Port Henry in Essex County, New York — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Free Library
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2024
1. Free Library Marker
Erected 2020 by William G. Pomeroy Foundation. (Marker Number 703.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. In addition, it is included in the National Register of Historic Places, and the William G. Pomeroy Foundation series lists. A significant historical date for this entry is January 17, 1887.
Location. 44° 2.857′ N, 73° 27.61′ W. Marker is in Port Henry, New York, in Essex County. Marker is on Church Street just west of Main Street (Empire State Trail) (New York State Route 9N/22), on the left when traveling west. The marker is located beside the sidewalk, directly in front of the Sherman Free Library. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 20 Church Street, Port Henry NY 12974, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. World War I Memorial Honor Roll (within shouting distance of this marker); Village of Port Henry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); A Busy Iron Port (approx. 0.3 miles away); Lake Champlain & Moriah Railroad: The "Elsie and Em" (approx. 0.3 miles away); Champlain Academy
this page online
Regarding Free Library. National Register of Historic Places #95000595.
From the National Register Nomination:
The Sherman Free Library is architecturally and historically significant as a distinguished and intact example of Richardsonian Romanesque-inspired civic architecture which, through its historical associations, represents the educational and cultural development of the community as well as its integral connection to the mining industry, which formed the economic backbone of the community and surrounding areas.
The Sherman Free Library was built and donated to the village by George R. Sherman, a director of the local mining firm, Witherbee, Sherman and Company and one of the town's most prominent, wealthy and philanthropic industrialists. George Sherman was best known for the great interest he took in the village's educational facilities. The solidly built Sherman Free Library, executed inbrick with a gleaming oak paneled interior, is an enduring reminder of the benevolence of this mining company director, and of the important role mining-based wealth played in the cultural development of Port Henry.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 20242. Free Library MarkerThe marker is located directly in front of the library.
Almost all of the interior features (including paneling, shelving, bookcases, tables, and chairs) are of varnished oak and are original. The brass light fixtures are also those originally installed in the library when electricity was introduced to Port Henry. The interior features two large rooms separated by two wooden, Doric columns. The walls and ceilings are completely covered with oak wainscoting. The interior walls of the main block feature lengths of chestnut wood braced horizontally every twelve inches over the oak wainscoting. The 1907 addition features a mezzanine level supported by thin Doric columns. The mezzanine is approximately three feet wide and has heavy, brass railing. Oak bookshelves line the walls of the addition below mezzanine level, and line the rear wall of the addition at mezzanine level.
Also see . . .
1. Sherman Free Library (Wikipedia). Excerpt:
It was built in 1887 and has two rooms, and is a 1˝-story brick building topped by slate-covered, steeply pitched gable roofs, on a limestone foundation. An addition was built in 1907.(Submitted on June 29, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1995.Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 20243. Sherman Free Library InteriorTwo wooden Doric columns separate the original room (foreground) and 1907 addition (background).
2. Sherman Free Library (library website). Excerpt:
The Sherman Free Library opened on January 17, 1887. Mr. George Riley Sherman, partner in the Witherbee & Sherman Mining company, provided funding to build the library and stock it with 3,000 volumes. He stipulated that the library would be free to every person residing within the village limits.(Submitted on June 29, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)
Today the collection contains 11,000 volumes. The library offers a wide range of books for children and adults. In addition, there are books on CD, music CDs, puzzles, games, and DVDs that can be borrowed from the library. There is also a reference section with materials pertaining to the local mining operations, local history, and the Adirondack region in general. In addition to books, the library displays historic maps, photos and paintings. The library's varnished oak interior remains intact.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2024
4. Sherman Free Library Mezzanine Bookshelves
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2024
5. Sherman Free Library Card Catalog
It has been obsoleted by modern technology.
Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, May 18, 2024
6. Sherman Free Library
Credits. This page was last revised on June 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on June 29, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 42 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 29, 2024, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
