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Glimpses of the Past

May 17, 1898

            At a meeting of the free library building committee held last evening, it was decided to erect the structure at once.

  

September 22, 1898

            A meeting was held Friday at the W.J. Webb residence to consider the question the question of establishing a village library. An offer has been made by Mr. Webb to donate the necessary lumber for a building of a sufficient size for the library, and a committee, consisting of Messrs. H.A. Anderson, L.D. Parsons and C.F. Huleatt, was appointed to look into the advisability of building, and the selection of a site if it is decided to build.

 

September 29, 1898

            The village board met at the hose house Tuesday evening for the purpose of considering a proposition for the organization of a village library and making an appropriation. H.L. Ekern of the committee presented a list of 25 subscribers to a proposition favoring an appropriation of $300 to $700, the list representing heavy taxpayers who together pay taxes on a personal property valuation of $33,000 out of the $49,000 valuation in the village. Mr. Melby, also of the committee, renewed his offer of the best lot on Main Street as a site, and it was noted that W.J. Webb had offered to donate all the lumber, and A.W. Anderson, the stone for the foundation. The resolution to appropriate $500 for the purpose, however, failed on a 3 to 2 vote.

 

January 12, 1899

            The new librarian, Mr. Hogan, has had cases made for the books, both the old and the traveling collection, and all patrons of the library will please note the fact that he is now the sole custodian of the Whitehall library. This office has been the headquarters of this association for nearly two decades and it is eminently proper that others get some benefit from the salary allowed the librarian, office rent, etc.

 

March 2, 1899

            During the months of January and February, there have been 790 books read by 102 readers of the Whitehall free public library.

 

April 13, 1899

            Those who are anxious to aid the library cause are requested to consult Mr. Melby at the bank.

 

March 29, 1899

            A special meeting of the village board was held yesterday morning for the purpose of considering a proposition to establish a free public library and reading room. The members of the board were all present, and voted six to one in favor of the proposition. An appropriation of $500 was voted to effect the establishment. President Harnden thereupon appointed the following who, along with Prof. C.F. Huleatt, principal of the village school, constitute the board of directors to govern such library: H.L. Ekern, J.O. Melby, E. Berg, Ludvig Solsrud, Mrs. W.J. Webb, Mrs. O. Rogan, Mrs. W.H. Stallings, A. Dake and F.E. Beach. Whitehall is the first village in Trempealeau County to vote an appropriation for such a good cause, and the members of the village council are to congratulated for their progressive public spirit in this direction. Whitehall is small, but she gets there just the same.

 

April 13, 1899

            The board of directors of the Whitehall library met at the office of Anderson and Ekern Friday evening, and discussed the question of a location for the library building. The opinion of the board was unanimous that a location be selected on Main Street south of the railroad. Mr. Melby renewed his offer of a lot, 24 by 50 feet, on the west side of Main Street south of the railroad, adjoining the lot recently acquired by O. Rogan. On motion the offer was accepted a vote of thanks tendered to Mr. Melby for his generous donation.

 

May 18, 1899

            At a meeting of the free library building committee held last evening, it was decided to erect the structure at once.

 

Thursday, June 8, 1899

            The foundation for the new free public library was started this morning.

 

Thursday, June 15, 1899

            The new library building in nearly enclosed.

 

June 22, 1899

            The new free public library building on Main Street is about ready for the plasterers. It is to be light, commodious and pleasant quarters in which to while away hours in storing the mind with pleasant and profitable knowledge.

 

July 20, 1899

            It is proposed that we have a little jollification meeting upon completion of our free public library building, say sometime in September. We favor the scheme, and the columns of The Times-Banner are open to judiciously and properly advertising it.

 

September 7, 1899

            Senator Withee writes that he will be present at the dedication of our library.

            The dedication of Whitehall’s public library will occur one week from today, Sept. 14. It promises to be an entertaining event.

 

September 14, 1899

            Arrangements are complete for the dedication of our free library today. The event is to be fittingly celebrated with appropriate programs at the M.E. church in the afternoon and at Woodmen hall in the evening. Senators Stout and Withee are to be with us.

 

September 14, 1899

            One of the most important events in the history of Whitehall was the dedication of its free library on Thursday of last week. Our people took commendable pride in celebrating the occasion and appropriately decorated their places of business with bunting, streamers and flags. More than 500 people attended the afternoon and evening exercises, many from the neighboring towns of and villages, including Arcadia, Blair, Galesville, Independence and Pigeon Falls.

 

September 28, 1899

            A large sign has been painted on the read end of the library this week, that our fair visitors may know where to find the building. The frontage on Main Street speaks for itself.

 

November 2, 1899

            Miss Bessie Sweet, assistant librarian, is keeping the Whitehall free public library in model order. The rooms are neat and cozy, and they are a charming place to brush up, delight and improve the mind.

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