USA > Rhode Island > Providence County > Providence > State of Rhode Island and Providence Plantations at the end of the century : a history, Volume 2 > Part 60
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In the town of Charlestown there was formed in the year 1849 a library association called The Charlestown Library Association, and a meeting of the subscribers was held on the 17th of January of that year. A committee was appointed to prepare a constitution, who duly reported. There were seventeen members at the beginning. The organization was perfected and placed on a sub- stantial basis in the next year, largely through the generosity of Amasa Manton, who gave $150, and twice that amount was otherwise raised. About 500 good books were purchased. Contrary to the con- stitution, the library was made itinerant for a time.
The first library in the town of Warren was established by the Warren Library Society, which was organized in 1798 by John Croade, Sylvester Child, Nathan M. Burr, John Child, John Fes- senden, and others. This was known, also, as the Fessenden Library, perhaps because John Fessenden was librarian.
The town of Warwick has been prolific in libraries, most of which were early and small in influence. The Warwick Library Society was incorporated in 1804, and probably was directly connected with the Warwick West School Society. While it was in existence many years, it never assumed large proportions. It was probably founded mainly through the influence and effort of Col. Job Greene.1
A second library was established probably near Apponaug, which was incorporated in 1806 under the title of the Warwick Central Library Society ; it was doubtless connected with the Warwick Central School Society, incorporated, like the one before imentioned, in 1804.
The Old Warwick Library Association was organized December 4, 1847. The first names apearing on its record are those of William Warner, Nathaniel Durfee, Alfred Colburn, Rebecca Perkins, Nancy Lockwood, Samuel Low, and Amos Lockwood. The last meeting of this association, of which there is record, was held November 9, 1881. About the year 1851 the late Gov. John Francis Brown gave $100 to this library for the purchase of books on condition that a like sum should be raised ; this was accomplished mainly through the efforts of Rev. Alfred Colburn, of the Old Warwick Baptist church.
1Col. Job Greene lived at Greeneville (now called Centreville), and his is the only name appearing in the petition to the Legislature for a charter for this society.
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The first library in the town of Bristol was established in 1798. A number subscribed for shares at $5 each and a charter was granted at the May session of the Legislature. Of the 500 shares originally subscribed 300 were given by Col. Simeon Potter and 121 by Capt. Charles De Wolf. In honor of the principal donor the name of "The Potter Library Company" was adopted. Nearly all of the money subscribed was invested in books and a large and excellent collection was secured. Yearly dues of twenty-five cents from each member were collected. Thomas Richmond was the first librarian. The library was open only on Saturday afternoons. This company dissolved in 1837 and the property was divided among the shareholders.
At a later date a library was owned by the King Philip Fire Engine Company, in Bristol, to which the public had access. This was ulti- mately transferred to the library of the Young Men's Christian Asso- ciation, and both were finally merged in the Rogers Free Library.
The Rogers Free Library was founded in Bristol in 1877, and the handsome stone library building was erected and completed in the same year and dedicated January 12, 1878. Robert Rogers was born in Newport in 1792 and there passed his youth and young manhood, serving a part of the period as clerk in the commission business. He settled in Bristol in 1815 and engaged in mercantile trade, in which he achieved success. During the later years of his life he frequently spoke of founding a library, and after his death this purpose was manifest in various papers left by him. His wife was formerly Maria De Wolf, daughter of William De Wolf, who was in entire sympathy with her husband's expressed intention in the matter. After becom- ing fully assured of her husband's plans, which had been thwarted by ill health and business cares, she undertook to carry them out as he intended. To this end she purchased a site on Hope street, Bristol, and supplied the means for erecting a building at an expense of $20,000; she also donated to the library the private collection of books of Mr. Rogers, which had a value of $3,000. Since its establishment the library has been liberally maintained as a free institution and has greatly increased its sphere of usefulness. The will of William San- ford Rogers, son of Robert, bequeathed $4,000 to the library, the income of which was to be devoted to the purchase of books. Through this and other gifts the number of volumes has greatly increased.
It is proper, perhaps, in this connection to state that William San- ford Rogers also bequeathed $50,000 to Brown University, in memory of his father and his uncle, Rev. Dr. William Rogers, both of whom were graduates of the institution. He gave, also, a large sum for the endowment of the Rogers High School, in Newport, as described on a preceding page of this work.
The Newport Historical Society possesses an excellent and valuable library and many relics of great historical importance. The society
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was organized March 8, 1853. At a public meeting, held in the office of George C. Mason on the 14th of that month, the constitution was adopted and Dr. David King was chosen president; William Littlefield, vice-president; Robert J. Taylor, recording secretary; George C. Mason, corresponding secretary ; Nathan H. Gould, treasurer; Benja- min B. Howland, librarian. The society was incorporated in 1854. Results of its work were not important until 1884, and were limited to the collection of a few books and some valuable manuscripts. In the year just named the society purchased the old Sabbatarian church building, erected in 1779, restored it to its early condition, and began very active work to carry out the purposes of the organization. A limited income is provided by an annual charge of $2 to members, with a fee of $50 for life memberships. The Charles H. Russell and the Mechanics' Association funds provide further income, which together have enabled the society to make excellent progress. In 1886 the Mechanics' Association voted to dissolve and transfer its funds to the historical society, in consideration of which the surviving members were made life members of the latter society. State Record Commis- sioner R. Hammett Tilley is the librarian, and to him is due a large share of the prosperity of the society in recent years.
The People's Library in Newport was incorporated in January, 1867. The inception of this valuable library was due to Christopher Townsend, a philanthropic native of Newport, who founded a small library at an earlier date. About the same date the citizens of New- port adopted measures to establish a library which should be wholly free to the public; about 3,000 volumes were procured and a charter incorporating the institution. Mr. Townsend determined to retain control and direction of the library founded by himself, and to that end purchased about 7,000 additional volumes of carefully selected works. This action led the authorities of the free library to turn over to him their collection, thus creating the People's Library, which was dedicated in 1870. At the time of Mr. Townsend's death, in 1881, the collection of books numbered 25,000 volumes, on which about $80,000 had been expended.
One of the most valuable and useful libraries in the State is owned by the Rhode Island Historical Society, in Providence. This society had its inception at an accidental meeting held in the office of William R. Staples, on April 19, 1822. The great need of such a society had long been felt, not alone in Providence, but in surounding cities and villages, to provide an organization under the authority of which a large quantity of most valuable historical material and relics could be permanently preserved. At the meeting named a committee was ap- pointed to prepare a charter, and a numerously signed petition was presented to the General Assembly, which, at the June session of 1822, was granted. The first meeting of members and officers was held at
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the old Manufacturers' Hotel on June 29, and a number of new mem- bers were admitted. Soon after the organization was perfected, the valuable Foster, the Brown, and the Hopkins manuscripts were pre- sented to the society, with many files of newspapers and other his- torical material. All of these were kept at first in apartments in the old state house; from there they were removed to the business place of Brown & Ives, next to the Arcade. In 1824 a stone building was erected on Waterman street, which has served the purposes of the soci- ety many years. To accommodate the increasing stores of books, relics, etc., additions to the building were made to bring it to its existing form and dimensions. The most important enlargement was completed and dedicated in 1891. There are now accommodations for 100,000 volumes. The library has increased from 400 volumes and several manuscripts in 1839 to 20,000 volumes, 45,000 pamphlets, 15,000 manuscripts, and 2,000 curios in 1900. In 1826 there were 65 resident members ; in 1839 there were 94; in 1876, there were 175, and in 1900, there were 331. The society has published many important works, including nine volumes of Collections, and its Quarterly since 1893. It is a noticeable fact that nearly all of the important books credited to Rhode Island authors have been written by members of this society. The presidents of the society have been: James Fenner, 1822-33; John Howland, 1833 to his death at 98 years of age; Albert G. Greene, 1855-68; Samuel G. Arnold, 1868-80; Zachariah Allen, incumbency closed by his death in 1882; Prof. William Gammell, incumbency closed by death in 1889; Horatio Rogers to 1896, and succeeded by John H. Stiness. The librarians have been: W. R. Staples, 1822-23; Walter R. Dan- forth, Joseph Howard, John G. Anthony, Albert G. Greene, 1826-36; W. R. Staples, George Baker, Thomas C. Hartshorn, George W. Greene (1849-51), Edwin M. Stone, 1851-80; Amos Perry, 1880 to 1899, when he was succeeded by Clarence S. Brigham.
The fine library of Brown University had its origin in an order sent by the corporation to Rev. Morgan Edwards, then in England, "to purchase such books as he shall think necessary at this time, not exceeding 20 pounds value". This is the only appropriation recorded previous to 1784, but doubtless books were donated during that period, for there was a library in 1776 that was removed into the country for safe-keeping during hostilities. Concerning the library in its early years, Hon. Asher Robbins wrote as follows:
" At the reorganization of the College, in the autumn of 1782, I was appointed to the office of tutor, and took charge of the Library as librarian. It was then kept in the east chamber on the second floor of the central building; the volumes it contained were quite limited in number-these mostly the primary editions of the works in folio and quarto."
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Not long after this John Brown made it known to the corporation that he would subscribe an amount equal to whatever they could collect for enlargement of the library. This resulted in quite a large pur- chase of books in 1783. In the following year valuable donations were received, and the corporation appropriated $350 for books. Others folowed from year to year, including those from John Francis, Gran- ville Sharp, Nicholas Brown (of a law library), Rev. Isaac Backus, of Middleborough, Mass., and many others that need not be mentioned here. In 1815 Nicholas Brown gave $500 for purchase of books, and the will of Rev. William Richards, who died in 1818, bequeathed his library of about 1,300 volumes to the library. What is known as the subscription of 1825 was due to the efforts of Horatio Gates Bowen, who was librarian from 1824 to 1841. He collected subscriptions of $840, which was expended for books, and from that time forward donations were reasonably frequent. What is known as the library fund was founded in 1831-2 through efforts to raise $25,000. Sub- scriptions amounting to over $19,000 were obtained, which money was placed at interest until it amounted to $25,000, when it was invested in the stock of the Blackstone Canal Bank; the proceeds of this fund have since been devoted to the purposes proposed by the donors.
The library at the time the fund was raised was kept in an apart- ment in University Hall, which was wholly inadequate and unsatis- factory. To remedy this condition Nicholas Brown erected a beautiful edifice for a library and chapel, to which he gave the name Manning Hall; it was dedicated February 4, 1835. The first catalogue of the library was published in 1793, the list containing 2,173 volumes; the second, published in 1826, contained 5,818 volumes. In 1843 the collection had increased to 10,235 volumes, and twenty years later, in 1860, there were nearly 30,000 volumes. By the will of Henry B. Anthony the library, in 1884, came into possession of his collection of American poetry, consisting of about 5,000 volumes-a most complete and valuable acquisition. There are now (1900) about 110,000 volumes.
In the course of time Manning Hall became unsuited to the needs of the library, and, moreover, it was not a modern fire-proof structure. John Carter Brown came forward in February, 1860, and subscribed conditionally for the college the sum of $25,000, $15,000 of which was to be devoted to the erection of a new building. He had previously purchased the site at a cost of $12,000, and when the conditions of the subscription had been met, in November, 1869, Mr. Brown deposited with the treasurer of the university, $15,000. This founded the fund for the building, and before his death, in 1874, Mr. Brown donated the site and also provided in his will the further sum of $50,000 to be added to what he had already given with its accumulations for the
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building.1 Steps were at once taken to begin the work of erecting the structure. The plans of Gen. William R. Walker were adopted and the work went forward under direction of a building committee of which Howland Hazard was chairman. The final report of this committee was made June 20, 1878, showing that the building was turned over to the university authorities on February 16 of that year, and the removal of the library into its spacious and handsome rooms was finished April 29. The whole value of the property is about $120,000.
The Apponaug Free Library found its inception in the mind of Stephen T. Arnold, who, as early as 1867, suggested to Alfred A. Read, then owner of the Oriental Print Works, the need of such an institu- tion in the community. Mr. Read encouraged Mr. Arnold to solicit aid in the village and promised to help the cause himself. Many con- tributions were received and a suitable room was rented and the library was opened. On February 18, 1885, a meeting of citizens was held to consider the propriety of establishing a free library, an under- taking that was urged by Mr. Arnold. It was voted upon favorably and a committee was appointed to solicit money and books. At an- other meeting in that month a code of by-laws and a constitution were adopted, and officers elected. The free library was opened in a room in Oriental Hall, but was subsequently given commodious quarters in the new town hall. It was chartered in 1898, and now contains 3,567 volumes.
Arlington Public Library-The first meeting of this association was held April 9, 1895, at which eleven of the incorporators were present, and the act of incorporation was accepted. By vote of the town council the use of the upper room of the district hall, in Arlington, was given to the library. Under the regulations the number of members reached fifty-six soon after the incorporation ; membership is now secured by paying fifty cents annual dues. The town of Cranston gives the library $700 annually, and its total income is about $1,000. The number of volumes is 2,530, and a popular reading room is kept open.
Ashaway Free Library-At a meeting of the citizens of Ash- away, held October 29, 1871, a vote was taken and resulted favorably upon the organization of a library and reading room association. A
'Through the wise generosity of the late John Nicholas Brown, son of John Carter Brown, this library is to become the owner of the valuable Brown col- lection of books. In American history it is one of the most complete in the whole country and has a value that has been estimated as high as $1,000,000. This library was left by Mr. Brown in charge of his executors, with the ex- pressed wish that it be kept open for the benefit of the public and retained together. At the same time the executors were given authority to donate the library to any institution they thought best, and a money bequest of $150,000 was made for the erection of a library building. The announcement has been made while this work is in press that this priceless collection of books will go to Brown University library.
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committee to prepare constitution and by-laws was appointed, which at a later meeting were adopted. Forty of the proposed one hundred shares were at once sold at $5 per share, books were obtained and in the winter of 1871-2 the library was opened to the publie. The asso- eiation had a precarious existenee until 1877, when a new constitution, in conformanee with the State law, was adopted and the association was duly organized under the statutes and the constitution recorded in the office of the clerk of Hopkinton. Since that date aid has been regularly received from the State and the library has been freely used by the community. The inerease of books has been steady and there are now over 5,000 volumes on the shelves.
The Auburn Public Library was organized in 1888, when about 200 books were placed before the publie, having been contributed by friends of the young institution. The library was controlled by an association, the members of which had free use of books, while others paid a small fee. The institution was kept alive by a few enthusiastie workers until 1892, when it was made a free library and began receiv- ing State aid, and now gets also $1,000 annually from the town. The library contains 5,300 volumes and an associated reading room is of great benefit in the community.
The Barrington Library Association was formed during the min- istry of Rev. Samuel Watson, in Christ's ehureh (1798-1817), and mainly through his efforts. The books were kept in his house. The date of the beginning was in the very early years of the century, and it was chartered as The Barrington Library Society in 1806, with the right to hold property of the value of $6,000. It finally deelined and the books were scattered.
The Barrington Publie Library was founded in 1880 through the personal efforts of Isaac F. Cady and David A. Waldron. Mr. Cady served as the first librarian, the library being then kept in a sehool house which Mr. Cady owned. In 1887 the town built a handsome strueture which contains the town hall, clerk's office, eouneil ehamber, museum, and other apartments, besides ample aeeommodations for the library. The books were transferred to it in 1888. The number of volumes has increased to nearly 8,000; it has never received a bequest, but has been liberally maintained by private effort.
The Carolina Public Library came gradually into existence in the fall and winter of 1881, the first meeting for taking up the work being held November 28 of that year. A committee was appointed to pre- pare a constitution and by-laws, and another one to ascertain if the Carolina division of the old Charlestown Library Association would be transferred to the new organization ; a third committee to solieit funds was also appointed. Officers were elected on December 5. The pay- ment of one dollar seeured membership in the association, and the
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library and reading room were opened in apartments in the Carolina Mill Company's office, which with fuel, lights, etc., were given free by the company. The larger part of the 800 volumes with which the library opened were received from the old association just mentioncd, and through many gifts and purchases the number has increased to a little more than 3,000. The towns of Richmond and Charlestown have for several years made small annual appropriations in aid of this library.
The Central Falls Free Publie Library was established under the provisions of an act of the Assembly at the January session of 1882, conferring authority upon the Central Falls Fire District to raise by tax upon the district funds for the maintenance of such an institution. Previous to this time there had been feebly maintained a small library by Pacific Fire Engine Company, the books of which were given to the new organization. The library was opened in 1882 in a small room in an engine house with 867 volumes. After two years the sum of $500 was voted annually by the town for library purposes and the institution rapidly extended its usefulness. In February, 1895, Central Falls was incorporated as a city and $1,500 appropriated for library expenses, which sum has been annually appropriated since that time. The number of volumes is nearly 9,000. By the will of the late Stephen L. Adams a legacy of $25,000 is left for the erection and maintenance of a public library, to be controlled by a board of three trustees. The library now receives $200 annually from the State.
Crompton Free Library-In 1876 a free library was established at Crompton, and a building for its accommodation was erected wholly at the expense of Frank E. and Howard Richmond. When finished the building and its equipment were presented to the Crompton Company, which since that time has assumed all expenses of the library except what has been received from the State and the town of Warwick. The establishment of this library so soon after the destruction of the Phenix library, gave the people of that section access to good books, and supplied a demand which the old library unfortunately could not. The library was originally intended for the use of employees of the Crompton Company and residents of that village. It has been in continuous operation since it was opened for use and is located in a well-equipped and well-lighted building. The books now number over 5,000 and the library has an annual circulation of between 6,000 and 7,000.
East Greenwich Free Library .- With the founding of the East Greenwich Academy in 1804 the need of a local library became greater than formerly and measures were adopted to secure onc. This resulted in the organization of the East Greenwich Social Library (association), which consisted of about the same persons interested
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in founding the academy. Among them were Dr. Peter Turner, Stephen and Perry Arnold, David Pinniger, Jonathan Salisbury, Nathan Whiting, and other friends of education. A library was soon gathered in which were many well-chosen works; but interest in the undertaking ultimately waned and the books became scattered. The East Greenwich Free Library Association was established in March, 1869, by William Greene, George W. Greenc, Daniel H. Greene, Joseph W. Congdon, Richard G. Howland, Silas R. Crane, Samuel M. Knowles, James T. Edwards, and others. The association organized March 23, 1869, with William W. Greene, president; George W. Greene, vice-president ; J. T. Edwards, secretary ; James H. Eldredge, treasurer; Joseph W. Congdon, librarian. In June, 1869, the Schroeder library was purchased for $1,100, and in November of the same year a site was purchased, and at a meeting held February 7, 1870, the president advanced a proposition to erect a library building at a cost of $5,000, of which he offered to pay one-half. This proposi- tion was accepted and carried out, and the building was opened to the public in February, 1871. The library labored for a period in its early history under a charge of exclusiveness in the membership of the association; but after a few years the more stringent regulations were relaxed and greater prosperity followed. In 1877 Hon. William Greene declined the presidency and James H. Eldredge was chosen; he was succeeded in 1879 by Thomas W. Chace. More than 3,000 volumes were accumulated, which number has increased to nearly 6,000. In 1889 Dr. Charles J. Thurston bequeathed the library about $13,000, which cleared up an indebtedness and placed it on a firm foundation. The funds were further increased in 1897 by a gift of $1,000 from Mrs. John J. Fry.
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