Gilberts: Chatham's Carnegie Library torn down to 'celebrate' Canada's centennial
In 1901, the vast majority of Chatham citizens were anxious to take advantage of Andrew Carnegie’s generosity.
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In 1901, the vast majority of Chatham citizens were anxious to take advantage of Andrew Carnegie’s generosity.
The steel baron from the United States was spending part of his fortune to establish public libraries all over North America.
Andrew Carnegie in 1889 wrote that, “all personal wealth beyond that required to supply the needs of one’s family should be regarded as a trust fund to be administered for the benefit of the community.”
Carnegie was approached by the city and he quickly agreed to provide Chatham with $19,000 to build a library on the corner of Queen and Cross streets. The grant was awarded to Chatham on Feb. 13, 1902 and the library was set to open in record time on Sept. 14, 1903.
The Chatham Library was the first of 125 libraries sponsored by Andrew Carnegie built in Canada with 111 built in Ontario between 1903-1922.
Now, the only thing that some people from Chatham balked at in this sweetheart deal was that the City of Chatham had to agreed to provide in the future at least 10 per cent of the original cost ($1,900) each year thereafter to improve and operate the library.
It is this example that has always frustrated me about Chatham-Kent. It was the same thing that existed in the renovation and refurbishing of the Capitol Theatre in downtown Chatham. It was the old story that some people in Chatham-Kent did not and do not like spending money on arts, culture or heritage.
However, with all the new people moving into Chatham-Kent, I do notice a positive trend. The fact that our summer and fall Ghost Walks, Spirit Walks and Jail Tours are some of the hottest tickets in the area and are sold out in a short period of time is reassuring and definitely a positive turnabout.
Chatham’s beautiful and architecturally pleasing Carnegie Library was torn down in 1967 to construct a larger, but not as attractive library. It was a great way to celebrate Canada’s centennial year. Can I be any more sarcastic?
However, next week we will talk about Chatham-Kent’s only surviving Carnegie Library. Does anyone know where that is?.
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