The Mail-Journal, Volume 26, Number 20, Milford, Kosciusko County, 1 July 1987 — Page 31

Syracuse Library began in 1908 in elementary school

The Syracuse Public Library was organized Oct. 24,1908, in the east room of the basement in the old Syracuse Elementary School, which was located in the lot directly across the street from the present library building at 118 E. Main St. Members of the library board were: Mr. C.C. Bachman, president; J.P. Dolan, Andrew Edmonds, Ida Knorr, Irene Sprague, and W.H. Buchholtz. The first librarian, Mrs. Knorr, was hired for $125 a year. The library opened its doors to the public on Lincoln Day, Feb. 12, Lions Club to hold annual Fish Fry July 3 The Syracuse Lions Club will once again sponsor their Fish Fry at the Syracuse Scout Cabin, the Friday night of the July 4th weekend. For over 20 years, the Lions have been holding this annual event which is their major fund raising activity of the year. This year’s fish fry will coincide with the opening events of the Syracuse Sesquicentennial weeklong celebration, which will also take part at Crosson Park. The annual fireworks celebration will be held over Lakeside Park later that evening. • Tickets for the fish fry can be purchased from any Lions Club member prior to the date, or at the door. The fish fry will last from 4:30 to 8 p.m. and the Lions expect to serve over 1,000 people, according to chairman, Jim Howard.

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1909. Library hours were limited to afternoons and early evenings, three days a week. In the beginning, the library collection was composed mainly of donations. In 1916 the library board investigated the possibility of Securing money from the Carnegie Foundation for constructing a new building. Application was made to the Andrew Carnegie Library Foundation and a grant of SIO,OOO was received. Additional funds, totaling about $4,000, were raised in the community by donations and a bank loan to cover the building and furnishing costs. The cornerstone was laid in the summer of 1920 and the building was dedicated March 15.1921. There have been two major improvements since then. In 1956 the children’s room was provided and decorated in the present basement room. In 1963 the library board determined some further remodeling was necessary and by mid-summer 1965 a new front had been added, which provided library material space, office space, and an enclosed stairway. Many items of historic interest to the community have been

Beauty : Brokers Linda Brockers, Our Congratulations To Syracuse For Its 150th Birthday 113 S. Huntington - SYRACUSE

donated to the library. Notable among these are an Indian collection, donated by Mr. J.P. Dolan; a sea shell collection from Mrs. J.P. Dolan, Mary Alice, and Levi Kitson; antique clothes from Mr. and Mrs. John Craw; photographs from Byron Connolly and various residents; slides of the community in memory of James Kirkwood, a quilt stitched with many community names in 1900 by the Church of God and donated by Mr. and Mrs. Bob Ott. Additionally, a picture painted by Mrs. Prow, Mrs. Alice Clark’s mother, was donated by the Arts & Crafts Club; promotional films of the Spink Arms Hotel located on Lake Wawasee were donated by the Crosier Fathers, and a film produced, in 1937, by James Fick was donated to the library. From small beginnings, the building has grown to a library bursting at the seams, with a collection of 33,000 books and periodicals, many records, audiocassettes, video cassettes, and a small rental collection of art pictures. Many services have been added as well. Library materials may be borrowed through the inter-library loan, as well as the reciprocal

Wed., July 1,1987 — THE MAIL-JOURNAL *

borrowing service. Photocopying services and the local newspaper, on microfilm, are also available, while delivery of books to the home-bound may be arranged.

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Jiql . IM We Salute You Syracuse ?) Durin S Your - Sesquicentennial Celebration! Harold P. Yeater PRINTERS P. O. Box 446 — MILFORD, IN 46542 (219)651-4110

Summer reading clubs for children and story hours during the school year for pre-school children round out an active schedule.

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