For some, it is the shadow of that famous groundhog Punxsutawney Phil that marks every February. For Meekins it is the anniversary of the Library’s first “Opening Day.” The new library, named for benefactor farmer Stephen Meekins, and designed by architects Putnam & Bayley, was being constructed all through 1896. The formal opening exercises commenced at 8 p.m. at the First Congregational Church, which had the beautiful organ and could provide seats for all the townspeople who wanted to attend.
This was a celebration and an extravaganza. The Trustees and other dignitaries spoke of the importance of a public library to community life, the great assistance of the library to the schools, keeping pupils “in touch with the living, active world”, and the construction of the stately granite building. Benjamin Ludden’s remembrances of the life of the donor were read by librarian Anna Juliet Hawks. Indeed, the new library was a “blessing” for the town.
The event was also an evening full of music—provided by friends and neighbors. There were piano and organ duos by Genevra Hill and Henry Hill; there was a quartet for male voices and a trio for female voices. The Williamsburg Choral Association provided a Grand Chorus of 4 sopranos, 3 tenors, 5 altos, and 4 bassos. There was even a time allocated for “Promiscuous Speaking”—which at the time meant a place in the program for unplanned remarks and comments from those who wanted to offer their thoughts about libraries and the celebration. As a local newspaper at the time said: “Another fine structure [has been] added to the houses of learning in the Valley … The program was worthy of the event and gave great pleasure to the large audience.” Now, in 2022, 125 years later, Meekins’ doors are still open and welcoming, offering everyone access and the tools to “lay up knowledge” as chiseled into the frieze over the entryway for all to see.
Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 2/3/2022
