Chatfield Public Library, 314 Main Street South, Chatfield, Minnesota
From Placeography
| Edit with form | |
|
Chatfield Public Library | |
 | |
|
| |
| Address: | 314 Main Street S |
| City/locality- State/province | Chatfield, Minnesota |
| County- State/province: | Fillmore County, Minnesota |
| State/province: | Minnesota |
| Year built: | 1913-1915 |
| Primary Style: | Prairie School |
| Additions: | 1997: Major re-development doubled size of existing library building, Bob Cline of TSP Architects and Engineers |
| Major Alterations: | Significant Alterations |
| Historic Function: | Library |
| Current Function: | Library |
| Current Function: | Chatfield Historical Society |
| Other Current Function: | Chatfield Historical Society |
| Architect or source of design: | Claude and Starck |
| Builder: | Local Labour including Howard Lipscomb, H.M. Onstine |
| Material of Exterior Wall Covering: | Brick |
| First Owner: | City of Chatfield |
| Notes: | Carnegie Grant: $6,000 |
(43.8447222° N, 92.1879118° WLatitude: 43°50′41″N
Longitude: 92°11′16.482″W)
| National Register of Historic Places Information | |
| Certification date: | April 27, 1982 |
| Level of significance: | Local |
Contents |
History
On July 09, 1912 the city of Chatfield secured $6,000 from Carnegie to build the Chatfield Public Library. Plans were prepared by the Madison, Wisconsin architectural firm of Claude and Starck. Claude and Starck were known for their design of public libraries and together designed 25 libraries in Minnesota and Wisconsin, six of which were in Minnesota. Chatfield residents including Howard Lipscomb and H.M. Onstine were responsible for building the library which opened on February 15, 1915.
While the Carnegie grant was used to construct the building, the Chatfield community had to provide a suitable site and were expected to tax themselves at the annual rate of 10% of the grant amount. This requirement imposed by Carnegie ensured a long-term commitment for the purchase of books, staff costs and maintenance of the library building. The site and furnishings for the library were provided by the subscriptions of the Chatfield citizens who enthusiastically supported the library efforts. The first librarian was Mrs Etta Dickson and the assistant was Miss Nettie Johnson.
The Chatfield Public Library continues to function as a library although major development works in 1997 vastly expanded the original Carnegie Library building.
Building Description
The Chatfield Public Library is a one storey Prairie School style building with a raised basement. The brick exterior is worked into decorative panelling and is covered by a low hipped, roof with wide overhanging eaves. The projecting entrance has a generous cornice and is typical of Carnegie library design by being the dominant central feature of the building. The Prairie School style represents only a small portion of Carnegie Libraries found in Minnesota and was an intentional design choice by the architects Edward F. Starck and Louis Claude. Claude had previously worked with both Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan and the Chatfield Public Library reflects their influence.[1]
A major $600,000 library expansion and development project was completed in 1998 which doubled the size of the existing library. The architect for this work was Bob Cline of TSP Architects and Engineers of Rochester and the Minneapolis firm Schroeder/Leverington, Inc. was contracted for construction of the library project. The story behind the expansion project again shows the Chatfield community's support and contribution towards their public library.[1]
Memories and stories
Badges
| This place is part of the Minnesota Carnegie Libraries Tour |
Photo Gallery
Related Links
