by Sylene Argent, Local Journalism Initiative
submitted photo
In 1914 – thanks to a generous $6000 donation from American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie through the Carnegie Corporation – Essex celebrated the opening of its first library at 18 Gordon Avenue.
The building still stands strong today as a historical reminder of the importance of education and philanthropy. It also continues to be an important hub of history in the area as it now – in its second life – is a museum, housing many locally significant artifacts and documents.
On Thursday afternoon, the Town of Essex and the Municipal Heritage Committee unveiled its seventh Interpretive Heritage Plaque, this one standing outside the provincially designated Carnegie Building.
This plaque program pays tribute to areas of historical significance in an effort to preserve historical stories for future generations.
Essex Mayor Sherry Bondy welcomed everyone to the ceremony that recognized the “remarkable piece of our town’s history.”
Councillor Kim Verbeek, Councillor Rodney Hammond, and Deputy Mayor Rob Shepley joined her for the ceremony.
“Carnegie’s vision led to the creation of 125 libraries in communities across Canada, and the Essex Library was one of these remarkable institutions. This building, designed by renowned Windsor architect J.C. Pennington, officially opened its doors on December 19, 1914,” Bondy told those who gathered to unveil the plaque.
That was not long after Essex achieved town status, which was in 1890.
Over the years, this library has become a symbol of our educational landscape, contributing to improving the literacy rates in Essex.
The condition of getting the Carnegie Library Grant was to provide free and open access to library materials
In 2005, the building was no longer used as the library. In 2007, the Essex & Community Historical Research Society began leasing the facility from the Town of Essex to promote and preserve Essex’s rich history.
Bondy thanked the members of the Essex Municipal Heritage Committee for their dedication to preserving the area’s past.
President of ECHRS, Laurie Kowtiuk, noted the Carnegie Building is 110-years old this year. It was established just seven-years after the 1907 Essex railway explosion that took place just a few blocks over.
Kowtiuk noted the land upon which the Carnegie Building was built used to house sheds for horses.
Members of ECHRS are dedicated to preserving and digitizing land deeds from throughout the county, recognizing local historical milestones, and are always eager to help new members research their family history.
Getting the Interpretive Heritage Plaque placed outside the doors of the facility is a great way to engage the public and describe the important work now done inside its walls.
Other Interpretive Heritage Plaques located around the municipality recognize the importance of Harrow, the Colchester Reef, Essex District High School, Essex Centre, and McGregor.
To learn more about the Essex & Community Historical Research Society, log onto https://echrs.ca/
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