Most of us know the new library, built within the shell of the old school and gym at 220 Clinton Street, and the previous library at 109 Clinton Street. Many of us remember the Carnegie Library that once graced the corner of State and Clinton Streets where the First State Bank is now.

But did you know there were four libraries in town prior to these? That we came perilously close to losing our library entirely in 1962? That the first library actually occupied the same building as a cigar factory and pool hall? (Oh–we got Trouble! Right here in River City! With a capital T that rhymes with P that stands for Pool!" That one librarian was so loved that 150 people showed up at a dinner to honor her retirement, where she was serenaded by two local musical groups? That donkeys once roamed the area where the current stacks are located? That the previous library had originally been designed to overlook the channel on Park Avenue? That Charlevoix Sentinel editor Willard Smith castigated our lack of a library as a "disgrace" in 1875? That a town of our "pretensions" needed a 500-volume library at the very least? How proud of his town he would be today.

Join us as the Society, in association with the Friends of the Charlevoix Public Library, presents a program on the history of the library system from its humble beginnings to the technological marvel and extremely busy community center we enjoy today. Former Society Board member and Friends committee member Kay Heise will narrate the program, accompanied by well over one hundred photos and documents from the archives of both the Society and the Public Library.

When: Tuesday, March 6, at 7 p.m.
Where: The Depot

Kay was assisted in assembling this program by Friends committee member Marilyn Novak, Library Board President Mary Ann Chew, head librarian Val Meyerson, and your editor.

There is no admission charge. Light refreshments will be served.

(Ed. note–Members might be curious as to why this program is not being logically presented in the state-of-the-art community room of the library itself. The answer is simple. The library people themselves could not book their own facility. It had been booked for months. When they originally planned it, they anticipated community room usage of two to three times a week. Within five months, that usage is up to an average of three times a day!)

A morsel of history is a thing so rare as to be always valuable.
Thomas Jefferson to John Adams, 1817    

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SUMMARY OF JANUARY AND FEBRUARY BOARD MEETING MINUTES

January: A $37,000 grant is expected from the State for lighthouse restoration. A committee will be formed to look into publishing an illustrated historical walking tour booklet and/or constructing a DVD on selected gravesites in Brookside Cemetery. December sales totaled $2417, $1685 for the museum store, $732 for lighthouse restoration. Over 300 Bob Miles' Charlevoix II books have been sold in two years. Doors will be replaced at the Depot. February: The museum store took in $71 even though the museum was closed in January. Engineering specification studies will need to be done to determine future structural repairs to the Depot. Roof gutters will be repaired/replaced at Harsh House and professionally cleaned regularly. Landscaping for improved drainage will be done at Harsha House. Michael Lindley's sequel to his bestselling novel Seasons of the Emma Lee will have a new photo of the Sylvia from our archives on its cover. The Depot area is officially Charlevoix's first Historic District. The Society will participate in a Renaissance Fair at Castle Farms in June of 2008. The 2006 Annual Report has been placed on our website. The Charlevoix Courier donated its photo archives to the Harsha House.

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FYI

March hours for the Harsha House Museum are Friday and Saturday 1–4 p.m. The side office door is open Tuesday–Saturday 11 a.m.–4 p.m.

Upcoming events: Thursday, April 26, a potluck at the Depot honoring Marilyn and Dale Boss for their past work for the Society, Marilyn's historical writings for the Courier, and Dale's contribution toward the beautification of Charlevoix. Tuesday, May 1, The Life and Works of Earl Young, Charlevoix's Builder in Stone, by David L. Miles, 7:00 at the Depot.

Donations (nonrestricted) received from: Tom & Gail Duke, Lynn & Jonathan Friendly.

The Society deeply regrets the recent passing of life member Kathleen Brady.

Lighthouse Keeper: James W. Ochs

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