November 3, 1989, Neenah-Menasha Daily Northwestern
Once upon a time, this building was a welcoming presence to those entering downtown via the Mill Street bridge, a stately and dignified temple of knowledge, the way Elisha D. Smith, its namesake would have wanted. But just about thirty years ago, the end of an era passed with the demolition of the original library, though it could be argued that its time had already passed twenty years before that with the opening of the new facility on First Street. Built in 1898, the old girl had seen a lot of history- three major wars, a couple of "police actions," the closing of the Mill Street bridge in 1951, and the Woodenware fire of 1964, to name a few. It was present during the city's centennial in 1953 and yet another celebration in 1974. Tearing it down wasn't popular then, yet the memory of it still raises a smile to those of my era and a little bit older. The structure may be gone, but its spirit lives on today in a state-of-the-art facility that is a priceless asset to Menasha's young and old alike.
I am taking a week-long hiatus from the blog. I will see you the week of November 11th.
I am taking a week-long hiatus from the blog. I will see you the week of November 11th.
Very sad day in Menasha's history. The building should have been maintained and saved!
ReplyDeleteI remember this place as a kid. It was an old, decrepit, and cramped facility that had seen its better days long before I can remember. I have no idea what they could have done with that aged mausoleum. I've heard several people say it should have been fixed up and re-purposed. Well, like for what? It's easy to say somebody else ought to spend their money to do something. It's a lot harder to step up to the plate, come up with some good ideas, and help raise the funds to make it happen. The new library over on First and Racine is a beautiful facility that is MUCH more conductive to the needs of the City and its citizens. I don't like some aspects of the marina complex either, but it's far better than the junk that it replaced.
ReplyDeleteA stately old building - that I spent many hours in as a youth - could have been redone as a museum. Antigo, Wi. did it with their old library. Not perfect, but for a city of 8,000 the money was raised. This coming year an addition will include an elevator to make it wheel chair accessible. A very interesting look at history. Like this blog.
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