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Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 020-021
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
appointed by this Board Aug. 2, 1902. W.P. VanWinkle, R.B. McPherson, E.A. Stowe, E.P. Gregory and A.D. Thompson also Mrs Spencer State
Librarian from Lansing and Col. E.E. Myers, architect. After two and one half hours devoted to discussing of plans, Mr. Wood submitted the following
resolution, which, on motion of Pettibone seconded by Hall was adopted.
Whereas E.E. Myers has presented preliminary plans for a Library building which have been examined by State Librarian Spencer who has made certain
suggestions as to changes in said plans. Therefore resolved that Mr. Myers be requested to redraft said plans embodying such suggestions and present the same to this board with general
detailed specifications relative to the construction and finish of said building. That if the same meet the approval of this board, then said Myers be employed as the Library Architect and be paid
$300 for his services in making plans & specifications, contracts and supervising the construction thereof to the extent of one trip a month during the progress of construction.
One motion the Board adjourned
Frank J. Holt
Township Clerk
Applications for Librarian Sep 8
Aug 24/02 Miss Eva Johnson applies
Dec 6/02 D.M. Beckwith applies
Mch 21/03 Mrs. Alida Macy applies
Mcch 23/03 P.B. Wine applies
Aug 6, 1902
W.H.S. Wood borrowed of Wm. McPherson Jr. the sum of $25.00 giving his note therefor and paid the following bills. Note paid Dec 15, 1902 by cash on order Twp Howell
E.E. Myers, Detroit, Architect Advance on Plans 5.00
Ihling Bros. & Everurd, Kalamazoo, Record Book 7.50
W.H.S. Wood Cash Expenditure
Dec, 1901 to Aug 6, 1902 Postage .46
July 7, 1902 Postal Cards to Architects .15
July 11, 1902 Bates & Guild Boston Arch. Review 2.00
July 17, 1902 Arch. Osgood Nat'l Hotel 1.00
July 20, 1902 Express on Record Book .40
Aug 5, 1902 Dinner Myers, Osgood, Wood, Cone House 1.50
Aug. 5, 1902 Telephone St. Lib. Spencer .20
Aug, 4, 1902
Letter of Home Trust Co. Hoboken N.J.
Aug 4, 1902
Dear Sir:
Yours of 2d received.
The account after Carnegie's donation is now available and will be remitted by me in installments of $2000, each from time to time as work
proceeds on the building
Requests for remittance should be signed by the President and Treasurer of your Library Board and accompanied by Architects certificate.
Yours very Truly,
(signed)
R.A. Franks
Mr. W.H.S.Wood
Howell, Mi
Aug 6, 1902
W.H.S. Wood paid Mrs. Spencer State Librarian R.R. fare from Lansing to Howell as well as return $2.00
Aug 24, 1902
R.B. McPherson reports paid E.E. Myers 7.00
Nov 29/02
W.H.S Wood reports paid E.E. Myers 8.00
D.D. Harger reports paid E.E. Myers 5.05
D.D. Harger's bill is allowed by Twp. Bd. -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 018-019
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
the said deed be accepted by said Township and duly recorded in the office of the Register of Deeds of Livingston County, Michigan, and that
the site therein named be approved and accepted for the Carnegie Free Public Library building for the township of Howell, it being understood
that the balance of the block has also been deeded to the village of Howell for Park and Public Purposes.
Be it further resolved that the thanks of the people of said township be given the donors heretofore named for the generous terms by which the title
to said site is acquired through them to the township without public cost and that a copy of these resolutions be spread upon the minutes of this
board and be sent to the donors aforesaid, and be given to such Howell papers as may desire to publish it. Carried.
Moved by Mr. Holt supported by Mr. Pettibone that the following resolution be adopted:
Resolved that a special advisory committee on Architectual and Landscape Designs be appointed, said committee to consist of E. P. Gregory, R. B.
McPherson, William P. VanWinkle, A.D. Thompson and E.A. Stowe of Howell and they be notified of their appointment and requested to meet with this
board, Tuesday afternoon of next week at 2:00 o'clock, local time to advise and consult in relation to the preliminary matters pertaining to the erection of the
Carnegie Free Public Library Building in Howell. Carried.
Frank J. Holt
Township Clerk
(Page 581)
A meeting of the Township Board of the Township of Howell was held at the office of the Township Clerk in the Village of Howell on Tuesday, Aug.5, 1902
at 2:00 o'clock P.M.
Present: W.H.S. Wood, Supervisor, J. L.Pettibone and D.D. Harger, Justices of the Peace and Frank J. Holt, township Clerk. There were also
present the following members of the Advisory Committee, appointed by this Board, Aug. 2, 1902, E.P. Gregory, E.A.Stowe, A.D. Thompson, R.B. McPherson,
and W.P. VanWinkle. There were also present Sidney J. Osgood and Col. E.E. Myers, Architects.
Meeting called to order by Supervisor W.H.S. Wood who started the object of this meeting to be the consideration of plans and methods of
proceedure in the construction of Library Building.
The two architects above mentioned each submitted sketch of a building, which they stated could be built for $10,000.
At 6:00 o'clock after an informal discussion on various questions suggested, the board adjourned.
Frank J. Holt
Township Clerk
A meeting of the Township Board of the Township of Howell was held at the office of the Township Clerk in the Village of Howell on Wednesday
August 6, 1902 at 2:00 o'clock P.M.
Present: W.H.S. Wood, Supervisor, J.L Pettibone, Justice of the Peace and Frank J. Holt, Township Clerk.
There were also present the following members of the Advisory Committee -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 016-017
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
August 4 1902
Deed recorded Aug 2 4 P.M. A.D. 1902 in Office of Register of Deeds. Liber 10 3 Page 238 of Deeds.
Letter from Wm. McPherson that had received telephone message from Alex McPherson of Detroit that Col. E.E. Myers, architect would be
here Aug 5th at the Committee Conference.
Telephone message to W.H.S. Wood from architect Sidney J. Osgood, Grand Rapids to the same effect.
Certified copy of deed sent Hon. R.A. Franks, Prs. Home Trust Co. Hoboken New Jersey.
(P. 579)
A meeting of the Township Board of Howell Township was held at the office of the Township Clerk in the Village of Howell on Saturday, August 2,
1902 at 2:00 o'clock P.M.
Present: W.H.S. Wood, Supervisor, James L. Pettibone and David D. Harger, Justices of the Peace and Frank J. Holt, Township Clerk.
Moved by Mr. Harger, supported by Mr. Pettibone that the following resolution be adopted:
'Whereas Wm. McPherson Jr., Martin J. McPherson, Edward G. McPherson, and Alexander McPherson have deeded to the Township of Howell' all that certain
piece or parcel of land situate and being in the Village of Howell, County of Livingston and State of Michigan, known and described as follows, to wit- Commencing
at a point in the southerly line of Lot number eighty-nine (89) of Crane and Brooks Plat of the Village of Howell as duly laid out, platted and recorded and
sixteen (16) feet westerly from the south-easterly corner of said lot, thence running northerly parallel with the rashes by line of said Lot eightt nine and in continuation
there of, one hundred and fifty (150) feet, thence westerly parallel to the southerly line of said lot eighty-nine (89) one hundred (100) feet thence southerly parallel to the
easterly line of said Lot eighty-nine one hundred and fifty (150) feet thence easterly the place of beginning. Being the east fifty feet in width of lot ninety and west fifty feet in width
of lot eighty nine and the west fifty feet in width of the south eighteen feet of Lot eighty nine and the east fifty feet in width of the south eighteen feet of Lot ninety one, all are Crane and
Brooks plat aforesaid, Also hereby conveying a perpetual right of way from the northerly end of the premises herein described to Center Street are the East and Chestnut Street are the West and
Clinton street are the North and to either or all of said street and to be of such width and run in succh directions as shall be hereafter determined
to be best for the Library Grounds. Reserving to the first parties are buildings with right to remove the same.
The parties of the first part hereto convey the premises herein described for a site for the Carnegie Free Pubic Library building under Act 164 of
the Public Acts of Michigan for the year A.D. 1877, being Sections 3449 to 3460 inclusive of the Compiled Laws of Michigan 1897 and the deed
having this day, Aug 2 1902 been delivered to W.H.S. Wood Supervisor of the Township of Howell in the presence of J.J. McPherson, R.B.
McPherson and F.E. Lansing and said deed here now presented to this Board.
Be it resolved by the Township board of Township of Howell that -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 014-015
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
July 30 /02
unto the said party of the second pact, Forever and the said parties after first part, for themselves, their heirs, executors and adminstrators do covenant grant, bargain and agree to and with the said party of the second part
that at the time of the ensealing ? and delivery of these presents they are well siezed ? of the premises above described as of good sure, perfect absolute and indefeasible Estate of Inheritance in the law in Fee Simple, and that the said lands
above described are free from all incumbrances whatever and that the above bargained premises in the quiet and peaceable possession of the
said party of the second part against all and every person or persons, lawfully claiming or to claim, the whole or any part thereof they will forever Warrant & Defined.
In witness where of The said parties of the first part have hereunto set their hands and seals they day and year first above written.
Signed and sealed in Presence of
F.E. Lansing William McPherson Jr
R.B. McPherson Jennie M. McPherson
Wm. F Degraff Martin J. McPherson
Geo L. McPherson Francis P. McPherson
Edward G. McPherson
Rosa E. McPherson
Alexander McPherson
Julia C. McPherson
State of Michigan
County of Livingston on this twenty eighth day of July in the year one thousand nine hundred and two before me a Notary Public in and for
said county personally appeared:
Wm. McPherson Jr., and Jennie M. McPherson his wife
Martin J. McPherson and Francis P. McPherson his wife
Edward G. McPherson and Rose E. McPherson his wife to me known to be the same person described in and who executed the within
instrument who each acknowledged the same to be their free act and deed.
Frank E. Lansing
Notary Public
State of Michigan
County of Wayne. On this 28th day of July in the year one thousand nine hundred and two before me a notary public in and for said
county personally appeared Alexander McPherson and Julia C. McPherson his wife, to me known to be the same persons described in
and who executed the within instrument who each acknowledged the same to be their free act and deed.
George McPherson
Notary Public
Wayne Co., Michigan
July 30/02
Col. E.E. Myers, architect of Mich. Colo. Utah & Idaho, Capitol Buildings of Detroit Mich. offers complete plans & e for $300 & railroad expense.
Sidney J. Osgood, Grand Rapids architect makes inquiries.
C.W. Webster, Athenum Building, Chicago offers life bust of Cargie $375 without pedestal.
Consulted Wm. M J. RB McPherson at bank.
Consulted Wm. P VanWinkle at his office.
Consulted E.P Gregory, F.J. Niels, C.C. Schafer and others as to desirability of field stone.
Consulted various ?. F. J.Holt Jr, Pettibone, D.D. Harger, Mn. F.J. Lee and public generally as to their ideas as to building site & c and declined to consider
consider request of Ladies Library Club per Mrs. Lee for plans in favor of renting room to them.
Aug 12, 1902 W.H.S. Wood -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 012-013
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
1902
Copy of Deed
This indenture, made this Twenty Sixth day of July in the year of our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and two, Between Wm McPherson Jr. and Jennie M. McPherson his wife and Martin J. McPherson and Frances P. McPherson his wife and Edward G. McPherson and Rose E. McPherson his wife all of Howell, Michigan and Alexander McPherson and Julia C. McPherson, his wife of Detroit, Michigan, parties of the first part and The Township of Howell, Livingston County Michigan, of the second part Witnessth That the said parties of the first part for and in consideration of the term of One Dollar and other good and valuable consideration to here in hand paid by the said party of the second part, the receipt whereof is hereby confined and acknowledged have granted bargained, sold, revised, ? and confirmed unto the said party of the second part forever all that certain piece or parcel of land situate and being in the Village of Howell County of Livingston and State of Michigan, known and described as follows, to wit Commencing at a point in the Southerly line of lot number Eighty Nine(89) of Crane and Brooks Plat of the Village of Howell as duly laid out and platted and recorded and sixteen feet (16) Westerly from the South Easterly corner of said Lot, thuce? meaning? Northerly parallel with the Easterly line of said Plot Eight Nine and in continuation thereof One Hundred and Fifty feet (150) there Westerly parallel to the Southerly line of log Eight Nine (89) One Hundred (100) feet , hence Southerly parallel with the Easterly line of said lot Eighty Nine One Hundred Fifty (150) feet, thence Easterly to the peace of beginning Being the East fifty fee in width of lot ninety, and West fifty feet in width of Lot Eight Nine and the West Fifty feet in width of the South Eighteen feet of Lot Eight Eight and the East fifty feet in width of the south Eighteen feet of Lot Ninety-One all on Crane and Brooks Plat aforesaid. Also hereby conveying a perpetual right of way from the Northerly and of the promise herein described to Center Street on the East and Chestnut Street on the West and Clinton Street on the North and to either or all of said streets and to be of such width and run? in such directions as shall here after determined to be best for the Library grounds: Reserving to the first parties all buildings with the right to remove the same. The parties of the first part hereto convey the premises herein described for a site for the Carnegie Free Public Library building under act 164 of the Public acts of Michigan for the year A.D. 1877 being sections 3449 to 3460 inclusive of the compiled Laws of Michigan of 1897 together with all and singular ?? and appertinances? thereunto belonging or in any wise appertaining and the reversion and ? r? and ? ? issues and pro? thereof, and all the Estate, right, title, interest claim or demand whatsoever of the said parties of the first part, either in Law or Equity of in and to the above bargained premises with the hereditaments? and apprentenaces? To Have and to Hold the said premises as above described with the appurtuances? -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 010-011
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
Page 10
McPherson Park
The site
The question of site was left open during April and May, 1902, for volunteer cooperation by the public. Many sites were discussed, as the Court House Grounds by the jail. The ?Halton Corner by High School, The galloway corner by M.E. Church, The Gregory lot diagonally opposite Masonic Hall, The Bell Crossman Community?, Shilbeck? and other properties but the general sentiment seemed to be in favor of what was known as the Old Foundry Square.
Nothing being done by the people and many impatient inquiries being made. late in may when. Rev. Sanil Jones failed to appear at the Howell Opera House on the Howell Lecture course, W.H.S. Wood, Supervisor who had been tied up pending the annual assessment of valuations for taxes, went to W.P. Van Winkle, of the Lecture Committee and proposed turning the defunct lecture into a Library Site public meeting. This not being discussed admirable he wrote a form of notice appointing fifteen citizens a committee on site, location and securing same. This he took on the same day to Hon. Wm McPherson Jr. who suggested a few days delay. There I was suggested by him that options be secured on the 'old foundry site' and these were obtained by the careful attention of Hon. C. P. Gregory, Village President of Howell, who informed the
Page 11
August 2, 1902
Supervisor that the four brothers Wm Jr Alex. M.J. & C.S. McPherson proposed to procure the 'Old Foundry site' and donate it to the Township for Library purposes if it could be obtained for the sum of Three Thousand Dollars, This becoming public the price was raised to $1.00 in the aggregate but procured by the McPherson Bros. nevertheless. Meanwhile Supervisor Wood asked Register of Deeds A.D. Thompson to make an abstract of the block, and he also made the deeds at request of Village President Gregory
At first it was proposed to give the whole block to the Township for a Library site, but this was not deemed necessary as then would hardly be funds to prepare and fix up the whole as a park. It was therefore decided to grant the Township needed Library grounds and to deed the remainder to the Village of Howell for Park and Public
purposes. There was much discussion as to whether the building should be placed in the center, back of or in front of the center, in the corner of the block, or elsewhere, and neither the public nor the Board being a unit on this point it was suggested by many that the matter be left with the donors of the site to decide and
deeds were therefore executed to the Township of the following, and delivered Aug 2, 1902 by Wm McPherson for to W. H. S. Wood Supervisor of Howell Township Livingston Co. Mich. at 10 oclock in the forenoon of said day, at the Bank
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
List of Contractors & Builders
to which cards, "Proposals Invited" were mailed.
1. Euler & Hall Howell, Mich
2. Schaffer & Son " ''
3. A. G.Keuhnl ? "
4. Copeland Wm. & Son Ann Arbor, Mich.
5. Fritz & Welker Ann Arbor, Mich
6. Hochrein & Brown " "
7. Koch Bros. " "
8. Sauer C. A. & Son " "
9. Chas. Daueau? Lansing, Mich
10. M.E. Fitzpatrick " "
11. Marshall T. Giles " "
12. Chas. A. Guren ? " "
13. J. A. Hamilton " "
14. Alex McManaman? " "
15. Robert Lake Jackson, Mich
16. Geo Brady " "
17. Andrew T. Mayett " "
18. Nelson W. Sweet " "
19. Geo. M Edwards Owosso, Mich
20. Floyd Burnett Corunna, Mich.
21. Lewis Baldwin " "
22. A.E. D. Allen Detroit, Mich.
23.G.W. Bailey " "
24.David S. Barr & Son " "
25. Henry Carew & Co. " "
26. Chevillot & Esper " "
27. Spitzely Bros. " "
Col. E. E. Myers " "
28. August Fritz & Son " "
29. Alexander Chapotone? " "
30. M.J. Griffin " "
31. Wm. A. Armstrong Saginaw, Mich
32. F. C. Boergeal ? " "
33. M.C. Heineneariun ? " "
34. W. C. Mueller " "
35. W. E. Prilaerton ? " "
36. T. J. Holland Fenton, Mich
37. A.W. Mohnke ? Grand Rapids, Mich
38. Nodella & Aliveie ? " " -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 008-009
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
Letters of the State Librarian Ms. M.C. Spencer of July 5, 1902 appeared in the Livingston Herald on July 11th, 1902.
Transcribed from the Herald:
THE NEW LIBRARY
Some Sensible Suggestions as to Its Construction from the State Librarian
Supervisor Wood said Monday morning, 'As the people are always entitled to a full report upon all public business, I am pleased to say that the township
board, consisting of Judge Stowe, Justice Pettibone, Mr. Holt and myself, on Jly 3, passed the necessary resolution accepting the Carnegie donation.
The next thing is the dedication of the site, that portion of McPherson Park to be used for this purpose, and as this world is full of 'many men of many minds'
some thinking the corner two lots is best, others the center, others back of or in front of center but when this is determined, that part will be easily
attended to.
To answer a thousand questions, I would say that I don't know when the building will be commenced. As the donation and the dedication is to the township
of Howell and the township board is its legislative and executive authority, I see no reason for delay when with the aid of advisory committies plans, are decided upon. At any rate, the
people will be kept posted through the press of everything done.
Meanwhile read this very sensible letter from the Hon. State Librarian:
Michigan State Library
Lansing, July 5, 1902
Mr. W.H.S. Wood
Howell, Michigan
My Dear Mr. Wood:
I have yours of July 4th and rejoice to know that you are going to have a Carnegie library building. You are more fortunate than we are here, as there is a dead-lock
over a site and it looks now as though the whole matter would fall through and the city be a clear loser of $37,000 simply through obstinancy.
I wish to say, however, that you have now reached in the matter the most dangerous point, as upon the construction of your building depends almost entirely its
usefulness to the public. I have in my mind magnificent buildings which have been erected, which are most artistic and beautiful in every way, but which are little good as libraries.
The Boston public library is a notable example of this architecture. I would suggest that you insist upon having a practical librarian as member of your building committee, and
do not leave the work to any board or to an architect as 99 architects out the 100 know or care little about utility, so far as libraries are
concerned. I shall be pleased to help you in every possible way and give you the benefit of experience which I have had.
I am sending you under separate cover a little pamphlet, which will show you the main point desirable. Also a picture of a library which has
recently been built at Ironwood, for I think, about $15,000. The Architecture Review, published in Boston by Bates & Guild, 42 Chauncey Street,
has a special library number devoted entirely to the building of libraries. The price of this number is $2.00, and by writing them and enclosing the amount you will get some
satisfactory information as well as illustrations of all kinds of buildings. I feel that I cannot to strongly impress upon you the great'... cut off
Letters from Architects were received as follows.
E.W. Arnold Battle Creek July 16/02
W. T. Towner Boston July 16/02
DO (with penciling) July 21/02
Sidney J. Osgood Grand Rapids, July 15/02
DO (visited Howell July 17/02)
DO July 7 & 12/02
Pollman & Ropex, Detroit July 9/02
White & Hulbert, Lansing July 8/02
F. E. Moore, Traverse City July 8/02
Claire Allen (with brochure) Jackson July 16/02
Ives & Whitehead 160 5th Ave, New York
Letters from Furnishing Supply Co as follows
Roger A Swuiouson, Co. Chicago
April 10 - May 31 - July 12/1902
Library Bureau 215 Mdison W. Chicago May 26/02
Art Metal Construction Co. Jamestown, NY July 12/02
Applications for positions as Librarian
(see p. 20)
Miss Anna Louergan Mar 1/02
Miss Mary Gilbert July 22/02
Mary A. Eddy, 5740 Monroe Ave, Chicago, May 8/02
Publications ? Libraries
Library Buildings & Rooms by Soule from MCS
The Architecture Review, Bates & Guild Boston, $2.00
This Record, ?Ihlerig Bros., Everard, Kalamazoo $7.50
Rec'd this day July 26, 1902
All of which completes the record to date except as to site and communications to Hon. A. Carnegie or his Secretary
W.H. S. Wood
Supervisor
June 1902 The following letter explains itself.
HOME TRUST COMPANY
HOBOKEN, N.J.
R.A.FRANKS, PRESIDENT
June 28, 1902
Dear Sir:
Yours of the 23rd instant, addressed to Mr. James Bertram, has been referred to this writer, as Mr. Bertram is spending the summer in Scotland
with Mr. Carnegie.
I note that a vote of the Township of Howell has been obtained and carred (sp) for the support of a public library building, but in addition to this
it will be necessary for your Councils to pass a resolution similar to the enclosed form, and send a certified copy of same to this office.
With regard to site for proposed building would say that a dedication of same to the Township or the Town of Howell will be quite satisfactory. Mr.
Carnegie requires no clauses of guarantee in the deed.
The selection of plans and all other detail in this connection will be left entirely with your local committee.
Upon receipt of resolution of councils and advices that site has been acquired, I will be prepared to arrange for payment of $10,000, which
Mr. Carnegie has authorized me to make on this account.
Yours truly
R. A. Franks
Mr. W.H.S. Wood
Howell, Mich. -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 006-007
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
April 1902
It was understood that the Howell Ladies LIbrary and Howell Ladies clerk favored the idea and to received the voters of the coming vote thereon,
W.H.S. Wood pasted on posts and buildings & on April 5th, the following slip.
The ticket was as follows (Copy of ballot)
Vote on the Proposition for One Mill Tax for Free Public Library
For a one mill tax for a Free Public Library [ ] YES
For a one mill tax for a Free Public Library [ ] NO
Printed at the Livingston Democrat Office.
The Election Notice also appeared in the Livingston Democrat & Republican.
Justice David D. Harger, also, Deputy Township Clerk, posted the notices in six places in the township and filed his affidavit thereof.
Later W. H. S. Wood wrote Mr. Carnegie asking for $15,000 in order to get a better building owning to high prices of labor and material this
year.
Ives and Whitefield New York architechs wrote as early as Jan 17, 1902 in relation to designs but in July their schedule offers were
received and considered too high for a building of this size and cost.
Below April 1902: The Legal Information Quarterly published by W.H. S. Wood contained the following.
LEGAL INFORMATION QUARTERLY VOL.3, NO. 1, APRIL 1902
A Free Public Library for Howell
We ought to have it for our children, to promote culture, give people better opportunities for original research to given workingmen a better
chance to use their evenings to profit to benefit the town for the ladies and other societies for the boys and the lyceums for the farmers and their
clubs for the schools and their pupils for the parents and the home. The chance is referred to the people. The opportunity to vote 'yes: on town
meeting day should not be neglected it may be the awakening of our people to better things. The train of progress is passing. Shall we get on
or go under?
New York, Jan 9, 1902
W. H.S. Wood, Esq. Howell, Mich.
Dear Sir: Responding to your letters: If the City of Howell will pledge itself by resolution of Councils to support a Free Llibrary at cost of not less
than a thousand dollars a year, and will provide a suitable site, Mr. Carnegie will be glad to furnish ten thousand dollars for a Free Public LIbary
Building.
Respectfully yours,
Jas. Bertram
Private Secretary
160 Fifth Ave., New York.
January 17, 1902
Ives & Whitefield, Architects
In re: Howell Library
W.H.S. Wood, Esq., Howell, Michg.
Dear Sir:
Through the courtesy of Mr. Bertram, we are informed that Mr. Carnegie has recently given the sum of ten thousand dollars for the purpose of erecting a
suitable library building at Howell. We shall be pleased to have you consider us in connection with the preparation of the designs and take pleasure in
referring you to Mr. Bertram.
Yours very truly,
IVES & WHITEFIELD
We clip the following from the Livingston Republican of Jan 22:
'As published in the Republican last week, Carnegie has offered to give the Village of Howell $10,000 for a free library on certain conditions. The
question now is, shall the requirements be met? If the people want a free library the law provides the way of procedure. Below we give the law:
'Section 3458. When fifty voters of any incorporated village or township shall present a petition to the clerk of the village or township, asking that a
tax may be levied for the establishment of a free public library, in such village or township, and shall specify in their petition a rate of taxation, not to exceed one mill on the dollar
, such clerk shall, in the next legal notice of the regular annual election in such village or township, give notice that at such election every voter
may vote 'for a mill tax, for a free public library' specifying in such notice the rate of taxation mentioned in such petition and if the majority of all the votes cast
in such village or township shall be for the tax for a free public library, the tax specified in such notice shall be levied and collected in the manner
with other general taxes of said village or township, and shall be known as the 'library fund,' and when such free public library shall have been
established and a board of directors elected and qualified, as hereinafter provided, it shall be the duty of such board of directors on or before the
first Monday of September in each year, to prepare an estimate of the amount of money necessary for the support and maintenance of such
library for the ensuing year, not exceeding one mill on the dollar of the taxable property of such village or township, and report such estimate to the
assessor of such village or the supervisor of the township, for assessment and collection, the same as other village or township taxes, and the
same shall be assessed and collected, and the corporate authorities of any such village or townships may exercise the same powers conferred upon
the corporate authorities of cities under this act.
'Section 3459. At the next regular election after any village or township shall have voted to establish a free public library there shall be elected a library
board of six directors -one-third for one year, one-third for two years, and one-third for three years and annually therafter there shall be elected two directors
who shall hold their office for three years, and until their successors are elected and qualified which board shall have the same powers as are by
this act conferred upon the board of directors of free public libraries in cities'.
It will be seen that the first year only is the tax a one mill tax after that it depends upon estimates within the one mill tax, and probably 2-5 of a mill tax would be enough
after the first year, or 3-5 at most. It is to be a free circulating library. It will call people here from surrounding towns. Perhaps they can be
induced by special legislation to join with us. The necessary petition signed by many of our heaviest taxpayers has been filed. The steps
are taken, voters it lays with you. Don't forget to vote FOR the proposition. -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 004-005
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
Page 4
April 7, 1902 (P. 568)
The whole number of votes on the proposition for one mill tax for Free Public Library was six hundred seventy nine (679) as follows for one mill tax for Free Public Library 'yes' four hundred forty five (445) for a one mill tax for a Free Public Library 'no' two hundred thirty four (234) there were rejected sixty (60) from general record township of Howell page 568. Meeting of Township Board of Howell.
July 3, 1902 (P. 577 P. 578)
Present. W.H.S. Wood Supervisor, Eugene ?A ?Stowe and James L. Pettibone Justices and Frank J. ?Hall, Clerk
Moved by Wood, supported by Pettibone that the following resolution be adopted. Carried.
A Resolution to accept the Donation of Andrew Carnegie Whereas Andrew Carnegie has agreed to furnish Ten Thousand Dollars to the Township of Howell, Michigan to erect a Free Public Library Building on condition that said Township shall pledge itself by Resolution of Township Board to support a Free Public Library at cost of not less than One Thousand Dollars a year, and provide a suitable site for said building now therefore.
Be it resolved by the Township Board of the Township of Howell, Mich. that said Township accept said Donation and it does hereby pledge itself to comply with the requirements of said Andrew Carnegie.
Resolved That it will furnish a suitable site for said building and will maintain a Free Public Library in said building when erected, at a cost of not less than One Thousand Dollars a year.
Resolved that an annual levy shall hereafter be made upon the taxable property of said Township sufficient
Page 5
in amount to comply with the above requirements.
W.H.S. Wood, Supervisor
JL. Pettibone Justice of the Peace
Eugene A Stowe Justice of the Peace
Frank J. Holt Clerk
Township Board of Howell Township, Livingston Co. Michigan
I Frank J ?Holt, Clerk of the Township of Howell, Mich. do hereby certify that the foregoing is a full and complete copy and transcript of a Resolution passed by Township Board of said Township at their special meeting but regular session as all members were present on 3rd day of July, 1902 A.D.
Witness my hand and the seal of the Township this 3rd day of July A.D. 1902 (seal) Frank J. ?Hall Clerk of Howell Township
I hereby certify that the foregoing quotation from pages 568, 577, 578 of the General Record of the Township of Howell, Mich. relating to the vote for a free public library April 7, 1902 and to the resolution accepting the offer of Andrew Carnegie have been compared with the original record and are true copies thereof Frank J. Holt, Township Clerk
Mar. 1902
No public meetings were held advocating an affirmative vote only a few articles in favor appeared in the Howell press The Livingston Republican, Democrat and Herald, these written by ?DL ?Hayer, ?Mrs. ?F.J. Lee and W.H.S. Wood it being ?disirous of obtaining a calm expression of the public mind on the proposition -
Record of Proceedings Relating to the Howell Free Public Library and Carnegie Library Building. Howell, Michigan Pages 002-003
Howell Carnegie Library board minutes and ledger entries approved by the board.
RECORD OF PROCEEDINGS RELATING TO THE HOWELL FREE PUBLIC LIBRARY AND CARNEGIE LIBRARY BUILDING
1902 Minutes
Mrs. H.E. Beach and some other ladies had also written him.
Oct 16 1877 p. 154 approved May 21 of geing Sections 3449 to 3460 compiled Lo? of 1897 having provided a way for the authorization
of Free Public Libraries in cities , villages, and townships by petition of fifty voters asking that a tax may be levied for a free public library
S3458 not exceeding one mill upon a dollar and a vote thereon. W.H. Wood circulated a petition therefor and filed the same with the Township Clerk
Frank J. Jolt on Dec. 27, 1901
The Petition is a follows:
'Copy'
To the Township Clerk of Howell Townhip, Livingston County, Mich.
We, the undersigned, fifty or more voters of the Township of Howell, respectfully petition that a tax be levied for the establishment of a free
public library in said township of Howell at the rate of one mill upon the dollar as provided by Section 3458 Compiled Laws of 1897.
Dated, Howell, Mich, Dec. 26, 1901
1. W.H. S. Wood 29. A Garland
2. K.S.B. Holt 30. E.J. Drewery
3. W.R. Whitacre 31. W. W. Papsworth
4.H.D. Finley 32. Alfred Garland
5. W.B. Johnson 33. Frank J. Mason
6. G. A. Wimbles 34.F. P. Stowe
7. A. Winegar 35. H. W. Monroe
8. Robt. H. Brason 36. D.J. O'Dell
9. J.B. Bassau 37. Mylo Phillips
10. H. H. Wines 38. E.B. Rogers
11. J. J. Crosby 39. M.J. McPherson
12. E. D. Galloway 40. E,G. McPherson
13. Wm. McPherson Jr. 41. F.M. Lansing
14. F.E. Lansing 42. L.H. Sullivan
15. H. G. McPherson 43. W.H. Porter
16. Jas. J. VanKeuran Jr. 44. J.S. Fields
17. F. J. Hall 45. A. E. Papsworth
18. Frank Melia 46. J.E. Gilmore
19. W. L. Lyons 47. L.D. Brokaw
20. Fred P Dean 48. O. P. Parker
21. A.D. Thompson 49. L.C. Smith
22. E.A. Stowe 50. O.J. Person?
23. Timothy Smith 51. J. H. Miner
24. Chas. G. Jewett 52 Seth B. Reibert
25. E. L. Avery 53. Nelson Yelland
26. H. Culver 54. Geo. Hornung
27. Claude Culver 55. C.E. Beurman Jr
28. Wm. Geary 56. J.M. Teasdale
57. F. Vogt 58. E. ? Beurman
59. D. W. Newell 60. William Dunn
61. Chas. N Krause
I hereby certif. the foregoing copy of petition has been compared to me with the original petition now on file in my office, said petition having been
filed Dec. 27, 1901 and that the above is a true and correct copy thereof of said petition and the names therein undersigned.
Dated Howell Mich July 26, 1902
Frank J. Holt
Township Clerk
F. J. Holt, Township Clerk of the Township of Howell, being duly sworn deposes and saith that the accompanying 'Election Notice' is a true copy of
which he caused six copies to be posted in as many different places in the Township of Howell on the 20th day of March, 1902.
Frank J Holt
Sworn to and subscribed before me this 26th day of July 1902 at Howell, Mich. W.H. W. Wood, Notary Public
Transcription of 'Election Notice'
Notice is hereby given to the electors of the township of Howell in the county of Livingston and state of Michigan, that the next ensuing township
election will be held the first Monday of April next, being the seventh day of said month at the Howell Village Engine House for the first voting
precinct and the Rubert Hotel for the second voting precinct, in said township at which election the regular township officers will be chosen also the
necessary petition having been filed with the township clerk, each elector may vote 'for a one mill tax for a free public library' or 'against a one mill tax for a
free public library.'
The polls of the election shall be opened at nine o'clock in the forenoon, or as soon thereafter as may be, and shall be closed between the
hours of three an six in the afternoon, and the inspectors shall cause proclamation to be made at least one hour before the closing of the polls.
The inspectors may also at their discretion adjourn the polls at twelve o'clock, noon, for one hour.
Dated at Howell this nineteenth day of March 1902.
Frank J. Holt
Township Clerk
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