Hamilton Library Association: Annual Report for 1903

According to custom, I beg to report as follows, the general operations of the Association for the year 1903 and its present condition.

In the report of last year, on account of the large number of new members elected during that year, it was thought advisable to present a brief statement of the origin and work of the association. The interest manifested in that account would almost seem to justify the preparation for publication at an early date, of a fuller historical sketch, as furnished by the minutes of the board of directors, and the proceedings of the Association.

 MEMBERSHIP.

 During the past year the active membership has increased, and but few have failed to continue their connection with the Association. As the success of the Association depends largely upon the number and character of its membership, this is matter of congratulation.

FINANCIAL AND PHYSICAL CONDITION.

Next to membership, and closely connected with it, is the financial condition. As the detailed report of the Treasurer shows, this is at least satisfactory. The small indebtedness remaining at close of the last year, mainly due to the introduction of a furnace of a capacity to heat the whole building and to some internal alterations and additions, has been paid. During the past year some additional gas fixtures have been put in, a new case for the preservation of objects and documents of historical interest has been provided, various appliances for the library have been purchased, the large accumulated files of newspapers, as well as others presented to the library, have been bound, the grounds have been put in creditable condition, and the current expenses, mainly for janitor, fuel, light, and incidentals, have been met.

LIBRARY.

The expenditure for the library has been restricted by the other necessary expenditures enumerated, and increase has been dependent mainly upon the interest and generosity of friends. Especially to be noted is the completion of the series of “Notes and Queries” by Dr. Egle, by the accession of some of the volumes, which had been wanting, and which are rapidly taking their place in the list of rare books. Among the volumes of the Pennsylvania Archives presented are some that have been most difficult to obtain for the completion of the set, and others almost equally valuable for exchange. Some early volumes of local newspapers have been presented, other files have been rendered more complete, and present files have been continued up to date. All of these have been bound in volumes of convenient size for reference with the least wear and tear in use. Monographs and pamphlets on various historical subjects have been stored, as received, in suitable cases, with such classification, that they may be bound as volumes as they accumulate upon any subject. Scrap-books have been provided for newspaper clippings, as received or made, suitably indexed for reference.

HISTORICAL COLLECTION.

Numerous additions have been made to the collection of objects and documents of local interest. Many of these would be worthy of particular mention, and it is a matter for consideration, whether the publication of a list of such additions with the names of those who have presented them, at the close of each year, might not repay the Association by the increased interest it might create, aside from the information it would give. It may not, however, be out of place to call attention to several placed in the vestibule.

The decorated Stove-plate placed in the wall, bearing the date, 1764, and the name “Carlisle Furnace,” among the very earliest castings made west of the Susquehanna, was presented by Miss Emma Aberly, and the wall-map of Carlisle, of sixty years ago, with its interesting marginal illustrations was presented by Miss Emeline Parker. A pitcher once owned by Molly Pitcher, about to be acquired by a distant historical society, was secured for the Association, and a suitable case provided for it, by the contributions of members and others for the purpose, seconded by the disposition of her descendants to favor its retention here. It is a matter of gratification that this relic of so much local interest has been kept where it naturally belongs, on account of the appeal which a romantic incident makes to popular sentiment, whilst at the same time there is no less appreciation of the historical incidents of larger importance connected with our county, and the influential characters that connect its history so creditably with that of our country. But there are yet among these many almost forgotten heroes, as far as public recognition goes.

The Library Room has been comfortably heated, and accessible at all times upon application to any of the officers of the Association, and through the presence of Captain Wm. E. Miller, of the Historical Committee, for some portion of each day, and his assistance cheerfully given to the investigation of historical subjects, the use of the library has been much facilitated. To the active interest of the same gentleman is also due, in great part the accessions to the historical objects, and other resources of the library. It would doubtless aid much in encouraging the use of the library by the general public, if provision could be made for having it open at definite hours, duly announced, on certain days of the week, even if limited to one afternoon and evening in the week, in charge of some suitable responsible person. The pamphlets, reports, etc., received from time to time by the Association, with such addition of pertinent periodical literature as might be made, would soon cause it to fill a place of its own in the community.

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