Wednesday, April 25, 2012

Library To Host Historical Tours on “First Friday”

The “First Friday” on May 4th marks the 100th anniversary of the Henry St. Clair Memorial Hall. There is a very special relationship between the Greenville Public Library and the Memorial Hall. Yes, they do sit side by side on the most beautiful city block in town! But even more, Henry & Ella St. Clair donated generously to the construction of the Library which added to its size, beauty, and extensive book collections at the time.

Even though the Library was built by grants from Andrew Carnegie and the Greenville Schools, the “extras” came from the St. Clair's – the marble stairwell, the stained glass, the imported statues, and the private book collections of Henry himself. Henry's portrait in stained glass graces the Reference Room. Of course the Memorial Hall was built entirely by Ella in memory of Henry and features the same beauty on a much larger scale.

Along with this special anniversary, May is also National Preservation Month and several local organizations - including Main Street Greenville – are holding events and tours throughout the coming weeks.

The Library began a partnership with Main Street Greenville earlier this spring and now offers a special event from 5:00 to 6:00 each First Friday – so in keeping with the theme for May we will be conducting our own historical tours!

Stop in the Library at either 5:00 or 5:30 for a half-hour tour by Director John Vehre or Assistant Director Susi Halley - and learn about the building's design and decor, the story of its creation & renovation, and the people involved.

You'll still have plenty of time to attend “An Evening of Legacy – Memorial Hall” next door that evening. Be sure to consult the local news venues for more information about all the Memorial Hall celebrations, the First Friday events, and National Preservation Month!

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