Page 1. "The Library In 1929," This issue was a statistical review of 1929. It was indeed a busy year. Authorization was granted for the Hamline and Merriam Park libraries. The library as a whole circulated 1,527,948 books. Branch Division in addition to 4 branches operated 11 neighborhood stations, 8 industrial stations, 12 institutional stations, and 12 hospital stations. Much statistical information was presented and provided documentation of the library system for one year.
Page 1."Behind The Scenes In The Public Library," A glimpse of the work behind the scenes of the public library. Page 2. "St. Paul Reads More Books," Statistics showed that circulation of materials was at an increase in 1930. Projected budget for 1931 showed a decrease. "Gargoyle Club Sponsors Exhibit." An exhibit of 140 original entry drawings in the House Beautiful Cover Competition were put on display at the library. Page 3. "The Twin Cities In Recent Magazines," Citations from national journals that mentioned Saint Paul. "Grateful Acknowledgment," "In Memoriam." Library staff who died. Page 4. "Where Work Is Done 'Behind The Scenes', " Book stacks provided additional storage for materials. Photograph shows the stacks during construction. The stacks were removed during the 2000-2002 renovation of the library.
Page 1. "In The Public Library," This issue opened with a poem by William Dudley Foulke. "The Public Library," An article by Irving C. Pearce, Commissioner of Education. Mr. Pearce refers to the library as the great teacher. Page 2. "Your Library In 1931," Library statistics with categories were displayed. Page 3. "No Depression In The Library's Business," The library saw a surge of activity as the result of the economy. This article referred to the statistical tables on pages 2 and 3. Page 4."Your Ward And The Public Library," Further statistics of registered card holders by City Ward. "Consider The Heavens," Take you mind of your troubles and gaze the heavens. Various materials offered on the topic of astronomy. "Education--A Definition," A quote from William John Cooper, U.S. Commissioner of Education.
Page 1. With this issue the library director issues an open letter "To Service Club Members," The Beacon intended to tell from month to month the great variety of the library's activities. The expectation was to have service clubs promote the services of the library to their members. Page 2. "Three Gifts," The director acknowledged gifts from Mrs. W.W. Skinner for a museum display case; Maplewood Women's Club for a cash donation to be used for children's books ; St. Paul Council of the Parent-Teacher Association to purchase books for the parent teacher collection. "Many Thanks!" Thanks expressed to those who made donations. "A Corner For Parents," described a gift from the Saint Paul Council of the Parent-Teacher Association. Page 3. "Librarians Teach In Schools," Describes a program were librarians taught sixth grade pupils how to use reference resources and the card catalog. "Giving The Child His Chance," Parents where urged to begin a home library and to read to their children. Page 4."The Library Chanty," Come to the Library and see what there is to see. "How Pay Books Work," A pay collection will pay for itself. In 1928 earnings of the Pay Collection made it possible to purchase 452 volumes for the Free Collection while 653 volumes in the Pay Collection were transferred to the Free Collection.
Page 1. "The Children's Room," A black and white photograph showed seven children in the Children's Room. The narrator provided a tour and highlights of the room. Page 2. "How The Library Serves The Social Worker," The library provided information concerning various careers. That of the Social Worker was presented. Many resources, books, journals, and government publications were provided by the library. Page 3. "For The Man Of Business," The library collected a broad range of business and trade journals to support the local business community. Titles such as "Financial World," "Barron's Weekly," "Bradstreet," and a new publication "Fortune Magazine." Trade journals included "Dry Goods Economist," "Baker's Review," and "Northwest Miller." "Reserve Book Service," Explained the method by which new titles were purchased to fill requests for a given title. At one point the library had 114 copies of "Main Street" and still could not meet demand. Page 4. "Wonderful Co-Operation," The editor reports on the progress of the Book Drive. Thanked were high schools, many social, civic and business organizations. Those listed presented a cross section of groups who were active in the community of Saint Paul.
Page 1. "Webster Wheelock, Librarian March 1,-- April 1, 1931," Black and white photograph of Mr. Wheelock. Page 2. "Webster Wheelock, Librarian," A text of Memorial Resolutions, St. Paul City Council, adopted April 4, 1931. "Advisory Library Board," The text of a resolution by the library board to be sent to Mrs. Wheelock and family. "The Staff Of The Public Library." Library staff eulogize their director. Page 3."Twin City Library Club," Text of a resolution by the club. Page 4. "Webster Wheelock, 1870-1931," A biography of Mr. Wheelock. "To You Who Gave Gifts," Individual and associations who gave gifts are recognized. "New Book Lists At The Public Library."
Page 1. "The Library" A poem by Pearl Gertrude Carlson, of what the library means to society. "The Library's Usefulness In Hard Times," The library was a refuge from the storm. In 1931 the library circulated 1,647,468 items. Subjects studied included the gold standard, disarmament, international relations, to name a few. Many studied to improve their employment opportunities. Page 2."Hamline Community Helps Library," Various Programs were sponsored by library organizations all in the effort to raise funds for the library. "Books As Companions." A quotation from John Alfred Langford. Page 3. "Exhibitions To Continue In Library," Responsibility for the Exhibition Room passed to the Committee on the Central Library. "Spring Gifts," With a new season came support from numerous individuals and organizations. "Subscription Book Racketeering--A Warning," The American Library Association became a advocate for the consumer warning people about purchasing substandard books. Page 4. "First Aid For Gardeners," Suggestions from the Industrial Arts Room to assist with any type of gardening. "Handicrafts For The Handy Man," Save money, occupy the idle hours, create something of use to take pride in. "American Librarians In Conference." The American Library Association held a conference in New Orleans, April 25-30.
Page 1. "Serving The County," A black and white photograph shows a "book wagon" and children lining up to select books. The book wagon made three trips weekly carrying about 600 books and magazines to schools and stores for men, women and children. Page 2. "The Encyclopaedia Britannica," The 14th edition of this work was proudly placed in the Reference Room. "The Miracle," a play at the St. Paul Auditorium was endorsed by the editor. "More Helpful Friends," The assistance of public donations to the library was again noted and appreciated. Page 3. "Gifts To The Children's Room," Gifts from the Skinner family were acknowledged. "Children's Book Exhibit," The Art Exhibition Room was transformed into a medieval castle. Local publishers and booksellers contributed new titles. "The Library And The Church," The library stood ready to assist all denominations in their religious needs. It aimed to have books on a vast number of religious subjects. Victrola records of a religious character are lent to churches. Page 4. "For Parents Only," For sale, only 10 cents, were three pamphlets on child training and development. "A Graphic Arts Exhibit," The American Institute of Graphic Arts held an exhibit of 'Fifty Books' and Printing for Commerce."
Page 1. "Exhibition Room," A black and white photograph shows the room with books displayed for the Children's Book Fair. Girl Scouts dressed in the folk costumes of various nations acted as guides for visitors. Page 2. "The Hamline Branch Opens," The library opened on October 9, 1930. Crowds were such that standing room only was available for many present. It would be a while till the Hamline Library would have it's full collection of materials. The community presented $800.00 to the library for the purchase of furniture. "Merriam Park Prospects," The Merriam Park Library opened in November. Budget issues would not permit the library to be open on a full schedule till January. This branch would depend heavily upon the Central Library to supply it with materials. Both branches lacked proper shelving. Page 3. "Mrs. Mary Elizabeth Hale St. Paul's Benefactress," An article by Mrs. C. N. Akers. Mrs. Hale deserved as much credit for the Hamline Branch and Merriam Park Branch libraries as her husband. Mrs. Hale through her own resources put her husbands investment on a paying basis ensuring that their public spirited vision would see completion. Page 4. "Architects, Attention!" The Fine Arts Room of the Central Library contains numerous resources of interest to the architects. From the Art Index, which cited a good many periodicals owned by the library, to works by famous architects world wide. "Keeping It Up," The donation of books to the library was always appreciated by director and staff alike.
Page 1. "Riverview Branch Library," A black and white photograph shows the interior of the Riverview library. With a gift from the Carnegie Corporation, Riverview was built in 1917. Page 2. "Riverview Branch Library Activities," The library was the hub of neighborhood activities. Students from primary to university age used the library. Associations such as Parent-Teacher groups, Boy and Girl Scouts to name but a few organizations met at the library. "Exhibit Of Russian Icons," Sponsored by the St. Paul School of Art and displayed in the Exhibition Room. Page 3."New Library Delivery Truck At Riverview Branch," A black and white photograph shows the new delivery truck outside of the Riverview Branch with the driver and neighborhood children. The delivery truck would make the rounds to 5 branch libraries, neighborhood stations, 125 schools, 10 hospitals, and industrial plants. "Reception To New Librarian," An informal reception was held, staff presented Mrs. Jennings with a silver tea service engraved with her monogram. Page 4. "An Expression Of Gratitude" for continued donations. "Children's Book Exhibit," The Orient was the theme, many artifacts were loaned by individuals and organizations. Publishers sent original illustrations and their newest books.
Page 1. "Hale Memorial Merriam Park Branch," A sketch and description of the library are presented on the first page. Similar in size to the Hamline library it would be different in design. The library would have a collection of about 23,000 volumes. Page 2. "Travel Week At The Library," A library program in conjunction with the Travel Bureau of the First National Bank could make a dream come true. A movie-tea program was be presented by experienced Saint Paul travelers who will shared their own slides and movies. "They Had Their Troubles, Too," Two selected curses to bring down on those who damage or steal a book from your library. "An Expression Of Public Spirit," The Library Director conveyed his gratitude to those who donated books and funds. Organizations that donated include : Merriam Park Study Class, Northwest Airways, Ramsey County Sunday School Association. Page 3. "Library Hours," The Library Director presented his view on hours of operation. The director wanted the library open every day in the year except Christmas and the Fourth of July and every evening until 10:00 o'clock. Perhaps dormitories were to be assembled in the attic of the library for use by the Director and staff? "Exhibits At The Library." The Exhibition Room hosted traveling exhibits from the St. Paul Institute. Attendance from January to June was 13,402. The Children's Book exhibit brought between 2,000 to 3,000 to the exhibit. . Page 4. "Old Friends," The Circulation Room at Central Library maintained a shelf of favorite authors that included William Ware, Georg Moritz Ebers and Jane Austen. "For Music-Lovers and Musicians," The Fine Arts Room housed scores for mixed church choirs, a large collection of sheet music, instruction for books for piano and violin. A valuable collection of old hymn books was also present. It is possible that some of these old hymn book survive to this present day.
Page 1. "The Catalog Room," A black and white photograph showed a scene that many library patrons knew little about. This very busy room was the Catalog Room. Thousands of catalog cards were produced for catalogs in the Central library and the branches as well. Much work was done before books could leave the room and be placed on the shelves. Page 2. "Children's Book Fair !!" With the direction of the staff from Children's Room, the book fair was launched. Many children's books from a variety of nations were displayed. "The Readers' Aid Desk," This desk was mentioned in the previous issue of the Beacon. Staff in this room offered assistance to all patrons. The Useful File, was located in the room. This was a card file of many subjects, authors, titles, and hard to find information. The file grew as time went on. There was also a file for short stories, plays, dialogues, movies and more. Page 3. "The High School Desk," One more desk in an already busy room. This desk would assist junior and senior high students find materials listed on their required reading lists. Should a book with a required essay be out, the staff would check their files and find it in another book. The staff were prepared to assist the student with any homework assignment. Page 4. "Keeping Up the Gift Habit," The director acknowledged those gifts given after the book drive ended. "The Library Conference," The North Central Library Conference was held at the Hotel Lowry, in Saint Paul. Representatives from six states participated. They were Iowa, Nebraska, Wisconsin, North and South Dakota and Minnesota. The convention was opened to the public for a fee of one dollar.
Page 1. "Mrs. Jennie T. Jennings, Librarian," The black and white photograph is that of Mrs. J.T. Jennings, Director of the Library. It was Mrs. Jennings who brought the library through the darkest period of the Great Depression. Page 2. "The New Librarian," Mrs. Jennings joined the library in June, 1917. In September, 1919 she was appointed Assistant Librarian. "Flag Day Celebration At Hamline Branch," The dedication of the flag and staff took place on June 14th, 1931. Listed were those in attendance. Page 3. "Wanted! -- Directories," An explanation of the exchange system among libraries of their city directories. The directories were of much utilized by staff and patrons. "In This Period Of Special Need," The American Librarian Association issued a statement that in the present economic depression the demand for library service had increased. "More Summer Gifts," New names join the list of the faithful who donated materials. Page 4. "Our Public Library," An article by Irving C. Pearce, Commissioner of Education. Mr. Pearce wrote of the necessity of the public library as the University of the Masses. "Book Circulation Increases 94,731 During First Half of 1931," Circulation was 718,621, and increase of 94,731. It was a fifteen percent increase without a corresponding increase in staff.
Page 1. "Mrs. Helen J. McCaine, Librarian," The black and white photograph is that of Mrs. Helen J. McCaine, Librarian 1882-1913. "Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration," An Open House commemorated the founding of the Saint Paul Public Library. Page 2. "Donors Of Half A Century Ago," The list included two Civil War generals, two railroad builders. It was a who was who list of Minnesota Citizens. "Donors Of To-Day And To-Morrow," Donors were encouraged to provide settlements in their wills for the library. Page 3. "Homes Of The St. Paul Public Library," A brief description of each location is presented. "Reading A Necessity," Remarks by George H. Locke, Librarian, Toronto Public Library. Page 4. Photographs of the five locations of the library. Page 5." Fiftieth Anniversary Celebration," A description of the festivities to be held at the Central Library and branch locations. "Givers Of Many Gifts," The first installment recognizing individuals and organizations for their special donations. Page 6," Library Budget Decreased," Budget cut for 1933 was to be $27,929. "What Your Library Does For You," A look at 11 departments and the services they provide on a daily basis.
Page 1."Hale Memorial Hamline Branch Library," A sketch and description of the long delayed Hamline Branch Library graced the cover of this issue. The library was built with a working fireplace that remains in use to this day. Page 2. "Two New Branch Buildings," After almost four years of legal negotiation contracts were signed and construction set to begin. The proposed Merriam Park Library could not be opened till completion of the Hamline Branch. "Gifts To The Library," The editor thanks those patrons for their continued support. "Special Gifts," Northwest Baptist Hospital Association presented 432 books to be used for Library service to hospitals. The Library began service to city hospitals in 1921. Page 3. "Chocolates Or Food," To assist the serious reader subject bibliographies were prepared by the American Library Association. "Reading With A Purpose," The titles of 50 booklets, each prepared by a specialist are listed. Each provided a balanced introduction to a particular topic. Page 4. "Travel Posters," These posters decorated the rooms of the library and are an example of posters as art. Posters were available for use by various groups who needed contact the office of the Librarian.
Page 1."The Circulation Room," A black and white photograph of a very busy room frozen in time. This was where library cards were issued, books checked out and returned. The card catalog was in this room as were open book shelves. A reference desk for high school students and the Reader's Aid desk were also squeezed in. As many as 2,619 books were circulated in one day. At times perhaps eighty people would be in this room. Page 2. "Summer Service In Ramsey County," A day in the life of the Ramsey County Book Truck. An average day would see the truck going to rural farms and businesses. Requested material included books on travel, auto repairs for the local garage, electric water pumps, cold pack canning and much more. A honk of the book truck's horn would alert people that the library had arrived. Page 3, "Getting A Library Card," It only took four minutes to do. Write your name and address on the form, give the names of two acquaintances who appear in the City Directory. No guarantors are required. "New Lists Of New Books," Each month the library would publish a single page leaflet listing new books on a variety of subjects. These included Aeronautics, Domestic Science, Interior Decoration and Furniture. "Precious Steins," A ditty about the Steins, Gertrude, Ep and Ein. Page 4. "How The Library Serves The Home-Maker," The library attempted to meet the needs of the housewife of the period. Books on food and cookery, financing of the home, health and hygiene, decorative crafts were but a few of the many topics addressed by the collection. Included were numerous periodical titles some of which are still published today. "Acknowledgments Again," The period of acknowledgement covered is from the end of June to the middle of August.
Page 1. "Business Service In The Public Library," The Social Science Room was the destination for people with any type of business question. Care was taken to build strong collection of materials as evidenced by the questions listed. Page 2. "Library Exhibit At The County Fair, August 17-18-19," A large map showed the various routes of the book truck, schools were denoted, libraries within stores were highlighted "German Books For German Reading." Forty-four volumes of German Literature were presented to the library. "Summer Gifts," Again acknowledgments to the faithful who donated books to the library. Page 3. "The School Division Works At Fever Heat, Prepares 1000 Libraries For Schools," Describes a function that many current library staff were unaware of. These collections were invaluable in supplying supplemental materials for class work. The efforts of this department were truly unique and vital to the citizens of Saint Paul. Page 4. A black and white photograph shows only a fraction of the 1,000 boxed books ready for transport.
A letter from Thomas J. Green, heating and ventilating engineer, regarding heating modifications to the Winona Free Public Library, Winona, Minnesota. Green itemizes the work he would perform, including the addition of radiators to the library, and offers a price quote on the work.
An estimate from Thomas J. Green, Heating and Ventilating Engineer, to change the heating in the Winona Public Library stack room, adding radiators and piping per the attached plan.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey;
Date Created:
1954
Description:
Thompson Lake quadrangle topographic map (N4700-W9200/7.5) featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in pencil and red ink regarding logging railroad lines and camps in the Thompson Lake area.
This large, folded double-sided map features advertisements for local businesses, a directory of phone numbers, a small map of the Minneapolis Street Car and Bus System, and a large map of South Minneapolis and its first ring southern and western suburbs.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey
Date Created:
1957
Description:
Two Harbors NE quadrangle topographic map (N4707.5-W9130/7.5) featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in red ink regarding logging railroad lines in the Silver Creek township area.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey
Date Created:
1957
Description:
Two Harbors quadrangle topographic map (N4700-W9130/15) featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in pencil and red ink regarding logging railroad lines in the area north of Two Harbors.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey; State of Minnesota, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Commission;
Date Created:
1951
Description:
Virginia quadrangle topographic map (N4730-W9230/7.5) featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in pencil and red ink regarding logging railroad lines and camps in the Virginia area.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey; State of Minnesota, Department of Administration
Date Created:
1970
Description:
Wabana quadrangle topographic map (N4722.5-W9330/7.5) featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in red ink regarding logging railroad lines, pencil regarding logging camps in the Wabana Lake area.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey; State of Minnesota, Department of Administration
Date Created:
1970
Description:
Warba quadrangle topographic map (N4707.5-W9315/7.5) featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in red ink regarding logging railroad lines in the Trout Lake and Feeley Township areas.
The Warranty Deed was dated October 30, 1894, and it explains the terms for the land transaction detailed on the inside pages. The land was owned by Mr. Franz Urban and it was purchased by Mr. Michael J. Kennedy for four thousand dollars.
A letter from Warren Powers Laird, University of Pennsylvania, to Elmer E. Shephard, secretary of the Board of Directors of the Winona Free Public Library. Laird redirects the library's inquiry regarding an addition to the book stacks to his colleague, Edgar V. Seeler.
Wesley Nixon was a telegraph operator at the Bulwer Junction depot in New Brighton for over 40 years. His father, Charles Nixon, lived at the depot and was one of its first station agents. The New Brighton Area Historical Society has renovated the depot into the New Brighton History Center.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey
Date Created:
1956
Description:
Whiteface quadrangle topographic map (N4707.5-W9215/7.5), featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in red ink regarding logging railroad lines near Cloquet Valley State Forest area. The hand written notations include information on the following: logging camps noted with ‘C’.
United States Department of the Interior Geological Survey; State of Minnesota, Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation Commission
Date Created:
1953
Description:
Whyte quadrangle topographic map (N4715-W9130/15) featuring handwritten notations by Ray Segar in pencil and red ink regarding logging railroad lines in the Superior National Forest area near Silver Creek Township.
A letter from Fred S. Bell to B. D. Blair, president of the Board of Directors of the Winona Free Public Library, Winona Minnesota, to inform him of William Harris Laird's $5000 bequest to the library.
Letter from Fred S. Bell to Burr D. Blair, president of the Board of Directors of the Winona Free Public Library, noting William Harris Laird's intention to furnish funds to enlarge the stack room of the Laird Library Building. Bell recommends the plans be drafted by Edgar V. Seeler of Philadelphia, one of the original architects of the library.