|
General Howland Returns to Howland Public Library
On April 21, 2007, the restored portrait of General Howland, founder of the Howland Public Library and Civil War general, was unveiled at a community gathering sponsored by the Friends of the Howland Public Library in Beacon. The water-damaged black and white chalk portrait of General Howland by Aclair K. Shaw was restored to its original condition courtesy of funds raised by the Friends of the Howland Public Library. This special event commemorated the Howland Public Library's 135th year of community service.
On January 5, 1872, General Howland, Walter Brett, James Mackin, Theodore Brinckerhoff, John B. Seaman and others interested in founding a library held their first meeting in the directors' room of the First National Bank of Fishkill Landing. It was determined that a joint stock company be formed for the purpose of forming, continuing and perpetuating a circulating library- the Howland Circulating Library.
After the unveiling of the portrait by Beacon mayor Clara Lou Gould, the Friends raffled Beacon prints by local artist Bill Neary to benefit the Library Mural Fund. Rolando Santovenia of Beacon won the Main Street print, Haleigh Schanz of Hopewell won the Four Corners Diner print, and the Hudson River print was won by Janelle Styles of Pleasant Valley. The raffle raised $328.00 toward the Library Mural Fund. The mural fund is now only $1200.00 short of its goal.
Also marking the event, the "Freedom Shrine" display in the library's Main Street window includes replicas of the "Emancipation Proclamation" (1863), the "Gettysburg Address" (1863), and the "Mayflower Compact" (1620). All documents are relevant to Joseph Howland's life as a Civil War general and a direct descendent of John Howland, 13th signer of the Mayflower Compact. The "Freedom Shrine" was a gift from the Southern Dutchess Exchange Club. The Howland Public Library, located at 313 Main Street in Beacon, turns 135 in August, and other events are in the works. For more information call 845-831-1134.
| Click ads below
for larger version
System and Method for Display
Ads have a Patent Pending.
Click Here for More Information
|
