For 125 years the stately granite Library has stood on the corner of Williams and Main Streets, right next to the Mill River. While the building itself continues to stand tall, the surroundings have changed over time. Looking back at this 1988 photograph from the Meekins Archives, the Library is surrounded by large trees and plantings, a chain link fence marks the edge of the lawn and the river, and the bus stop shelter sits in front, just at the edge of the bridge.
Thirty-two years later, on another November day in 2020, the moon still shone over the elegant building—now with an addition on the back along the river. The dense plantings in front are gone, a vintage wrought iron fence sits along the edge of the lawn and the river, and the bus stop hut has been moved up the street. Soon the path and plantings leading to the columned portico will change once again. The distinguished landscape architect Nick Dines has designed a new walkway and front gardens that will give the Meekins a new look. Come back in 2022 for a view. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. November 1988 photograph by Mike Rosenthal. November 2020 photographs by Daria D’Arienzo. #throwbackthursday; #tbt
Posted to Facebook 11/4/2021
