Apr 27, 2006 By Patty Yauger 3 min read

CONNELLSVILLE – When the city marked its 100th anniversary in 1906, many opening and closing ceremonies of the four-day event were held at the newly constructed Carnegie Library. Called a “fine public building” by the centennial organizers, the grounds surrounding the structure became the stage for musical performances by school children, addresses by members of various organizations and platforms for dignitaries to deliver their speeches to those who had congregated at the location.

At the end of the day, residents and visitors were encouraged to return for a reunion with old friends and to listen to band concerts.

Photographs taken from the era, along with those produced from the 1956 sesquicentennial celebration will be on display at the Carnegie Library Saturday following the bicentennial parade.

Librarian Julia Allen said documents and memorabilia from the celebrations will decorate the main floor of the historic landmark.

“We want to tell the story of Connellsville,” she said, adding that the building is also part of the city’s history. In 1981, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places.

Prior to the centennial celebration, streetcars traversed the roadways, carrying men to and from their places of employment and transporting women to the downtown, where they could shop at the local stores.

After many years of circulating reading materials at a local drugstore, a group of men, known as the Connellsville Library Committee, determined that the city should have a proper library.

Industrialist Andrew Carnegie who had aided other communities looking to erect libraries was contacted by the committeemen and agreed to financially assist with the construction costs provided the city agreed to purchase property where the library would be situated and that a percentage of general tax revenues would be earmarked to the library for its continued maintenance.

“The community which is not willing to maintain a library had better not possess it,” wrote Carnegie.

Plans for construction began in July 1901, but before its completion, Carnegie’s funding stream was exhausted and a request for an additional $18,000 from the benefactor was denied.

Not deterred, according to Allen, the committee went to New York to speak directly to Carnegie and informed personally that he would not reconsider his earlier response.

However, before the group departed New York, Carnegie sent a note to them congratulating them on their efforts and notifying them that the project would receive the extra money.

“Let me say this to you, that I cannot recollect any community of the size and population to which I have given so much money for a library building,” wrote Carnegie.

“Let me also say I have never met a more public-spirited, able community.”

The note penned by Carnegie is on display at the library.

A second benefactor appeared as the library was nearing its 100th anniversary that allowed the present committee to restore a reference room.

Former Connellsville resident, Elmer Gettys contributed $50,000 for library projects provided the panel would match the amount. Through private and public contributions the challenge was met and the library began renovating the room that now bears Gettys name.

“We will be very happy to show people around the Gettys room and tell them how it came to be,” said Allen. “We’re looking forward to sharing in the 200th celebration.”

Light refreshments will be served.