Tanya Patton: Columbia County Rural Library District
Celebrating the Library's 70 Years
"Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed people can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has." --Margaret Mead
In 1919, a small group of thoughtful and committed women—all members of what would eventually be called the Elizabeth Forrest Day Club after the wife of Dayton's founder, Jesse N. Day—decided that they wanted to change their little part of the world. They agreed that the citizens of Dayton and the surrounding county needed and deserved a free public library. The fact that the club only had $.65 in its treasury didn't deter this group of women from pursuing their dream.
The club sponsored an ambitious array of bazaars, teas, card parties, dances, carnivals and even a minstrel show to raise money. By the end of the first year, the club was able to purchase the lot on the corner of 2nd and Clay for the sum of $986.14.
More fundraising events— baseball games, Dayton Days Queen contest and concessions, as well as rummage sales, more dances, plays and carnivals—were organized. The community was generous but by 1927 the group still didn't have enough money to erect a library building.
Finally in 1934, the club members voted to turn the deed of the lot and the $4,807.07 in its library fund over to the city of Dayton. The city in turn agreed to pursue additional funding through state and federal programs. At one point, a telegram was sent to Washington Governor Martin asking for financial help. He endorsed the library project and sent $5,000. The library was built by the Works Progress Administration for a total cost of $15,534.
The Dayton Memorial Library opened its doors to the public with an open house on October 2, 1937, but the work of the Elizabeth Forrest Day Club was not finished. They continued to raise money to buy furniture and books for the new building until 1942 when everything was deeded over to the city of Dayton.
Seventy years later, the Dayton Memorial Library stands as a testament to the vision and tenacious efforts of a small group of women and the community who supported their dream.
A public open house on October 2, 2007 from 2 to 8 p.m. will honor the history of our beloved library with refreshments and displays highlighting the four librarians who have served as director since the library opened its doors. Please join us!
Copyright (c) 2007, Blue Mountain News