The weekly true Democrat. (Tallahassee, Fla.) 1905-1912, 1907-07-26
WALKER LBRARY
AT TALLAHASSEE
Pleasing - TallAhasseaans and Last
iASMOnumsns 70 DavIa 5. walker.

ASAaonNMene % DavIa >. walker.
Some years ego, one Of FlOrida's
most revered and hOnored sons, and
one time occupant Of the gubeTnatOrial
chair, resident in Tallahassee from
early manhood until his death in 1893;
having the true progress Of his home
town at heart, by influence, example
and gifts, made 1t possible Tor Ialla-
hassee to have public library, Hewas
not only the originator Of the idea, but
also practically the founder of the In.
stitution, consequently the first board
of directors, when the library became
an established fact, paid their dis
tinguished colleague the well merited
compliment of calling IL by his name.
At this writing the David s. Walker
Library is one Of the ''show places" Of
our city, and well deservs the support
and patronage Of all our citizens.
twenty-five cents a month Is q very
small outlay for such large returns as
the privilege of reading the varied and
high-class literature to be found in the
handsome wernick cases that line the
walls from floor TO ceiling, and, in
lighter guise, in the best and newest
periodicals and papers, covering the
long table which occupies the center OF
the library. And yet, many OF our citi-
zens not only have no membership, but
have never even visited the interior Of
the building, although the many things
of interest to be found there would
we'll repay them tor at least one
visit.
Since the original requests to the
library, other appreciative citizens have
substantially remembered IL by will or
donation either of books or money.
Notably among the first was Mr.. Elliot
Todd of st. Louis, Mo-, who lived for
several years, before his death in 1896,
on his beautiful farm north Of the city.
Hanging in conspicuous place on the
wall, neatly framed Is letter written
to the board of directors by a brother
of Mr., Todd, and signed by himself and
other members of the family, stating
that although their brother had left no
legally executed will, they knew it was
his intention 70 bequeathe all his Leon
county property TO the David s. Walker
Library; and, desiring to cary cut his
wishes, they sent an accompanying
deed for same, the proceeds TO be used
as the directors should deem best for
the advancement OF the Institution.
Such gifts have made it possible TO
erect upon a desirable site facing Blox-
ham Park on Park Avenue, handsome
structure, which would be an ornament
to a larger and weather. city than
Florida's capital,
Built Of red, FIRE proof brick, with
marble facings and columns, and inside
finishings of beautifully grained wood,
the library is one of the most attract
i've public buildings to be found any
where.
Opposite the entrance rises an an
tique red-brick fireplace, over whose
mantel Is placed a simple but hand
some brass tablet, memorial to the
founder, Gov. David s. Walker. There
is also a portrait of this distinguished
patron hanging above the tablet. 9th
er portraits are displayed, among them
being two others of Florida's Govern
ors, Perry and Fleming. There is
also a silhouette Of our Colonial
Governor, Call. Prince and Princess
Murat are there also, and near by
stands the famous chair from the
Tuilleries, framework Of gilt crowned
with the royal Fleur-de. Lis, and up
hOlstered in green velvet.
Relics of Ponce de Icons time, old
Spanish armor thrown up by the pillow
from q peaceful soil, give an idea OF
the strength and prowess Of those me-
dieval conquerorg Of q new world, 70
which they brought the seeds OF q civil
izatiOn that made possible such peace
full pursuits as the spinning OF silk from
Leon county raised cocoons. Samples
of this silk are inclosed in a glass case
at one end Of the room. Above this
case hangs q long glass tube, imbedded
in an oak frame, and filled with Bpeci-
mems Of the different strata of earth
taken from Tallahassee's first artesian
we'll
On a shelf stands a veritable freak
Of nature in the shape Of half-petri-
| fed piece of wood, a reproduction OF
the statue of blind old Homer, who
sang of the fatal influence Of q wO-
mans beauty. Next TO this curio 10 the
section Of an oak tree in which are i'm
| bedded the antlers Of an Inflated deer,
made prisoner through his own blind
rage.
In a well-lighted corner at the foot
Of the stair leading TO the gallery, on
the second floor. which extends at
around the room, is the Librarians Of
! fee. This is fitted up with handsome
desk and leather-seated chair, both OF
mahogany. An elegant art Square Gov
ers the floor, and the walls are adorned
with pictures and other ornaments
Among the latter is a panel OF raw silk
sent from Egypt several years ago
The panel is covered with hieroglyphicI
embroidered In tan and dull greer