Harry S. Truman Library, Independence, Missouri

[LIB1356]

Public Library, Sikeston, Missouri

[LIB1308]

1910 Library, Joplin, Missouri

[LIB3730]

The digital postcard images sponsored by the Joplin Library site show the development of Joplin from a scattering of rough mining camps through the mid-point of 20th Century. They provide an indelible image of a city that grew virtually overnight to become the world's premier supplier of lead and zinc ore. Interested in postcards? Check out the Joplin Library's collection!

Whatever happend to?

The Crunden Branch Library, Saint Louis, Missouri? A sad tale of the life and times, and ultimate demolition, of this Carnegie library can be found at the Ecology of Absence site. The story begins, as so many of the Carnegie library stories do, in the early part of the 20th century.

The story also seems to parallel the story of St. Louis and what is valued by its government. Photos accompany the story. Be sure to read this very rich commentary. It could happen in your city or town. Read the story here!

Presidential Room, Harry S. Truman Library, Independence, MO

[LIB3594]

"Table in the Presidential Room of the Museum on which the United Nations Charter was signed June 26, 1945." [Back of card]

Library, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri

[LIB3565]

Ellis Library is the main library on the MU campus.

Date designed: 1913
Date constructed: 1915
Architectural consultant: Jamieson & Spearl Architects
Named after: Elmer Ellis, MU President (1954-1963) and first president of the UM System (1963-1966). [SOURCE]

1910 Jewett Norris Library, Trenton, Missouri

[LIB3362]

Jewett Norris, whose generosity was responsible for the library, was born June 11, 1809, on a New Hampshire farm. At the age of 22, he decided to become a pioneer in primitive North Missouri, arriving in what is now Grundy County in 1835. At that time, the area was a part of Carroll County, later becoming part of Livingston County upon its formation in 1837. Grundy County, which then included Mercer County, was established January 29, 1841. [SOURCE]

Kansas City Public Library, Kansas City, Missouri

[LIB3114] In 1960, it moved to a newly constructed "space age" facility at 311 E. 12th St., which it shared with the school district. [SOURCE] This is the building pictured on this postcard.

During the 1990s, Library administration became aware that it was time for another change in location for the Main Library. The 311 E. 12th St. facility, which it leased from the school district, was in a state of disrepair and the collection had once again outgrown its surroundings. In 1999, plans developed to relocate to the former First National Bank building at 10th and Baltimore. The century-old building, a true masterpiece of craftsmanship with its marble columns, bronze doors and ornate moldings, required remodeling and a fifth floor addition, but provided the framework for a modern and impressive urban library. [SOURCE]

The Harry S. Truman Library, INDEPENDENCE MISSOURI MO

Lobby showing United Nations Signature Table, bust of Franklin D. Roosevelt, and painting of President Truman.

[LIB0927]

The Harry S. Truman Library, INDEPENDENCE MISSOURI MO

Website

[MO0788]

1910 Garth Memorial Library, Hannibal, Missouri

In 1901 Helen Kercheval Garth and her daughter Anna H. Goodlett donated $25,000 to the City for the erection and furnishing of a library building as a memorial to their husband and father, John H. Garth. Helen was a native of Hannibal and had been a childhood and lifelong friend of Mark Twain. John Garth, a native of Virginia, had come to Hannibal with his parents. After attending the University of Missouri, he returned to Hannibal to join his father and brother in the tobacco business. Later he went into banking and became the president of the Farmers and Merchants Bank. He died in 1899.

The site of the new building would be on the old site at 5th and Church. A parade and ceremony celebrated the laying of the cornerstone on May 16, 1901. The Garth Memorial Library opened February 15, 1902. Miss Lizzie Lingle, the librarian received $25 a month. Her assistant, Miss Lizzie Hunt received $15 a month. [http://www.hannibal.lib.mo.us/about_the_library.htm]

Bonne Terre Memorial Library, Bonne Terre, MO

[LIB3115]

The library as it looked 1940-1950.

A current view of the library.

The Bonne Terre Memorial Library is said to be one of the five oldest libraries in Missouri. In 1867 or shortly thereafter J. Wyman Jones, president of St. Joseph Lead Company, and Dr. Charles B. Parsons, mining superintendent, brought civilization to Bonne Terre by contributing their books for a library and having boxes of books shipped from other directors and stockholders in New York.

When J. Wyman Jones died in 1904 his son, Dwight A. Jones, succeeded him as president of the St. Joseph Lead Company. In his father's memory, Dwight Jones contributed funds to erect the now-historic library building. It was built of Bedford Limestone and placed in a park-like setting enclosed by a low stone wall. The fireplace mantel in the Reading Room is a massive piece of oak supported on oak columns with marble facing and a brick hearth. In 1907 Mrs. Dwight A. Jones presented a clock, handmade in England in the late 1700's, to the library. The clock still stands in the entrance, and keeps fairly accurate time. [http://www.bonneterre.net/library.htm]