The Oskaloosa herald., 1903-09-10
Andrew Carnegies'
Gift to the City
Finished.
Text OF Addresses
Delivered at the
Opening Ex-
ercises.

Monday, Labor Day, Library Ded
ication Day, was celebrated by the
people Of Oskaloosa, Mahaska county
and vicinity in manner that marks
an epoch in the history of the city,
The Oskaloosa Public Library build.
ing, the gift of Andrew Carnegie, was
dedicated to its intended purposes by
a program and service held in the
Masonic opera house. The dedica-
tory ceremonies were largely attend.
ed ami the program was worthy OF
the occasion. The library building
was open between the hours Of eight
a. m. to two p. m, and five to ten p.
M, and was visited by hundreds OF
people of the city and county. All
expressed pleasure at the splendid
ediflce that has been erected with the
aid Of the generous donor and evi.
denced pride in the helpful and use.
full institution that is thus given to
the public. Wonder is expressed on
all sides at the magnifcence and the
size of the building that has been
erected with the funds in the hands
of the special committee. Compared
with the buildings that have been
erected in other towns of this and
other states the Oskaloosa library
will stand side by side with build
ings that have cost two and three
times the amount of money expended
in constructing, finishing and fur.
nishing.
Program of Dedication.
Following is the program as car
ried out:
Hon. John F. Lacey, president OF
the day.
Invocation-Rev. J. P. Mcknight,
pastor of Christian church.
Violin Solo-(a) Canzonetta d
Ambrosia; (b) Mazurka Zarzycki;
Mr.. Henry G. Cox; Mrs. Belle c
Ray, accompanist
Presentation Of Building to City
Mr.. A. P. Spencer, Member of Build
ing Committee.
Consigning the Keys to the Custo
dy of the Trustees-Hon ]. G. Viii
lianms, Mayor of City.
Acceptance of the Trust-Mr. Jno
A. Kalbach, President Board of Trus
tees.
Congratulatory Addresses - Mr.,
johnson Brigham State Librarian
President Iowa Library Association;
Miss Alice s. Tyler, Secretary Iowa
State Library Commission.
Male Quartette- Messrs. Warren
Kalbach, C. H. Hare, Elmo Hammond
and w. s. Lacy.
Dedicatory Adiress-Pres. H. H.
Seerley, Iowa State Normal School.
berger, of Penn College.
Benediction- President A. Rosen-
berger. ..
Exercises In Detail.
The service was opened promptly
at the hour appointed. Congressman
John F. Lacey presided as chairman
of the afternoon and opened the pro-
gram in a few well chosen words.
Rev ]. p. Mcknight invoked the
blessing of the Divine Being ami was
followed by beautiful musical num-
Der On the violin by Mr.. Cox, with
Mrs. Ray as accompanist.
History of the Library.
Mr.. A. P. Spencer, member of the
Building Committee, in turning over
the keys Of the building, gave sue
clint but careful and comprehensive
history of the library movement in
the city. It is an interesting story,
that furnishes valuable data to he
preserved in the records Of the IL
brary. His address in fun is az
follows:
Mr.. Chairman, Ladies and Gentle
men: seems appropriate and fit
ting on this suspicious occasion to
present a brief historical sketch Of
the library work in Oskaloosa.
For several years prior to 1895 the
Y. M. G. A. maintained small II
brary, for use Of its members only.
In april, 1895, Mrs. Virginia Logan,
Mrs. H. L. Briggs and Mrs. Igora
Carver started the movement for the
organization Of the oskaloosa Wom-
ans Club, the original and principal
object being to promote the organiza-
ton Of Public Library. In due
time the organization Of this Club
was completed.
And on May 16,1S95,ata meeting OF
the Woman's Club, Miss Mary L.
Loring-since deceasei-otfered the
following motion:
Moved, that the president appoint
a committee. the Mares to be report
ed at the next meeting OF the club,
TO devise plan Of work for the club,
looking to the organization Of pub
lie. library"
Mrs.. 10. p. Searle was president
and appointed the following commit
te&: Miss Mary I. Loring. Mrs.
Pauline q. Swain, Mrs. @. c. McIn-
tyre, Mrs. Hs Z. Spencer. Mrs. Alice
Wickizer, Mrs. Jozelia Blanchard,
Mrs. w--n. fhfilips, -aErs. Raea OPP
1lmer. Miss Florabei Patterson,