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Discover the rich history of Toulon Public Library from its founding in 1891 to the generous contributions of Percy Shallenberger. Explore the impact of Andrew Carnegie's grant and key figures in the library's development. Uncover the transition from a city library to a district library and the lasting legacy left by pioneers like James H. Miller and Martin Shallenberger. (499 characters)
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History of Toulon Public Library 1891-2001
Chronology of Library History • 1890-1893, Toulon public library founded • 1893-1915, library reading rooms located in Toulon businesses • 1915, Toulon library building built with $6000 from Andrew Carnegie • 1991, library changed from city to district library
First Reading Room Location of First Library Reading Room
Second Reading Room Location of Second Library Reading Room
Third Reading Room Location of Third Library Reading Room
Carnegie Libraries • From 1889-1923, Carnegie donated funds for 1679 libraries in U. S. Two conditions: • City provides the site • City supports the library through tax funds Andrew Carnegie
Percy Shallenberger’s Contributions • Lot for Carnegie Library • $500 for Landscaping • $1000 for Books • Total Value about $3000 • (compared to Carnegie’s $6000)
The Other Side of Percy Shallenberger’s Generosity In 1910, his $10,000+ offer was greeted with fanfare, but he never gave it. Delayed Carnegie grant. In spring of 1936, Percy H. Shallenbergerdied. He bequested $10,000 to Toulon Public Library. The Old Settlers Association made him the 1936 Badge Honoree. The Library received no money from his estate.
Library Furniture Most furniture & fixtures bought through popular subscriptions (~$900). • Library desk donated by Erle W. Thompson in memory of Bradford F. Thompson • Library table donated by Toulon Woman’s Club • Magazine rack donated by The Musical Club • Oak shelves built by James R. Wrigley
James H. Miller(1844-1890) • Speaker of General Assembly in 1889 • Founder of Illinois State Historical Library • Discussed idea of free circulation library with B. F. Thompson • Died of flu in June 1890 • Father of Fred Miller, Board Member 1911-1927
Founding Members of Library Board • Bradford F. Thompson • Martin Shallenberger • Dr. Theodore Bacmeister • W. W. Wright II • Gus Hulsizer • U. J. Overman
Bradford F. Thompson(1837-1912) • Capt. in 112th Illinois Volunteer Infantry • Wrote 1886 history of 112th Ill. Inf. • Studied law in office of Martin Shallenberger • County Judge, 1902-1912 • 1891, wrote petition for Toulon Library tax • Library Board Member, 1892-1912 • Thompson mausoleum, Toulon Cemetery
Stark County Officials, 1907: E. G. Williamson, Sheriff; E. B. Redfield, Circuit Clerk; G. C. Baker, Co. Supt.; W. E. Nixon, Co. Clerk; C. W. Bocock, Co. Treasurer; B. F. Thompson, Co. Judge; P. M. Blair, Master in Chancery; W. A. Fell, Deputy Sheriff; C. L. Cravens, Co. Surveyor; J. H. Rennick, State’s Attorney
Martin Shallenberger(1825-1904) • Pioneer Toulon attorney • Fascinating personality in early Stark Co. history • Extremely widely read with prodigious memory • Excellent knowledge of law, skilled orator, strong debating skills, powerful influence over jurors • Married Eliza, dau. of Dr. Thomas Hall, pioneer physician • Had eight children, successful in their professional lives • Lived at Jefferson & Henderson for 50 years • House and law library burned in 1890’s • Member of Library Board, 1892-1899
Dr. Theodore Bacmeister(1830-1911) • Born and studied Engineering in Germany • Came to America at age 18; worked in locomotive shops • Med student friends led him into homeopathic medicine • In 1856, graduated from Philadelphia medical school and moved to Toulon • Practiced medicine until he died at age of 81 • Member of Library Board, 1892-1910 • Father of Louise Bacmeister Younger, Board member for 16 years in period from 1910-1946 • Subject of interesting reminiscence by Thomas M. Shallenberger
T. M. Shallenberger column in Stark County News in 1931 • “Remember when a young doctor, Theodore Bacmeister, came to town as a homeopath? He rode a white horse to visit his patients. This led the “old school” doctors to allude to this fine young German as “death on a pale horse.” • “How the boys did like to gather in his little house near the Eastman home to gaze on the large collection of wild birds he had preserved.”
Judge W. W. Wright II(1842-1912) • Served in 139th Illinois Infantry, 1864-1865 • Father was in 112th Illinois Infantry and received mortal wound at Battle of Resaca, GA, 1864 • Studied law under Hon. Miles A. Fuller • County Judge for 25 years • Served on school boards of Toulon High School and Toulon Academy • Member of Library Board, 1892-1910 • Grandfather of Joel Wright
Gus Hulsizer(1842-1925?) • Member of 134th,124th & 33rd Illinois Infantry (1863-1865) • Civil War pensioner • Was editor and publisher, early owner of Stark County Sentinel and Stark County News • Member of Library Board, 1892-1907 • First Toulon Librarian, 1893-1898, at $1.00 per week, for 30 hours • Moved to California about 1910, wrote many letters to Stark County News recounting his memories of pioneer days
U. J. Overman • Owned corner drug store and pharmacy in Toulon, ~1888-1900 • Drug store handled a complete line of drugs, patent medicines, paints, oils, school books, supplies and stationery • Overman’s soda fountain was a popular feature in town • Member of Library Board, 1892-1900 • Made the trip to Chicago in 1893 and bought thefirst books in the Toulon Library • Apparently left Toulon after about 1900
Composition of Library Board • 1892 Founding 6 members • 1910 Village to city 9 members • 1991 City to district 7 members
1949 Censorship Letter Novel on Bishop Hill
