TedsWoodworking Plans and Projects

Tag: Road

  • Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    More information on this image is available at the Easton Historical Society in North Easton, MA
    www.flickr.com/photos/historicalimagesofeastonma/albums
    ,
    image,
    Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, source, Ames Free Library, info, Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The development by Oliver Ames and Sons Corporation of the factory and village land use in a rather organic manner with a mix work-related classes created an integrated geographic network. The housing on perimeter edge with factories and business affairs in the center creating the village concept in North Easton. Other important concepts were the Furnace Village Cemetery, Furnace Village Grammar School and the Furnace Village Store, which explains Furnace Village and other sections of Easton.
    source: Massachusetts Historical Commission
    ,
    Ames Free Library
    When Oliver Ames died in 1871, he left a clause in his will which provided for the construction of a building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of Easton. The building, which was named the Ames Free Library, was opened to the public on March 10, 1883. Funds for maintaining the library have been increased from time to time by members of the Ames family, so that the library always remained a free library to the townspeople and it has never been necessary for the Town to contribute to its support. The architect was Henry Hobson Richardson who employed local syenite, a stone resembling granite, and red sandstone from Longmeadow in the construction of a Romanesque style of building. Although he designed many library buildings the Easton library has been called by architects one of the best of Richardson’s compositions. A visiting architect recently called it a gem of architectural design. Richardson had great creative genius and he was enough of a romantic: to love to add unusual features to his deigns, such as the gargoyles on the corners of the building as shown in the small cut and in carvings of sunflowers, birds, fishes, dragons, and other decorative details not usually noticed by the passerby. The interiors of the library are richly designed. The Reading Room has black walnut woodwork on walls and ceilings. In a massive hand carved stone fireplace is inserted a bronze tablet by Augustus St. Gaudens honoring the first donor Oliver Ames. It is said that the carving in the Stockroom was designed by the great Stanford White while he was employed in Richardson’s office. The woodwork here is of polished butternut. The main floor has alcoves for study purposes, and a· balcony with beautifully carved and turned posts and railings extends around the four sides. The ceiling rises in a grace-ful barrel-vault, forming an arch of perfect proportions. The Children’s Room was a later addition, built in 1931-32. This was given by Mrs. William H. Ames in memory of her husband, Wm. Hadwen Ames, son of Governor Oliver Ames. Through the continued support of Mrs. Ames, the Children’s Room able to acquire the beet in recent children’s literature. The library’s book collection has grown steadily so that it now is well over 32,000 volumes, with a wide range of subjects especially in non-fiction. Recent accessions include many new scientific and technical volumes. Annual circulation is rapidly approaching the 60, 000 mark.
    source: Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Mass., was founded by Oliver Ames, the second of that name. He was born at Plymouth, Nov. 5, 1807, but was a lifelong resident of North Easton, where he died March 9, 1877. Desiring to bestow some substantial and permanent benefit upon his neighbors and townsmen, he made three large bequests, one for schools, one for highways, and the third for founding and endowing a free public library. He provided that this library should be located at North Easton village, but that its privileges should be equally open to all the residents of the town. He also provided that the trustees should be appointed, and vacancies in their number filled, by the Unitarian Society of North Easton. The library opens with over ten thousand volumes. Its permanent fund has been increased by Sarah L. Ames, widow of its founder, and amounts to forty thousand dollars. The library building has been erected from the designs, and under the supervision, of H. H. Richardson, Esq., of Brookline, Mass. The catalogue has been compiled by Miss Harriet H. Ames y March of 1883.
    source; Catalogue of the Ames Free Library, North Easton, Massachusetts, Volume 1, Oliver Ames, founder, 1883, info, Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Massachusetts, originated in a bequest of the Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, who died March 9, 1877. The following is the bequest copied from the will, – Clause 10. I give and bequeath to my executors hereinafter named the sum of fifty thousand dollars, in trust, for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. The building is to be located by my executors at such place in School District No. 7 in Easton as will in their judgment best accommodate its users. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended in the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture for the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the income of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and its appurtenances and contents in repair. When the building is completed and the library purchased as aforesaid, I direct my executors to convey the same, by a suitable deed of trust securing the purposes above set forth, to five trustees, to be appointed by the Unitarian Society at North Easton ; and the said trustees shall have charge and control of the building and land under and belonging to the same, and the library and its funds. Any vacancy in the board of trustees shall be filled in the same manner the original appointment is made. – The amounts for the several purposes named in the bequest were largely increased by the heirs of Mr. Ames. The cost of the building, books, appurtenances, the cataloguing of the books, etc., up to the date of the opening of the library, was upwards of eighty thousand dollars. The permanent fund was increased from fifteen thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars by a gift of Mrs. Sarah L. Ames, widow of the donor. The Hbrary was opened to the public March 10, 1883. In accordance with a condition prescribed by the will, a board of five trustees was chosen at a meeting of the Unitarian Society of North Easton, held February 17, 1883. The following persons were chosen trustees: Frederick L. Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop, and George W. Kennedy. There are now over eleven thousand books in this library, which were very carefully selected in order to form the basis of a first-class collection. The catalogue is thoroughly and elaborately prepared. A large number of papers and periodicals supply needs of the beautiful reading-room. The library is an in estimable advantage to the town, furnishing the means of extending and elevating the knowledge and increasing the rational enjoyment of its residents, by whom it is liberally patronized. The library building is a handsome edifice, built of sienite from a quarry a ‘s throw distant, and has red sandstone trimmings. It is elaborately finished inside, the waiting-room and reading room being of black walnut, the latter having a massive and beautifully carved fireplace of red sandstone, the work on each side of and above the fireplace reaching to the ceiling, with a medallion of Mr. Ames in the center. The library room proper has two tiers of alcoves, and the exquisite wood-work is of polished butternut. In the second story of the building is a tenement for the librarian. The picture of this building in the book (- History of Easton, 1886 -) makes further description of it unnecessary. H. H. Richardson was its architect. Charles R. Ballard was appointed librarian on the opening of the library, and he still occupies this position.
    source; source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    THE AMES FREE LIBRARY.
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Massachusetts, originated in a bequest of the Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, who died March 9, 1877. The following is the bequest copied from the will : — Clause 10. I give and bequeath to my executors hereinafter named the sum of fifty thousand dollars, in trust, for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. The building is to be located by my executors at such place in School District No. 7 in Easton as will in their judgment best accommodate its users. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended in the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture for the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the in-come of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and ts appurtenances and contents in repair. When the building is completed and the library purchased as aforesaid, I direct my executors to convey the same, by a suitable deed of trust securing the purposes above set forth, to five trustees, to be appointed by the Unitarian Society at North Easton ; and the said trustees shall have charge and control of the building and land under and belonging to the same, and the library and its funds. Any vacancy in the board of trustees shall be filled in the same manner the original appointment is made.The amounts for the several purposes named in the bequest were largely increased by the heirs of Mr. Ames. The cost of the building, books, appurtenances, the cataloguing of the books, etc., up to the date of the opening of the library, was upwards of eighty thousand dollars. The permanent fund was increased from fifteen thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars by a gift of Mrs. Sarah L. Ames, widow of the donor. The Library was opened to the public March 10, 1883. In accordance with a condition prescribed by the will, a board of five trustees was chosen at a meeting of the Unitarian Society of North Easton, held February 17, 1883. The following persons were chosen trustees: Frederick L. Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop, and George W. Kennedy. There are now over eleven thousand books in this library, which were very carefully selected in order to form the basis of a first class collection. The catalogue is thoroughly and elaborately prepared. A large number of papers and periodicals supply the needs of the beautiful reading room. The library is an inestimable advantage to the town, furnishing the means of extending and elevating the knowledge and increasing the rational enjoyment of its residents, by whom it is liberally patronized. The library building is a handsome edifice, built of sienite from a quarry a stone’s throw distant, and has red sandstone trimmings. It is elaborately finished inside, the waiting room and reading room being of black walnut, the latter having a massive and beautifully carved fireplace of red sandstone, the stone work on each side of and above the fireplace reaching to the ceiling, with a medallion of Mr. Ames in the centre. The library-room proper has two tiers of alcoves, and the exquisite wood-work is of polished butternut. In the second story of the building is a tenement for the librarian. The pictures of this building makes further description of it unnecessary. H. H. Richardson was its architect. Charles R. Ballard was appointed librarian on the opening of the library, and he still occupies this position.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc.
    1883 – 1982 The First Century
    A Centennial History of Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc. 1883-1983
    ,
    In a library, you deal with the stuff out of which eternity is made, the garnered best that mortals have thought and hoped, preserved in words of force and beauty.
    Mary Lavinia Lamprey upon the occasion of her fiftieth anniversary as Librarian at Ames Free Library, September 1941.
    ,
    OPENING DAY
    It was Saturday, March 10, 1883 – opening day at Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc.
    The new library, a gift to the town by Oliver Ames, industrialist, railroad builder and leading citizen of North Easton, Massachusetts, rose from its hilltop location in the form of a small castle. Henry Hobson Richardson, the famous architect, had positioned it at the rise of the hill off Main Street. With the adjacent Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, which Richardson had built in 1881 in honor of Oliver Ames’ older brother, it was the central point of North Easton. Old photographs show the two imposing buildings, as yet without the surrounding tall trees, as structures of native granite, rising tall into the sky.
    In 1883, Easton by the standards of the day was a busy, flourishing place with a population that had increased from 1,756 in 1830 to almost 4,000 fifty years later. The town consisted of four districts: North and South Easton, Easton Furnace and Eastondale. Each neighborhood had streets of neat cottages, homesteads and garden plots plus a variety of industries that gave the town more life and bustle than was usually found in a New England village. These included the Ames Shovel and Tool Company in North Easton; a gristmill, machine shops and a wheelwright’s shop in South Easton; and foundries and a carriage factory in Easton Furnace.
    The Ames Shovel Works in the 80 years since its founding in 1803 had become the largest firm of its kind in the world. Almost a part of American history, it had manufactured tools for such major events as the War of 1812, the Gold Rush of 1849, the movement of prairie schooners across the country, the building of the transcontinental railroad. Opening day at Ames Free Library was like any other, without fanfare and ceremony. According to the Rules and Regulations of 1883, any resident of Easton over fourteen years of age could be a borrower, but only a single book could be taken out at a time, unless the work is in more than one volume, in which case, two may be taken. The first book of Ames Free Library Statistics gives a picture of what the library meant to the town from the very beginning. During opening month of March 1883, 1,643 books went into circulation, a very large figure for a town with a population of 4,000. In Victorian times, novels were considered frivolous; so the two largest categories read by the first borrowers were listed in the record book as a Juvenile Reading and Prose Fiction. Later generations would call them novels. A quotation from the 1882 Annual Report of the School Committee of tire Town shows the appreciation that was felt for the gift of a public library. We desire to call attention to this library, soon to be opened, as an important auxiliary in the education of our children. Not only will teachers find therein a good collection of books that will assist them in perfecting themselves in the true theory and art of teaching but they will also be able to suggest good reading to the children and may do much, if they will, to cultivate in them a pure and rational literary taste.

    THE BEQUEST
    Oliver Ames, donor of Ames Free Library, was a man of many facets. During his 70 years, he held a number of positions, first as a leading manufacturer, and, later, as a railroad builder and official, a financier and banker, and a statesman. His father, Old Oliver, having served an apprenticeship as iron- worker under his brother, David, superintendent of the Springfield Arsenal, first worked in Plymouth as a blacksmith and then operated a shovel shop in Bridgewater. In 1803, needing more power and space for the works, he borrowed money from his brother and moved his shop from Bridgewater to North Easton, where water power was plentiful. Some 40 years later, around 1844, he reorganized his flourishing business as Oliver Ames & Sons and turned it over to his sons Oakes and Oliver.
    The shovel shop continued to prosper under the two brothers, eventually becoming the largest establishment of its kind. By the 1850s, Oliver Ames, the second son of Old Oliver, now free to participate in politics, was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 1852 and in 1857. With his brother Oakes, who had been requested to take hold of the Union Pacific Railroad by President Lincoln, he took a leading role in the building of the transcontinental railroad. He served as its acting president from 1866 to 1868 and as formal president from 1868 to 1871.
    After the death of Oakes Ames on 1873, Oliver Ames, becomes the head of the shovel works. A long-time resident of North Easton, he participated in many local and area affairs. He was vice-president of the Massachusetts Total Abstinence Society, trustee of Taunton Insane Asylum, and, although a Unitarian by belief, he gave a church to the Methodists of Easton. He was the donor of Unity Church in 1875, and with his brother Oakes, donated the site of the 1st Catholic church in North Easton in 1850.
    Before the establishment of Ames Free Library, Oliver Ames, was a member of several of the social or subscription libraries that were organized in town as forerunners of the town’s public library. In 1823 he joined the second Library Association in Easton that offered such reading fare as Bacon’s Essays and Plutarch’s Lives. He was a shareholder and a member of the standing committee of the Methodist Social Library from 1831 until its demise in 1837. Then in the 1860’s he was president of the Agricultural Library, which contained a collection of 135 volumes on the various branches of agriculture, particularly horse and cattle breeding.
    After his death on March 9, 1877, Oliver Ames left generous bequests to Easton that included a fund for the schools of Easton, thus insuring a better education for generations of young people to come, as well as a fund for the improvement of local roads. Both funds are still in force and continue to make important contributions to the town’s well-being.
    Most important of all, Oliver Ames left, as his will states, a sum of fifty thousand dollars for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. –
    The building was to be relocated in school district No. 7 in Easton and directions for financing were explicit. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended on the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture of the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the income of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and its appurtenances and contents in repair. –
    Thus the Ames Free Library Came into being.

    RICHARDSON’S LIBRARY
    In the autumn of 1877, Frederick Lothrop Ames and Helen Angier Ames began to carry out their father’s bequest of building a library that would be a private institution not owned by the town, but held in trust for the public. –
    Their choice of an architect was Henry Hobson Richardson, a relatively young man of thirty-nine just rising to the top of his profession, who had won the competition for Trinity Church in Boston. Both Frederick Lothrop Ames and Richardson were Harvard graduates, in the classes of 1855 and 1859 respectively, and the two soon became close friends, with Ames acting as the architect’s patron on a number of occasions. Greatly involved with horticulture, he was impressed by Richardson’s association with Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s leading landscape designer. He was also influenced by the tact that Richardson was working on another memorial library in Woburn at the time. So the commission to build Ames Free Library was given to Richardson in September of 1877.
    Henry Hobson Richardson, considered by critics to be the greatest American architect of his generation, studied at Harvard in the class of 1859 and later at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Returning to the United States in 1865, he received his first commission, the building of Unity Church in Springfield, that same year. By the early 1870’s, with the design of Trinity Church in Boston, Richardson had developed his own characteristic style of architecture, based on the massive stone structures of the Romanesque period in 10th and llth century France and Spain, when many of the great|castles and cathedrals were built. Ames free Library, constructed by the firm of Norcross and Company of Worcester, is one of the very fine examples of Richardson’s art. The robust stone building of light brown Milford granite with trim of reddish sandstone gives the illusion of massiveness without being overly large and is in gracious proportion to its setting of lawns and shrubbery. Earth colors prevail in the exterior, with a roof of red-orange tile for contrast, and as in other Richardson buildings, there is an entrance arch, positioned to one side rather than in the center. Indications of the architect’s whimsical humor are shown by the use of decorative motifs that include birds, fish, flowers, corner gargoyles and hoop-snakes on the drain pipes.
    The interior of the library has a charming intimacy that is in direct contrast to the rough-hewn outer walls. Polished butternut wood gleams in the stack area to the left of the entrance room, and the richness of black walnut gives the reading room an air of quiet elegance.
    Originally, the book stack room was separated from the rest of the library by a beautifully carved wooden screen and a desk for the librarian, both constituting a barrier to the public, since it was the accepted practice in those days to deny library users access to the book stacks. The ground floor beyond the screen consisted of study alcoves with tables placed down the center aisle, though this arrangement would also be changed in later years. A balcony extends around all four sides, and, soaring above the stacks, is a rare, barrel-type ceiling with apple-wood strappings. The beautiful and delicate wood carvings throughout the building, including the typical spindle-design of the balcony posts, are worthy of note.
    The reading room with its panels of dark walnut, located on the opposite side of the entrance area, is dominated by a large brownstone fireplace on the north wall, which is the work of Stanford White. In its center is a bas relief of Oliver Ames, the donor, by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Several pieces of unconventional furniture in this room were designed by Richardson and provide interesting conversation pieces. They include a huge easy chair with squat legs and three large tables with substantial, carved underpinnings, all of them having the look of giants’ furniture. Perhaps this is not strange, as Richardson was a giant of a man.
    According to Mariana Van Rensselaer, Richardson’s early biographer, the library building was completed in 1879 but it did not open until 1883 – 4 years later. Possible overruns in costs have been suggested as a reason for the delay, since final expenses are estimated to have risen to $80,000, Sarah Lothrop Ames, Oliver Ames’ widow, made a contribution of $40,000 to the permanent library fund, and Ames Free Library opened its doors on March 10, 1883.

    BEGINNINGS
    The first step toward opening the new library was taken on February 17, 1883, when the Unitarian Society of North Easton held a meeting to carry out the condition laid down in Oliver Ames’ will that this organization appoint the Board Members of the Ames Free Library. A Board of five directors was named, the appointees including: Frederick Lothrop Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop and George W. Kennedy.
    Prior to their first meeting, the library directors took steps to have an Act of Incorporation passed by the Massachusetts Legislature that would make Ames Free Library one of the few incorporated libraries in the state. House Bill No. 157 was reported from the House of Representatives on March 8, 1883. The terms of the Act, quoted here in part, are as follows: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: 1. Section 1. Frederick L. Ames, Cyrus Lothrop, William L. Chaffin, George W. Kennedy and Lincoln S. Drake, trustees under the will of Oliver Ames, deceased, and holding property, real and personal, under said will, for the purpose of maintaining a free public library in the town of Easton, and their successors in said trust, are hereby made a corporation, under the name of the Ames Free Library of Easton … –
    On Tuesday, February 20, 1883, at 4 p.m., the Board of Directors held their organization meeting at the library, electing Frederick Lothrop Ames, president, William Chaffin, secretary and George W. Kennedy, treasurer. According to the bylaws they set up, they would meet the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. and have their annual meeting in June, though these dates would be subject to change in later years. Selection of a librarian being the first order of business, the Board voted to have the president consult with C. R. Ballard concerning the terms under which he would become librarian.
    Three days later, on February 23, 1883, the Board met again and, according to the minutes of that meeting, voted to offer Mr. Ballard a salary of $900 and rent of the apartment in the building, with the understanding that he should take charge of all the work of librarian and janitor, except only the gardening work of the grounds. At another meeting five days later, on February 28, Mr. Ames reported Ballard’s acceptance and the Board voted to appoint him to the position of librarian. They also voted that, while Miss Harriet H. Ames remains here, the librarian shall act under her direction, Miss Ames being a sister of the donor.
    Born in Tinmouth, Vermont, in 1827, Charles R. Ballard was 56 years old when he became librarian. No longer a young man, he had had many years of experience as an educator, having received his training at Castleton Seminary, Vermont, and at the University of Vermont in Burlington. He had served as principal of several academies, normal and high schools, for the most part, in his native Vermont. In 1871, he left Woodstock High School, also in that state, to accept the position of principal at Easton High School. Continuing in this post for six years, he resigned from the public school system in 1877 and instructed private pupils.
    Although Ballard received a formal appointment as Ames Free Librarian on February 28, 1883, Chaffin, in his History of The Town of Easton, Massachusetts, writes that he began work on March 15, 1880. Since the Board did not consider any other candidates, it is quite possible that Ballard was hired on an informal basis on the earlier date so that he could purchase the 10,000 new books that were on the shelves on opening day, catalog them, and prepare for the library’s opening in many other ways.The first schedule of 36 opening hours a week was most liberal for those times. The library was open every day from 2 to 6 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., Sundays and holidays excepted.
    Book arrangement in those years before modern classification systems, was by subject, with 19 departments shelved in 14 alcoves. Some of the categories, such as Description and Travel, Biography and History, would be familiar to present-day users, but such classes as Public Documents and the odd combination of Philosophy, Sociology & Law seem most peculiar. In those days, black covers were put on the books to protect them, and, at the end of each month, the librarian kept a record of the number of books covered. –
    The concept of a card catalog had not yet been devised, but the library was fortunate in having the latest thing in a book catalogue (with the old- fashioned spelling, it will be noted). The Catalogue of Ames Free Library, North Easton, Massachusetts, compiled by Miss Harriet H. Ames, and printed in 1883 by the Franklin Press in Boston, consisted of four handsome volumes bound in scarlet leather. Kept to date by bound Bulletins 1-3, to January 1, 1892, this Catalogue was much in demand. The Minutes of the Ames Free Library Board meeting on November 13, 1883, record the fact that the Watertown, Nantucket libraries, the Dyer Library of Saco, Maine, were permitted to have catalogues sent to them," as requested. At the meeting on May 10, the Board voted to send a copy to Gloucester, also by request.
    Library users who wanted a book shelved in the alcoves had to write an application on a Hall Slip, and the librarian would then get it. This formal procedure was necessary because of the unbreakable library rule that said: No person, except the librarian, assistant, or a trustee shall enter an alcove or take any book from the shelves without special permission. Since all libraries operated this way, borrowers accepted the restriction as a matter of course.
    Charles R. Ballard proved to be an able librarian according to the standards of his day, but he did not have a long stay at the library. Only eight years later, on September 30, 1891, he submitted his resignation to the Board, to be effective November 1, 1891. The Library Minutes do not give the reason for his going, but, in a speech made many years later, in 1941, Mrs. Mary Ames Frothingham, then President of the Board, said that increasing deafness had forced him to resign. At the same meeting of September 30, when Ballard submitted his resignation, the Board voted to appoint Miss Mary L. Lamprey as librarian with a salary of $900, it being understood that she was entitled to the use of the tenement and that her father would perform or supervise the needed janitor work. –
    ,
    THE LAMPREY YEARS
    Born in Knoxville, Iowa on April 29, 1870, Mary Lavinia Lamprey came to North Easton at the age of seven. The daughter of Maitland C. Lamprey, who was the principal of Easton High School, she was in her third year at Boston University when the Board of Directors offered her the librarianship at Ames Free Library on the recommendation of Frederick Lothrop Ames. She accepted the position, and, although her only training was a month’s instruction from Mr. Ballard, she carried out her duties capably from the beginning.
    In 1893, upon the death of Frederick Lothrop Ames, his son Oliver was appointed to the Board and, later, elected to its presidency. Several changes were then made at the library, the first, in 1894, being the enlargement of the shelving areas, as book accessions had increased to the point of overcrowding. The firm of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge was asked to submit plans and the solution of the problem was to build shelves against the south end of the book room. If crowded conditions still prevailed, it was suggested that book stacks be placed along its center. At this time, some of the reference books were removed to the reading room and constituted the nucleus of the reference collection as we know it today.
    The next change on the Board came in 1900, when Miss Mary S. Ames, later to be Mrs. Louis A. Frothingham, replaced Lincoln S. Drake, who had resigned. She proved to be a most progressive trustee, serving as President from 1929 to 1955. When the subject of a card catalog, a very recent development in the library world that would replace the cumbersome book catalogue, came up, Miss Ames volunteered to buy one for the library, and her offer was gratefully accepted by the Board.
    Among the gifts provided through Miss Ames’ generosity in the next few years were shrubbery and other adornment of the library grounds, the addition of fire extinguishers and a fire escape, screens for the balcony and the sets of stereoscopic views of Russia and the United States that were so popular at the time.
    On July 13, 1903, the Board started the practice of sending book deposits to the schools, voting that a number of books, not exceeding 20 each, be allowed to teachers of the public schools. Special wooden carriers with handles were obtained to hold the books, and, in these days before the school libraries, Ames Free Library books proved to be valuable supplements to school texts. On January 12, 1910, Miss Lamprey reported that 1,020 books had circulated in the schools, and the Library Minutes record that these were especially welcome and useful in the outlying districts.
    Innovations and changes continued. At the Board meeting on April 25, 1905, a report on typewriters, written by Miss Lamprey, was read by the Board and Secretary William L. Chaffin was authorized to purchase one. Thus the era of hand-written cards, for which librarians were trained to use a special library script which conserved space, came to an end, and Ames Free Library was one step nearer to the modern age. A few years later, in 1907, the first electric wiring was introduced when the trustees voted to employ Master Winthrop Jones to provide electric lights for the library stairway.
    In this same year with the increase of the Swedish population, it was decided to add 20 books in that language and to subscribe to a Swedish newspaper, all of which were greatly appreciated.
    There was one area where the trustees were not so progressive in their outlook. When the subject of having a telephone installed was brought up at the meeting on October 19, 1908, they came to the conclusion that it was not essential. Nine years later, the matter coming up again on April 7, 1917, the Board decided that they saw no real need of a telephone for library use, but they do not object to the librarian’s putting one into the building at her own expense for her private use, in which case, they should be informed of it, as they would order how and where the wires should run. On January 21, 1930, Edward M. Carr, who had followed William L. Chaffin as secretary, was finally given the go-ahead to look into the question of a telephone. When the call came, the trustees voted to give $25 (then a substantial sum) to these soldiers’ libraries, and Miss Lamprey reported to them on the success of the book campaign at Ames Free Library.
    The war campaign, she wrote, was carried on vigorously in the library by the large gifts of two of your (the Board’s) number and generous gifts by many other people so that we were able to more than double our quota, sending in $535 instead of the $250 called for. We also collected 200 very presentable books and six large boxes of magazines, half of which were sent to Camp Devens and half to the Boston Public Library, thence to be distributed to other camps and training ships.
    The Library Minutes give an interesting picture of the aftermath of the war in Easton. It is recorded under January 11, 1919 that: The librarian reported a decline in circulation for the year, the main cause of which was that, whereas the library is usually open 290 days, it was open last year only 264 days on account of the severe cold weather, the influenza, etc. The various Red Cross activities decreased the reading of the women. –
    With the return of peace. Miss Lamprey turned her attention to regular library matters once more. By 1923, the old system of book arrangement having proved inadequate, she suggested that the books be re-numbered according to the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme, which most public libraries were now using. This was an enormous task, since numbers on all the books and on all book records had to be changed. The Board, however, realizing the advantages of the change-over, gave their permission, and Miss Lamprey carried out the project with the help of more than 70 grade-school children, who gave their time gratuitously.
    The recataloging completed successfully, Ames Free Library was now a modern library, operating under standard methods.
    At their meeting on January 26, 1931, the Board of Library Directors received a pleasant surprise in the form of a letter from Mrs, William Hadwen Ames, Board Member. It read:
    – …I desire to present to the Trustees an addition to the library building in accordance with the sketch and plans of Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbot submitted herewith and to furnish and equip it for the use of children….Such addition shall always be known as the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room and shall be for the use and benefit of the children. –
    On that same day, the Board sent a reply, informing Mrs. Ames that they had voted to accept with deep gratitude your very generous offer to build a children’s room as an addition to Ames Free Library, this room always to be called the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room.
    Mrs. Fanny Holt Ames, is the widow of William Hadwen Ames, son of Governor Oliver and Mrs. Anna Coffin Ames. Appointed to the Library Board in 1929, she was elected secretary on October 20, 1949. The memorial room for her husband opened to the public November 10, 1931.
    It was a Tuesday afternoon, and townspeople of all ages came to visit the new William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room. A harmonious addition to H.H. Richardson’s main building, it was constructed by the architectural firm formed by the members of the famous architect’s office after his death in 1886. Proportions of the room are spacious, with tall windows along its two sides and a beautiful floor-to-ceiling window at its end that overlooks the library grounds. Alcoves along the sides contain circular, glass-top tables with chairs around them and, nearby, there are window seats upholstered in red leather most delightful places to read, – according to an article in The Easton Bulletin of Thursday, January 7, 1932. Above the entrance to the room is a tablet of English oak, more than 500 years old, carrying the inscription,The William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room. –
    Delighted with the new facility for young readers, Librarian Mary L. Lamprey soon put it to good use by holding a series of story hours Saturday afternoons at four o’clock in front of the big bay window. Her first, based on the theme of Children the World Over, featured travel tales that would be of interest to children up to grade 7. Later programs included stories about Abraham Lincoln on February 12th and, a little later, North American Indian legends.
    On November 10, 1981, Mrs. William Hadwen Ames celebrated the 50th anniversary of the children’s room by inviting young library users to a birth- day party to commemorate the occasion. Sixty children came to enjoy a magic show and refreshments of ice-cream served by the hostess. Afterwards, the young guests wrote thank-you letters to the gracious lady who had given the town the great gift of a children’s room. They were collected into an album and presented to the benefactress.
    After her resignation from the Board of Directors in January 1969, Mrs. Ames, having served on the Board for 40 years as a director, 20 years as secretary, was made an honorary trustee for life. Although she no longer resides in her beautiful home at Spring Hill, North Easton, she still visits the children’s room, and, each year, she makes generous contributions for its upkeep as well as for new juvenile books.

    CHANGES
    The addition of a children’s room seemed to serve as impetus for other innovations at Ames Free Library, Mrs. Frothingham, concerned as always, with the preservation and upkeep of the building, had an estimate made by the firm of Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbot for re-decorating the reading and the stack rooms. The trustees agreed to have the work done, asking Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr. to look into the matter of purchasing a new circulation desk. At the meeting on July 11, 1932, Mrs. Kate L. Porter, who was now secretary, reported that a desk was being made by the Library Bureau Company.
    Then something unprecedented in the history of the library happened during the summer of 1932. It closed to the public from June 20 to July 28, and, during that period, the cage (Miss Lamprey’s high desk) was removed. Also removed was the grill between the charge room and the stack area. The high desk and grill gone, the library moved into the era of the open stack, and readers could go directly to the shelves to pick out their own books instead of filling out "Hall Slips. The balcony was still off-limits and would be, until Mrs. Irene Smith, Miss Lamprey’s successor, opened it in 1944.
    Many other improvements were introduced in 1932, including: the addition of an electric clock, the gift of Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr.; modification of the fireplace and renovation of the reading room in other ways, modern lighting throughout the building and refinishing the card catalog. All these changes, according to Secretary Kate L. Porter, made "a harmonious whole" of the library.
    The greatest change at Ames Free Library occurred in 1944, when after 53 years ot service Mary L. Lamprey retired from the position of librarian.
    Three years before, on September 30, 1941, which marked her 50th anniversary at the library. Miss Lamprey was honored by the trustees at a dinner held in the children’s room. The long table was beautifully decorated by Mrs. William A. Parker, wife of William A., who served on the Board from 1929 to 1978. The list of guests included library dignitaries, local and state officials. The Board of Directors presented Miss Lamprey with a purse of $1,000 and a set of Resolutions bound in red leather. Afterwards, the group adjourned to the Frothingham Memorial where a general reception was held for the townspeople.
    Mrs. Frothingham, who gave the keynote address, praised Miss Lamprey for her many achievements, saying that, during her 50 years of service, she had increased the number of library books from 13,000 to 27,500. She had given dedicated service to the schools, having taught generations of high school students how to use the library and had conducted reading clubs and study groups in foreign affairs for adults. After Mrs. William Hadwen Ames’ gift of a children’s room, she organized story hours, history and travel contests and classes in art and nature study for children and presented little plays with casts of youngsters.
    She also organized the Garden Club of Easton and served as its first president. Librarians in other communities held her in respect, and Mrs. Frothingham entertained one hundred members of the American Library Association for her at a tea in the famous Frothingham rose gardens on June 23,1941.
    The townspeople also loved and admired Miss Lamprey, although many of them felt somewhat in awe of her. A leading woman club member of Easton looking back to the library under Miss Lamprey, remarked upon how high her standards were and how hard she had worked to measure up to them. A successful North Easton man still counts it among the principal honors of his life that she allowed him to go beyond the grill and pick out books in the alcoves many years before they were opened to the public. Still others remember coming into the library as mischievous, little boys and being sent peremptorily down to Queset River to wash their hands before they handled the books.
    We like best to remember Mary L. Lamprey by her definition of a library given on the occasion of her 50th anniversary celebration.
    She said: In a library you deal with the stuff out of which eternity is made the garnered best that mortals have thought and hoped, preserved in words of force and beauty.

    MRS. FROTHINGHAM’S ERA
    Mrs. Mary Frothingham, widow of Congressman Louis A. Frothingham, who died in 1928, was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1900 and served as its President from 1929 to 1955. Full of zeal and enthusiasm, she not only instituted many changes throughout the building but often paid for them out of her own pocket.
    She and Mrs. William H, Ames, were given the responsibility to selecting Miss Lamprey’s successor is not an easy task. Their choice was Mrs. Irene Smith, who would begin her duties on September 1, 1944. A popular and able librarian, Mrs. Smith had received her training at the City Library Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Before coming to Easton, she was Reference Librarian at the Public Library in Hartford, Connecticut.
    The decade of the forties brought World War II with its many shortages. Finding it difficult to get supplies of fuel oil, the Board decided to convert the furnace to coal. In 1943, a year before Mrs. Smith’s arrival, Mrs. Frothingham informed the Board that she had purchased a boiler and a Winkler stoker. The Board proposed these to be placed alongside the present boiler so that both be available in the future. A little later, she volunteered to assume the expense of the new boiler and stoker, and, until their installation, she loaned one of her own stoves to the library to be used for heating the reading room. In 1951, eight years later, a new oil burner was installed, the alternate coal system being retained for emergencies.
    In the final year of the war, Mr. Edward Carr, the treasurer, reported that the war damage insurance coverage was in force up to July 20, 1945. Fortunately, it was never necessary to renew it.
    After the war, David Ames, Mrs. Frothingham’s nephew, returning from service in the Pacific, took an interest in the library. At the request of his aunt, he contributed his services, working on the grounds and mowing the lawns. On March 26, 1946, he became her assistant in charge of maintenance and repairs of library buildings and grounds, and was for- mallv appointed to the Board in 1949.
    In 1950, Mrs. Frothingham attained her 50th year of service on the Board, and, on April 11th, Mrs. William Hadwen Ames, the secretary, read a letter signed by 1700-1800 people addressed to her in honor of the occasion. It ran: The fiftieth anniversary of your becoming a trustee of the Ames Free Library offers to us, your fellow townspeople and users of the library, the opportunity to express our appreciation of the benefits derived from your good citizenship by all of us in our beloved community.
    After Mrs. Frothingham’s death in 1955, Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr., presented her portrait painted by Lazlo to the library. It now hangs in the reading room and depicts a handsome and aristocratic lady who directed library policies efficiently and wisely for half a century.

    DAVID AMES, PRESIDENT
    On June 6, 1955, David Ames was unanimously elected to the presidency of the Board left vacant by Mrs. Frothingham’s death. In the six years since 1949, when he became a Board member, he had introduced many innovations throughout the building. Its care and upkeep continues to be one of his priorities.
    The most important action taken at this time was the complete replacement of the roof of the main building with tiles that were especially made to duplicate the originals. In 1955, the basement room was renovated, new steel racks for shelving books were added and, later, a dehumidifier was introduced to preserve volumes of permanent value. A modern system of fluorescent lighting was put into the entrance room, the reading room, the vestibule to the children’s room as well. Special fluorescent fixtures were devised for the stack area with its high-vaulted ceiling.
    There were several changes of librarians in the following decades. After twelve years at Ames Free Library, Mrs. Irene Smith submitted her resignation in 1956, having accepted the position of librarian at Nantucket Atheneum, the Board appointed Miss Irene Poirier, who had served as librarian at the Lenox Library Association, also a privately endowed institution, as Mrs. Smith’s successor. A capable librarian serving the interests of the library and community with dedication. Miss Poirier upheld high library standards. Active in her profession, she served as president of the Old Colony Library Club and was a member of a number of Massachusetts Library Association committees.
    After Miss Poirier left in 1968, the library was fortunate in obtaining the services of Mrs. Minnie B. Figmic, who had extensive experience in the Duxbury Library. Despire her physical limitations, she rendered excellent and dependable service. A new and more accurate book charging system was installed at the library under Mrs. Figmic’s direction, wherein library books were charged to borrowers’ card numbers instead of to their names.
    In 1976, the library was again fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Margaret M. Meade as librarian. Miss Meade received her training at Bridgewater State College and her library degree from the University of Rhode Island. She had served in the Brockton Public Library for 36 years, holding the positions of Head Cataloger and Assistant to the Head Librarian. Her contributions to the library have been the reorganization of the book collection with the addition of new shelving in the basement, carrying out an efficient policy of book discards, standardization of cataloging methods and writing newspaper columns that have contributed to good public relations. She was invaluable in compiling and researching this history.
    Until 1972, financial support of the library was provided entirely by private funds, but in that year, the Board of Directors decided to apply for state aid, feeling that the town should benefit by the state’s largesse. In order to qualify for state aid, the town voted an annual appropriation of $1,000 to the library.
    In 1977, the town increased its appropriation so that summer hours could be increased from 14 to 28, and in 1979, winter hours were lengthened from 40 to 44. By 1982, the population of Easton having risen to 16,623, the library complied with state standards and implemented a 50-hour a week opening, as required.
    As of 1982, the financial report showed $82,000 from endowment, $10,000 from the town of Easton, and $8,300 from the state of Massachusetts.
    Meanwhile, several changes in library government had been made. In 1977, Ames Free Library reorganized as a corporation rather than as a charitable trust as it had been operating since 1883 under the terms of Oliver Ames’ will. The trustees, no longer elected by the Unitarian Society of Easton, were designated as directors, and the chairman of the Easton Board of Selectmen was included as a Board member ex-officio.
    With the onset of the energy crisis in 1979, the Board of Directors put a number of measures for conservation into operation. At the meeting of November 11, 1979, mention was made of an anticipated increase in the fuel bill for the following year, and it was voted to maintain a temperature of 65 degrees during the winter months, as required by law. Certain radiators in the downstairs work-room and stack areas were to be turned off. The large picture windows in the children’s room presented a problem until Mrs. William H. Ames made a generous contribution of custom-made storm windows plus screens to be installed in this area. The minutes note that the new windows, which kept the room warm and comfortable all winter and lowered the fuel consumption as well, were greatly appreciated by the Board, the staff, and the library patrons.
    As H. H. Richardson’s reputation increased over the years, Ames Free Library attracted wide attention as an example of his architecture. Each year, students of architecture from many colleges and universities come to study it, and it is included in the itineraries of tour groups. Visitors signing the guest book come from all parts of the United States as well as from abroad. In spite of its prominence in the world of architecture, the building is a public library in function and intent, not a museum. It continues to carry out the original purpose of its donor of bringing the world of books to the people of Easton.
    Circulation statistics measure how successful the library has been in reaching the people of Easton. In 1883, the opening year, 17,366 books went into circulation, 4,401 of them Juvenile reading. The most recent count taken June 30, 1983 shows that 66,338 books were borrowed during 1982-83, 35,942 from the adult section and 30,396 from the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room (or juvenile section). From the beginning, a comprehensive collection of reading materials was available to library users. The earliest statement of holdings, taken in 1884, showed a total of 10,646 volumes, while the current total has increased to 48,527.
    The library history would be incomplete without mention of the indispensable services of the staff, whose support, ability and cooperation across one hundred years has made possible the services of the library to the community.
    People are the greatest resource of any public library, and Ames Free Library has been more than fortunate in this respect. Generations of children have grown up at the library, and adults from all walks of life have come through the wide front doors in search of entertainment and knowledge. Over the years there has been an unending line of dedicated board members, some of them giving almost a lifetime of service.
    ,
    The following achieved longevity records:
    34 years – David Ames, Board member (1949- ), President (1955- ) 39 years – Rev. William L. Chaffin, Board member (1883-1922) and Secretary (1883-1922) 40 years – Mrs. William Hadwen Ames, Board member (1929-1969) and Secretary (1949-1969) 45 years – Edward Carr, Board member (1922-1967) and Treasurer (1929-1967) 49 years – William A. Parker, Board member (1929-1978) 53 years – Mary L. Lamprey, Librarian (1891-1944) 55 years – Mary Ames Frothingham, Board member (1900-1955) and President (1929-1955)
    Board members in office during the centennial year are as follows: David Ames, President; Douglas D. Porter, Treasurer; Elizabeth M. Ames, Clerk; Esther C. Anderson; William M. Ames; and Leo R. Harlow, member ex- officio and Chairman of the Easton Board of Selectmen.
    At the close of this first century in the continuing history of Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc., its dedicated trustees look forward to a future of even greater use of the library and even closer ties with the community.
    PRESIDENTS Frederick L. Ames 1883-1893 Cyrus Lothrop 1893-1912 Oliver Ames 1912-1929 Mary Ames Frothingham 1929-1955 David Ames 1955-
    SECRETARIES Rev. William L. Chaffin 1883-1922 (April) Rev. Fred R. Lewis 1922-June & July Edward M. Carr 1923-1929 Mrs. Robert B. Porter 1929-1937 Gilman H. Campbell 1937-1949 Mrs. William H. Ames 1949-1969 Mrs. John S. Ames 111 1969-1976 Mrs. David Ames 1976-
    TREASURERS George W. Kennedy 1883-1910 George C. Barrows 1910-1929 Edward M. Carr 1929-1967 Douglas D. Porter 1967 –
    DIRECTORS Frederick L, Ames 1883-1893 Oliver Ames 1893-1929 William A. Parker 1929-1978 William M. Ames1978- Rev. William L. Chaffin 1883-1922 Edward M. Carr 1922-1967 Douglas D. Porter 1967- Cyrus Lothrop 1883-1912 Frederick Porter 1912-1919 Rev. Fred R. Lewis 1919-1925 Mrs. Robert Porter 1925-1937 Gilman H. Campbell 1937-1949 David Ames 1949- Lincoln S. Drake 1883-1900 Mary S. Ames (Mrs. Louis A. Frothingham)1900-1955 Mrs. John S. Ames, Jr.1956 -1958 Mrs. David Ames1958- George. W. Kennedy 1883-1910 George C. Barrows 1910-1929 Mrs. William H. Ames 1929-1969 Mrs. JohnS. Ames III 1969-1976 Miss Esther C. Andersen 1977-
    LIBRARIANS Charles R. Ballard 1883-1891 Miss Mary L. Lamprey 1891-1944 Mrs. Irene Smith 1944-195(, Miss Irene M. Poirier 1956-1968 Mrs. Minnie B. Figmic 1968-1973 Charles Huelsbeck 1973-1974 Miss M. Joyce Davidson 1974-1976 Miss Margaret M. Meade 1976-
    ,
    Serving Ex-officio on the Board of Directors during term of office as Chairman of Board of Selectmen.
    Donald E. Andersen 1977-1980 Richard Martin 1981-1982 Lawrence M. Douglas 1982-1983 Leo R. Harlow 1983-
    Staff of 1983 (Publication of Book)
    source: Ames Free Library
    source: Centennial Committee, History of the Ames F L (1883-1983)
    ,Prior to the establishment of the Oliver Ames Free Library
    The First Social Library
    A library association with the above name existed in Easton as early as 1800. It was located in the southeast part of the town. The books were kept at the house of Roland Howard, who appears to have been the librarian. An informant speaks of the strong impression made upon her mind by the reading of the – History of Cain, one of the books of this library. About fifty of the books are still at their old headquarters in the Roland Howard house, now Mr. Collins’s home. They are mainly of an agricultural character, and are of course considerably dilapidated.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Washington Benevolent Society and Library’s members were charged an initiation fee of two dollars each.
    At the time of the War of 18 12 the country was divided between the Federalist and Anti-federalist parties; the latter being sometimes called Republican. Party feeling was intense and bitter. In New England the opposition to the war was very strong on the part of the Federalists. The latter were in a minority in Easton, and felt the need of union for sympathy and counsel. They therefore organized themselves into a society with the name given above. The name of Washington was used because he had sympathized with Federalist principles, and because his name was held in high honor. But why the society was called -Benevolent – does not appear. There seemed to be no better reason for its adoption than that it sounded well; it certainly laid the society open to the ridicule of the Republicans, who did not spare its members. This society was more like a political club; it had meetings for political purposes.
    As the name indicates, this society owned a library, which was doubtless composed principally of political works and periodicals. The society appears to have been organized about 1812, and it continued in existence nearly ten years. The members were charged an initiation fee of two dollars each.
    After the War of 1812 was over, and when the Hartford Convention had given the Federal party its death-blow, this Washington Benevolent Society and Library languished. Its affairs were not entirely settled, however, until 1823. Lewis Williams was then its treasurer, and from a carefully written paper which he prepared we learn that its membership was thirty- seven; its amount of fees, $73.00 (one member paying only a half fee) ; the amount realized from the sale of books, $25.25; the amount of assessments all told, $33-75; and that the total amount finally disbursed among existing members was $70.65.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Second Social Library
    Before 1823 there was formed a Library Association in Easton named as above. In order to form themselves into a legal society as they termed it, a meeting was regularly called at the request of five members, and was held February 6, 1823, at the chapel near the Congregational meeting-house, where it was legally organized. Israel Turner was made clerk ; Daniel Reed, librarian ; and Welcome Lothrop, treasurer. Dr. Samuel Deans, James Dean, and John Pool were chosen to inspect and superintend the concerns of the library. Among the members were Joseph Hayward, Sr., Lewis Williams, Dr. Caleb Swan, Alanson White, Sheperd Leach, Oakes Ames, Lincoln Drake, and twenty-five other citizens of Easton. At the second quarterly meeting a share (which included membership) was presented by the proprietors to the Rev. Luther Sheldon. The first book in the little catalogue was the – Theory of Agreeable Sensations. – Then came Bacon’s Essays, Burns’s Works, Plutarch’s – Lives, – the – Scottish Chiefs, -Hume’s – England, – and a few other standard works. But most of the books are no longer read and are seldom heard of. This library existed until about 1840.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Methodist Social Library
    In 1831 a Library Association similar to the one last mentioned was organized in the northeast part of the town. It was called the Methodist Social Library. Its first meeting for organization was held May 3, 1831. Dr. Zephaniah Randall was chosen president; Joel Randall, vice-president; William Sawyer, clerk; Henry R. Healey, treasurer; and John A. Bates, librarian. The standing committee were Phineas Randall, Oakes Ames, John Bisbee, Francis French, and James Dickerman. A closet was built in the then new Methodist meeting-house to hold the books of the library. There were fifty-six shareholders. The first book on the list was Wesley’s – Sermons, – and the next the – American Constitution. – Then followed – Pilgrim’s Progress, – Opie on – Lying, – Hervey’s – Meditations, – etc. A large proportion of the books were theological and religious. It was not, however, a long-lived society, its last meeting being held May i, 1837. Its records are still preserved.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The District 2 Library
    In 1838, as Guilford White informs the writer, the Rev. Mr. Upham, of Salem, a member of the Board of Education, lectured in schoolhouses, with a view to establish district libraries. Such a library was formed by individual subscription in District No. 2, and about one hundred books, some of them excellent in character, were collected. After about twenty-five years there was very little interest taken in it, and when the Sunday-school in White’s Hall was organized, such books of the district library as remained, – about forty or fifty, – were turned into the Sunday School library. This school collected at last about three hundred volumes, but when the hall was burned, August 25, 1884, they were all consumed."
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Agricultural Library
    In i860, under the direction of John Reynolds, of Concord, Massachusetts, who was connected with the – New England Farmer, – an agricultural library was organized in Easton. Its first president was Oliver Ames, II; its vice-president, George W. Hayward; its secretary, Henry Daily; and John R. Howard was chosen its treasurer and librarian. The committee for the selection of books was Charles B. Pool, Oliver Ames, Jr., and David Hervey. There were one hundred and thirty-five very carefully selected books, besides duplicates. These books treated of the various branches of agriculture, horse and cattle breeding, and kindred subjects, and they were well studied and of great service. After the death of the librarian the books were removed to Mr. Manahan’s, where most of them remain today. The association is now practically dead, however.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The North Easton Library Association
    January 25, 1869, the above-named association was organized at North Easton village. Joseph Barrows was chosen president; Cyrus Lothrop, vice-president; F. L. Ames, secretary and treasurer; and A. A. Gilmore, Reuben Meader, Michael Macready, W. L. Chaffin, and P. A. Gifford, were elected directors. Persons became shareholders by the purchase of one or more shares, each costing five dollars. There were fifty shareholders, and ninety-five shares were sold. Any one might become a subscriber and have the use of the library and reading-room by paying at the rate of two dollars per year. There was an annual assessment of one dollar on each share. This library was located in the same building with the post-office, and George B. Cogswell was chosen librarian. A convenient reading-room was fitted up there, papers and magazines provided, and it became for eleven years a place of pleasant resort which will long be remembered by those accustomed to frequent it.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    Main Street
    In North Easton Village, was first laid out in 1744. It began a little south of Joseph Crossman’s (now Thomas Randall’s), passed between the gravel bank and the hill just west of it, came out where the road now runs east of Frederick Lothrop Ames’ farm-house, kept through the Village, and was continued nearly to the Stoughton line just above the Solomon R. Foster place. Those residents who had houses on this street in 1744 were Joseph C

    Posted by Historical Images on 2019-09-02 15:12:53

    Tagged: , Center , Image , Maps , Places , Wall , Pond , North , Governor , History , Site , Easton , Massachusetts , Farm , House , Road , Commission , Interior , People , Village , Simpson , Historical , Society , Home , Main , Sites , Houses , Registry , Museum , Station , Out , Door , Bay , Property , Town , District , Bridge , Washington , Shovel , Rail , Furnace , Botanical , Fence , Shop , National , Historic , Index , Wooster , Flower , Spring , Asahel , Park , Garden , Coe , Bristol , Vintage , Ames , Elementary

    #furniture #DIY #woodwork #woodworking #freedownload#woodworkingprojects #woodsmith ,wood craft, wood planer, fine woodworking, wooden chairs, wood working tools, popular woodworking, woodworking books, woodworking workbench plans

  • Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    More information on this image is available at the Easton Historical Society in North Easton, MA
    www.flickr.com/photos/historicalimagesofeastonma/albums
    ,
    image,
    Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, source, Ames Free Library, info, Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The development by Oliver Ames and Sons Corporation of the factory and village land use in a rather organic manner with a mix work-related classes created an integrated geographic network. The housing on perimeter edge with factories and business affairs in the center creating the village concept in North Easton. Other important concepts were the Furnace Village Cemetery, Furnace Village Grammar School and the Furnace Village Store, which explains Furnace Village and other sections of Easton.
    source: Massachusetts Historical Commission
    ,
    Ames Free Library
    When Oliver Ames died in 1871, he left a clause in his will which provided for the construction of a building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of Easton. The building, which was named the Ames Free Library, was opened to the public on March 10, 1883. Funds for maintaining the library have been increased from time to time by members of the Ames family, so that the library always remained a free library to the townspeople and it has never been necessary for the Town to contribute to its support. The architect was Henry Hobson Richardson who employed local syenite, a stone resembling granite, and red sandstone from Longmeadow in the construction of a Romanesque style of building. Although he designed many library buildings the Easton library has been called by architects one of the best of Richardson’s compositions. A visiting architect recently called it a gem of architectural design. Richardson had great creative genius and he was enough of a romantic: to love to add unusual features to his deigns, such as the gargoyles on the corners of the building as shown in the small cut and in carvings of sunflowers, birds, fishes, dragons, and other decorative details not usually noticed by the passerby. The interiors of the library are richly designed. The Reading Room has black walnut woodwork on walls and ceilings. In a massive hand carved stone fireplace is inserted a bronze tablet by Augustus St. Gaudens honoring the first donor Oliver Ames. It is said that the carving in the Stockroom was designed by the great Stanford White while he was employed in Richardson’s office. The woodwork here is of polished butternut. The main floor has alcoves for study purposes, and a· balcony with beautifully carved and turned posts and railings extends around the four sides. The ceiling rises in a grace-ful barrel-vault, forming an arch of perfect proportions. The Children’s Room was a later addition, built in 1931-32. This was given by Mrs. William H. Ames in memory of her husband, Wm. Hadwen Ames, son of Governor Oliver Ames. Through the continued support of Mrs. Ames, the Children’s Room able to acquire the beet in recent children’s literature. The library’s book collection has grown steadily so that it now is well over 32,000 volumes, with a wide range of subjects especially in non-fiction. Recent accessions include many new scientific and technical volumes. Annual circulation is rapidly approaching the 60, 000 mark.
    source: Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Mass., was founded by Oliver Ames, the second of that name. He was born at Plymouth, Nov. 5, 1807, but was a lifelong resident of North Easton, where he died March 9, 1877. Desiring to bestow some substantial and permanent benefit upon his neighbors and townsmen, he made three large bequests, one for schools, one for highways, and the third for founding and endowing a free public library. He provided that this library should be located at North Easton village, but that its privileges should be equally open to all the residents of the town. He also provided that the trustees should be appointed, and vacancies in their number filled, by the Unitarian Society of North Easton. The library opens with over ten thousand volumes. Its permanent fund has been increased by Sarah L. Ames, widow of its founder, and amounts to forty thousand dollars. The library building has been erected from the designs, and under the supervision, of H. H. Richardson, Esq., of Brookline, Mass. The catalogue has been compiled by Miss Harriet H. Ames y March of 1883.
    source; Catalogue of the Ames Free Library, North Easton, Massachusetts, Volume 1, Oliver Ames, founder, 1883, info, Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Massachusetts, originated in a bequest of the Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, who died March 9, 1877. The following is the bequest copied from the will, – Clause 10. I give and bequeath to my executors hereinafter named the sum of fifty thousand dollars, in trust, for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. The building is to be located by my executors at such place in School District No. 7 in Easton as will in their judgment best accommodate its users. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended in the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture for the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the income of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and its appurtenances and contents in repair. When the building is completed and the library purchased as aforesaid, I direct my executors to convey the same, by a suitable deed of trust securing the purposes above set forth, to five trustees, to be appointed by the Unitarian Society at North Easton ; and the said trustees shall have charge and control of the building and land under and belonging to the same, and the library and its funds. Any vacancy in the board of trustees shall be filled in the same manner the original appointment is made. – The amounts for the several purposes named in the bequest were largely increased by the heirs of Mr. Ames. The cost of the building, books, appurtenances, the cataloguing of the books, etc., up to the date of the opening of the library, was upwards of eighty thousand dollars. The permanent fund was increased from fifteen thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars by a gift of Mrs. Sarah L. Ames, widow of the donor. The Hbrary was opened to the public March 10, 1883. In accordance with a condition prescribed by the will, a board of five trustees was chosen at a meeting of the Unitarian Society of North Easton, held February 17, 1883. The following persons were chosen trustees: Frederick L. Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop, and George W. Kennedy. There are now over eleven thousand books in this library, which were very carefully selected in order to form the basis of a first-class collection. The catalogue is thoroughly and elaborately prepared. A large number of papers and periodicals supply needs of the beautiful reading-room. The library is an in estimable advantage to the town, furnishing the means of extending and elevating the knowledge and increasing the rational enjoyment of its residents, by whom it is liberally patronized. The library building is a handsome edifice, built of sienite from a quarry a ‘s throw distant, and has red sandstone trimmings. It is elaborately finished inside, the waiting-room and reading room being of black walnut, the latter having a massive and beautifully carved fireplace of red sandstone, the work on each side of and above the fireplace reaching to the ceiling, with a medallion of Mr. Ames in the center. The library room proper has two tiers of alcoves, and the exquisite wood-work is of polished butternut. In the second story of the building is a tenement for the librarian. The picture of this building in the book (- History of Easton, 1886 -) makes further description of it unnecessary. H. H. Richardson was its architect. Charles R. Ballard was appointed librarian on the opening of the library, and he still occupies this position.
    source; source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    THE AMES FREE LIBRARY.
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Massachusetts, originated in a bequest of the Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, who died March 9, 1877. The following is the bequest copied from the will : — Clause 10. I give and bequeath to my executors hereinafter named the sum of fifty thousand dollars, in trust, for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. The building is to be located by my executors at such place in School District No. 7 in Easton as will in their judgment best accommodate its users. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended in the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture for the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the in-come of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and ts appurtenances and contents in repair. When the building is completed and the library purchased as aforesaid, I direct my executors to convey the same, by a suitable deed of trust securing the purposes above set forth, to five trustees, to be appointed by the Unitarian Society at North Easton ; and the said trustees shall have charge and control of the building and land under and belonging to the same, and the library and its funds. Any vacancy in the board of trustees shall be filled in the same manner the original appointment is made.The amounts for the several purposes named in the bequest were largely increased by the heirs of Mr. Ames. The cost of the building, books, appurtenances, the cataloguing of the books, etc., up to the date of the opening of the library, was upwards of eighty thousand dollars. The permanent fund was increased from fifteen thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars by a gift of Mrs. Sarah L. Ames, widow of the donor. The Library was opened to the public March 10, 1883. In accordance with a condition prescribed by the will, a board of five trustees was chosen at a meeting of the Unitarian Society of North Easton, held February 17, 1883. The following persons were chosen trustees: Frederick L. Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop, and George W. Kennedy. There are now over eleven thousand books in this library, which were very carefully selected in order to form the basis of a first class collection. The catalogue is thoroughly and elaborately prepared. A large number of papers and periodicals supply the needs of the beautiful reading room. The library is an inestimable advantage to the town, furnishing the means of extending and elevating the knowledge and increasing the rational enjoyment of its residents, by whom it is liberally patronized. The library building is a handsome edifice, built of sienite from a quarry a stone’s throw distant, and has red sandstone trimmings. It is elaborately finished inside, the waiting room and reading room being of black walnut, the latter having a massive and beautifully carved fireplace of red sandstone, the stone work on each side of and above the fireplace reaching to the ceiling, with a medallion of Mr. Ames in the centre. The library-room proper has two tiers of alcoves, and the exquisite wood-work is of polished butternut. In the second story of the building is a tenement for the librarian. The pictures of this building makes further description of it unnecessary. H. H. Richardson was its architect. Charles R. Ballard was appointed librarian on the opening of the library, and he still occupies this position.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc.
    1883 – 1982 The First Century
    A Centennial History of Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc. 1883-1983
    ,
    In a library, you deal with the stuff out of which eternity is made, the garnered best that mortals have thought and hoped, preserved in words of force and beauty.
    Mary Lavinia Lamprey upon the occasion of her fiftieth anniversary as Librarian at Ames Free Library, September 1941.
    ,
    OPENING DAY
    It was Saturday, March 10, 1883 – opening day at Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc.
    The new library, a gift to the town by Oliver Ames, industrialist, railroad builder and leading citizen of North Easton, Massachusetts, rose from its hilltop location in the form of a small castle. Henry Hobson Richardson, the famous architect, had positioned it at the rise of the hill off Main Street. With the adjacent Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, which Richardson had built in 1881 in honor of Oliver Ames’ older brother, it was the central point of North Easton. Old photographs show the two imposing buildings, as yet without the surrounding tall trees, as structures of native granite, rising tall into the sky.
    In 1883, Easton by the standards of the day was a busy, flourishing place with a population that had increased from 1,756 in 1830 to almost 4,000 fifty years later. The town consisted of four districts: North and South Easton, Easton Furnace and Eastondale. Each neighborhood had streets of neat cottages, homesteads and garden plots plus a variety of industries that gave the town more life and bustle than was usually found in a New England village. These included the Ames Shovel and Tool Company in North Easton; a gristmill, machine shops and a wheelwright’s shop in South Easton; and foundries and a carriage factory in Easton Furnace.
    The Ames Shovel Works in the 80 years since its founding in 1803 had become the largest firm of its kind in the world. Almost a part of American history, it had manufactured tools for such major events as the War of 1812, the Gold Rush of 1849, the movement of prairie schooners across the country, the building of the transcontinental railroad. Opening day at Ames Free Library was like any other, without fanfare and ceremony. According to the Rules and Regulations of 1883, any resident of Easton over fourteen years of age could be a borrower, but only a single book could be taken out at a time, unless the work is in more than one volume, in which case, two may be taken. The first book of Ames Free Library Statistics gives a picture of what the library meant to the town from the very beginning. During opening month of March 1883, 1,643 books went into circulation, a very large figure for a town with a population of 4,000. In Victorian times, novels were considered frivolous; so the two largest categories read by the first borrowers were listed in the record book as a Juvenile Reading and Prose Fiction. Later generations would call them novels.
    A quotation from the 1882 Annual Report of the School Committee of tire Town shows the appreciation that was felt for the gift of a public library. We desire to call attention to this library, soon to be opened, as an important auxiliary in the education of our children. Not only will teachers find therein a good collection of books that will assist them in perfecting themselves in the true theory and art of teaching but they will also be able to suggest good reading to the children and may do much, if they will, to cultivate in them a pure and rational literary taste.

    THE BEQUEST
    Oliver Ames, donor of Ames Free Library, was a man of many facets. During his 70 years, he held a number of positions, first as a leading manufacturer, and, later, as a railroad builder and official, a financier and banker, and a statesman. His father, Old Oliver, having served an apprenticeship as iron- worker under his brother, David, superintendent of the Springfield Arsenal, first worked in Plymouth as a blacksmith and then operated a shovel shop in Bridgewater. In 1803, needing more power and space for the works, he borrowed money from his brother and moved his shop from Bridgewater to North Easton, where water power was plentiful. Some 40 years later, around 1844, he reorganized his flourishing business as Oliver Ames & Sons and turned it over to his sons Oakes and Oliver.
    The shovel shop continued to prosper under the two brothers, eventually becoming the largest establishment of its kind. By the 1850s, Oliver Ames, the second son of Old Oliver, now free to participate in politics, was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 1852 and in 1857. With his brother Oakes, who had been requested to take hold of the Union Pacific Railroad by President Lincoln, he took a leading role in the building of the transcontinental railroad. He served as its acting president from 1866 to 1868 and as formal president from 1868 to 1871.
    After the death of Oakes Ames on 1873, Oliver Ames, becomes the head of the shovel works. A long-time resident of North Easton, he participated in many local and area affairs. He was vice-president of the Massachusetts Total Abstinence Society, trustee of Taunton Insane Asylum, and, although a Unitarian by belief, he gave a church to the Methodists of Easton. He was the donor of Unity Church in 1875, and with his brother Oakes, donated the site of the 1st Catholic church in North Easton in 1850.
    Before the establishment of Ames Free Library, Oliver Ames, was a member of several of the social or subscription libraries that were organized in town as forerunners of the town’s public library. In 1823 he joined the second Library Association in Easton that offered such reading fare as Bacon’s Essays and Plutarch’s Lives. He was a shareholder and a member of the standing committee of the Methodist Social Library from 1831 until its demise in 1837. Then in the 1860’s he was president of the Agricultural Library, which contained a collection of 135 volumes on the various branches of agriculture, particularly horse and cattle breeding.
    After his death on March 9, 1877, Oliver Ames left generous bequests to Easton that included a fund for the schools of Easton, thus insuring a better education for generations of young people to come, as well as a fund for the improvement of local roads. Both funds are still in force and continue to make important contributions to the town’s well-being.
    Most important of all, Oliver Ames left, as his will states, a sum of fifty thousand dollars for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. –
    The building was to be relocated in school district No. 7 in Easton and directions for financing were explicit. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended on the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture of the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the income of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and its appurtenances and contents in repair. –
    Thus the Ames Free Library Came into being.

    RICHARDSON’S LIBRARY
    In the autumn of 1877, Frederick Lothrop Ames and Helen Angier Ames began to carry out their father’s bequest of building a library that would be a private institution not owned by the town, but held in trust for the public. –
    Their choice of an architect was Henry Hobson Richardson, a relatively young man of thirty-nine just rising to the top of his profession, who had won the competition for Trinity Church in Boston. Both Frederick Lothrop Ames and Richardson were Harvard graduates, in the classes of 1855 and 1859 respectively, and the two soon became close friends, with Ames acting as the architect’s patron on a number of occasions. Greatly involved with horticulture, he was impressed by Richardson’s association with Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s leading landscape designer. He was also influenced by the tact that Richardson was working on another memorial library in Woburn at the time. So the commission to build Ames Free Library was given to Richardson in September of 1877.
    Henry Hobson Richardson, considered by critics to be the greatest American architect of his generation, studied at Harvard in the class of 1859 and later at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Returning to the United States in 1865, he received his first commission, the building of Unity Church in Springfield, that same year. By the early 1870’s, with the design of Trinity Church in Boston, Richardson had developed his own characteristic style of architecture, based on the massive stone structures of the Romanesque period in 10th and llth century France and Spain, when many of the great|castles and cathedrals were built. Ames free Library, constructed by the firm of Norcross and Company of Worcester, is one of the very fine examples of Richardson’s art. The robust stone building of light brown Milford granite with trim of reddish sandstone gives the illusion of massiveness without being overly large and is in gracious proportion to its setting of lawns and shrubbery. Earth colors prevail in the exterior, with a roof of red-orange tile for contrast, and as in other Richardson buildings, there is an entrance arch, positioned to one side rather than in the center. Indications of the architect’s whimsical humor are shown by the use of decorative motifs that include birds, fish, flowers, corner gargoyles and hoop-snakes on the drain pipes.
    The interior of the library has a charming intimacy that is in direct contrast to the rough-hewn outer walls. Polished butternut wood gleams in the stack area to the left of the entrance room, and the richness of black walnut gives the reading room an air of quiet elegance.
    Originally, the book stack room was separated from the rest of the library by a beautifully carved wooden screen and a desk for the librarian, both constituting a barrier to the public, since it was the accepted practice in those days to deny library users access to the book stacks. The ground floor beyond the screen consisted of study alcoves with tables placed down the center aisle, though this arrangement would also be changed in later years. A balcony extends around all four sides, and, soaring above the stacks, is a rare, barrel-type ceiling with apple-wood strappings. The beautiful and delicate wood carvings throughout the building, including the typical spindle-design of the balcony posts, are worthy of note.
    The reading room with its panels of dark walnut, located on the opposite side of the entrance area, is dominated by a large brownstone fireplace on the north wall, which is the work of Stanford White. In its center is a bas relief of Oliver Ames, the donor, by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Several pieces of unconventional furniture in this room were designed by Richardson and provide interesting conversation pieces. They include a huge easy chair with squat legs and three large tables with substantial, carved underpinnings, all of them having the look of giants’ furniture. Perhaps this is not strange, as Richardson was a giant of a man.
    According to Mariana Van Rensselaer, Richardson’s early biographer, the library building was completed in 1879 but it did not open until 1883 – 4 years later. Possible overruns in costs have been suggested as a reason for the delay, since final expenses are estimated to have risen to $80,000, Sarah Lothrop Ames, Oliver Ames’ widow, made a contribution of $40,000 to the permanent library fund, and Ames Free Library opened its doors on March 10, 1883.

    BEGINNINGS
    The first step toward opening the new library was taken on February 17, 1883, when the Unitarian Society of North Easton held a meeting to carry out the condition laid down in Oliver Ames’ will that this organization appoint the Board Members of the Ames Free Library. A Board of five directors was named, the appointees including: Frederick Lothrop Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop and George W. Kennedy.
    Prior to their first meeting, the library directors took steps to have an Act of Incorporation passed by the Massachusetts Legislature that would make Ames Free Library one of the few incorporated libraries in the state. House Bill No. 157 was reported from the House of Representatives on March 8, 1883. The terms of the Act, quoted here in part, are as follows: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: 1. Section 1. Frederick L. Ames, Cyrus Lothrop, William L. Chaffin, George W. Kennedy and Lincoln S. Drake, trustees under the will of Oliver Ames, deceased, and holding property, real and personal, under said will, for the purpose of maintaining a free public library in the town of Easton, and their successors in said trust, are hereby made a corporation, under the name of the Ames Free Library of Easton … –
    On Tuesday, February 20, 1883, at 4 p.m., the Board of Directors held their organization meeting at the library, electing Frederick Lothrop Ames, president, William Chaffin, secretary and George W. Kennedy, treasurer. According to the bylaws they set up, they would meet the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. and have their annual meeting in June, though these dates would be subject to change in later years. Selection of a librarian being the first order of business, the Board voted to have the president consult with C. R. Ballard concerning the terms under which he would become librarian.
    Three days later, on February 23, 1883, the Board met again and, according to the minutes of that meeting, voted to offer Mr. Ballard a salary of $900 and rent of the apartment in the building, with the understanding that he should take charge of all the work of librarian and janitor, except only the gardening work of the grounds. At another meeting five days later, on February 28, Mr. Ames reported Ballard’s acceptance and the Board voted to appoint him to the position of librarian. They also voted that, while Miss Harriet H. Ames remains here, the librarian shall act under her direction, Miss Ames being a sister of the donor.
    Born in Tinmouth, Vermont, in 1827, Charles R. Ballard was 56 years old when he became librarian. No longer a young man, he had had many years of experience as an educator, having received his training at Castleton Seminary, Vermont, and at the University of Vermont in Burlington. He had served as principal of several academies, normal and high schools, for the most part, in his native Vermont. In 1871, he left Woodstock High School, also in that state, to accept the position of principal at Easton High School. Continuing in this post for six years, he resigned from the public school system in 1877 and instructed private pupils.
    Although Ballard received a formal appointment as Ames Free Librarian on February 28, 1883, Chaffin, in his History of The Town of Easton, Massachusetts, writes that he began work on March 15, 1880. Since the Board did not consider any other candidates, it is quite possible that Ballard was hired on an informal basis on the earlier date so that he could purchase the 10,000 new books that were on the shelves on opening day, catalog them, and prepare for the library’s opening in many other ways.The first schedule of 36 opening hours a week was most liberal for those times. The library was open every day from 2 to 6 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., Sundays and holidays excepted.
    Book arrangement in those years before modern classification systems, was by subject, with 19 departments shelved in 14 alcoves. Some of the categories, such as Description and Travel, Biography and History, would be familiar to present-day users, but such classes as Public Documents and the odd combination of Philosophy, Sociology & Law seem most peculiar. In those days, black covers were put on the books to protect them, and, at the end of each month, the librarian kept a record of the number of books covered. –
    The concept of a card catalog had not yet been devised, but the library was fortunate in having the latest thing in a book catalogue (with the old- fashioned spelling, it will be noted). The Catalogue of Ames Free Library, North Easton, Massachusetts, compiled by Miss Harriet H. Ames, and printed in 1883 by the Franklin Press in Boston, consisted of four handsome volumes bound in scarlet leather. Kept to date by bound Bulletins 1-3, to January 1, 1892, this Catalogue was much in demand. The Minutes of the Ames Free Library Board meeting on November 13, 1883, record the fact that the Watertown, Nantucket libraries, the Dyer Library of Saco, Maine, were permitted to have catalogues sent to them," as requested. At the meeting on May 10, the Board voted to send a copy to Gloucester, also by request.
    Library users who wanted a book shelved in the alcoves had to write an application on a Hall Slip, and the librarian would then get it. This formal procedure was necessary because of the unbreakable library rule that said: No person, except the librarian, assistant, or a trustee shall enter an alcove or take any book from the shelves without special permission. Since all libraries operated this way, borrowers accepted the restriction as a matter of course.
    Charles R. Ballard proved to be an able librarian according to the standards of his day, but he did not have a long stay at the library. Only eight years later, on September 30, 1891, he submitted his resignation to the Board, to be effective November 1, 1891. The Library Minutes do not give the reason for his going, but, in a speech made many years later, in 1941, Mrs. Mary Ames Frothingham, then President of the Board, said that increasing deafness had forced him to resign. At the same meeting of September 30, when Ballard submitted his resignation, the Board voted to appoint Miss Mary L. Lamprey as librarian with a salary of $900, it being understood that she was entitled to the use of the tenement and that her father would perform or supervise the needed janitor work. –
    ,
    THE LAMPREY YEARS
    Born in Knoxville, Iowa on April 29, 1870, Mary Lavinia Lamprey came to North Easton at the age of seven. The daughter of Maitland C. Lamprey, who was the principal of Easton High School, she was in her third year at Boston University when the Board of Directors offered her the librarianship at Ames Free Library on the recommendation of Frederick Lothrop Ames. She accepted the position, and, although her only training was a month’s instruction from Mr. Ballard, she carried out her duties capably from the beginning.
    In 1893, upon the death of Frederick Lothrop Ames, his son Oliver was appointed to the Board and, later, elected to its presidency. Several changes were then made at the library, the first, in 1894, being the enlargement of the shelving areas, as book accessions had increased to the point of overcrowding. The firm of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge was asked to submit plans and the solution of the problem was to build shelves against the south end of the book room. If crowded conditions still prevailed, it was suggested that book stacks be placed along its center. At this time, some of the reference books were removed to the reading room and constituted the nucleus of the reference collection as we know it today.
    The next change on the Board came in 1900, when Miss Mary S. Ames, later to be Mrs. Louis A. Frothingham, replaced Lincoln S. Drake, who had resigned. She proved to be a most progressive trustee, serving as President from 1929 to 1955. When the subject of a card catalog, a very recent development in the library world that would replace the cumbersome book catalogue, came up, Miss Ames volunteered to buy one for the library, and her offer was gratefully accepted by the Board.
    Among the gifts provided through Miss Ames’ generosity in the next few years were shrubbery and other adornment of the library grounds, the addition of fire extinguishers and a fire escape, screens for the balcony and the sets of stereoscopic views of Russia and the United States that were so popular at the time.
    On July 13, 1903, the Board started the practice of sending book deposits to the schools, voting that a number of books, not exceeding 20 each, be allowed to teachers of the public schools. Special wooden carriers with handles were obtained to hold the books, and, in these days before the school libraries, Ames Free Library books proved to be valuable supplements to school texts. On January 12, 1910, Miss Lamprey reported that 1,020 books had circulated in the schools, and the Library Minutes record that these were especially welcome and useful in the outlying districts.
    Innovations and changes continued. At the Board meeting on April 25, 1905, a report on typewriters, written by Miss Lamprey, was read by the Board and Secretary William L. Chaffin was authorized to purchase one. Thus the era of hand-written cards, for which librarians were trained to use a special library script which conserved space, came to an end, and Ames Free Library was one step nearer to the modern age. A few years later, in 1907, the first electric wiring was introduced when the trustees voted to employ Master Winthrop Jones to provide electric lights for the library stairway.
    In this same year with the increase of the Swedish population, it was decided to add 20 books in that language and to subscribe to a Swedish newspaper, all of which were greatly appreciated.
    There was one area where the trustees were not so progressive in their outlook. When the subject of having a telephone installed was brought up at the meeting on October 19, 1908, they came to the conclusion that it was not essential. Nine years later, the matter coming up again on April 7, 1917, the Board decided that they saw no real need of a telephone for library use, but they do not object to the librarian’s putting one into the building at her own expense for her private use, in which case, they should be informed of it, as they would order how and where the wires should run. On January 21, 1930, Edward M. Carr, who had followed William L. Chaffin as secretary, was finally given the go-ahead to look into the question of a telephone. When the call came, the trustees voted to give $25 (then a substantial sum) to these soldiers’ libraries, and Miss Lamprey reported to them on the success of the book campaign at Ames Free Library.
    The war campaign, she wrote, was carried on vigorously in the library by the large gifts of two of your (the Board’s) number and generous gifts by many other people so that we were able to more than double our quota, sending in $535 instead of the $250 called for. We also collected 200 very presentable books and six large boxes of magazines, half of which were sent to Camp Devens and half to the Boston Public Library, thence to be distributed to other camps and training ships.
    The Library Minutes give an interesting picture of the aftermath of the war in Easton. It is recorded under January 11, 1919 that: The librarian reported a decline in circulation for the year, the main cause of which was that, whereas the library is usually open 290 days, it was open last year only 264 days on account of the severe cold weather, the influenza, etc. The various Red Cross activities decreased the reading of the women. –
    With the return of peace. Miss Lamprey turned her attention to regular library matters once more. By 1923, the old system of book arrangement having proved inadequate, she suggested that the books be re-numbered according to the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme, which most public libraries were now using. This was an enormous task, since numbers on all the books and on all book records had to be changed. The Board, however, realizing the advantages of the change-over, gave their permission, and Miss Lamprey carried out the project with the help of more than 70 grade-school children, who gave their time gratuitously.
    The recataloging completed successfully, Ames Free Library was now a modern library, operating under standard methods.
    At their meeting on January 26, 1931, the Board of Library Directors received a pleasant surprise in the form of a letter from Mrs, William Hadwen Ames, Board Member. It read:
    – …I desire to present to the Trustees an addition to the library building in accordance with the sketch and plans of Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbot submitted herewith and to furnish and equip it for the use of children….Such addition shall always be known as the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room and shall be for the use and benefit of the children. –
    On that same day, the Board sent a reply, informing Mrs. Ames that they had voted to accept with deep gratitude your very generous offer to build a children’s room as an addition to Ames Free Library, this room always to be called the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room.
    Mrs. Fanny Holt Ames, is the widow of William Hadwen Ames, son of Governor Oliver and Mrs. Anna Coffin Ames. Appointed to the Library Board in 1929, she was elected secretary on October 20, 1949. The memorial room for her husband opened to the public November 10, 1931.
    It was a Tuesday afternoon, and townspeople of all ages came to visit the new William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room. A harmonious addition to H.H. Richardson’s main building, it was constructed by the architectural firm formed by the members of the famous architect’s office after his death in 1886. Proportions of the room are spacious, with tall windows along its two sides and a beautiful floor-to-ceiling window at its end that overlooks the library grounds. Alcoves along the sides contain circular, glass-top tables with chairs around them and, nearby, there are window seats upholstered in red leather most delightful places to read, – according to an article in The Easton Bulletin of Thursday, January 7, 1932. Above the entrance to the room is a tablet of English oak, more than 500 years old, carrying the inscription,The William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room. –
    Delighted with the new facility for young readers, Librarian Mary L. Lamprey soon put it to good use by holding a series of story hours Saturday afternoons at four o’clock in front of the big bay window. Her first, based on the theme of Children the World Over, featured travel tales that would be of interest to children up to grade 7. Later programs included stories about Abraham Lincoln on February 12th and, a little later, North American Indian legends.
    On November 10, 1981, Mrs. William Hadwen Ames celebrated the 50th anniversary of the children’s room by inviting young library users to a birth- day party to commemorate the occasion. Sixty children came to enjoy a magic show and refreshments of ice-cream served by the hostess. Afterwards, the young guests wrote thank-you letters to the gracious lady who had given the town the great gift of a children’s room. They were collected into an album and presented to the benefactress.
    After her resignation from the Board of Directors in January 1969, Mrs. Ames, having served on the Board for 40 years as a director, 20 years as secretary, was made an honorary trustee for life. Although she no longer resides in her beautiful home at Spring Hill, North Easton, she still visits the children’s room, and, each year, she makes generous contributions for its upkeep as well as for new juvenile books.

    CHANGES
    The addition of a children’s room seemed to serve as impetus for other innovations at Ames Free Library, Mrs. Frothingham, concerned as always, with the preservation and upkeep of the building, had an estimate made by the firm of Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbot for re-decorating the reading and the stack rooms. The trustees agreed to have the work done, asking Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr. to look into the matter of purchasing a new circulation desk. At the meeting on July 11, 1932, Mrs. Kate L. Porter, who was now secretary, reported that a desk was being made by the Library Bureau Company.
    Then something unprecedented in the history of the library happened during the summer of 1932. It closed to the public from June 20 to July 28, and, during that period, the cage (Miss Lamprey’s high desk) was removed. Also removed was the grill between the charge room and the stack area. The high desk and grill gone, the library moved into the era of the open stack, and readers could go directly to the shelves to pick out their own books instead of filling out "Hall Slips. The balcony was still off-limits and would be, until Mrs. Irene Smith, Miss Lamprey’s successor, opened it in 1944.
    Many other improvements were introduced in 1932, including: the addition of an electric clock, the gift of Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr.; modification of the fireplace and renovation of the reading room in other ways, modern lighting throughout the building and refinishing the card catalog. All these changes, according to Secretary Kate L. Porter, made "a harmonious whole" of the library.
    The greatest change at Ames Free Library occurred in 1944, when after 53 years ot service Mary L. Lamprey retired from the position of librarian.
    Three years before, on September 30, 1941, which marked her 50th anniversary at the library. Miss Lamprey was honored by the trustees at a dinner held in the children’s room. The long table was beautifully decorated by Mrs. William A. Parker, wife of William A., who served on the Board from 1929 to 1978. The list of guests included library dignitaries, local and state officials. The Board of Directors presented Miss Lamprey with a purse of $1,000 and a set of Resolutions bound in red leather. Afterwards, the group adjourned to the Frothingham Memorial where a general reception was held for the townspeople.
    Mrs. Frothingham, who gave the keynote address, praised Miss Lamprey for her many achievements, saying that, during her 50 years of service, she had increased the number of library books from 13,000 to 27,500. She had given dedicated service to the schools, having taught generations of high school students how to use the library and had conducted reading clubs and study groups in foreign affairs for adults. After Mrs. William Hadwen Ames’ gift of a children’s room, she organized story hours, history and travel contests and classes in art and nature study for children and presented little plays with casts of youngsters.
    She also organized the Garden Club of Easton and served as its first president. Librarians in other communities held her in respect, and Mrs. Frothingham entertained one hundred members of the American Library Association for her at a tea in the famous Frothingham rose gardens on June 23,1941.
    The townspeople also loved and admired Miss Lamprey, although many of them felt somewhat in awe of her. A leading woman club member of Easton looking back to the library under Miss Lamprey, remarked upon how high her standards were and how hard she had worked to measure up to them. A successful North Easton man still counts it among the principal honors of his life that she allowed him to go beyond the grill and pick out books in the alcoves many years before they were opened to the public. Still others remember coming into the library as mischievous, little boys and being sent peremptorily down to Queset River to wash their hands before they handled the books.
    We like best to remember Mary L. Lamprey by her definition of a library given on the occasion of her 50th anniversary celebration.
    She said: In a library you deal with the stuff out of which eternity is made the garnered best that mortals have thought and hoped, preserved in words of force and beauty.

    MRS. FROTHINGHAM’S ERA
    Mrs. Mary Frothingham, widow of Congressman Louis A. Frothingham, who died in 1928, was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1900 and served as its President from 1929 to 1955. Full of zeal and enthusiasm, she not only instituted many changes throughout the building but often paid for them out of her own pocket.
    She and Mrs. William H, Ames, were given the responsibility to selecting Miss Lamprey’s successor is not an easy task. Their choice was Mrs. Irene Smith, who would begin her duties on September 1, 1944. A popular and able librarian, Mrs. Smith had received her training at the City Library Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Before coming to Easton, she was Reference Librarian at the Public Library in Hartford, Connecticut.
    The decade of the forties brought World War II with its many shortages. Finding it difficult to get supplies of fuel oil, the Board decided to convert the furnace to coal. In 1943, a year before Mrs. Smith’s arrival, Mrs. Frothingham informed the Board that she had purchased a boiler and a Winkler stoker. The Board proposed these to be placed alongside the present boiler so that both be available in the future. A little later, she volunteered to assume the expense of the new boiler and stoker, and, until their installation, she loaned one of her own stoves to the library to be used for heating the reading room. In 1951, eight years later, a new oil burner was installed, the alternate coal system being retained for emergencies.
    In the final year of the war, Mr. Edward Carr, the treasurer, reported that the war damage insurance coverage was in force up to July 20, 1945. Fortunately, it was never necessary to renew it.
    After the war, David Ames, Mrs. Frothingham’s nephew, returning from service in the Pacific, took an interest in the library. At the request of his aunt, he contributed his services, working on the grounds and mowing the lawns. On March 26, 1946, he became her assistant in charge of maintenance and repairs of library buildings and grounds, and was for- mallv appointed to the Board in 1949.
    In 1950, Mrs. Frothingham attained her 50th year of service on the Board, and, on April 11th, Mrs. William Hadwen Ames, the secretary, read a letter signed by 1700-1800 people addressed to her in honor of the occasion. It ran: The fiftieth anniversary of your becoming a trustee of the Ames Free Library offers to us, your fellow townspeople and users of the library, the opportunity to express our appreciation of the benefits derived from your good citizenship by all of us in our beloved community.
    After Mrs. Frothingham’s death in 1955, Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr., presented her portrait painted by Lazlo to the library. It now hangs in the reading room and depicts a handsome and aristocratic lady who directed library policies efficiently and wisely for half a century.

    DAVID AMES, PRESIDENT
    On June 6, 1955, David Ames was unanimously elected to the presidency of the Board left vacant by Mrs. Frothingham’s death. In the six years since 1949, when he became a Board member, he had introduced many innovations throughout the building. Its care and upkeep continues to be one of his priorities.
    The most important action taken at this time was the complete replacement of the roof of the main building with tiles that were especially made to duplicate the originals. In 1955, the basement room was renovated, new steel racks for shelving books were added and, later, a dehumidifier was introduced to preserve volumes of permanent value. A modern system of fluorescent lighting was put into the entrance room, the reading room, the vestibule to the children’s room as well. Special fluorescent fixtures were devised for the stack area with its high-vaulted ceiling.
    There were several changes of librarians in the following decades. After twelve years at Ames Free Library, Mrs. Irene Smith submitted her resignation in 1956, having accepted the position of librarian at Nantucket Atheneum, the Board appointed Miss Irene Poirier, who had served as librarian at the Lenox Library Association, also a privately endowed institution, as Mrs. Smith’s successor. A capable librarian serving the interests of the library and community with dedication. Miss Poirier upheld high library standards. Active in her profession, she served as president of the Old Colony Library Club and was a member of a number of Massachusetts Library Association committees.
    After Miss Poirier left in 1968, the library was fortunate in obtaining the services of Mrs. Minnie B. Figmic, who had extensive experience in the Duxbury Library. Despire her physical limitations, she rendered excellent and dependable service. A new and more accurate book charging system was installed at the library under Mrs. Figmic’s direction, wherein library books were charged to borrowers’ card numbers instead of to their names.
    In 1976, the library was again fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Margaret M. Meade as librarian. Miss Meade received her training at Bridgewater State College and her library degree from the University of Rhode Island. She had served in the Brockton Public Library for 36 years, holding the positions of Head Cataloger and Assistant to the Head Librarian. Her contributions to the library have been the reorganization of the book collection with the addition of new shelving in the basement, carrying out an efficient policy of book discards, standardization of cataloging methods and writing newspaper columns that have contributed to good public relations. She was invaluable in compiling and researching this history.
    Until 1972, financial support of the library was provided entirely by private funds, but in that year, the Board of Directors decided to apply for state aid, feeling that the town should benefit by the state’s largesse. In order to qualify for state aid, the town voted an annual appropriation of $1,000 to the library.
    In 1977, the town increased its appropriation so that summer hours could be increased from 14 to 28, and in 1979, winter hours were lengthened from 40 to 44. By 1982, the population of Easton having risen to 16,623, the library complied with state standards and implemented a 50-hour a week opening, as required.
    As of 1982, the financial report showed $82,000 from endowment, $10,000 from the town of Easton, and $8,300 from the state of Massachusetts.
    Meanwhile, several changes in library government had been made. In 1977, Ames Free Library reorganized as a corporation rather than as a charitable trust as it had been operating since 1883 under the terms of Oliver Ames’ will. The trustees, no longer elected by the Unitarian Society of Easton, were designated as directors, and the chairman of the Easton Board of Selectmen was included as a Board member ex-officio.
    With the onset of the energy crisis in 1979, the Board of Directors put a number of measures for conservation into operation. At the meeting of November 11, 1979, mention was made of an anticipated increase in the fuel bill for the following year, and it was voted to maintain a temperature of 65 degrees during the winter months, as required by law. Certain radiators in the downstairs work-room and stack areas were to be turned off. The large picture windows in the children’s room presented a problem until Mrs. William H. Ames made a generous contribution of custom-made storm windows plus screens to be installed in this area. The minutes note that the new windows, which kept the room warm and comfortable all winter and lowered the fuel consumption as well, were greatly appreciated by the Board, the staff, and the library patrons.
    As H. H. Richardson’s reputation increased over the years, Ames Free Library attracted wide attention as an example of his architecture. Each year, students of architecture from many colleges and universities come to study it, and it is included in the itineraries of tour groups. Visitors signing the guest book come from all parts of the United States as well as from abroad. In spite of its prominence in the world of architecture, the building is a public library in function and intent, not a museum. It continues to carry out the original purpose of its donor of bringing the world of books to the people of Easton.
    Circulation statistics measure how successful the library has been in reaching the people of Easton. In 1883, the opening year, 17,366 books went into circulation, 4,401 of them Juvenile reading. The most recent count taken June 30, 1983 shows that 66,338 books were borrowed during 1982-83, 35,942 from the adult section and 30,396 from the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room (or juvenile section). From the beginning, a comprehensive collection of reading materials was available to library users. The earliest statement of holdings, taken in 1884, showed a total of 10,646 volumes, while the current total has increased to 48,527.
    The library history would be incomplete without mention of the indispensable services of the staff, whose support, ability and cooperation across one hundred years has made possible the services of the library to the community.
    People are the greatest resource of any public library, and Ames Free Library has been more than fortunate in this respect. Generations of children have grown up at the library, and adults from all walks of life have come through the wide front doors in search of entertainment and knowledge. Over the years there has been an unending line of dedicated board members, some of them giving almost a lifetime of service.
    ,
    The following achieved longevity records:
    34 years – David Ames, Board member (1949- ), President (1955- ) 39 years – Rev. William L. Chaffin, Board member (1883-1922) and Secretary (1883-1922) 40 years – Mrs. William Hadwen Ames, Board member (1929-1969) and Secretary (1949-1969) 45 years – Edward Carr, Board member (1922-1967) and Treasurer (1929-1967) 49 years – William A. Parker, Board member (1929-1978) 53 years – Mary L. Lamprey, Librarian (1891-1944) 55 years – Mary Ames Frothingham, Board member (1900-1955) and President (1929-1955)
    Board members in office during the centennial year are as follows: David Ames, President; Douglas D. Porter, Treasurer; Elizabeth M. Ames, Clerk; Esther C. Anderson; William M. Ames; and Leo R. Harlow, member ex- officio and Chairman of the Easton Board of Selectmen.
    At the close of this first century in the continuing history of Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc., its dedicated trustees look forward to a future of even greater use of the library and even closer ties with the community.
    PRESIDENTS Frederick L. Ames 1883-1893 Cyrus Lothrop 1893-1912 Oliver Ames 1912-1929 Mary Ames Frothingham 1929-1955 David Ames 1955-
    SECRETARIES Rev. William L. Chaffin 1883-1922 (April) Rev. Fred R. Lewis 1922-June & July Edward M. Carr 1923-1929 Mrs. Robert B. Porter 1929-1937 Gilman H. Campbell 1937-1949 Mrs. William H. Ames 1949-1969 Mrs. John S. Ames 111 1969-1976 Mrs. David Ames 1976-
    TREASURERS George W. Kennedy 1883-1910 George C. Barrows 1910-1929 Edward M. Carr 1929-1967 Douglas D. Porter 1967 –
    DIRECTORS Frederick L, Ames 1883-1893 Oliver Ames 1893-1929 William A. Parker 1929-1978 William M. Ames1978- Rev. William L. Chaffin 1883-1922 Edward M. Carr 1922-1967 Douglas D. Porter 1967- Cyrus Lothrop 1883-1912 Frederick Porter 1912-1919 Rev. Fred R. Lewis 1919-1925 Mrs. Robert Porter 1925-1937 Gilman H. Campbell 1937-1949 David Ames 1949- Lincoln S. Drake 1883-1900 Mary S. Ames (Mrs. Louis A. Frothingham)1900-1955 Mrs. John S. Ames, Jr.1956 -1958 Mrs. David Ames1958- George. W. Kennedy 1883-1910 George C. Barrows 1910-1929 Mrs. William H. Ames 1929-1969 Mrs. JohnS. Ames III 1969-1976 Miss Esther C. Andersen 1977-
    LIBRARIANS Charles R. Ballard 1883-1891 Miss Mary L. Lamprey 1891-1944 Mrs. Irene Smith 1944-195(, Miss Irene M. Poirier 1956-1968 Mrs. Minnie B. Figmic 1968-1973 Charles Huelsbeck 1973-1974 Miss M. Joyce Davidson 1974-1976 Miss Margaret M. Meade 1976-
    ,
    Serving Ex-officio on the Board of Directors during term of office as Chairman of Board of Selectmen.
    Donald E. Andersen 1977-1980 Richard Martin 1981-1982 Lawrence M. Douglas 1982-1983 Leo R. Harlow 1983-
    Staff of 1983 (Publication of Book)
    source: Ames Free Library
    source: Centennial Committee, History of the Ames F L (1883-1983)
    ,Prior to the establishment of the Oliver Ames Free Library
    The First Social Library
    A library association with the above name existed in Easton as early as 1800. It was located in the southeast part of the town. The books were kept at the house of Roland Howard, who appears to have been the librarian. An informant speaks of the strong impression made upon her mind by the reading of the – History of Cain, one of the books of this library. About fifty of the books are still at their old headquarters in the Roland Howard house, now Mr. Collins’s home. They are mainly of an agricultural character, and are of course considerably dilapidated.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Washington Benevolent Society and Library’s members were charged an initiation fee of two dollars each.
    At the time of the War of 18 12 the country was divided between the Federalist and Anti-federalist parties; the latter being sometimes called Republican. Party feeling was intense and bitter. In New England the opposition to the war was very strong on the part of the Federalists. The latter were in a minority in Easton, and felt the need of union for sympathy and counsel. They therefore organized themselves into a society with the name given above. The name of Washington was used because he had sympathized with Federalist principles, and because his name was held in high honor. But why the society was called -Benevolent – does not appear. There seemed to be no better reason for its adoption than that it sounded well; it certainly laid the society open to the ridicule of the Republicans, who did not spare its members. This society was more like a political club; it had meetings for political purposes.
    As the name indicates, this society owned a library, which was doubtless composed principally of political works and periodicals. The society appears to have been organized about 1812, and it continued in existence nearly ten years. The members were charged an initiation fee of two dollars each.
    After the War of 1812 was over, and when the Hartford Convention had given the Federal party its death-blow, this Washington Benevolent Society and Library languished. Its affairs were not entirely settled, however, until 1823. Lewis Williams was then its treasurer, and from a carefully written paper which he prepared we learn that its membership was thirty- seven; its amount of fees, $73.00 (one member paying only a half fee) ; the amount realized from the sale of books, $25.25; the amount of assessments all told, $33-75; and that the total amount finally disbursed among existing members was $70.65.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Second Social Library
    Before 1823 there was formed a Library Association in Easton named as above. In order to form themselves into a legal society as they termed it, a meeting was regularly called at the request of five members, and was held February 6, 1823, at the chapel near the Congregational meeting-house, where it was legally organized. Israel Turner was made clerk ; Daniel Reed, librarian ; and Welcome Lothrop, treasurer. Dr. Samuel Deans, James Dean, and John Pool were chosen to inspect and superintend the concerns of the library. Among the members were Joseph Hayward, Sr., Lewis Williams, Dr. Caleb Swan, Alanson White, Sheperd Leach, Oakes Ames, Lincoln Drake, and twenty-five other citizens of Easton. At the second quarterly meeting a share (which included membership) was presented by the proprietors to the Rev. Luther Sheldon. The first book in the little catalogue was the – Theory of Agreeable Sensations. – Then came Bacon’s Essays, Burns’s Works, Plutarch’s – Lives, – the – Scottish Chiefs, -Hume’s – England, – and a few other standard works. But most of the books are no longer read and are seldom heard of. This library existed until about 1840.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Methodist Social Library
    In 1831 a Library Association similar to the one last mentioned was organized in the northeast part of the town. It was called the Methodist Social Library. Its first meeting for organization was held May 3, 1831. Dr. Zephaniah Randall was chosen president; Joel Randall, vice-president; William Sawyer, clerk; Henry R. Healey, treasurer; and John A. Bates, librarian. The standing committee were Phineas Randall, Oakes Ames, John Bisbee, Francis French, and James Dickerman. A closet was built in the then new Methodist meeting-house to hold the books of the library. There were fifty-six shareholders. The first book on the list was Wesley’s – Sermons, – and the next the – American Constitution. – Then followed – Pilgrim’s Progress, – Opie on – Lying, – Hervey’s – Meditations, – etc. A large proportion of the books were theological and religious. It was not, however, a long-lived society, its last meeting being held May i, 1837. Its records are still preserved.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The District 2 Library
    In 1838, as Guilford White informs the writer, the Rev. Mr. Upham, of Salem, a member of the Board of Education, lectured in schoolhouses, with a view to establish district libraries. Such a library was formed by individual subscription in District No. 2, and about one hundred books, some of them excellent in character, were collected. After about twenty-five years there was very little interest taken in it, and when the Sunday-school in White’s Hall was organized, such books of the district library as remained, – about forty or fifty, – were turned into the Sunday School library. This school collected at last about three hundred volumes, but when the hall was burned, August 25, 1884, they were all consumed."
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Agricultural Library
    In i860, under the direction of John Reynolds, of Concord, Massachusetts, who was connected with the – New England Farmer, – an agricultural library was organized in Easton. Its first president was Oliver Ames, II; its vice-president, George W. Hayward; its secretary, Henry Daily; and John R. Howard was chosen its treasurer and librarian. The committee for the selection of books was Charles B. Pool, Oliver Ames, Jr., and David Hervey. There were one hundred and thirty-five very carefully selected books, besides duplicates. These books treated of the various branches of agriculture, horse and cattle breeding, and kindred subjects, and they were well studied and of great service. After the death of the librarian the books were removed to Mr. Manahan’s, where most of them remain today. The association is now practically dead, however.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The North Easton Library Association
    January 25, 1869, the above-named association was organized at North Easton village. Joseph Barrows was chosen president; Cyrus Lothrop, vice-president; F. L. Ames, secretary and treasurer; and A. A. Gilmore, Reuben Meader, Michael Macready, W. L. Chaffin, and P. A. Gifford, were elected directors. Persons became shareholders by the purchase of one or more shares, each costing five dollars. There were fifty shareholders, and ninety-five shares were sold. Any one might become a subscriber and have the use of the library and reading-room by paying at the rate of two dollars per year. There was an annual assessment of one dollar on each share. This library was located in the same building with the post-office, and George B. Cogswell was chosen librarian. A convenient reading-room was fitted up there, papers and magazines provided, and it became for eleven years a place of pleasant resort which will long be remembered by those accustomed to frequent it.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    Main Street
    In North Easton Village, was first laid out in 1744. It began a little south of Joseph Crossman’s (now Thomas Randall’s), passed between the gravel bank and the hill just west of it, came out where the road now runs east of Frederick Lothrop Ames’ farm-house, kept through the Village, and was continued nearly to the Stoughton line just above the Solomon R. Foster place. Those residents who had houses on this street in 1744 were Joseph Cros

    Posted by Historical Images on 2019-09-02 15:12:52

    Tagged: , Center , Image , Maps , Places , Wall , Pond , North , Governor , History , Site , Easton , Massachusetts , Farm , House , Road , Commission , Interior , People , Village , Simpson , Historical , Society , Home , Main , Sites , Houses , Registry , Museum , Station , Out , Door , Bay , Property , Town , District , Bridge , Washington , Shovel , Rail , Furnace , Botanical , Fence , Shop , National , Historic , Index , Wooster , Flower , Spring , Asahel , Park , Garden , Coe , Bristol , Vintage , Ames , Elementary

    #furniture #DIY #woodwork #woodworking #freedownload#woodworkingprojects #woodsmith ,wood craft, wood planer, fine woodworking, wooden chairs, wood working tools, popular woodworking, woodworking books, woodworking workbench plans

  • R.M.S. Queen Mary – a Nautical Money Pit. And Stanley Kubrick.

    R.M.S. Queen Mary – a Nautical Money Pit. And Stanley Kubrick.

    R.M.S. Queen Mary - a Nautical Money Pit. And Stanley Kubrick.

    The Postcard

    A postcard that was printed and published by J. Salmon Ltd. of Sevenoaks.

    The card was posted in Surrey on Thursday the 26th. April 1951 to:

    Mrs. Elliott,
    St. Margaret’s,
    254, Carshalton Road,
    Sutton,
    Surrey.

    The message on the divided back was as follows:

    "This is a complete contrast
    to the usual P.C., but I thought
    that it would interest you.
    What a mighty vessel!
    Hope you are enjoying this
    lovely weather.
    I am so glad that Mr. Elliott
    is so much better.
    Much love,
    J & W".

    RMS Queen Mary

    The RMS Queen Mary is a retired British ocean liner that sailed primarily on the North Atlantic Ocean from 1936 to 1967 for the Cunard Line (known as Cunard-White Star Line when the vessel entered service). She was built by John Brown & Company in Clydebank, Scotland.

    The Queen Mary, along with RMS Queen Elizabeth, were built as part of Cunard’s planned two-ship weekly express service between Southampton, Cherbourg and New York. The two ships were a British response to the express superliners built by German, Italian and French companies in the late 1920’s and early 1930’s.

    The Queen Mary sailed on her maiden voyage on the 27th. May 1936, and won the Blue Riband that August; she lost the title to SS Normandie in 1937, and recaptured it in 1938, holding it until 1952 when it was taken by the new SS United States.

    With the outbreak of the Second World War, she was converted into a troopship and ferried Allied soldiers during the conflict.

    Following the war, the Queen Mary was refitted for passenger service, and along with the Queen Elizabeth commenced the two-ship transatlantic passenger service for which they were originally built. The two ships dominated the transatlantic passenger market until the dawn of the jet age in the late 1950’s. By the mid-1960’s, the Queen Mary was ageing and was operating at a loss.

    After several years of decreased profits for Cunard Line, the Queen Mary was officially retired from service in 1967. She left Southampton for the last time on the 31st. October 1967, and sailed to the port of Long Beach, California, where she remains permanently moored.

    The ship serves as a tourist attraction featuring restaurants, a museum and a hotel. The ship is listed in the US on the National Register of Historic Places.

    The Queen Mary was featured in the film ‘Assault on a Queen’ (1966) starring Frank Sinatra.

    The Construction and Naming of RMS Queen Mary

    With Germany launching Bremen and Europa into service, Britain did not want to be left behind in the shipbuilding race. White Star Line began construction of their 80,000-ton Oceanic in 1928, while Cunard planned a 75,000-ton un-named ship of their own.

    Construction of the Queen Mary, then known only as ‘Hull Number 534’, was begun in December 1930 on the River Clyde by John Brown & Company.

    Work was halted in December 1931 due to the Great Depression, and Cunard applied to the British Government for a loan to complete 534. The loan was granted, with enough money to complete the unfinished ship, and also to build a running mate, with the intention to provide a two-ship weekly service to New York.

    One condition of the loan was that Cunard merge with the White Star Line, another struggling British shipping company, which was Cunard’s chief British rival at the time, and which had already been forced by the depression to cancel construction of its Oceanic.

    Both lines agreed, and the merger was completed on the 10th. May 1934. Work on the Queen Mary resumed immediately, and she was launched on the 26th. September 1934. Completion ultimately took ​3 1⁄2 years and cost £3,500,000, then equal to 17.5 million US dollars, and equivalent to $334,460,000 in 2019.

    Prior to the ship’s launch, the River Clyde had to be specially deepened to cope with her size.

    The ship was named after Mary of Teck, consort of King George V. Until her launch, the name was kept a closely guarded secret.

    Legend has it that Cunard intended to name the ship Victoria, in keeping with company tradition of giving its ships names ending in ‘ia’. However when company representatives asked the king’s permission to name the ocean liner after Britain’s ‘Greatest Queen’, he said his wife, Mary of Teck, would be delighted. And, so the legend goes, the delegation had no other choice but to call the ship the Queen Mary.

    Support for the story was provided by Washington Post editor Felix Morley, who sailed as a guest of the Cunard Line on Queen Mary’s 1936 maiden voyage. In his 1979 autobiography, ‘For the Record’, Morley wrote that he was placed at table with Sir Percy Bates, chairman of the Cunard Line. Bates told him the story of the naming of the ship:

    "On condition you won’t
    print it during my lifetime."

    The name had already been given to the Clyde turbine steamer TS Queen Mary, so Cunard made an arrangement with its owners, and this older ship was renamed Queen Mary II.

    Queen Mary was fitted with 24 Yarrow boilers in four boiler rooms, and four Parsons turbines in two engine rooms. There were four propellers, each turning at 200 RPM. The Queen Mary achieved 32.84 knots on her acceptance trials in early 1936.

    From Launching to World War II

    In 1934 the new liner was launched by Queen Mary as RMS Queen Mary. On her way down the slipway, Queen Mary was slowed by eighteen drag chains, which checked the liner’s progress into the River Clyde.

    When she sailed on her maiden voyage from Southampton on the 27th. May 1936, she was commanded by Sir Edgar Britten, who had been the master-designate for Cunard White Star whilst the ship was under construction at the John Brown shipyard.

    The Queen Mary measured 80,774 gross register tons (GRT). Her rival Normandie, which originally grossed 79,280 tonnes, had been modified the preceding winter to increase her size to 83,243 GRT (an enclosed tourist lounge was built on the aft boat deck on the area where the game court was), and therefore reclaimed the title of the world’s largest ocean liner from the Queen Mary, who had only held it for a few weeks.

    The Queen Mary sailed at high speed for most of her maiden voyage to New York, until heavy fog forced a reduction of speed on the final day of the crossing, arriving in New York Harbour on the 1st. June 1936.

    Queen Mary’s design was criticised for being too traditional, especially when Normandie’s hull was revolutionary with a clipper-shaped, streamlined bow. Except for her cruiser stern, the Queen Mary seemed to be an enlarged version of her Cunard predecessors from the pre–Great War era.

    Furthermore, her interior design, while mostly Art Deco, seemed restrained and conservative when compared to the ultramodern French liner. Nevertheless the Queen Mary proved to be more popular than her rival in terms of passengers carried.

    In August 1936, the Queen Mary captured the Blue Riband from Normandie, with average speeds of 30.14 knots (55.82 km/h; 34.68 mph) westbound and 30.63 knots (56.73 km/h; 35.25 mph) eastbound.

    Normandie was refitted with a new set of propellers in 1937 and reclaimed the honour, but in 1938 Queen Mary took back the Blue Riband in both directions with average speeds of 30.99 knots (57.39 km/h; 35.66 mph) westbound and 31.69 knots (58.69 km/h; 36.47 mph) eastbound, records which stood until lost to the United States in 1952.

    The Interior of RMS Queen Mary

    Among the facilities available on board the Queen Mary, the liner featured two indoor swimming pools, beauty salons, libraries and children’s nurseries for all three classes, a music studio and lecture hall, telephone connectivity to anywhere in the world, outdoor paddle tennis courts and dog kennels.

    The largest room onboard was the cabin class (first class) main dining room (Grand Salon), spanning three stories in height and anchored by wide columns. The ship had many air-conditioned public rooms. The cabin-class swimming pool facility spanned over two decks in height.

    The Queen Mary was the first ocean liner to be equipped with her own Jewish prayer room – part of a policy to show that British shipping lines avoided the antisemitism evident at that time in Nazi Germany.

    The cabin-class main dining room featured a large map of the transatlantic crossing, with twin tracks symbolising the winter/spring route (further south to avoid icebergs) and the summer/autumn route. During each crossing, a motorised model of Queen Mary would indicate the vessel’s progress en route.

    As an alternative to the main dining room, Queen Mary featured a separate cabin-class Verandah Grill on the Sun Deck at the upper aft of the ship. The Verandah Grill was an exclusive à la carte restaurant with a capacity of approximately eighty passengers, and was converted to the Starlight Club at night. Also on board was the Observation Bar, an Art Deco-styled lounge with wide ocean views.

    Woods from different regions of the British Empire were used in her public rooms and staterooms. Accommodation ranged from fully equipped, luxurious first class staterooms to modest and cramped third-class cabins.

    The Queen Mary and World War II

    In late August 1939, the Queen Mary was on a return run from New York to Southampton. The international situation led to her being escorted by the battlecruiser HMS Hood. She arrived safely, and set out again for New York on the 1st. September. By the time she arrived, the Second World War had started and she was ordered to remain in port alongside Normandie until further notice.

    In March 1940, Queen Mary and Normandie were joined in New York by Queen Mary’s new sister ship the Queen Elizabeth, fresh from her secret dash from Clydebank. The three largest liners in the world sat idle for some time until the Allied commanders decided that all three ships could be used as troopships.

    Normandie was destroyed by fire during her troopship conversion. Queen Mary left New York for Sydney, Australia, where she, along with several other liners, was converted into a troopship to carry Australian and New Zealand soldiers to the United Kingdom.

    In the Second World War conversion, the Queen Mary’s hull, superstructure, and funnels were painted navy grey. As a result of her new colour, and in combination with her great speed, she became known as the ‘Grey Ghost’.

    To protect against magnetic mines, a degaussing coil was fitted around the outside of the hull. Inside, stateroom furniture and decorations were removed and replaced with triple-tiered (fixed) wooden bunks, which were later replaced by ‘standee’ (fold-up) bunks.

    A total of 6 miles (10 km) of carpet, 220 cases of china, crystal and silver services, tapestries, and paintings were removed and stored in warehouses for the duration of the war. The woodwork in the staterooms, the cabin-class dining room, and other public areas was covered with leather.

    The Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth were the largest and fastest troopships involved in the war, often carrying as many as 15,000 men in a single voyage, and often travelling out of convoy and without escort. Their high speed and zigzag courses made it virtually impossible for U-boats to catch them.

    On the 2nd. October 1942, the Queen Mary accidentally sank one of her escort ships, slicing through the light cruiser HMS Curacoa off the Irish coast with a loss of 239 lives. At the time the Queen Mary was carrying thousands of Americans of the 29th. Infantry Division to join the Allied forces in Europe. Due to the risk of U-boat attacks, Queen Mary was under orders not to stop under any circumstances, and steamed onward with a fractured stem.

    Some sources claim that hours later, the convoy’s lead escort returned to rescue 99 survivors of Curacoa’s crew of 338, including her captain John W. Boutwood. This claim is refuted by the liner’s then-Staff Captain Harry Grattidge, who records that the Queen Mary’s Captain, Gordon Illingsworth, immediately ordered the accompanying destroyers to look for survivors within moments of the Curacoa’s sinking.

    From the 25th.–30th. July 1943, Queen Mary carried 15,740 soldiers and 943 crew (total 16,683), a standing record for the most passengers ever transported on one vessel. During this trip, while 700 miles (1,100 km) from Scotland during a gale, she was suddenly hit broadside by a rogue wave that might have reached a height of 28 metres (92 ft).

    Dr. Norval Carter, part of the 110th. Station Hospital on board at the time, wrote in a letter that at one point:

    ‘The Queen Mary damned near capsized.
    One moment the top deck was at its usual
    height and then, swoom! Down, over, and
    forward she would pitch.’

    It was calculated later that the ship had rolled 52 degrees, and would have capsized had she rolled another 3 degrees.

    During the war the Queen Mary carried British Prime Minister Winston Churchill across the Atlantic for meetings with fellow Allied forces officials on several occasions. He was listed on the passenger manifest as ‘Colonel Warden’.

    The Queen Mary After World War II

    After delivering a load of war brides to Canada, Queen Mary made her fastest ever crossing, returning to Southampton in only three days, 22 hours and 42 minutes at an average speed of just under 32 knots (59 km/h).

    From September 1946 to July 1947, Queen Mary was refitted for passenger service, adding air conditioning and upgrading her berth configuration to 711 first class (formerly called cabin class), 707 cabin class (formerly tourist class) and 577 tourist class (formerly third class) passengers.

    Following refit, the Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth dominated the transatlantic passenger trade as Cunard White Star’s two-ship weekly express service through the latter half of the 1940’s and well into the 1950’s. They proved highly profitable for Cunard (as the company was renamed in 1947).

    On the 1st. January 1949, the Queen Mary ran aground off Cherbourg, France. She was refloated the next day, and returned to service.

    In 1958 the first transatlantic flight by a jet began a completely new era of competition for the Cunard Queens. On some voyages, winters especially, Queen Mary sailed into harbour with more crew than passengers, though both she and Queen Elizabeth still averaged over 1,000 passengers per crossing into the middle 1960’s. By 1965, the entire Cunard fleet was operating at a loss.

    Hoping to continue financing the Queen Elizabeth 2 which was under construction at Brown’s shipyard, Cunard mortgaged the majority of the fleet. Due to a combination of age, lack of public interest, inefficiency in a new market and the damaging after-effects of the national seamen’s strike, Cunard announced that both Queen Mary and Queen Elizabeth would be retired from service and sold off.

    Many offers were submitted, and the bid of $3.45m/£1.2m from Long Beach, California beat the Japanese scrap merchants.

    Queen Mary was retired from service in 1967. On the 27th. September, she completed her 1,000th. and last crossing of the North Atlantic, having carried 2,112,000 passengers over 3,792,227 miles (6,102,998 km). Under the command of Captain John Treasure Jones, who had been her captain since 1965, she sailed from Southampton for the last time on the 31st. October with 1,093 passengers and 806 crew.

    After a voyage around Cape Horn, she arrived in Long Beach on the 9th. December. The Queen Elizabeth was withdrawn in 1968, and Queen Elizabeth 2 took over the transatlantic route in 1969.

    The Queen Mary at Long Beach

    The Queen Mary is now permanently moored as a tourist attraction, hotel, museum and event facility in Long Beach. From 1983 to 1993, Howard Hughes’ plane H-4 Hercules was located in a large dome nearby. The dome was later repurposed as a sound stage for film and television. The structure is now used by Carnival Cruise Lines as a ship terminal, as a venue for the Long Beach Derby Gals roller derby team, and as an event venue.

    Conversion of the Queen Mary

    When the Queen Mary was bought by Long Beach, the new owners decided not to preserve her as an ocean liner. It was decided to clear almost every area of the ship below C deck (called R deck after 1950, to lessen passenger confusion, as the restaurants were located on R deck). The clearance was to make way for Jacques Cousteau’s new Living Sea Museum. This increased museum space to 400,000 square feet (37,000 m2).

    When the Queen Mary came to Long Beach, the Sun Deck windows were enlarged, and an anti-aircraft gun was placed on display astride the foremast to represent the Second World War days of the liner.

    The conversion at Long Beach required removal of all the boiler rooms, the forward engine room, both turbo generator rooms, the ship stabilisers and the water softening plant. The ship’s empty fuel tanks were filled with local mud to keep the ship’s centre of gravity and draft at the correct levels, as these critical factors had been affected by the removal of the various components and structure. Only the aft engine room and ‘shaft alley’, at the stern of the ship, was spared.

    During the conversion the funnels were removed, as this area was needed to lift out the scrap materials from the engine and boiler rooms. Workers found that the funnels were significantly degraded, and they were replaced with replicas.

    With all of the lower decks nearly gutted, Diners Club, the initial lessee of the ship, converted the remainder of the vessel into a hotel. Diners Club Queen Mary dissolved and vacated the ship in 1970 after their parent company, Diners Club International, was sold, and a change in direction was mandated during the conversion process.

    Specialty Restaurants, a Los Angeles-based company that focused on theme-based restaurants, took over as master lessee the following year.

    This second plan was based on converting most of her first- and second-class cabins on A and B decks into hotel rooms, and converting the main lounges and dining rooms into banquet spaces. On Promenade Deck, the starboard promenade was enclosed to feature an upscale restaurant and café named Lord Nelson’s and Lady Hamilton’s; it was themed in the fashion of early-19th century sailing ships. The famed and elegant Observation Bar was redecorated as a western-themed bar.

    The smaller first-class public rooms, such as the Drawing Room, Library, Lecture Room and the Music Studio, were stripped of most of their fittings and converted to commercial use. This markedly expanded retail space on the ship. Two more shopping malls were built on the Sun Deck in separate spaces previously used for first-class cabins and engineers’ quarters.

    A post-war feature of the ship, the first-class cinema, was removed for kitchen space for the new Promenade Deck dining venues. The first-class lounge and smoking room were reconfigured and converted into banquet space. The second-class smoking room was subdivided into a wedding chapel and office space.

    On the Sun Deck, the elegant Verandah Grill was gutted and converted into a fast-food eatery, while a new upscale dining venue was created directly above it on Sports Deck, in space once used for crew quarters.

    The second-class lounges were expanded to the sides of the ship and used for banqueting. On R deck, the first-class dining room was reconfigured and subdivided into two banquet venues, the Royal Salon and the Windsor Room. The second-class dining room was subdivided into kitchen storage and a crew mess hall, while the third-class dining room was initially used as storage and crew space.

    Also on R deck, the first-class Turkish bath complex, the 1930’s equivalent to a spa, was removed. The second-class pool was removed and its space initially used for office space, while the first-class swimming pool was open for viewing by hotel guests and visitors.

    Because of modern safety codes and the compromised structural soundness of the area directly below, the swimming pool could not be used for swimming after the conversion, although it was filled with water until the late 1980’s. Today the pool can only be seen on guided tours and is in a derelict condition, having never been maintained by the hotel operators. No second-class, third-class or crew cabins remain intact aboard the ship today.

    The Queen Mary as a Tourist Attraction

    On the 8th. May 1971 the Queen Mary opened her doors to tourists. Initially, only portions of the ship were open to the public as Specialty Restaurants had yet to open its dining venues, and PSA had not completed work converting the ship’s original First Class staterooms into the hotel.

    As a result, the ship was open only on weekends. On the 11th. December 1971 Jacques Cousteau’s Museum of the Sea opened, with only a quarter of the planned exhibits completed. Within the decade, Cousteau’s museum had closed due to low ticket sales and the deaths of many of the fish that were housed in the museum.

    On the 2nd. November 1972 the PSA Hotel Queen Mary opened its initial 150 guest rooms. Two years later, with all 400 rooms finished, PSA brought in Hyatt Hotels to manage the hotel, which operated from 1974 to 1980 as the Queen Mary Hyatt Hotel.

    By 1980, it had become apparent that the existing system was not working. The ship was losing millions each year for the city because the hotel, restaurants and museum were run by three separate concessionaires, while the city owned the vessel and operated guided tours. It was decided that a single operator with more experience in attractions was needed.

    Jack Wrather, a local millionaire, had fallen in love with the ship because he and his wife, Bonita Granville, had fond memories of sailing on it numerous times. Wrather signed a 66-year lease with the city of Long Beach to operate the entire property. He oversaw the display of the Spruce Goose on long-term loan. The immense plane, which had been sitting in a hangar in Long Beach for decades unseen by the public, was installed in a huge geodesic dome adjacent to the liner in 1983, attracting increased attendance.

    Jack’s Wrather Port Properties operated the entire attraction after his death in 1984 until 1988, when his holdings were bought by the Walt Disney Company. Wrather had built the Disneyland Hotel in 1955, when Walt Disney had insufficient funds to construct the hotel himself. Disney had been trying to buy the hotel for 30 years. When they finally succeeded, they also acquired the Queen Mary. This was never marketed as a Disney property.

    Through the late 1980’s and early 1990’s the Queen Mary struggled financially. Disney pinned their hopes for turning the attraction around on Port Disney, a huge planned resort on the adjacent docks. It was to include an attraction known as DisneySea, a theme park celebrating the world’s oceans. The plans eventually fell through; in 1992 Disney gave up the lease on the ship to focus on building what would become Disney California Adventure Park.

    With Disney gone, the Hotel Queen Mary closed on the 30th. September 1992. The owners of the Spruce Goose, the Aero Club of Southern California, sold the plane to the Evergreen Aviation & Space Museum in Oregon. The plane departed on barges on the 2nd. October 1992, leaving the huge dome empty. The Queen Mary tourist attraction remained open for another two months, but on the 31st. December 1992, the Queen Mary closed her doors to tourists and visitors.

    On the 5th. February 1993, RMS Foundation Inc. signed a five-year lease with the city of Long Beach to act as the operators of the property. The foundation was run by Joseph F. Prevratil, who had managed the attraction for Wrather. On the 26th. February 1993 the tourist attraction re-opened, while the hotel reopened partially on the 5th. March with 125 rooms and the banquet facilities, with the remainder of the rooms coming online on the 30th. April.

    In 1995, RMS’s lease was extended to twenty years, while the scope of the lease was reduced to operation of the ship. A new company, Queen’s Seaport Development, Inc. (QSDI), was established in 1995 to control the real estate adjacent to the vessel. In 1998, the city of Long Beach extended the QSDI lease to 66 years.

    In 2004, Queen Mary and Stargazer Productions added Tibbies Great American Cabaret to the space previously occupied by the ship’s bank and wireless telegraph room. Stargazer Productions and Queen Mary transformed the space into a working dinner theatre complete with stage, lights, sound and scullery.

    In 2005, QSDI sought Chapter 11 protection due to a rent credit dispute with the city. In 2006, the bankruptcy court requested bids from parties interested in taking over the lease from QSDI. The minimum required opening bid was $41M. The operation of the ship, by RMS Foundation, remained independent of the bankruptcy. In summer 2007, Queen Mary’s lease was sold to a group named ‘Save the Queen’, managed by Hostmark Hospitality Group.

    They planned to develop the land adjacent to the Queen Mary, and upgrade, renovate and restore the ship. During their management, staterooms were updated with iPod docking stations and flatscreen TVs, and the ship’s three funnels and waterline area were repainted their original Cunard Red colour. The portside Promenade Deck’s planking was restored and refinished. Many lifeboats were repaired and patched, and the ship’s kitchens were renovated with new equipment.

    In late September 2009, management of Queen Mary was taken over by Delaware North Companies, who planned to continue restoration and renovation of the ship and its property. They were determined to revitalise and enhance the ship as an attraction. But in April 2011, the city of Long Beach was informed that Delaware North was no longer managing Queen Mary.

    In 2016 Urban Commons, a real estate company, assumed the lease of the Queen Mary. They revealed plans to extensively renovate the liner over the next year, and to redevelop the adjacent 45 acres of parking with a boutique hotel, restaurants, a marina, an amphitheatre, jogging trails, bike paths and possibly a huge Ferris wheel, all at a cost of up to $250 million.

    In July 2017, while making repairs to a bathroom, workers rediscovered the ship’s forward gear room which had once controlled the ships 16-ton anchors. The room was apparently sealed up during the 1960’s conversion and was forgotten for decades.

    The Condition of the Queen Mary

    In 2017 a report on the ship’s condition was issued. The report noted that not only the hull but also the supports for a raised exhibition area within the ship were corroding, and that the ship’s deteriorating condition left areas such as the engine room vulnerable to flooding. Repairs were estimated at close to $300 million.

    In November 2016 the City of Long Beach had put $23 million toward addressing the Queen Mary’s most vital repairs. John Keisler, economic and property development director for Long Beach, said:

    "We have a timeline in which the
    engineers believe they can complete
    those immediate projects. These are
    major challenges we can only address
    over time; it can’t all be done at once."

    Political leaders in Scotland, birthplace of the Queen Mary, called for the then-UK Prime Minister Theresa May to pressure the American government to fund a full repair of the liner in 2017, but this did not happen.

    In August 2019, Edward Pribonic, the engineer responsible for inspecting the Queen Mary on behalf of the City of Long Beach, issued a report stating that the ship was in the worst condition he had seen in his 25 years on the job. Pribonic stated that the neglect of the Queen Mary had grown worse under the management of Urban Commons, and concluded that:

    "Without an immediate and very significant
    infusion of manpower and money, the
    condition of the ship will likely soon be
    unsalvageable.”

    Incidents of recent neglect included the flooding of the Grand Ballroom with sewage after a pipe which was flimsily patched with duct tape burst, significant amounts of standing water in the ship’s bilge, and the peeling of recently applied paint on the ship’s funnels because of the poor way in which it had been applied.

    The pessimistic conclusion of Pribonic was disputed by city officials, who called the warnings ‘hyperbolic’ and pointed to the ‘significant’ work that had already been undertaken towards repairing the Queen Mary.

    The $23 million apportioned for repairs ran out in 2018, with 19 out of the 27 urgent projects identified by a 2015 marine survey completed as of September 2019.

    There were significant cost overruns overall, with the cost of fire safety repairs skyrocketing from the original estimate of $200,000, to $5.29 million. Two of the remaining 8 issues identified in 2015 were considered ‘critical’ – this included the removal of the ship’s lifeboats, which had rotted and were in danger of collapsing.

    In October 2019, the City of Long Beach warned Urban Commons that the company was failing to uphold its commitment to maintain and repair the Queen Mary, and that it was accordingly in danger of defaulting on its 66-year lease agreement. Urban Commons responded with an updated plan for repairs, including the removal of the lifeboats at a cost of between $5 and $7 million, and new paint work. In December it was announced that the City was reviewing the finances of Urban Commons to determine whether the City of Long Beach had ‘received all revenues owed.’

    Queen Mary’s original, professionally manned wireless radio room was removed when the ship was moored in Long Beach. In its place, an amateur radio room was created one deck above the original radio reception room, with some of the discarded original radio equipment used for display purposes. The amateur radio station, with the call sign W6RO (‘Whiskey Six Romeo Oscar’), relies on volunteers from a local amateur radio club. They staff the radio room during most public hours. The radios can also be used by other licensed amateur radio operators.

    In honour of his over forty years of dedication to W6RO and Queen Mary, in November 2007 the Queen Mary Wireless Room was renamed as the Nate Brightman Radio Room. This was announced on the 28th. October 2007, at Brightman’s 90th. birthday party by Joseph Prevratil, former President and CEO of the Queen Mary.

    The Ghosts of the Queen Mary

    Following Queen Mary’s permanent docking in California, claims were made that the ship was haunted. In 2008, Time magazine included The Queen Mary among its ‘Top 10 Haunted Places’. One of the staterooms is alleged to be haunted by the spirit of a person supposedly murdered there. The Queen Mary Hotel promotes suite room B-340, a former third class cabin, as ‘notoriously haunted’.

    The Queen Mary also operates a number of commercial tours that include haunted attraction experiences, such as Dark Harbour, which operates during the Halloween season, the ‘Haunted Encounters Tour’ and ‘Ghosts and Legends’ tour, promoted as featuring ‘terrifying original stories and characters based the ship’s well-known paranormal tales’.

    Sceptical Inquirer writer John Champion has criticised the haunted tours, calling them:

    ‘A cynical exploitation of the space. Much effort
    is put into promoting the ship as a ‘haunted
    attraction’, while efforts to explain or preserve
    the factual history of the ship are somehow
    pushed to the wayside’.

    ‘Day of the Fight’

    So what else happened on the day that the card was posted?

    Well, on the 26th. April 1951, the film ‘Day of the Fight’ premiered at New York’s Paramount Theatre, on the same program as the film ‘My Forbidden Past’. Frank Sinatra headlined the live stage show on that day.

    ‘Day of the Fight’ is a short American documentary film financed and directed by Stanley Kubrick.

    Shot in black-and-white, the film is based on an earlier photo feature he shot for Look magazine in 1949.

    ‘Day of the Fight’ shows Irish-American middleweight boxer Walter Cartier during the height of his career, on the 17th. April 1950, the day of a fight with middleweight Bobby James.

    The film opens with a short section on boxing’s history and then follows Cartier through his day as he prepares for the 10 P.M. bout. Cartier eats breakfast in his West 12th. Street apartment in Greenwich Village, goes to early mass, and eats lunch at his favourite restaurant.

    At 4 P.M., he starts preparations for the fight. By 8 P.M., he is waiting in his dressing room at Laurel Gardens in Newark, New Jersey, for the fight to begin. We then see the fight itself, which he wins in a short match.

    A year after the fight, Walter Cartier made boxing history by knocking out Joe Rindone in the first forty-seven seconds of a match on the 16th. October 1951.

    Cartier had played some bit parts in movies before he appeared in ‘Day of the Fight’, and afterwards continued to appear occasionally in movies up until 1971, but he was most successful playing mild-mannered Private Claude Dillingham in the sitcom ‘The Phil Silvers Show’ for the 1955-1956 season.

    Alexander Singer was a high school friend of Stanley Kubrick’s (they went to William Howard Taft High School in the Bronx). Singer acted as assistant director and a cameraman for the film.

    Douglas Edwards

    Douglas Edwards, who narrated ‘Day of the Fight’ was a veteran radio and television newscaster. At the time, he was the anchor for the first daily television news program, on CBS, which would later be called Douglas Edwards with the News, and then The CBS Evening News. Edwards was replaced by Walter Cronkite in 1962, but remained a noted voice on CBS Radio news programs until he retired in 1988.

    Eyemo Cameras

    Kubrick and Singer used daylight-loading Eyemo cameras that took 100-foot spools of 35mm black-and-white film to shoot the fight, with Kubrick shooting hand-held (often from below) and Singer’s camera on a tripod. The 100-foot reels required constant reloading, and Kubrick did not catch the knock-out punch which ended the bout because he was reloading at the time. Singer did, however.

    Gerald Fried

    ‘Day of the Fight’ is the first credit on composer Gerald Fried’s resumé. Kubrick did not pay him for his work on the film. Fried told the Guardian in 2018:

    "He thought the very fact that my
    doing the music for the film got me
    into the profession was enough
    payment’.

    Fried, a childhood friend of Kubrick, later wrote the score for the director’s ‘Paths of Glory’ (1957) and three other films.

    Sale of ‘Day of The Fight’

    Although the original planned buyer of the picture went out of business, Kubrick was able to sell ‘Day of the Fight’ to RKO Pictures for $4,000, making a small profit of $100 above the $3,900 cost of making the film.

    Posted by pepandtim on 2020-06-28 07:07:45

    Tagged: , postcard , old , early , nostalgia , nostalgic , RMS , Queen , Mary , Salmon , Sevenoaks , 26/04/1951 , 1951 , Elliott , St. , Margaret’s , Carshalton , Road , Sutton , Surrey , vessel , 1936 , 1967 , Cunard , Line , John , Brown , 27QMA43 , Day , Fight , Stanley , Kubrick , Walter , Cartier , Long , Beach , California

    #furniture #DIY #woodwork #woodworking #freedownload#woodworkingprojects #woodsmith ,wood craft, wood planer, fine woodworking, wooden chairs, wood working tools, popular woodworking, woodworking books, woodworking workbench plans

  • Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    Main Street, 053, Ames, Oliver, Free Library, 53 Main Street, North Easton, MA, info, Easton Historical Society

    More information on this image is available at the Easton Historical Society in North Easton, MA
    www.flickr.com/photos/historicalimagesofeastonma/albums
    ,
    The development by Oliver Ames and Sons Corporation of the factory and village land use in a rather organic manner with a mix work-related classes created an integrated geographic network. The housing on perimeter edge with factories and business affairs in the center creating the village concept in North Easton. Other important concepts were the Furnace Village Cemetery, Furnace Village Grammar School and the Furnace Village Store, which explains Furnace Village and other sections of Easton.
    source: Massachusetts Historical Commission
    ,
    Ames Free Library
    When Oliver Ames died in 1871, he left a clause in his will which provided for the construction of a building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of Easton. The building, which was named the Ames Free Library, was opened to the public on March 10, 1883. Funds for maintaining the library have been increased from time to time by members of the Ames family, so that the library always remained a free library to the townspeople and it has never been necessary for the Town to contribute to its support. The architect was Henry Hobson Richardson who employed local syenite, a stone resembling granite, and red sandstone from Longmeadow in the construction of a Romanesque style of building. Although he designed many library buildings the Easton library has been called by architects one of the best of Richardson’s compositions. A visiting architect recently called it a gem of architectural design. Richardson had great creative genius and he was enough of a romantic: to love to add unusual features to his deigns, such as the gargoyles on the corners of the building as shown in the small cut and in carvings of sunflowers, birds, fishes, dragons, and other decorative details not usually noticed by the passerby. The interiors of the library are richly designed. The Reading Room has black walnut woodwork on walls and ceilings. In a massive hand carved stone fireplace is inserted a bronze tablet by Augustus St. Gaudens honoring the first donor Oliver Ames. It is said that the carving in the Stockroom was designed by the great Stanford White while he was employed in Richardson’s office. The woodwork here is of polished butternut. The main floor has alcoves for study purposes, and a· balcony with beautifully carved and turned posts and railings extends around the four sides. The ceiling rises in a grace-ful barrel-vault, forming an arch of perfect proportions. The Children’s Room was a later addition, built in 1931-32. This was given by Mrs. William H. Ames in memory of her husband, Wm. Hadwen Ames, son of Governor Oliver Ames. Through the continued support of Mrs. Ames, the Children’s Room able to acquire the beet in recent children’s literature. The library’s book collection has grown steadily so that it now is well over 32,000 volumes, with a wide range of subjects especially in non-fiction. Recent accessions include many new scientific and technical volumes. Annual circulation is rapidly approaching the 60, 000 mark.
    source: Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Mass., was founded by Oliver Ames, the second of that name. He was born at Plymouth, Nov. 5, 1807, but was a lifelong resident of North Easton, where he died March 9, 1877. Desiring to bestow some substantial and permanent benefit upon his neighbors and townsmen, he made three large bequests, one for schools, one for highways, and the third for founding and endowing a free public library. He provided that this library should be located at North Easton village, but that its privileges should be equally open to all the residents of the town. He also provided that the trustees should be appointed, and vacancies in their number filled, by the Unitarian Society of North Easton. The library opens with over ten thousand volumes. Its permanent fund has been increased by Sarah L. Ames, widow of its founder, and amounts to forty thousand dollars. The library building has been erected from the designs, and under the supervision, of H. H. Richardson, Esq., of Brookline, Mass. The catalogue has been compiled by Miss Harriet H. Ames y March of 1883.
    source; Catalogue of the Ames Free Library, North Easton, Massachusetts, Volume 1, Oliver Ames, founder, 1883, info, Easton Historical Society
    ,
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Massachusetts, originated in a bequest of the Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, who died March 9, 1877. The following is the bequest copied from the will, – Clause 10. I give and bequeath to my executors hereinafter named the sum of fifty thousand dollars, in trust, for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. The building is to be located by my executors at such place in School District No. 7 in Easton as will in their judgment best accommodate its users. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended in the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture for the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the income of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and its appurtenances and contents in repair. When the building is completed and the library purchased as aforesaid, I direct my executors to convey the same, by a suitable deed of trust securing the purposes above set forth, to five trustees, to be appointed by the Unitarian Society at North Easton ; and the said trustees shall have charge and control of the building and land under and belonging to the same, and the library and its funds. Any vacancy in the board of trustees shall be filled in the same manner the original appointment is made. – The amounts for the several purposes named in the bequest were largely increased by the heirs of Mr. Ames. The cost of the building, books, appurtenances, the cataloguing of the books, etc., up to the date of the opening of the library, was upwards of eighty thousand dollars. The permanent fund was increased from fifteen thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars by a gift of Mrs. Sarah L. Ames, widow of the donor. The Hbrary was opened to the public March 10, 1883. In accordance with a condition prescribed by the will, a board of five trustees was chosen at a meeting of the Unitarian Society of North Easton, held February 17, 1883. The following persons were chosen trustees: Frederick L. Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop, and George W. Kennedy. There are now over eleven thousand books in this library, which were very carefully selected in order to form the basis of a first-class collection. The catalogue is thoroughly and elaborately prepared. A large number of papers and periodicals supply needs of the beautiful reading-room. The library is an in estimable advantage to the town, furnishing the means of extending and elevating the knowledge and increasing the rational enjoyment of its residents, by whom it is liberally patronized. The library building is a handsome edifice, built of sienite from a quarry a ‘s throw distant, and has red sandstone trimmings. It is elaborately finished inside, the waiting-room and reading room being of black walnut, the latter having a massive and beautifully carved fireplace of red sandstone, the work on each side of and above the fireplace reaching to the ceiling, with a medallion of Mr. Ames in the center. The library room proper has two tiers of alcoves, and the exquisite wood-work is of polished butternut. In the second story of the building is a tenement for the librarian. The picture of this building in the book (- History of Easton, 1886 -) makes further description of it unnecessary. H. H. Richardson was its architect. Charles R. Ballard was appointed librarian on the opening of the library, and he still occupies this position.
    source; source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    THE AMES FREE LIBRARY.
    The Ames Free Library of Easton, Massachusetts, originated in a bequest of the Hon. Oliver Ames, the second of that name, who died March 9, 1877. The following is the bequest copied from the will : — Clause 10. I give and bequeath to my executors hereinafter named the sum of fifty thousand dollars, in trust, for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. The building is to be located by my executors at such place in School District No. 7 in Easton as will in their judgment best accommodate its users. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended in the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture for the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the in-come of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and ts appurtenances and contents in repair. When the building is completed and the library purchased as aforesaid, I direct my executors to convey the same, by a suitable deed of trust securing the purposes above set forth, to five trustees, to be appointed by the Unitarian Society at North Easton ; and the said trustees shall have charge and control of the building and land under and belonging to the same, and the library and its funds. Any vacancy in the board of trustees shall be filled in the same manner the original appointment is made.The amounts for the several purposes named in the bequest were largely increased by the heirs of Mr. Ames. The cost of the building, books, appurtenances, the cataloguing of the books, etc., up to the date of the opening of the library, was upwards of eighty thousand dollars. The permanent fund was increased from fifteen thousand dollars to forty thousand dollars by a gift of Mrs. Sarah L. Ames, widow of the donor. The Library was opened to the public March 10, 1883. In accordance with a condition prescribed by the will, a board of five trustees was chosen at a meeting of the Unitarian Society of North Easton, held February 17, 1883. The following persons were chosen trustees: Frederick L. Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop, and George W. Kennedy. There are now over eleven thousand books in this library, which were very carefully selected in order to form the basis of a first class collection. The catalogue is thoroughly and elaborately prepared. A large number of papers and periodicals supply the needs of the beautiful reading room. The library is an inestimable advantage to the town, furnishing the means of extending and elevating the knowledge and increasing the rational enjoyment of its residents, by whom it is liberally patronized. The library building is a handsome edifice, built of sienite from a quarry a stone’s throw distant, and has red sandstone trimmings. It is elaborately finished inside, the waiting room and reading room being of black walnut, the latter having a massive and beautifully carved fireplace of red sandstone, the stone work on each side of and above the fireplace reaching to the ceiling, with a medallion of Mr. Ames in the centre. The library-room proper has two tiers of alcoves, and the exquisite wood-work is of polished butternut. In the second story of the building is a tenement for the librarian. The pictures of this building makes further description of it unnecessary. H. H. Richardson was its architect. Charles R. Ballard was appointed librarian on the opening of the library, and he still occupies this position.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc.
    1883 – 1982 The First Century
    A Centennial History of Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc. 1883-1983
    ,
    In a library, you deal with the stuff out of which eternity is made, the garnered best that mortals have thought and hoped, preserved in words of force and beauty.
    Mary Lavinia Lamprey upon the occasion of her fiftieth anniversary as Librarian at Ames Free Library, September 1941.
    ,
    OPENING DAY
    It was Saturday, March 10, 1883 – opening day at Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc.
    The new library, a gift to the town by Oliver Ames, industrialist, railroad builder and leading citizen of North Easton, Massachusetts, rose from its hilltop location in the form of a small castle. Henry Hobson Richardson, the famous architect, had positioned it at the rise of the hill off Main Street. With the adjacent Oakes Ames Memorial Hall, which Richardson had built in 1881 in honor of Oliver Ames’ older brother, it was the central point of North Easton. Old photographs show the two imposing buildings, as yet without the surrounding tall trees, as structures of native granite, rising tall into the sky.
    In 1883, Easton by the standards of the day was a busy, flourishing place with a population that had increased from 1,756 in 1830 to almost 4,000 fifty years later. The town consisted of four districts: North and South Easton, Easton Furnace and Eastondale. Each neighborhood had streets of neat cottages, homesteads and garden plots plus a variety of industries that gave the town more life and bustle than was usually found in a New England village. These included the Ames Shovel and Tool Company in North Easton; a gristmill, machine shops and a wheelwright’s shop in South Easton; and foundries and a carriage factory in Easton Furnace.
    The Ames Shovel Works in the 80 years since its founding in 1803 had become the largest firm of its kind in the world. Almost a part of American history, it had manufactured tools for such major events as the War of 1812, the Gold Rush of 1849, the movement of prairie schooners across the country, the building of the transcontinental railroad, Opening day at Ames Free Library was like any other, without fanfare and ceremony. According to the Rules and Regulations of 1883, any resident of Easton over fourteen years of age could be a borrower, but only a single book could be taken out at a time, unless the work is in more than one volume, in which case, two may be taken.
    The first book of Ames Free Library Statistics gives a picture of what the library meant to the town from the very beginning. During opening month of March 1883, 1,643 books went into circulation, a very large figure for a town with a population of 4,000. In Victorian times, novels were considered frivolous; so the two largest categories read by the first borrowers were listed in the record book as a Juvenile Reading and Prose Fiction. Later generations would call them novels.
    A quotation from the 1882 Annual Report of the School Committee of tire Town shows the appreciation that was felt for the gift of a public library. We desire to call attention to this library, soon to be opened, as an important auxiliary in the education of our children. Not only will teachers find therein a good collection of books that will assist them in perfecting themselves in the true theory and art of teaching but they will also be able to suggest good reading to the children and may do much, if they will, to cultivate in them a pure and rational literary taste.

    THE BEQUEST
    Oliver Ames, donor of Ames Free Library, was a man of many facets. During his 70 years, he held a number of positions, first as a leading manufacturer, and, later, as a railroad builder and official, a financier and banker, and a statesman. His father, Old Oliver, having served an apprenticeship as iron- worker under his brother, David, superintendent of the Springfield Arsenal, first worked in Plymouth as a blacksmith and then operated a shovel shop in Bridgewater. In 1803, needing more power and space for the works, he borrowed money from his brother and moved his shop from Bridgewater to North Easton, where water power was plentiful. Some 40 years later, around 1844, he reorganized his flourishing business as Oliver Ames & Sons and turned it over to his sons Oakes and Oliver.
    The shovel shop continued to prosper under the two brothers, eventually becoming the largest establishment of its kind. By the 1850s, Oliver Ames, the second son of Old Oliver, now free to participate in politics, was elected to the Massachusetts Senate in 1852 and in 1857. With his brother Oakes, who had been requested to take hold of the Union Pacific Railroad by President Lincoln, he took a leading role in the building of the transcontinental railroad. He served as its acting president from 1866 to 1868 and as formal president from 1868 to 1871.
    After the death of Oakes Ames on 1873, Oliver Ames, becomes the head of the shovel works. A long-time resident of North Easton, he participated in many local and area affairs. He was vice-president of the Massachusetts Total Abstinence Society, trustee of Taunton Insane Asylum, and, although a Unitarian by belief, he gave a church to the Methodists of Easton. He was the donor of Unity Church in 1875, and with his brother Oakes, donated the site of the 1st Catholic church in North Easton in 1850.
    Before the establishment of Ames Free Library, Oliver Ames, was a member of several of the social or subscription libraries that were organized in town as forerunners of the town’s public library. In 1823 he joined the second Library Association in Easton that offered such reading fare as Bacon’s Essays and Plutarch’s Lives. He was a shareholder and a member of the standing committee of the Methodist Social Library from 1831 until its demise in 1837. Then in the 1860’s he was president of the Agricultural Library, which contained a collection of 135 volumes on the various branches of agriculture, particularly horse and cattle breeding.
    After his death on March 9, 1877, Oliver Ames left generous bequests to Easton that included a fund for the schools of Easton, thus insuring a better education for generations of young people to come, as well as a fund for the improvement of local roads. Both funds are still in force and continue to make important contributions to the town’s well-being.
    Most important of all, Oliver Ames left, as his will states, a sum of fifty thousand dollars for the construction of a library building and the support of a library for the benefit of the inhabitants of the town of Easton. –
    The building was to be relocated in school district No. 7 in Easton and directions for financing were explicit. Not more than twenty-five thousand dollars of the above sum of fifty thousand dollars shall be expended on the purchase of the land and in erecting the library building, and ten thousand dollars only shall be in the first place expended for books, maps, and furniture of the library; and the remaining fifteen thousand dollars shall constitute a permanent fund to be invested in stock of the Old Colony Railroad Company, the income of which shall be devoted to increasing the library and keeping the building and its appurtenances and contents in repair. –
    Thus the Ames Free Library Came into being.

    RICHARDSON’S LIBRARY
    In the autumn of 1877, Frederick Lothrop Ames and Helen Angier Ames began to carry out their father’s bequest of building a library that would be a private institution not owned by the town, but held in trust for the public. –
    Their choice of an architect was Henry Hobson Richardson, a relatively young man of thirty-nine just rising to the top of his profession, who had won the competition for Trinity Church in Boston. Both Frederick Lothrop Ames and Richardson were Harvard graduates, in the classes of 1855 and 1859 respectively, and the two soon became close friends, with Ames acting as the architect’s patron on a number of occasions. Greatly involved with horticulture, he was impressed by Richardson’s association with Frederick Law Olmsted, America’s leading landscape designer. He was also influenced by the tact that Richardson was working on another memorial library in Woburn at the time. So the commission to build Ames Free Library was given to Richardson in September of 1877.
    Henry Hobson Richardson, considered by critics to be the greatest American architect of his generation, studied at Harvard in the class of 1859 and later at the Ecole des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Returning to the United States in 1865, he received his first commission, the building of Unity Church in Springfield, that same year. By the early 1870’s, with the design of Trinity Church in Boston, Richardson had developed his own characteristic style of architecture, based on the massive stone structures of the Romanesque period in 10th and llth century France and Spain, when many of the great|castles and cathedrals were built. Ames free Library, constructed by the firm of Norcross and Company of Worcester, is one of the very fine examples of Richardson’s art. The robust stone building of light brown Milford granite with trim of reddish sandstone gives the illusion of massiveness without being overly large and is in gracious proportion to its setting of lawns and shrubbery. Earth colors prevail in the exterior, with a roof of red-orange tile for contrast, and as in other Richardson buildings, there is an entrance arch, positioned to one side rather than in the center. Indications of the architect’s whimsical humor are shown by the use of decorative motifs that include birds, fish, flowers, corner gargoyles and hoop-snakes on the drain pipes.
    The interior of the library has a charming intimacy that is in direct contrast to the rough-hewn outer walls. Polished butternut wood gleams in the stack area to the left of the entrance room, and the richness of black walnut gives the reading room an air of quiet elegance.
    Originally, the book stack room was separated from the rest of the library by a beautifully carved wooden screen and a desk for the librarian, both constituting a barrier to the public, since it was the accepted practice in those days to deny library users access to the book stacks. The ground floor beyond the screen consisted of study alcoves with tables placed down the center aisle, though this arrangement would also be changed in later years. A balcony extends around all four sides, and, soaring above the stacks, is a rare, barrel-type ceiling with apple-wood strappings. The beautiful and delicate wood carvings throughout the building, including the typical spindle-design of the balcony posts, are worthy of note.
    The reading room with its panels of dark walnut, located on the opposite side of the entrance area, is dominated by a large brownstone fireplace on the north wall, which is the work of Stanford White. In its center is a bas relief of Oliver Ames, the donor, by Augustus Saint-Gaudens. Several pieces of unconventional furniture in this room were designed by Richardson and provide interesting conversation pieces. They include a huge easy chair with squat legs and three large tables with substantial, carved underpinnings, all of them having the look of giants’ furniture. Perhaps this is not strange, as Richardson was a giant of a man.
    According to Mariana Van Rensselaer, Richardson’s early biographer, the library building was completed in 1879 but it did not open until 1883 – 4 years later. Possible overruns in costs have been suggested as a reason for the delay, since final expenses are estimated to have risen to $80,000, Sarah Lothrop Ames, Oliver Ames’ widow, made a contribution of $40,000 to the permanent library fund, and Ames Free Library opened its doors on March 10, 1883.

    BEGINNINGS
    The first step toward opening the new library was taken on February 17, 1883, when the Unitarian Society of North Easton held a meeting to carry out the condition laid down in Oliver Ames’ will that this organization appoint the Board Members of the Ames Free Library. A Board of five directors was named, the appointees including: Frederick Lothrop Ames, William L. Chaffin, Lincoln S. Drake, Cyrus Lothrop and George W. Kennedy.
    Prior to their first meeting, the library directors took steps to have an Act of Incorporation passed by the Massachusetts Legislature that would make Ames Free Library one of the few incorporated libraries in the state. House Bill No. 157 was reported from the House of Representatives on March 8, 1883. The terms of the Act, quoted here in part, are as follows: Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives in General Court assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows: 1. Section 1. Frederick L. Ames, Cyrus Lothrop, William L. Chaffin, George W. Kennedy and Lincoln S. Drake, trustees under the will of Oliver Ames, deceased, and holding property, real and personal, under said will, for the purpose of maintaining a free public library in the town of Easton, and their successors in said trust, are hereby made a corporation, under the name of the Ames Free Library of Easton … –
    On Tuesday, February 20, 1883, at 4 p.m., the Board of Directors held their organization meeting at the library, electing Frederick Lothrop Ames, president, William Chaffin, secretary and George W. Kennedy, treasurer. According to the bylaws they set up, they would meet the second Monday of each month at 4 p.m. and have their annual meeting in June, though these dates would be subject to change in later years. Selection of a librarian being the first order of business, the Board voted to have the president consult with C. R. Ballard concerning the terms under which he would become librarian.
    Three days later, on February 23, 1883, the Board met again and, according to the minutes of that meeting, voted to offer Mr. Ballard a salary of $900 and rent of the apartment in the building, with the understanding that he should take charge of all the work of librarian and janitor, except only the gardening work of the grounds. At another meeting five days later, on February 28, Mr. Ames reported Ballard’s acceptance and the Board voted to appoint him to the position of librarian. They also voted that, while Miss Harriet H. Ames remains here, the librarian shall act under her direction, Miss Ames being a sister of the donor.
    Born in Tinmouth, Vermont, in 1827, Charles R. Ballard was 56 years old when he became librarian. No longer a young man, he had had many years of experience as an educator, having received his training at Castleton Seminary, Vermont, and at the University of Vermont in Burlington. He had served as principal of several academies, normal and high schools, for the most part, in his native Vermont. In 1871, he left Woodstock High School, also in that state, to accept the position of principal at Easton High School. Continuing in this post for six years, he resigned from the public school system in 1877 and instructed private pupils.
    Although Ballard received a formal appointment as Ames Free Librarian on February 28, 1883, Chaffin, in his History of The Town of Easton, Massachusetts, writes that he began work on March 15, 1880. Since the Board did not consider any other candidates, it is quite possible that Ballard was hired on an informal basis on the earlier date so that he could purchase the 10,000 new books that were on the shelves on opening day, catalog them, and prepare for the library’s opening in many other ways.The first schedule of 36 opening hours a week was most liberal for those times. The library was open every day from 2 to 6 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m., Sundays and holidays excepted.
    Book arrangement in those years before modern classification systems, was by subject, with 19 departments shelved in 14 alcoves. Some of the categories, such as Description and Travel, Biography and History, would be familiar to present-day users, but such classes as Public Documents and the odd combination of Philosophy, Sociology & Law seem most peculiar. In those days, black covers were put on the books to protect them, and, at the end of each month, the librarian kept a record of the number of books covered. –
    The concept of a card catalog had not yet been devised, but the library was fortunate in having the latest thing in a book catalogue (with the old- fashioned spelling, it will be noted). The Catalogue of Ames Free Library, North Easton, Massachusetts, compiled by Miss Harriet H. Ames, and printed in 1883 by the Franklin Press in Boston, consisted of four handsome volumes bound in scarlet leather. Kept to date by bound Bulletins 1-3, to January 1, 1892, this Catalogue was much in demand. The Minutes of the Ames Free Library Board meeting on November 13, 1883, record the fact that the Watertown, Nantucket libraries, the Dyer Library of Saco, Maine, were permitted to have catalogues sent to them," as requested. At the meeting on May 10, the Board voted to send a copy to Gloucester, also by request.
    Library users who wanted a book shelved in the alcoves had to write an application on a Hall Slip, and the librarian would then get it. This formal procedure was necessary because of the unbreakable library rule that said: No person, except the librarian, assistant, or a trustee shall enter an alcove or take any book from the shelves without special permission. Since all libraries operated this way, borrowers accepted the restriction as a matter of course.
    Charles R. Ballard proved to be an able librarian according to the standards of his day, but he did not have a long stay at the library. Only eight years later, on September 30, 1891, he submitted his resignation to the Board, to be effective November 1, 1891. The Library Minutes do not give the reason for his going, but, in a speech made many years later, in 1941, Mrs. Mary Ames Frothingham, then President of the Board, said that increasing deafness had forced him to resign. At the same meeting of September 30, when Ballard submitted his resignation, the Board voted to appoint Miss Mary L. Lamprey as librarian with a salary of $900, it being understood that she was entitled to the use of the tenement and that her father would perform or supervise the needed janitor work. –
    ,
    THE LAMPREY YEARS
    Born in Knoxville, Iowa on April 29, 1870, Mary Lavinia Lamprey came to North Easton at the age of seven. The daughter of Maitland C. Lamprey, who was the principal of Easton High School, she was in her third year at Boston University when the Board of Directors offered her the librarianship at Ames Free Library on the recommendation of Frederick Lothrop Ames. She accepted the position, and, although her only training was a month’s instruction from Mr. Ballard, she carried out her duties capably from the beginning.
    In 1893, upon the death of Frederick Lothrop Ames, his son Oliver was appointed to the Board and, later, elected to its presidency. Several changes were then made at the library, the first, in 1894, being the enlargement of the shelving areas, as book accessions had increased to the point of overcrowding. The firm of Shepley, Rutan & Coolidge was asked to submit plans and the solution of the problem was to build shelves against the south end of the book room. If crowded conditions still prevailed, it was suggested that book stacks be placed along its center. At this time, some of the reference books were removed to the reading room and constituted the nucleus of the reference collection as we know it today.
    The next change on the Board came in 1900, when Miss Mary S. Ames, later to be Mrs. Louis A. Frothingham, replaced Lincoln S. Drake, who had resigned. She proved to be a most progressive trustee, serving as President from 1929 to 1955. When the subject of a card catalog, a very recent development in the library world that would replace the cumbersome book catalogue, came up, Miss Ames volunteered to buy one for the library, and her offer was gratefully accepted by the Board.
    Among the gifts provided through Miss Ames’ generosity in the next few years were shrubbery and other adornment of the library grounds, the addition of fire extinguishers and a fire escape, screens for the balcony and the sets of stereoscopic views of Russia and the United States that were so popular at the time.
    On July 13, 1903, the Board started the practice of sending book deposits to the schools, voting that a number of books, not exceeding 20 each, be allowed to teachers of the public schools. Special wooden carriers with handles were obtained to hold the books, and, in these days before the school libraries, Ames Free Library books proved to be valuable supplements to school texts. On January 12, 1910, Miss Lamprey reported that 1,020 books had circulated in the schools, and the Library Minutes record that these were especially welcome and useful in the outlying districts.
    Innovations and changes continued. At the Board meeting on April 25, 1905, a report on typewriters, written by Miss Lamprey, was read by the Board and Secretary William L. Chaffin was authorized to purchase one. Thus the era of hand-written cards, for which librarians were trained to use a special library script which conserved space, came to an end, and Ames Free Library was one step nearer to the modern age. A few years later, in 1907, the first electric wiring was introduced when the trustees voted to employ Master Winthrop Jones to provide electric lights for the library stairway.
    In this same year with the increase of the Swedish population, it was decided to add 20 books in that language and to subscribe to a Swedish newspaper, all of which were greatly appreciated.
    There was one area where the trustees were not so progressive in their outlook. When the subject of having a telephone installed was brought up at the meeting on October 19, 1908, they came to the conclusion that it was not essential. Nine years later, the matter coming up again on April 7, 1917, the Board decided that they saw no real need of a telephone for library use, but they do not object to the librarian’s putting one into the building at her own expense for her private use, in which case, they should be informed of it, as they would order how and where the wires should run. On January 21, 1930, Edward M. Carr, who had followed William L. Chaffin as secretary, was finally given the go-ahead to look into the question of a telephone. When the call came, the trustees voted to give $25 (then a substantial sum) to these soldiers’ libraries, and Miss Lamprey reported to them on the success of the book campaign at Ames Free Library.
    The war campaign, she wrote, was carried on vigorously in the library by the large gifts of two of your (the Board’s) number and generous gifts by many other people so that we were able to more than double our quota, sending in $535 instead of the $250 called for. We also collected 200 very presentable books and six large boxes of magazines, half of which were sent to Camp Devens and half to the Boston Public Library, thence to be distributed to other camps and training ships.
    The Library Minutes give an interesting picture of the aftermath of the war in Easton. It is recorded under January 11, 1919 that: The librarian reported a decline in circulation for the year, the main cause of which was that, whereas the library is usually open 290 days, it was open last year only 264 days on account of the severe cold weather, the influenza, etc. The various Red Cross activities decreased the reading of the women. –
    With the return of peace. Miss Lamprey turned her attention to regular library matters once more. By 1923, the old system of book arrangement having proved inadequate, she suggested that the books be re-numbered according to the Dewey Decimal Classification Scheme, which most public libraries were now using. This was an enormous task, since numbers on all the books and on all book records had to be changed. The Board, however, realizing the advantages of the change-over, gave their permission, and Miss Lamprey carried out the project with the help of more than 70 grade-school children, who gave their time gratuitously.
    The recataloging completed successfully, Ames Free Library was now a modern library, operating under standard methods.
    At their meeting on January 26, 1931, the Board of Library Directors received a pleasant surprise in the form of a letter from Mrs, William Hadwen Ames, Board Member. It read:
    – …I desire to present to the Trustees an addition to the library building in accordance with the sketch and plans of Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbot submitted herewith and to furnish and equip it for the use of children….Such addition shall always be known as the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room and shall be for the use and benefit of the children. –
    On that same day, the Board sent a reply, informing Mrs. Ames that they had voted to accept with deep gratitude your very generous offer to build a children’s room as an addition to Ames Free Library, this room always to be called the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room.
    Mrs. Fanny Holt Ames, is the widow of William Hadwen Ames, son of Governor Oliver and Mrs. Anna Coffin Ames. Appointed to the Library Board in 1929, she was elected secretary on October 20, 1949. The memorial room for her husband opened to the public November 10, 1931.
    It was a Tuesday afternoon, and townspeople of all ages came to visit the new William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room. A harmonious addition to H.H. Richardson’s main building, it was constructed by the architectural firm formed by the members of the famous architect’s office after his death in 1886. Proportions of the room are spacious, with tall windows along its two sides and a beautiful floor-to-ceiling window at its end that overlooks the library grounds. Alcoves along the sides contain circular, glass-top tables with chairs around them and, nearby, there are window seats upholstered in red leather most delightful places to read, – according to an article in The Easton Bulletin of Thursday, January 7, 1932. Above the entrance to the room is a tablet of English oak, more than 500 years old, carrying the inscription,The William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room. –
    Delighted with the new facility for young readers, Librarian Mary L. Lamprey soon put it to good use by holding a series of story hours Saturday afternoons at four o’clock in front of the big bay window. Her first, based on the theme of Children the World Over, featured travel tales that would be of interest to children up to grade 7. Later programs included stories about Abraham Lincoln on February 12th and, a little later, North American Indian legends.
    On November 10, 1981, Mrs. William Hadwen Ames celebrated the 50th anniversary of the children’s room by inviting young library users to a birth- day party to commemorate the occasion. Sixty children came to enjoy a magic show and refreshments of ice-cream served by the hostess. Afterwards, the young guests wrote thank-you letters to the gracious lady who had given the town the great gift of a children’s room. They were collected into an album and presented to the benefactress.
    After her resignation from the Board of Directors in January 1969, Mrs. Ames, having served on the Board for 40 years as a director, 20 years as secretary, was made an honorary trustee for life. Although she no longer resides in her beautiful home at Spring Hill, North Easton, she still visits the children’s room, and, each year, she makes generous contributions for its upkeep as well as for new juvenile books.

    CHANGES
    The addition of a children’s room seemed to serve as impetus for other innovations at Ames Free Library, Mrs. Frothingham, concerned as always, with the preservation and upkeep of the building, had an estimate made by the firm of Coolidge, Shepley, Bulfinch & Abbot for re-decorating the reading and the stack rooms. The trustees agreed to have the work done, asking Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr. to look into the matter of purchasing a new circulation desk. At the meeting on July 11, 1932, Mrs. Kate L. Porter, who was now secretary, reported that a desk was being made by the Library Bureau Company.
    Then something unprecedented in the history of the library happened during the summer of 1932. It closed to the public from June 20 to July 28, and, during that period, the cage (Miss Lamprey’s high desk) was removed. Also removed was the grill between the charge room and the stack area. The high desk and grill gone, the library moved into the era of the open stack, and readers could go directly to the shelves to pick out their own books instead of filling out "Hall Slips. The balcony was still off-limits and would be, until Mrs. Irene Smith, Miss Lamprey’s successor, opened it in 1944.
    Many other improvements were introduced in 1932, including: the addition of an electric clock, the gift of Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr.; modification of the fireplace and renovation of the reading room in other ways, modern lighting throughout the building and refinishing the card catalog. All these changes, according to Secretary Kate L. Porter, made "a harmonious whole" of the library.
    The greatest change at Ames Free Library occurred in 1944, when after 53 years ot service Mary L. Lamprey retired from the position of librarian.
    Three years before, on September 30, 1941, which marked her 50th anniversary at the library. Miss Lamprey was honored by the trustees at a dinner held in the children’s room. The long table was beautifully decorated by Mrs. William A. Parker, wife of William A., who served on the Board from 1929 to 1978. The list of guests included library dignitaries, local and state officials. The Board of Directors presented Miss Lamprey with a purse of $1,000 and a set of Resolutions bound in red leather. Afterwards, the group adjourned to the Frothingham Memorial where a general reception was held for the townspeople.
    Mrs. Frothingham, who gave the keynote address, praised Miss Lamprey for her many achievements, saying that, during her 50 years of service, she had increased the number of library books from 13,000 to 27,500. She had given dedicated service to the schools, having taught generations of high school students how to use the library and had conducted reading clubs and study groups in foreign affairs for adults. After Mrs. William Hadwen Ames’ gift of a children’s room, she organized story hours, history and travel contests and classes in art and nature study for children and presented little plays with casts of youngsters.
    She also organized the Garden Club of Easton and served as its first president. Librarians in other communities held her in respect, and Mrs. Frothingham entertained one hundred members of the American Library Association for her at a tea in the famous Frothingham rose gardens on June 23,1941.
    The townspeople also loved and admired Miss Lamprey, although many of them felt somewhat in awe of her. A leading woman club member of Easton looking back to the library under Miss Lamprey, remarked upon how high her standards were and how hard she had worked to measure up to them. A successful North Easton man still counts it among the principal honors of his life that she allowed him to go beyond the grill and pick out books in the alcoves many years before they were opened to the public. Still others remember coming into the library as mischievous, little boys and being sent peremptorily down to Queset River to wash their hands before they handled the books.
    We like best to remember Mary L. Lamprey by her definition of a library given on the occasion of her 50th anniversary celebration.
    She said: In a library you deal with the stuff out of which eternity is made the garnered best that mortals have thought and hoped, preserved in words of force and beauty.

    MRS. FROTHINGHAM’S ERA
    Mrs. Mary Frothingham, widow of Congressman Louis A. Frothingham, who died in 1928, was appointed to the Board of Directors in 1900 and served as its President from 1929 to 1955. Full of zeal and enthusiasm, she not only instituted many changes throughout the building but often paid for them out of her own pocket.
    She and Mrs. William H, Ames, were given the responsibility to selecting Miss Lamprey’s successor is not an easy task. Their choice was Mrs. Irene Smith, who would begin her duties on September 1, 1944. A popular and able librarian, Mrs. Smith had received her training at the City Library Training School in Springfield, Massachusetts. Before coming to Easton, she was Reference Librarian at the Public Library in Hartford, Connecticut.
    The decade of the forties brought World War II with its many shortages. Finding it difficult to get supplies of fuel oil, the Board decided to convert the furnace to coal. In 1943, a year before Mrs. Smith’s arrival, Mrs. Frothingham informed the Board that she had purchased a boiler and a Winkler stoker. The Board proposed these to be placed alongside the present boiler so that both be available in the future. A little later, she volunteered to assume the expense of the new boiler and stoker, and, until their installation, she loaned one of her own stoves to the library to be used for heating the reading room. In 1951, eight years later, a new oil burner was installed, the alternate coal system being retained for emergencies.
    In the final year of the war, Mr. Edward Carr, the treasurer, reported that the war damage insurance coverage was in force up to July 20, 1945. Fortunately, it was never necessary to renew it.
    After the war, David Ames, Mrs. Frothingham’s nephew, returning from service in the Pacific, took an interest in the library. At the request of his aunt, he contributed his services, working on the grounds and mowing the lawns. On March 26, 1946, he became her assistant in charge of maintenance and repairs of library buildings and grounds, and was for- mallv appointed to the Board in 1949.
    In 1950, Mrs. Frothingham attained her 50th year of service on the Board, and, on April 11th, Mrs. William Hadwen Ames, the secretary, read a letter signed by 1700-1800 people addressed to her in honor of the occasion. It ran: The fiftieth anniversary of your becoming a trustee of the Ames Free Library offers to us, your fellow townspeople and users of the library, the opportunity to express our appreciation of the benefits derived from your good citizenship by all of us in our beloved community.
    After Mrs. Frothingham’s death in 1955, Mrs. John S. Ames, Sr., presented her portrait painted by Lazlo to the library. It now hangs in the reading room and depicts a handsome and aristocratic lady who directed library policies efficiently and wisely for half a century.

    DAVID AMES, PRESIDENT
    On June 6, 1955, David Ames was unanimously elected to the presidency of the Board left vacant by Mrs. Frothingham’s death. In the six years since 1949, when he became a Board member, he had introduced many innovations throughout the building. Its care and upkeep continues to be one of his priorities.
    The most important action taken at this time was the complete replacement of the roof of the main building with tiles that were especially made to duplicate the originals. In 1955, the basement room was renovated, new steel racks for shelving books were added and, later, a dehumidifier was introduced to preserve volumes of permanent value. A modern system of fluorescent lighting was put into the entrance room, the reading room, the vestibule to the children’s room as well. Special fluorescent fixtures were devised for the stack area with its high-vaulted ceiling.
    There were several changes of librarians in the following decades. After twelve years at Ames Free Library, Mrs. Irene Smith submitted her resignation in 1956, having accepted the position of librarian at Nantucket Atheneum, the Board appointed Miss Irene Poirier, who had served as librarian at the Lenox Library Association, also a privately endowed institution, as Mrs. Smith’s successor. A capable librarian serving the interests of the library and community with dedication. Miss Poirier upheld high library standards. Active in her profession, she served as president of the Old Colony Library Club and was a member of a number of Massachusetts Library Association committees.
    After Miss Poirier left in 1968, the library was fortunate in obtaining the services of Mrs. Minnie B. Figmic, who had extensive experience in the Duxbury Library. Despire her physical limitations, she rendered excellent and dependable service. A new and more accurate book charging system was installed at the library under Mrs. Figmic’s direction, wherein library books were charged to borrowers’ card numbers instead of to their names.
    In 1976, the library was again fortunate in obtaining the services of Miss Margaret M. Meade as librarian. Miss Meade received her training at Bridgewater State College and her library degree from the University of Rhode Island. She had served in the Brockton Public Library for 36 years, holding the positions of Head Cataloger and Assistant to the Head Librarian. Her contributions to the library have been the reorganization of the book collection with the addition of new shelving in the basement, carrying out an efficient policy of book discards, standardization of cataloging methods and writing newspaper columns that have contributed to good public relations. She was invaluable in compiling and researching this history.
    Until 1972, financial support of the library was provided entirely by private funds, but in that year, the Board of Directors decided to apply for state aid, feeling that the town should benefit by the state’s largesse. In order to qualify for state aid, the town voted an annual appropriation of $1,000 to the library.
    In 1977, the town increased its appropriation so that summer hours could be increased from 14 to 28, and in 1979, winter hours were lengthened from 40 to 44. By 1982, the population of Easton having risen to 16,623, the library complied with state standards and implemented a 50-hour a week opening, as required.
    As of 1982, the financial report showed $82,000 from endowment, $10,000 from the town of Easton, and $8,300 from the state of Massachusetts.
    Meanwhile, several changes in library government had been made. In 1977, Ames Free Library reorganized as a corporation rather than as a charitable trust as it had been operating since 1883 under the terms of Oliver Ames’ will. The trustees, no longer elected by the Unitarian Society of Easton, were designated as directors, and the chairman of the Easton Board of Selectmen was included as a Board member ex-officio.
    With the onset of the energy crisis in 1979, the Board of Directors put a number of measures for conservation into operation. At the meeting of November 11, 1979, mention was made of an anticipated increase in the fuel bill for the following year, and it was voted to maintain a temperature of 65 degrees during the winter months, as required by law. Certain radiators in the downstairs work-room and stack areas were to be turned off. The large picture windows in the children’s room presented a problem until Mrs. William H. Ames made a generous contribution of custom-made storm windows plus screens to be installed in this area. The minutes note that the new windows, which kept the room warm and comfortable all winter and lowered the fuel consumption as well, were greatly appreciated by the Board, the staff, and the library patrons.
    As H. H. Richardson’s reputation increased over the years, Ames Free Library attracted wide attention as an example of his architecture. Each year, students of architecture from many colleges and universities come to study it, and it is included in the itineraries of tour groups. Visitors signing the guest book come from all parts of the United States as well as from abroad. In spite of its prominence in the world of architecture, the building is a public library in function and intent, not a museum. It continues to carry out the original purpose of its donor of bringing the world of books to the people of Easton.
    Circulation statistics measure how successful the library has been in reaching the people of Easton. In 1883, the opening year, 17,366 books went into circulation, 4,401 of them Juvenile reading. The most recent count taken June 30, 1983 shows that 66,338 books were borrowed during 1982-83, 35,942 from the adult section and 30,396 from the William Hadwen Ames Memorial Room (or juvenile section). From the beginning, a comprehensive collection of reading materials was available to library users. The earliest statement of holdings, taken in 1884, showed a total of 10,646 volumes, while the current total has increased to 48,527.
    The library history would be incomplete without mention of the indispensable services of the staff, whose support, ability and cooperation across one hundred years has made possible the services of the library to the community.
    People are the greatest resource of any public library, and Ames Free Library has been more than fortunate in this respect. Generations of children have grown up at the library, and adults from all walks of life have come through the wide front doors in search of entertainment and knowledge. Over the years there has been an unending line of dedicated board members, some of them giving almost a lifetime of service.
    ,
    The following achieved longevity records:
    34 years – David Ames, Board member (1949- ), President (1955- ) 39 years – Rev. William L. Chaffin, Board member (1883-1922) and Secretary (1883-1922) 40 years – Mrs. William Hadwen Ames, Board member (1929-1969) and Secretary (1949-1969) 45 years – Edward Carr, Board member (1922-1967) and Treasurer (1929-1967) 49 years – William A. Parker, Board member (1929-1978) 53 years – Mary L. Lamprey, Librarian (1891-1944) 55 years – Mary Ames Frothingham, Board member (1900-1955) and President (1929-1955)
    Board members in office during the centennial year are as follows: David Ames, President; Douglas D. Porter, Treasurer; Elizabeth M. Ames, Clerk; Esther C. Anderson; William M. Ames; and Leo R. Harlow, member ex- officio and Chairman of the Easton Board of Selectmen.
    At the close of this first century in the continuing history of Ames Free Library of Easton, Inc., its dedicated trustees look forward to a future of even greater use of the library and even closer ties with the community.
    PRESIDENTS Frederick L. Ames 1883-1893 Cyrus Lothrop 1893-1912 Oliver Ames 1912-1929 Mary Ames Frothingham 1929-1955 David Ames 1955-
    SECRETARIES Rev. William L. Chaffin 1883-1922 (April) Rev. Fred R. Lewis 1922-June & July Edward M. Carr 1923-1929 Mrs. Robert B. Porter 1929-1937 Gilman H. Campbell 1937-1949 Mrs. William H. Ames 1949-1969 Mrs. John S. Ames 111 1969-1976 Mrs. David Ames 1976-
    TREASURERS George W. Kennedy 1883-1910 George C. Barrows 1910-1929 Edward M. Carr 1929-1967 Douglas D. Porter 1967 –
    DIRECTORS Frederick L, Ames 1883-1893 Oliver Ames 1893-1929 William A. Parker 1929-1978 William M. Ames1978- Rev. William L. Chaffin 1883-1922 Edward M. Carr 1922-1967 Douglas D. Porter 1967- Cyrus Lothrop 1883-1912 Frederick Porter 1912-1919 Rev. Fred R. Lewis 1919-1925 Mrs. Robert Porter 1925-1937 Gilman H. Campbell 1937-1949 David Ames 1949- Lincoln S. Drake 1883-1900 Mary S. Ames (Mrs. Louis A. Frothingham)1900-1955 Mrs. John S. Ames, Jr.1956 -1958 Mrs. David Ames1958- George. W. Kennedy 1883-1910 George C. Barrows 1910-1929 Mrs. William H. Ames 1929-1969 Mrs. JohnS. Ames III 1969-1976 Miss Esther C. Andersen 1977-
    LIBRARIANS Charles R. Ballard 1883-1891 Miss Mary L. Lamprey 1891-1944 Mrs. Irene Smith 1944-195(, Miss Irene M. Poirier 1956-1968 Mrs. Minnie B. Figmic 1968-1973 Charles Huelsbeck 1973-1974 Miss M. Joyce Davidson 1974-1976 Miss Margaret M. Meade 1976-
    ,
    Serving Ex-officio on the Board of Directors during term of office as Chairman of Board of Selectmen.
    Donald E. Andersen 1977-1980 Richard Martin 1981-1982 Lawrence M. Douglas 1982-1983 Leo R. Harlow 1983-
    Staff of 1983 (Publication of Book)
    source: Ames Free Library
    source: Centennial Committee, History of the Ames F L (1883-1983)
    ,Prior to the establishment of the Oliver Ames Free Library
    The First Social Library
    A library association with the above name existed in Easton as early as 1800. It was located in the southeast part of the town. The books were kept at the house of Roland Howard, who appears to have been the librarian. An informant speaks of the strong impression made upon her mind by the reading of the – History of Cain, one of the books of this library. About fifty of the books are still at their old headquarters in the Roland Howard house, now Mr. Collins’s home. They are mainly of an agricultural character, and are of course considerably dilapidated.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Washington Benevolent Society and Library’s members were charged an initiation fee of two dollars each.
    At the time of the War of 18 12 the country was divided between the Federalist and Anti-federalist parties; the latter being sometimes called Republican. Party feeling was intense and bitter. In New England the opposition to the war was very strong on the part of the Federalists. The latter were in a minority in Easton, and felt the need of union for sympathy and counsel. They therefore organized themselves into a society with the name given above. The name of Washington was used because he had sympathized with Federalist principles, and because his name was held in high honor. But why the society was called -Benevolent – does not appear. There seemed to be no better reason for its adoption than that it sounded well; it certainly laid the society open to the ridicule of the Republicans, who did not spare its members. This society was more like a political club; it had meetings for political purposes.
    As the name indicates, this society owned a library, which was doubtless composed principally of political works and periodicals. The society appears to have been organized about 1812, and it continued in existence nearly ten years. The members were charged an initiation fee of two dollars each.
    After the War of 1812 was over, and when the Hartford Convention had given the Federal party its death-blow, this Washington Benevolent Society and Library languished. Its affairs were not entirely settled, however, until 1823. Lewis Williams was then its treasurer, and from a carefully written paper which he prepared we learn that its membership was thirty- seven; its amount of fees, $73.00 (one member paying only a half fee) ; the amount realized from the sale of books, $25.25; the amount of assessments all told, $33-75; and that the total amount finally disbursed among existing members was $70.65.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Second Social Library
    Before 1823 there was formed a Library Association in Easton named as above. In order to form themselves into a legal society as they termed it, a meeting was regularly called at the request of five members, and was held February 6, 1823, at the chapel near the Congregational meeting-house, where it was legally organized. Israel Turner was made clerk ; Daniel Reed, librarian ; and Welcome Lothrop, treasurer. Dr. Samuel Deans, James Dean, and John Pool were chosen to inspect and superintend the concerns of the library. Among the members were Joseph Hayward, Sr., Lewis Williams, Dr. Caleb Swan, Alanson White, Sheperd Leach, Oakes Ames, Lincoln Drake, and twenty-five other citizens of Easton. At the second quarterly meeting a share (which included membership) was presented by the proprietors to the Rev. Luther Sheldon. The first book in the little catalogue was the – Theory of Agreeable Sensations. – Then came Bacon’s Essays, Burns’s Works, Plutarch’s – Lives, – the – Scottish Chiefs, -Hume’s – England, – and a few other standard works. But most of the books are no longer read and are seldom heard of. This library existed until about 1840.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Methodist Social Library
    In 1831 a Library Association similar to the one last mentioned was organized in the northeast part of the town. It was called the Methodist Social Library. Its first meeting for organization was held May 3, 1831. Dr. Zephaniah Randall was chosen president; Joel Randall, vice-president; William Sawyer, clerk; Henry R. Healey, treasurer; and John A. Bates, librarian. The standing committee were Phineas Randall, Oakes Ames, John Bisbee, Francis French, and James Dickerman. A closet was built in the then new Methodist meeting-house to hold the books of the library. There were fifty-six shareholders. The first book on the list was Wesley’s – Sermons, – and the next the – American Constitution. – Then followed – Pilgrim’s Progress, – Opie on – Lying, – Hervey’s – Meditations, – etc. A large proportion of the books were theological and religious. It was not, however, a long-lived society, its last meeting being held May i, 1837. Its records are still preserved.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The District 2 Library
    In 1838, as Guilford White informs the writer, the Rev. Mr. Upham, of Salem, a member of the Board of Education, lectured in schoolhouses, with a view to establish district libraries. Such a library was formed by individual subscription in District No. 2, and about one hundred books, some of them excellent in character, were collected. After about twenty-five years there was very little interest taken in it, and when the Sunday-school in White’s Hall was organized, such books of the district library as remained, – about forty or fifty, – were turned into the Sunday School library. This school collected at last about three hundred volumes, but when the hall was burned, August 25, 1884, they were all consumed."
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The Agricultural Library
    In i860, under the direction of John Reynolds, of Concord, Massachusetts, who was connected with the – New England Farmer, – an agricultural library was organized in Easton. Its first president was Oliver Ames, II; its vice-president, George W. Hayward; its secretary, Henry Daily; and John R. Howard was chosen its treasurer and librarian. The committee for the selection of books was Charles B. Pool, Oliver Ames, Jr., and David Hervey. There were one hundred and thirty-five very carefully selected books, besides duplicates. These books treated of the various branches of agriculture, horse and cattle breeding, and kindred subjects, and they were well studied and of great service. After the death of the librarian the books were removed to Mr. Manahan’s, where most of them remain today. The association is now practically dead, however.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    The North Easton Library Association
    January 25, 1869, the above-named association was organized at North Easton village. Joseph Barrows was chosen president; Cyrus Lothrop, vice-president; F. L. Ames, secretary and treasurer; and A. A. Gilmore, Reuben Meader, Michael Macready, W. L. Chaffin, and P. A. Gifford, were elected directors. Persons became shareholders by the purchase of one or more shares, each costing five dollars. There were fifty shareholders, and ninety-five shares were sold. Any one might become a subscriber and have the use of the library and reading-room by paying at the rate of two dollars per year. There was an annual assessment of one dollar on each share. This library was located in the same building with the post-office, and George B. Cogswell was chosen librarian. A convenient reading-room was fitted up there, papers and magazines provided, and it became for eleven years a place of pleasant resort which will long be remembered by those accustomed to frequent it.
    source: History of Easton, William L. Chaffin, 1886
    ,
    Main Street
    In North Easton Village, was first laid out in 1744. It began a little south of Joseph Crossman’s (now Thomas Randall’s), passed between the gravel bank and the hill just west of it, came out where the road now runs east of Frederick Lothrop Ames’ farm-house, kept through the Village, and was continued nearly to the Stoughton line just above the Solomon R. Foster place. Those residents who had houses on this street in 1744 were Joseph Crossman, at the east end; Eliphalet Leonard, near the Red Factory, where he had a forge; Samuel Randall, near the railroad bridg

    Posted by Historical Images on 2014-02-24 09:18:32

    Tagged: , Easton; , Massachusetts; , Bristol; , Historical; , Vintage; , History; , Places; , Sites , Ames , Center , Image , Maps , Houses , Registry , Furnace , National , Historic , Flowers , Museum , Road , Commission , Interior , People , Village , Simpson , Spring , Asahel , Revolutionary , Pond , North , Governor , War , Botanical , Farm , House , out , door , Bay , Property , Town , District , Washington , Shovel , Rail , Main

    #furniture #DIY #woodwork #woodworking #freedownload#woodworkingprojects #woodsmith ,wood craft, wood planer, fine woodworking, wooden chairs, wood working tools, popular woodworking, woodworking books, woodworking workbench plans

  • Fontainebleau – Cabinet de Travail de Napoléon 1er

    Fontainebleau – Cabinet de Travail de Napoléon 1er

    Fontainebleau - Cabinet de Travail de Napoléon 1er

    The Postcard

    A carte postale that was published by L. Ménard of Fontainebleau. The card was posted in Paris, although unfortunately the stamp has been removed, along with the date of posting.

    The card was posted to:

    Miss G. Moss,
    5, Salisbury Road,
    London E. 17,
    Angleterre.

    The message on the divided back was as follows:

    "Saturday.
    Sorry I have had no time
    to write a letter to you –
    I am here at last, and
    yesterday we had a most
    glorious day at Fontainebleau.
    I am sunburned.
    Today we shop industrially.
    When I get back to London
    I will write a proper letter &
    tell you everything.
    J. H."

    The Palace of Fontainebleau

    The Palace of Fontainebleau, or Château de Fontainebleau, is located 55 kilometres (34 miles) southeast of the centre of Paris.

    The castle and subsequent palace served as a residence for French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III.

    Francis I and Napoleon were the monarchs who had the most influence on the Palace as it stands today.

    It became a national museum in 1927, and was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981 for its unique architecture and historical importance.

    The Medieval Palace

    The earliest record of a fortified castle at Fontainebleau dates to 1137. It became a favourite residence and hunting lodge of the Kings of France because of the abundant game and many springs in the surrounding forest.

    Fontainebleau took its name from one of the springs, la Fontaine de Bliaud, located now in the English Garden, next to the wing of Louis XV.

    Fontainebleau was used by King Louis VII, for whom Thomas Becket consecrated the chapel in 1169; also by Philip II; by Louis IX (later canonised as Saint Louis), who built a hospital and a convent, the Couvent des Trinitaires, next to the castle; and by Philip IV, who was born and died in the castle.

    The Renaissance Château of Francis I (1528–1547)

    In the 15th. century some modifications and embellishments were made to the castle by Isabeau of Bavaria, the wife of King Charles VI, but the medieval structure remained essentially intact until the reign of Francis I (1494–1547).

    He commissioned the architect Gilles Le Breton to build a palace in the new Renaissance style, recently imported from Italy. Le Breton preserved the old medieval donjon, where the King’s apartments were located, but incorporated it into the new Renaissance-style Cour Ovale, built on the foundations of the old castle.

    It included the monumental Porte Dorée, as its southern entrance. as well as a monumental Renaissance stairway, the Portique de Serlio, to give access the royal apartments on the north side.

    Beginning in about 1528, Francis constructed the Galerie François I, which allowed him to pass directly from his apartments to the chapel of the Trinitaires. He brought the architect Sebastiano Serlio from Italy, and the Florentine painter Rosso Fiorentino, to decorate the new gallery.

    Between 1533 and 1539 Fiorentino filled the gallery with murals glorifying the King, framed in stucco ornament in high relief, and panelling sculpted by the furniture maker Francesco Scibec da Carpi.

    Another Italian painter, Francesco Primaticcio from Bologna, joined later in the decoration of the palace. Together their style of decoration became known as the first School of Fontainebleau. This was the first great decorated gallery built in France. Fontainebleau introduced the Renaissance to France.

    In about 1540, Francis began another major addition to the château. Using land on the east side of the château purchased from the order of the Trinitaires, he began to build a new square of buildings around a large courtyard.

    The château was surrounded by a new park in the style of the Italian Renaissance garden, with pavilions and the first grotto in France.

    The Château of Henry II and Catherine de’ Medici (1547–1570)

    Following the death of Francis I, King Henry II decided to continue and expand the château. The King and his wife chose the architects Philibert de l’Orme and Jean Bullant to do the work.

    They extended the east wing of the lower court and decorated it with the first famous horseshoe-shaped staircase which was built between 1547 and 1559. The staircase was subsequently re-built for Louis XIII by Jean Androuet du Cerceau in about 1632-1634.

    In the Oval Court, they transformed the loggia planned by Francois into a Salle des Fêtes or grand ballroom with a coffered ceiling. Facing the courtyard of the fountain and the fish pond, they designed a new building, the Pavillon des Poeles (destroyed), to contain the new apartments of the King.

    The decoration of the new ballroom and the gallery of Ulysses with murals by Francesco Primaticcio and sculptured stucco continued.

    At Henri’s orders the Nymphe de Fontainebleau by Benvenuto Cellini was installed at the gateway entrance of Château d’Anet, the domain of Henri’s primary mistress Diane de Poitiers (the original bronze lunette is now in the Musée du Louvre, with a replica in place).

    Following the death of Henry II in a jousting accident, his widow, Catherine de’ Medici, continued the construction and decoration of the château. She named Primaticcio as the new superintendent of royal public works.

    He designed the section known today as the wing of the Belle Cheminée, noted for its elaborate chimneys and its two opposing stairways. In 1565, as a security measure due to the Wars of Religion, she also had moat dug around the château to protect it against attack.

    Château of Henry IV (1570–1610)

    King Henry IV made more additions to the château than any King since Francis I. He extended the oval court toward the west by building two pavilions, called Tiber and Luxembourg.

    Between 1601 and 1606, he remade all the façades around the courtyard, including that of the chapel of Saint-Saturnin, to give the architecture greater harmony. On the east side, he built a new monumental domed gateway, the Porte du Baptistère.

    Between 1606 and 1609, he built a new courtyard, the Cour des Offices or Quartier Henry IV, to provide a place for the kitchens as well as residences for court officials.

    Two new galleries, the Galerie de Diane de Poitiers and the Galerie des Cerfs, were built to enclose the old garden of Diane. He also added a large Jeu de Paume, or indoor tennis court, the largest such court in the world.

    A Second School of Fontainebleau painters and decorators went to work on the interiors. The architect Martin Fréminet created the ornate chapel of the Trinity, while the painters Ambroise Dubois and Toussaint Dubreuil created a series of heroic paintings for the salons. A new wing, named after its central building, La Belle Cheminée, was built next to the large carp pond.

    Henry IV also devoted great attention to the park and gardens around the Château. The garden of the Queen or garden of Diane, created by Catherine de’ Medici, with the fountain of Diane in the centre, was located on the north side of the palace.

    Henry IV’s gardener, Claude Mollet, who trained at Château d’Anet, created a large parterre of flower beds, decorated with ancient statues and separated by paths into large squares.

    The fountain of Diana and the grotto were made by Tommaso Francini, who may also have designed the Medici Fountain in the Luxembourg Garden for Marie de Medici.

    On the south side, Henry created a park, planted with pines, elms and fruit trees, and laid out a grand canal 1200 meters long, sixty years before Louis XIV built his own grand canal at Versailles.

    The Château from Louis XIII through Louis XVI

    King Louis XIII was born and baptized in the Château, and continued the works begun by his father. He completed the decoration of the chapel of the Trinity, and assigned the court architect Jean Androuet du Cerceau to re-construct the horseshoe stairway on the courtyard that had become known as the Cour de Cheval Blanc.

    After his death, his widow, Anne of Austria, re-decorated the apartments within the Wing of the Queen Mothers (Aile des Reines Mères) next to the Court of the Fountain, designed by Primatrice.

    King Louis XIV spent more days at Fontainebleau than any other monarch. He liked to hunt there every year at the end of summer and the beginning of autumn.

    He made few changes to the exterior of the Château, but did build a new apartment for his companion Madame de Maintenon. He furnished it with major works of André-Charles Boulle. He also demolished the old apartments of the baths under the Gallery of Francis I to create new apartments for the royal princes.

    The architect Jules Hardouin-Mansard built a new wing alongside the Galerie des Cerfs and the Galerie de Diane in order to provide more living space for the Court.

    Louis XIV made major changes to the park and gardens; he commissioned André Le Nôtre and Louis Le Vau to redesign the large parterre into a French formal garden. He destroyed the hanging garden which Henry IV had built next to the large carp lake, and instead built a pavilion, designed by Le Vau, on a small island in the centre of the lake.

    Louis XIV signed the Edict of Fontainebleau at the Château on the 22nd. October 1685, revoking the policy of tolerance towards Protestants begun by Henry IV.

    Louis welcomed many foreign guests at the Château, including the former Queen Christina of Sweden, who had just abdicated her crown. While a guest in the Château on the 10th. November 1657, Christina suspected her Master of the Horse and reputed lover, the Marchese Gian Rinaldo Monaldeschi, of betraying her secrets to her enemies.

    Her servants chased him through the halls of the Château and stabbed him to death. Louis XIV came to see her at the Château, did not mention the murder, and allowed her to continue her travels.

    On the 18th. and 20th. May 1717, following the death of Louis XIV, the Russian Czar Peter the Great was a guest at Fontainebleau. A hunt for stags was organized for him, along with a banquet.

    Although officially the visit was a great success, later memoires revealed that Peter disliked the French style of hunting, and that he found the Château too small, compared to the other royal French residences.

    The routine of Fontainebleau also did not suit his tastes; he preferred beer to wine (and brought his own supply with him) and he liked to get up early, unlike the French Court.

    The renovation projects of Louis XV were more ambitious than those of Louis XIV. To create more lodging for his enormous number of courtiers, in 1737–38 the King built a new courtyard, called the Cour de la Conciergerie or the Cour des Princes, to the east of the Galerie des Cerfs.

    On the Cour du Cheval Blanc, the wing of the Gallery of Ulysses was torn down and gradually replaced by a new brick and stone building, built in stages in 1738–1741 and 1773–74, extending west toward the Pavilion and grotto of the pines.

    Between 1750 and 1754, the King commissioned the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel to build a new wing along the Cour de la Fontaine and the carp lake.

    The old Pavilion des Poeles was demolished and replaced by the Gros Pavilion, built of cream-colored stone. Lavish new apartments were created inside this building for the King and Queen. The new meeting room for the Royal Council was decorated by the leading painters of the day, including François Boucher, Carle Vanloo, Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre and Alexis Peyrotte. A magnificent small theatre was created on the first floor of the wing of the Belle Cheminée.

    King Louis XVI also made additions to the Château in order to create more space for his courtiers. A new building was constructed alongside the Gallery of Francis I; it created a large new apartment on the first floor, and a number of small apartments on the ground floor, but also blocked the windows on the north side of the Gallery of Francis I.

    The apartments of Queen Marie-Antoinette were redone, a Turkish-style salon was created for her in 1777, a room for games in 1786–1787, and a boudoir in the arabesque style. Louis XVI and Marie-Antoinette made their last visit to Fontainebleau in 1786, on the eve of the French Revolution.

    The Château during the Revolution and the First Empire

    During the French Revolution the Château did not suffer any significant damage, but all the furniture was sold at auction. The buildings were occupied by the Central School of the Department of Seine-et-Marne until 1803, when Napoleon I installed a military school there.

    As he prepared to become Emperor, Napoleon wanted to preserve as much as possible of the palaces and protocol of the Old Regime. He chose Fontainebleau as the site of his historic 1804 meeting with Pope Pius VII, who had travelled from Rome to crown Napoleon Emperor.

    Napoleon had a suite of rooms decorated for the Pope, and had the entire Château refurnished and decorated. The bedroom of the Kings was transformed into a throne room for Napoleon. Apartments were refurnished and decorated for the Emperor and Empress in the new Empire style.

    The Cour du Cheval Blanc was re-named the Cour d’Honneur. One wing facing the courtyard, the Aile de Ferrare, was torn down and replaced with an ornamental iron fence and gate, making the façade of the Palace visible.

    The gardens of Diane and the gardens of the Pines were replanted and turned into an English landscape garden.

    Napoleon’s visits to Fontainebleau were not frequent, because he was occupied so much of the time with military campaigns. Between 1812 and 1814, the Château served as a very elegant prison for Pope Pius VII. On the 5th. November 1810, the chapel of the Château was used for the baptism of Napoleon’s nephew, the future Napoleon III, with Napoleon serving as his godfather, and the Empress Marie-Louise as his godmother.

    Napoleon spent the last days of his reign at Fontainebleau, before abdicating there on the 4th. April 1814. On the 20th. April, after failing in an attempt to commit suicide, he gave an emotional farewell to the soldiers of the Old Guard, assembled in the Court of Honour. Later, during the One Hundred Days, he stopped there on the 20th. March 1815.

    In his memoires, written while in exile on Saint Helena, he recalled his time at Fontainebleau:

    "The true residence of Kings, the house of
    the centuries. Perhaps it was not a rigorously
    architectural palace, but it was certainly a place
    of residence well thought out and perfectly
    suitable. It was certainly the most comfortable
    and happily situated palace in Europe.”

    The Château during the Restoration and the Reign of Louis-Philippe (1815–1848)

    Following the restoration of the Monarchy, Kings Louis XVIII and Charles X each stayed at Fontainebleau, but neither made any major changes to the palace. Louis-Philippe was more active, both restoring some rooms and redecorating others in the style of his period.

    The Hall of the Guards and Gallery of Plates were redecorated in a Neo-Renaissance style, while the Hall of Columns, under the ballroom, was remade in a neoclassical style. He added new stained glass windows, made by the royal manufactory of Sèvres.

    The Château During the Second Empire

    Emperor Napoleon III, who had been baptised at Fontainebleau, resumed the custom of long stays at the Château, particularly during the summer. Many of the historic rooms, such as the Galerie des Cerfs, were restored to something like their original appearance, while the private apartments were redecorated to suit the tastes of the Emperor and Empress.

    Numerous guest apartments were squeezed into unused spaces within the buildings. The old theatre of the palace, built in the 18th. century, was destroyed by a fire in the wing of the Belle Cheminée 1856. Between 1854 and 1857 the architect Hector Lefuel built a new theatre in the style of Louis XVI.

    On the ground floor of the Gros Pavilion, the Empress Eugénie built a small but well-stocked museum, containing gifts from the King of Siam in 1861, and works of art taken during the pillage of the Summer Palace in Beijing.

    The museum also featured paintings by contemporary artists, including Franz Xaver Winterhalter, and the sculptor Charles Henri Joseph Cordier. Close by, in the Louis XV wing, the Emperor established his office, and the Empress made her Salon of Lacquer.

    These were the last rooms created by the royal residents of Fontainebleau. In 1870, during the Franco-German War, the Empire fell, and the Château was closed.

    The Château from the Third Republic to the Present Day

    During the Franco-Prussian War, the palace was occupied by the Prussians on the 17th. September 1870, and briefly used as an army headquarters by Frederic Charles of Prussia from March 1871.

    Following the war, two of the buildings became the home of the advanced school of artillery and engineering of the French Army, which had been forced to leave Alsace when the province was annexed by Germany.

    The Château was occasionally used as a residence by the Presidents of the Third Republic, and to welcome state guests including King Alexander I of Serbia (1891), King George I of Greece (1892) Leopold II of Belgium (1895) and King Alphonse XIII of Spain (1913).

    It also received a visit by the last survivor of its royal residents, the Empress Eugenie, on the 26th. June 1920.

    The façades the major buildings received their first protection by classification as historic monuments on the 20th. August 1913.

    In 1923, following the Great War, the Château became the home of the Écoles d’Art Américaines, schools of art and music, which still exist today. In 1927 it became a national museum. Between the wars the upper floors of the wing of the Belle Cheminée, burned in 1856, were rebuilt by a grant from the Rockefeller Foundation.

    During World War II, Fontainebleau was occupied by the Germans on the 16th. June 1940, and occupied until the 10th. November 1940, and again from the 15th. May to the end of October 1941.

    Following the war, part of the Château became a headquarters of the Western Union and later NATO’s Allied Forces Central Europe/Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe, until 1966.

    The general restoration of the Château took place between 1964 and 1968 under President Charles De Gaulle and his Minister of Culture, Andre Malraux. It was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1981. In 2006, the Ministry of Culture purchased the royal stables, and began their restoration.

    Beginning in 2007, restoration began of the theatre of the Château, created by Napoleon III during the Second Empire. The project was funded by the government of Abu-Dhabi, and in exchange the theatre was renamed after Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan. It was inaugurated on the 30th. April 2014.

    On the 1st. March 2015, the Chinese Museum of the Château was robbed by professional thieves. They broke in at about six in the morning, and, despite alarms and video cameras, in seven minutes stole about fifteen of the most valuable objects in the collection, including the replica of the crown of Siam given by the Siamese government to Napoleon III, a Tibetan mandala, and an enamel chimera from the reign of the Qianlong Emperor (1736–1795).

    The Grand Apartments at Fontainebleau

    The Gallery of Francis I

    The Gallery of Francis I is one of the first and finest examples of Renaissance decoration in France. It was originally constructed in 1528 as a passageway between the apartments of the King with the oval courtyard and the great chapel of the convent Trinitaires, but in 1531 Francis I made it a part of his royal apartments, and between 1533 and 1539 it was decorated by artists and craftsmen from Italy, under the direction of the painter Rosso Fiorentino, in the new Renaissance style.

    The lower walls of the passage were the work of the master Italian furniture maker Francesco Scibec da Carpi; they are decorated with the coat of arms of France and the salamander, the emblem of the King. The upper walls are covered by frescoes framed in richly sculpted stucco. The frescoes used mythological scenes to illustrate the virtues of the King.

    On the side of the gallery with windows, the frescoes represent Ignorance Driven Out; The Unity of the State; Cliobis and Biton; Danae; The Death of Adonis; The Loss of Perpetual Youth; and The Battle of the Centaurs and the Lapithes.

    On the side of the gallery facing the windows, the frescoes represent: A Sacrifice; The Royal Elephant; The Burning of Catane; The Nymph of Fontainebleau (painted in 1860–61 by J. Alaux to cover a former entry to the gallery); The Sinking of Ajax; The Education of Achilles and The Frustration of Venus.

    The Ballroom

    The Ballroom was originally begun as an open passageway, or loggia, by Francis I. In about 1552 King Henry II closed it with high windows and an ornate coffered ceiling, and transformed it into a room for celebrations and balls.

    The ‘H’, the initial of the King, is prominent in the décor, as well as figures of the crescent moon, the symbol of Henry’s mistress Diane de Poitiers.

    At the western end is a monumental fireplace, decorated with bronze statues originally copied from classical statues in Rome. At the eastern end of the room is a gallery where musicians played during balls.

    The décor was restored many times over the years. The floor, which mirrors the design of the ceiling, was built by Louis-Philippe in the first half of the 19th. century.

    The frescoes on the walls and pillars were painted beginning in 1552 by Nicolo dell’Abate, following drawings by Primatice. On the garden side of the ballroom, they represent: The Harvest; Vulcan forging weapons for Love at the request of Venus; Phaeton begging the sun to let him drive his chariot; and Jupiter and Mercury at the home of Philemon and Baucis.

    The frescoes on the side of the Oval Courtyard represent: The feast of Bacchus; Apollo and the Muses on Mount Parnassus; The Three Graces dancing before the gods; and The wedding feast of Thetis and Peleus.

    St. Saturnin’s Chapel

    Behind the ballroom, there is St. Saturnin’s Chapel. The lower chapel was originally built in the 12th. century, but was destroyed and completely rebuilt under Francis I. The windows made in Sèvres were installed during Louis Philippe’s period, and were designed by his daughter Marie, an artist herself.

    The upper chapel was the royal chapel decorated by Philibert de l’Orme. The ceiling, made in the same style as the ballroom, ends with a dome.

    Room of the Guards

    A room for the guards was always located next to the royal bedchambers. The Salle des Gardes was built during the reign of Charles IX. Some traces of the original décor remain from the 1570’s, including the vaulted ceiling and a frieze of military trophies attributed to Ruggiero d’Ruggieri.

    In the 19th. century Louis Philippe turned the room into a salon, and redecorated it with a new parquet floor of exotic woods echoing the design of the ceiling, along with a monumental fireplace (1836), which incorporates pieces of ornament from demolished rooms that were built the 15th. and early 16th. century.

    The bust of Henry IV, attributed to Mathieu Jacquet, is from that period, as are the two figures on either side of the fireplace. The sculpted frame around the bust, by Pierre Bontemps, was originally in the bedchamber of Henry II.

    The decorations added by Louis Philippe include a large vase decorated with Renaissance themes, made by the Sèvres porcelain manufactory in 1832.

    During the reign of Napoleon III, the hall was used as a dining room.

    Stairway of the King

    The stairway of the King was installed in 1748 and 1749, in the space occupied during the reign of Francis I by the bedroom of Anne de Pisseleu, the Duchess of Étampes, a favourite of the King.

    It was designed by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, who used many decorative elements from the earlier room, which had originally been decorated by Primatice.

    The upper portion of the walls is divided into panels, oval and rectangular, with scenes representing the love life of Alexander the Great. The paintings are framed by large statues of women by Primatice. The eastern wall of the room was destroyed during the reconstruction, and was replaced during the reign of Louis Philippe in the 19th. century with paintings by Abel de Pujol.

    The Queen’s Bedroom

    All of the Queens and Empresses of France from Marie de Medici to the Empress Eugènie slept in the bedchamber of the Queen. The ornate ceiling over the bed was made in 1644 by the furniture-maker Guillaume Noyers for the Dowager Queen Anne of Austria, the mother of Louis XIV, and bears her initials.

    The room was redecorated by Marie Leszczynska, the Queen of Louis XV in 1746–1747. The ceiling of the alcove, the decoration around the windows and the wood panelling were made by Jacques Vererckt and Antoine Magnonais in the rocaille style of the day. The decoration of the fireplace dates to the same period.

    The doors have an arabesque design, and were made for Marie-Antoinette, as were the sculpted panels over the doors, installed in 1787. The bed was also made especially for Marie Antoinette, but did not arrive until 1797, after the Revolution and her execution. it was used instead by Napoleon’s wives, the Empress Josephine and Marie-Louise of Austria.

    The walls received their ornamental textile covering, with a design of flowers and birds, in 1805. It was restored in 1968–1986 using the original fabric as a model.

    The furniture in the room all dates to the First Empire. The balustrade around the bed was originally made for the throne room of the Tuileries Palace in 1804. The armchairs with a sphinx pattern, the consoles and screen and the two chests of drawers were placed in the room in 1806.

    The Boudoir of Marie-Antoinette

    The boudoir next to the Queen’s bedroom was created for Queen Marie-Antoinette in 1786, and permitted the Queen to have a measure of privacy.

    The room is the best surviving example of the decorative style just before the French Revolution, inspired by ancient Roman models, with delicately painted arabesques, cameos, vases, antique figures and garlands of flowers against a silver background, framed by gilded and sculpted woodwork.

    The room was made for the Queen by the same team of artists and craftsmen who also made the game room; the design was by the architect Pierre Rousseau (1751-1829); the wood panelling was sculpted by Laplace, and painted by Michel-Hubert Bourgeois and Louis-François Touzé.

    Eight figures of the Muses were made in plaster by Roland; the ornate mantle of the fireplace was made by Jacques-François Dropsy, and decorated with glided bronze works by Claude-Jean Pitoin.

    The mahogany parquet floor, decorated with the emblems of the Queen, was made by Bernard Molitor, and finished in 1787. The painted ceiling, by Jean-Simon Berthélemy, shows Aurora with a group of angels.

    The furnishings were designed for the room by Jean-Henri Riesener, using the finest materials available; mother of pearl, gilded bronze, brass, satin and ebony. Some of the original furnishings remain, including the cylindrical desk and the table, which were made between 1784 and 1789.

    The two armchairs are copies of the originals made by Georges Jacob which are now in the Gulbenkian Museum in Lisbon, while the footstool is the original.

    The Throne Room of Napoleon (former bedroom of the King)

    The Throne Room was the bedroom of the Kings of France from Henry IV to Louis XVI.

    In 1808 Napoleon decided to install his throne in the former bedroom of the Kings of France in the location where the royal bed had been. Under the Old Regime, the King’s bed was a symbol of royal authority in France and was saluted by courtiers who passed by it. Napoleon wanted to show the continuity of his Empire with the past monarchies of France.

    The majority of the carved wood ceiling, the lower part of the wood panelling, and the doors date to the reign of Louis XIII. The ceiling directly over the throne was made at the end of the reign of Louis XIV.

    Louis XV created the portion of the ceiling directly over the throne, a new chimney, sculpted wooden medallions near the fireplace, the designs over the doors, and the fine carved woodwork facing the throne (1752–54).

    He also had the ceiling painted white and gilded and decorated with mosaics, to match the ceiling of the bedroom of the Queen.

    Napoleon added the standards with his initial and the Imperial eagle. The decoration around the throne was originally designed in 1804 by Jacob-Desmalter for the Palace of Saint-Cloud, and the throne itself came from the Tuileries Palace.

    The chimney was originally decorated with a portrait of Louis XIII painted by Philippe de Champaigne, which was burned in 1793 during the French Revolution. Napoleon replaced it with a portrait of himself, by Robert Lefèvre. In 1834, King Louis-Philippe took down Napoleon’s picture and replaced with another of Louis XIII.

    The Council Chamber

    The Council Chamber, where the Kings and Emperors met their closest advisors, was close to the Throne Room. It was originally the office of Francis I, and was decorated with painted wooden panels showing following designs of Primatice, the virtues and the heroes of antiquity.

    The room was enlarged under Louis XIV, and the decorator, Claude Audran, followed the same theme.

    The room was entirely redecorated between 1751 and 1754 by the architect Ange-Jacques Gabriel, with arcades and wooded panels showing the virtues, and allegories of the seasons and the elements, painted by Jean-Baptiste Marie Pierre and Carle van Loo.

    The painter Alexis Peyrotte added another series of medallions to the upper walls depicting floral themes, the sciences and arts. The five paintings on the vaulted ceiling were the work of François Boucher, and show the seasons and the sun beginning its journey and chasing away the night.

    A half-rotunda on the garden side of the room was added by Louis XV in 1773, with a painted ceiling by Lagrenée depicting Glory surrounded by his children.

    The room was used as a council chamber by Napoleon I, and the furnishings are from that time. The armchairs at the table for the ministers are by Marcion (1806) and the folding chairs for advisors are by Jacob-Desmalter (1808).

    Apartment of the Pope and of the Queen-Mothers

    The apartment of the Pope, located on the first floor of the wing of the Queen Mothers and of the Gros Pavillon, takes its name from the 1804 visit of Pope Pius VII, who stayed there on his way to Paris to crown Napoleon I the Emperor of France.

    He stayed there again, involuntarily, under the close supervision of Napoleon from 1812 to 1814. Prior to that, beginning in the 17th. century it was the residence of the Queen Mothers Marie de’ Medici and Anne of Austria.

    It was also the home of the Grand Dauphin, the oldest son of Louis XIV. In the 18th. century it was used by the daughters of Louis XV, and then by the Count of Provence, the brother of Louis XVI.

    During the First Empire it was used by Louis, the brother of Napoleon, and his wife Queen Hortense, the daughter of the Empress Josephine. During the reign of Louis-Philippe, it was used by his eldest son, the Duke of Orleans.

    During the Second Empire, it was occupied by Stephanie de Bade, the adopted niece of Napoleon I. It was restored in 1859–1861, and used thereafter for guests of high rank. It was originally two apartments, which were divided or joined over the years depending upon its occupants.

    The Grand Salon, the Antechamber to the Bedroom of the Queen-Mother (Mid-17th. century)

    The Salon de Reception was the anteroom to the bedroom of Anne of Austria, wife of Louis XIII and mother of Louis XIV. It features a gilded and sculpted ceiling divided into seven compartments, representing the sun and the known planets, along with smaller compartments for military trophies.

    The room was created in 1558 by Ambroise Perret as the bedroom of Henry II in the Pavilion des Poeles, a section of the Château that was later destroyed. Anne had it moved and decorated with her own emblems, including a pelican. The wood panelling in the room is probably from the same period.

    The décor of the bedroom dates largely to the 1650’s; it includes grotesque paintings in compartments on the ceiling, attributed to Charles Errard; richly carved wood panelling featuring oak leaves and putti; and paintings over the doors of Anne of Austria costumed as Minerva and Marie-Therese of Austria costumed as Abundance, both painted by Gilbert de Sève.

    The bedroom was modified in the 18th. century by the addition of a new fireplace and sculptured borders of cascades of flowers around the mirrors added in 1784. During the Second Empire, painted panels imitating the style of the 17th. century were added above the mirrors and between the mirrors and the doors.

    The Gallery of Diana

    The Gallery of Diana, an eighty-metre (242 feet) long corridor now lined with bookcases, was created by Henry IV at the beginning of the 17th. century as a place for the Queen to promenade. The paintings on the vaulted ceiling, painted beginning in 1605 by Ambroise Dubois and his workshop, represented scenes from the myth of Diana, goddess of the Hunt.

    At the beginning of the 19th. century, the gallery was in ruins. In 1810 Napoleon decided to turn it into a gallery devoted to the achievements of his Empire. A few of the paintings still in good condition were removed and put in the Gallery of Plates.

    The architect Hurtault designed a new plan for the gallery, inspired by the Grand Gallery of the Louvre, featuring paintings on the ceiling illustrating the great events of Napoleon’s reign.

    By 1814 the corridor had been rebuilt and the decorative frames painted by Moench and Redouté, but the cycle of paintings on the Empire had not been started when Napoleon fell from power.

    Once the monarchy was restored, King Louis XVIII had the gallery completed in a neoclassical style. A new series of the goddess Diana was done by Merry-Joseph Blondel and Abel de Pujol, using the painted frames prepared for Napoleon’s cycle.

    Paintings were also added along the corridor, illustrating the history of the French monarchy, painted in the Troubador style of the 1820’s and 1830’s, painted by a team of the leading academic painters.

    Beginning in 1853, under Napoleon III, the corridor was turned into a library and most of the paintings were removed, with the exception of a large portrait of Henry IV on horseback by Jean-Baptiste Mauzaisse. The large globe near the entrance of the gallery, placed there in 1861, came from the office of Napoleon in the Tuileries Palace.

    The Apartments of Napoleon

    In 1804 Napoleon decided that he wanted his own private suite of apartments within the Palace, separate from the old state apartments. He took over a suite of six rooms which had been created in 1786 for Louis XVI, next to the Gallery of Francis I, and had them redecorated in the Empire style.

    The Emperor’s Bedroom

    Beginning in 1808, Napoleon had his bedroom in the former dressing room of the King. From this room, using a door hidden behind the drapery to the right of the bed, Napoleon could go directly to his private library or to the offices on the ground floor.

    Much of the original décor was unchanged from the time of Louis XVI; the fireplaces, the carved wooden panels sculpted by Pierre-Joseph LaPlace and the sculpture over the door by Sauvage remained as they were.

    The walls were painted with Imperial emblems in gold on white by Frederic-Simon Moench. The bed, made especially for the Emperor, was the summit of the Empire style; it was crowned with an imperial eagle and decorated with allegorical sculptures representing Glory, Justice, and Abundance.

    The Emperor had a special carpet made by Sallandrouze in the shape of the cross of the Legion of Honour; the branches of the cross alternate with symbols of military and civilian attributes.

    The chairs near the fireplace were specially designed, with one side higher than the other, to contain the heat from the fire while allowing the occupants to see the decorations of the fireplace.

    The painting on the ceiling of the room was added later, after the downfall of Napoleon, by Louis XVIII. Painted by Jean-Baptiste Regnault, it is an allegory representing The clemency of the King halting justice in its course.

    The study was a small room designated as Napoleon’s work room. In 1811 he added the camp bed, similar to the bed he used on his military campaigns, so he could rest briefly during a long night of work.

    The salon of the Emperor was simply furnished and decorated. It was in this room, on the small table on display, that the Emperor signed his abdication in 1814.

    The Theatre

    Concerts, plays and other theatrical productions were a regular part of court life at Fontainebleau. Prior to the reign of Louis XV these took place in different rooms of the palace, but during his reign, a theatre was built in the Belle-Cheminée wing. It was rebuilt by the architect Gabriel, but was destroyed by a fire in 1856.

    It had already been judged too small for the court of Napoleon III, and a new theatre was begun in 1854 at the far eastern end of the wing of Louis XIV. It was designed by architect Hector Lefuel in the style of Louis XVI, and was inspired by the opera theatre at the palace of Versailles and that of Marie-Antoinette at the Trianon Palace.

    The new theatre, with four hundred seats arranged in a parterre, two balconies and boxes in a horseshoe shape, was finished in 1856. It has the original stage machinery, and many of the original sets, including many transferred from the old theatre before the fire of 1856.

    The theatre was closed after the end of the Second Empire and was rarely used. A restoration began in 2007, funded with ten million Euros by the government of Abu-Dhabi. In exchange, the theatre was renamed after Sheik Khalifa Bin Zayed al Nahyan.

    It was inaugurated on the 30th. April 2014. The theatre can be visited, but it no longer can be used for plays because some working parts of the theatre, including the stage, were not included in the restoration.

    The Chinese Museum

    The Chinese Museum, on the ground floor of the Gros Pavillon close to the lake, was among the last rooms decorated within the Chateau while it was still an imperial residence.

    In 1867, the Empress Eugenie had the rooms remade to display her personal collection of Asian art, which included gifts given to the Emperor by a delegation sent by the King of Siam in 1861, and other objects taken during the destruction and looting of the Old Summer Palace near Beijing by a joint British-French military expedition to China in 1860.

    The objects displayed in the antechamber include two royal palanquins given by the King of Siam, one designed for a King and the other (with curtains) for a Queen. Inside the two salons of the museum, some of the walls are covered with lacquered wood panels in black and gold, taken from 17th. century Chinese screens, along with specially designed cases to display antique porcelain vases.

    Other objects on display include a Tibetan stupa containing a Buddha taken from the Summer Palace in China; and a royal Siamese crown given to Napoleon III.

    The salons are lavishly decorated with both Asian and European furnishings and art objects, including silk-covered furnishings and Second Empire sculptures by Charles Cordier and Pierre-Alexandre Schoenewerk. The room also served as a place for games and entertainment; an old bagatelle game and a mechanical piano from that period are on display.

    In addition to the Chinese Museum, the Empress created a small office in 1868, the Salon of Lacquerware, which was also decorated with lacquered panels and Asian art objects, on the ground floor of the Louis XV wing. This was the last room decorated before the fall of the Empire, and the eventual transformation of the Chateau into a museum.

    The Chapel of the Trinity

    The Chapel of the Trinity was built at the end of the reign of Francis I to replace the old chapel of the convent of the Trinitaires. It was finished under Henry II, but was without decoration until 1608, when the painter Martin Freminet was commissioned to design frescoes for the ceiling and walls.

    The sculptor Barthèlemy Tremblay created the vaults of the ceiling out of stucco and sculpture. The paintings of Freminet in the central vaults depict the redemption of Man, from the appearance of God to Noah at the launching of the Ark (Over the tribune) to the Annunciation.

    They surrounded these with smaller paintings depicting the ancestors of the Virgin Mary, the Kings of Judah, the Patriarchs announcing the coming of Christ, and the Virtues.

    Between 1613 and 1619 Freminet and Tremblay added paintings in stucco frames between the windows on the sides of the chapel, depicting the life of Christ. Freminet died in 1619, and work did not resume until 1628.

    The Trinity chapel, like Sainte-Chapelle in Paris other royal chapels, had an upper section or tribune, where the King and his family sat, with a separate entrance; and a lower part, where the rest of the Court was placed.

    Beginning in 1628, the side chapels were decorated with iron gates and carved wood panelling, and the Florentine sculptor Francesco Bordoni began work on the marble altar. The figure to the left depicts Charlemagne, with the features of Henry II, while the figure on the right depicts Louis IX, or Saint Louis, with the features of Louis XIII, his patron.

    Bordoni also designed the multicoloured marble pavement before the altar and on the walls of the nave. The painting of the Holy Trinity over the altar, by Jean Dubois the Elder, was added in 1642.

    In the mid-17th. century the craftsman Anthony Girault made the sculpted wooden doors of the nave. while Jean Gobert made the doors of the tribune where the Royal family worshipped.

    In 1741 the royal tribune was enlarged, while ornate balconies of wrought iron were added between the royal tribune and the simpler balconies used by the musicians and those who chanted the mass. In 1779, under Louis XVI, the frescoes of Freminet illustrating the life of Christ, which had deteriorated with time, were replaced by new paintings on the same theme. The paintings were done in the same style by about a dozen painters from the Royal Academy of Painting and Sculpture.

    Under Napoleon, the old tabernacle of the chapel, which had been removed during the Revolution, was replaced by a new one designed by the architect Maximilien Hurtault.

    Beginning in 1824, the chapel underwent a program of major renovation and restoration that lasted for six years. The twelve paintings of the life of Christ were removed, as well as the gates to the side chapels.

    During the Second Empire, the wood panelling of the side chapels was replaced. The restoration was not completed until the second half of the 20th. century, when the twelve paintings, which had been scattered to different museums, were brought together again and restored in their stucco frames. Between 1772 and 1774, a small organ made by François-Henri Cilquot was installed on the left side of the chapel, near the altar.

    On the 5th. September 1725, the chapel was the setting for the wedding of Louis XV and Marie Leszczynska. Napoleon III was baptized there on 4 November 1810, and Ferdinand-Philippe d’Orleans, the son of King Louis-Philippe, was married there to Helene de Mecklembourg Schwerin on the 30th. May 1837.

    The Gardens and the Park at Fontainebleau

    From the time of Francis I, the palace was surrounded by formal gardens, representing the major landscaping styles of their periods; the French Renaissance garden, inspired by Italian Renaissance gardens; the French formal garden, the favourite style of Louis XIV; and, in the 18th. and 19th. century, the French landscape garden, inspired by the English landscape garden.

    The Garden of Diana

    The Garden of Diana was created during the reign of Henry IV; it was the private garden of the King and Queen, and was visible from the windows of their rooms.

    The fountain of Diana was originally in the centre of the garden, which at that time was enclosed by another wing, containing offices and later, under, Louis XIV, an orangery. That building, and another, the former chancellery, were demolished in the 19th. century, thereby doubling the size of the garden.

    From the 17th. until the end of the 18th. century, the garden was in the Italian and then the French formal style, divided by straight paths into rectangular flower beds centred on the fountains, and decorated with statues, ornamental plants and citrus trees in pots.

    It was transformed during the reign of Napoleon I into a landscape garden in the English style, with winding paths and trees grouped into picturesque landscapes, and it was enlarged during the reign of Louis-Philippe. it was opened to the public after the downfall of Napoleon III.

    The fountain in the centre was made by Tommaso Francini, the master Italian fountain-maker, whose work included the Medici Fountain in the Jardin du Luxembourg in Paris.

    The bronze statue of Diana, the goddess of the hunt, with a young deer, was made by the Keller brothers in 1684 for another royal residence, at Marly. It is a copy of an antique Roman statue, Diana of Versailles, which was given by the Pope to King Henry IV, and which is now in the Louvre.

    The original statue of the fountain, made by Barthelemy Prieur in 1602, can be seen in the Gallery of the Cerfs inside the palace. The sculptures of hunting dogs and deer around the fountain were made by Pierre Biard.

    The Carp Lake, English Garden, Grotto and Spring

    The lake next to the palace, with an area of four hectares, was made during the reign of Henry IV, and was used for boating parties by members of the Court, and as a source of fish for the table and for amusement.

    Descriptions of the palace in the 17th. century tell of guests feeding the carp, some of which reached enormous size, and were said to be a hundred years old. The small octagonal house on an island in the centre of the lake, Pavillon de l’Étang, was added during the reign of Louis XIV, then rebuilt under Napoleon I, and is decorated with his initial.

    The English garden also dates back to the reign of Henry IV. In one part of the garden, known as the garden of pines, against the wing of Louis XV, is an older structure dating to Francis I; the first Renaissance-style grotto to be built in a French garden, a rustic stone structure decorated with four statues of Atlas.

    Under Napoleon, his architect, Maximilien-Joseph Hurtault, turned this part of the garden into an English park, with winding paths and exotic trees, including catalpa, tulip trees, sophora, and cypress trees from Louisiana, and with a picturesque stream and boulders.

    The garden also features two 17th. century bronze copies of ancient Roman originals, the Borghese gladiator and the Dying Gladiator. A path leads from the garden through a curtain of trees to the spring which gave its name to the palace, next to a statue of Apollo.

    The Parterre and Canal

    On the other side of the Château, on the site of the garden of Francis I, Henry IV created a large formal garden, or parterre Along the axis of the parterre, he also built a grand canal 1200 metres long, similar to one at the nearby château of Fleury-en-Biere.

    Between 1660 and 1664 the chief gardener of Louis XIV, André Le Nôtre, and Louis Le Vau rebuilt the parterre on a grander scale, filling it with geometric designs and paths bordered with boxwood hedges and filled with colourful flowerbeds.

    They also added a basin, called Les Cascades, decorated with fountains, at the head of the canal. Le Nôtre planted shade trees along the length of the canal, and also laid out a wide path, lined with elm trees, parallel to the canal.

    The fountains of Louis XIV were removed after his reign. More recently, the Cascades were decorated with works of sculpture from the 19th. century. A large ornamental fountain was installed in the central basin in 1817.

    A bronze replica of an ancient Roman statue, "The Tiber", was placed in the round basin in 1988. It replaced an earlier statue from the 16th. century which earlier had decorated the basin.

    Two statues of sphinxes by Mathieu Lespagnandel, from 1664, are placed near the balustrade of the grand canal.

    Posted by pepandtim on 2022-03-01 09:00:52

    Tagged: , postcard , old , early , nostalgia , nostalgic , Fontainebleau , cabinet , travail , study , Napoléon , carte , postale , Ménard , Paris , Miss , Moss , Salisbury , Road , London , Angleterre , 47FCD98

    #furniture #DIY #woodwork #woodworking #freedownload#woodworkingprojects #woodsmith ,wood craft, wood planer, fine woodworking, wooden chairs, wood working tools, popular woodworking, woodworking books, woodworking workbench plans