Friday, May 27, 2011

1906 Dickinson Library, Northfield, Massachusetts


[LIB1831] Early 20th century postcard addressed to Leila D. Taylor, Port Jervis, New York.

On June 9, 1898 visitors flocked to the library dedication at the Congregational Church by carriage, bicycle, and a large contingent by train from Fitchburg. The keys were received by Dr. Norman P. Wood, who was to continue as chairman of the library trustees for 32 years. After the Seminary girls sang, evangelist D. L. Moody, one of the speakers, asked them to turn toward the elderly donor and sing the Northfield Benediction: "The Lord bless thee and keep thee..." The final speaker, Rev. G. Glenn Atkins of Greenfield, reiterated that townspeople must now keep the library vital by saying, "I reaffirm that your responsibility is great." He continued,

"This library will be what you make it. You must give it financial support, give generously, regularly, and keep at it... Mr. Dickinson gave the library; see to it that it has a beautiful soul."

From a History of the Library, Written by Betty Congdon. [Website]

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