a more just pride than Oscar W. Johnson. He is the author of many essays and addresses, and for clearness of expression and purity of style he has no superior."

The name "Harry Castleman" was as familiar to the twelve year old boy of twenty or twenty-five years ago as Alger and Oliver Optic to the average boy reader of today. Castleman was the pseudonym for Charles Fos- dick, the son of John Fosdick, principal of the Westfield schools. "Harry Castleman" was a hero to hundreds of boys, and every mail brought many letters from his youthful admirers. Other residents say that for in- spiration he would take long walks, and then while the spirit was on him, he would remain in seclusion for days until the book was finished. "Frank on a Gun Boat" was particularly popular with his young clientele.

Mrs. E. M. H. Edwards was a well known figure in Western New York newspaper work and particularly in Dunkirk, until her death a few years ago. She was the author of the "Life of Commander William Barker Cushing."

The clergy of Chautauqua county have among their members many men who wield a forceful pen, and among them is Dr. C. E. Smith, of Fredonia, who wrote "The Baptism of Fire," and "The World Lighted." Dr. Smith is a profound student and writer on theological subjects.

I found two books by Albert Osborne, of Mayville- "Picture Towns of Europe," and "Finding the Worth- while in Europe;" both are very readable and well illustrated. The latter is a plea for the tourist to for- sake the beaten path of the Beadeker in Europe, to be unhampered by a sense of duty, rather than visit places he thinks he ought to see.

Edith Sessions Tupper is a descendant of an old family of Panama. She has several books to her credit, possibly the best known being "Hearts Triumph- ant."

The men and women of our county have always been keenly interested in local history. I think there is here a stronger feeling, a more intense love for the past, a greater reverence for those who made our country's history, than is often manifested in other localities. Al- most every part of the county has contributed its his- torian. Loving hands have gathered together scattered letters and diaries, reminiscences and anecdotes, to pre- serve them for the inspiration and instruction of the next generation. There are many names that well be- long with Chautauqua county history, and the men whose efforts have preserved its annals are deserving of our deepest gratitude and reverence-such names as Hon. Obed Edson, Daniel Parker, Judge Foote, Dr. Taylor, Dr. Rogers. Phin Miller, E. F. Warren, Dr. Hazeltine, Andrew Young, Dr. Henderson, Judge Bug-

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bee, Capt. Newell Cheney, and many more-some of them mentioned elsewhere in this paper, and others, no doubt, equally important but unknown to the writer.

Many of more or less distinction in the literary world have lived among us for a time. Horace Greeley spent some years in Jamestown and Fredonia, and mentions both places in liis reminiscences. Mark Twain was a notable guest of friends and relatives in Fredonia at different times. "Pansy," a fragrant memory of our girlhood days, with her sweet unsophisticated stories, too much so for our blase daughters of today, was a summer resident of Chautauqua.

William B. Howland lived at some time, I believe, in Ellington; he was the founder and publisher of "Out- ing," and at different times president of the "Outlook" and "Independent." and also a trustee of Chautauqua. It was through Mr. Howland's policy that the "Outlook" broadened from a strictly religious publication to its present status of a magazine of current topics and events. At the time of his death he was president of

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History of Chautauqua County, New York, and its people, Volume I, Part 64

Author: Downs, John Phillips, 1853- ed. [from old catalog]; Hedley, Fenwick, Y., joint ed. [from old catalog] Publication date: 1921 Publisher: Boston, New York [etc.] American historical society, inc. Number of Pages: 649

Author: Downs, John Phillips, 1853- ed. [from old catalog]; Hedley, Fenwick, Y., joint ed. [from old catalog]
Publication date: 1921
Publisher: Boston, New York [etc.] American historical society, inc.
Number of Pages: 649