When the Haydenville Library was dedicated in 1889, it was the gift of village resident Miss Anna Hayden in memory of her brother Charles Rowley Hayden, who had died in 1886 at age 41. Now one of the smallest library buildings in Massachusetts, it was a big deal for Haydenville at the time—a building entirely dedicated to books. This vintage postcard image from after it was built, shows the sturdy building with the new plantings out front neatly fenced in. The library was situated directly across the street from the Hayden family home. Though a railing and a flagpole have been added and are seen in the recent “snowy” image, the little library looks essentially the same more than 130 years later. The building serves as a space for community group meetings or activities. Daria D’Arienzo, Meekins Archivist and recent photographer. #throwbackthursday; #tbt.
Posted to Facebook 2/9/2023
