1913 Hart Memorial Library, Troy, New York

[LIB6653] - The building opened on May 12, 1897 with appropriate ceremony and fanfare. Unfortunately, needed operating support did not match the grandeur of the new library. Mary E. hart presented the sum of $5,000 on the condition that if another $45,000 was raised, she would contribute an additional $5,000. The necessary funds were never raised and under the special conditions of the gift, the original $5,000 reverted to her estate. In 1903 the Trustees voted to change the name of the institution from the Hart Memorial Library to the Troy Public Library in hopes of attracting municipal funding. In 1904 the city of Troy appropriated $2,500 toward the operation of the library, all of which went to pay off a deficit. [Read more about this library] The building, having undergone extensive restoration, is still in use as a public library. This panoramic view of the city of Troy, New York was originally produced by Beck & Pauli in 1881. The map identifies the street names and shows the buildings in Troy more than a century ago. The printed detail is outstanding.

Troy, NY Panoramic Map - 1881 Poster by lc_maps
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Public Library, Troy, New York

[LIB3144]

Published by Raphael Tuck & Sons, post card series no. 2028 "Troy, NY"

1938 Library, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, Troy NY

In 1926, the Board of Trustees recognized the need for a larger library and assembly hall. A resolution was made to name the proposed building in memory of Amos Eaton. The library was built to accommodate 160,000 volumes and 240 readers. The auditorium could accommodate up to 1400 people. The building, another Lawler & Haase design, was opened in 1928.

The library remained in Eaton Hall until it was moved to the former St. Joseph's Chapel in 1960. Auditorium space was eventually converted to lab, classroom and office space. Amos Eaton Hall was remodeled in 1965 and currently houses the Department of Mathematical Sciences. [Source]

[LIB2402]

Hart Library, Troy, New York NY

A vintage post card view and a contemporary view.

[LIB2389]