Clark Howell Homes, Anne Wallace Branch Carnegie Library, 538 Luckie Street, Atlanta

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS GA,61-ATLA,63B-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

The Anne Wallace Branch Carnegie Library was the first branch library in Atlanta. Built in and named after the first librarian of the Carnegie Library System of Atlanta (predecessor to the Fulton County Library System), the Anne Wallace Branch represents the early history of libraries in Atlanta. As part of the original Carnegie Library System, the Anne Wallace Branch also represents a piece of the history of public libraries in the United States; including Andrew Carnegie's legacy of public libraries around the country. Andrew Carnegie is generally credited for substantially influencing the development of public libraries in the U.S.

Born in Dunfermline, Scotland, and immigrating with his family to the United States in Carnegie made his fortune as founder of the Carnegie Steel Company which sold to Morgan in for Carnegie is well known for his philanthropic pursuits totaling (nearly 90% of his fortune) including among others; the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, the Carnegie Institution of Washington, the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, and the Carnegie Public Libraries. 1 1 Babinski, George Carnegie Libraries: Their History and Impact on American Public Library Development. American Library Association, Chicago p.3 CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 2) Carnegie's lifelong stemmed from a desire to make available to everyone a means of self-education. In the U.S.

the Carnegie Library endowments lasted from to and totaled for public library buildings Worldwide libraries were built in English-speaking countries including Canada, South Africa, New Zealand, and Australia and totaled To obtain funds, communities had to donate an acceptable site, establish an annual maintenance fund of at least 10% of the endowment, and illustrate a need for a public library within the community. Endowment amounts were generally based on a $2 per capita amount. After when the last Carnegie library endowment for building construction was granted, the Carnegie Corporation continued to further the growth of public libraries in the U.S. by sponsoring research, conferences, and library educational schools.

Anne Wallace was an important figure in the development of public libraries in the state of Georgia and the city of Atlanta. As the first librarian of the Carnegie Library of Atlanta, she helped acquire funds for the expansion and development of public libraries in Atlanta, specifically the first two branch libraries: the Anne Wallace Branch and the South Branch Library Miss Wallace also played a part in the formation of a state library association which was to become the Georgia Library Association as well as the establishment of the first professional training school in the South for the education oflibrarians. This school was supported by the Carnegie Foundation and was housed in the new Carnegie Library building. The school was later relocated to Emory University in PART I. HISTORICAL

Information a

Physical History: 1. Date of erection: Andrew Carnegie granted the Carnegie Library system of Atlanta on November 28, for the construction of two branch libraries. The city of Atlanta appropriated a lot for the Anne Wallace Branch at the corner of Luckie St. and West Merritts Ave. in November of The Anne Wallace Branch was completed in October and formal opening ceremonies were held on the evening of October 30, Max F. Howland (formally Miss Anne Wallace) traveled from Boston to be the featured speaker of the opening , held in the auditorium of the newly completed library. Library services formally began on November 1, These events CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 3) are chronicled in newspaper accounts from the time period.

2 The second, South Branch Library, was built in at the comer of Capital Ave. and Georgia Ave .. 2. Architect: The New York architectural firm of Whitfield and King were selected and preliminary plans were submitted and agreed upon in 3 Beverly S. King was a New York architect who designed a number of Carnegie funded libraries. In King had joined with Harry L. Walker of Atlanta forming a firm which operated for two years in Atlanta. 4 3. Original and subsequent owners: The original owner of the library was the city of Atlanta (Carnegie Library System) from to In the building was converted to the Techwood Recreation Center while library services were relocated to the Clark Howell Community building.

The city of Atlanta remained the owner and maintenance and oversight were the responsibility of the city's Parks and Recreation Department. The Housing Authority of the city of Atlanta is the current owner. 4. Builder, contractor, suppliers: The specific builder and suppliers for the library are not known. As reported in the Carnegie Library Annual Report. however, the total cost of the building was 5. Original plans and construction: Preliminary descriptions of the building appeared in the Annual Report as follows: The exterior of the Building is Southern Colonial in style, and the first floor consists of one large reading room, with the Librarian's room and work room in the rear.

The attractive features of the interior of the room will be a large fireplace, facing the entrance, and a Uncle Remus frieze which will extend around the room. A high basement affords a good lecture room to be used for stcreopticon views, and neighborhood gatherings. 5 Diagrammatic sketch plans of the main floor and the basement were published in the Carnegie Library Annual Report and illustrated the schematic layout of the reading room and basement auditorium. 6. Alterations and additions: The library has undergone two significant periods of alterations.

The first was in shortly after the library function was relocated to the Clark Howell Community Center, at which time the library was converted into the 2 "Branch Library will Open Tonight," The Atlanta Journal, 30 October and "Anne Wallace Library is Formally Opened," The Atlanta Journal, 31October1909. 3 The Carnegie Library of Atlanta Annual Report. No. 9, 4 Withey, Henry F., and Withey, Elsie Rathbum Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased), 5 The Carnegie Library of Atlanta Annual Report. No. 10, CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 4) Techwood Recreation Center.

The architecture firm of Thompson and Hancock of Atlanta was hired for the renovation work which included repairing exterior surfaces, replacing windows and doors, and up-grading of plumbing, electrical and mechanical systems. The second period of alteration was in when the heating system was converted from steam to gas fueled, and an air conditioning system was added. These alterations were completed by the engineering firm of Williams, Russell and Johnson of Atlanta. Renovation drawings are housed at the City of Atlanta Department of Parks and Recreation. B. Historical Context: In Mr. Darwin Jones, a teller in the Georgia National Bank, initiated the organization of a subscription library in Atlanta.

The organization known as The Young Men's Library Association of Atlanta offered membership" ... to any young man, in honorable pursuit, who might be approved by the Board of Directors." 6, and it was not until that women were to be accepted into the association. The Young Men's Library Association survived for 30 years on limited funds, small membership and lay librarians. The reading rooms were open to the public only during the day, denying access to working men and women. Membership dues were required for access to books, excluding anyone unable to pay. Mr. Eugene Mitchell, father of Margaret Mitchell (author of Gone With the Wind) was influential in transforming the Young Men's Library Association of Atlanta from a private, privileged organization into a public institution.

As head of the YMLAA, Mr. Mitchell became aware of Andrew Carnegie's grants for public library buildings to communities around the country who were willing to maintain the buildings and provide free access to their citizens. Eugene Mitchell was able to secure from the Carnegie Foundation for the construction of a new public library building in Atlanta. The city was to furnish annually for the maintenance and operation of a public library. The City of Atlanta acquired a lot for the new library at the comer of Forsyth and Church Streets in downtown Atlanta. The Young Men's Library Association of Atlanta paid for the lot and donated all of its books, periodicals and furnishings to the new library. The new Carnegie Library of Atlanta was organized on May 6, and replaced the YMLAA.

Miss Anne Wallace became the first librarian and administrator of the Carnegie Library of Atlanta and on March 4, the Atlanta Carnegie Library Building, designed by the architecture firm of Ackerman and Ross of New York, opened to the public. Miss Anne Wallace became head librarian of the Young Men's Library Association of Atlanta in succeeding her sister Miss Fanny Wallace. Anne Wallace continued to serve as librarian after the YMLAA became the Carnegie Library of Atlanta and served in 6 Atlanta Public Library Annual Report , p.8 CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 5) that capacity until During her tenure, Miss Wallace played an important role in the expansion of library services at both the state and city levels.

First, at the state level, she helped organize the Georgia Library Commission which was designed to provide library services to all citizens of Georgia. At the local level, Miss Wallace was instrumental in establishing the first professional training school in the South for the education of librarians. Tilis school was supported by the Carnegie Foundation and was housed in the new Carnegie Library building, but was later relocated to Emory University in As head librarian of the Carnegie Library of Atlanta, Anne Wallace was able, in to obtain from Andrew Carnegie for the construction of two branch libraries in Atlanta.

The first branch was located at the corner of Luckie Street and West Merritts Avenue and was to later be known as the Anne Wallace Branch Carnegie Library the second was the South Branch Library built in at the corner of Capital Avenue and Georgia Avenue. The Anne Wallace Branch Carnegie Library was formally opened on October 30, with Max Howland (formally Miss Anne Wallace) traveling from Boston to give the opening address. Howland was introduced by Robert L. Foreman, President of the Board of Trustees of the Carnegie Library of Atlanta, who acknowledged her influential role in the development of the Carnegie Library system in Atlanta.

7 The Anne Wallace Library pre-dates the construction ofTechwood Homes and Clark Howell Homes When the library was built in Luckie Street (from North Avenue to Hunnicut Street) was a predominantly residential street. 8 An important function of the library within the residential neighborhood was to serve the children of the neighborhood and support community activities. The annual reports of the Carnegie Library document the importance of the Anne Wallace Library as a meeting place for the Boy Scouts, the Girls Sewing Oub, and the Garden League.

Story hour at the library also became an important event, 'There was from the first a demand for a story hour; in fact up to the present time, the branch has been more a children's library than a library for 'grown-ups' ." 9 The Luckie Street location provided good access, being on a major street with street car service (the library served as a stop for the street cars), and a large residential population. There were a number of public schools in proximity to the library; English Avenue School, State Street School, Home Park School, and Luckie Street School at the comer of Luckie Street and Pine Street.

These schools supported a large number of children who used the Anne Wallace Library: 7 "Anne Wallace Library is Formally Opened", The Atlanta Journal, 31 October 8 Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps, Atlanta, GA, 1928-1931Vol.1, Sections (found at the Atlanta Historical Society) 9 Carnegie Library of Atlanta Annual Report, CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 6) During February and March when the largest amount of general reference work was done, the fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth grade children of Luckie Street, State Street, English Avenue, and Home Park Schools came to the Library for material on the U.D.C. essay contest.

The congestion usually caused by this contest was in measure relieved by the Library co-operating with the schools and sending copies of the material on hand to the teachers of the grades which were in the contest. 10 The Anne Wallace Branch Library continued to serve the community as a library until September 21, when the library services were relocated to the Techwood Homes Community Center. The Luckie Street location was then converted to serve as the Techwood Recreation Center. PART II. ARCHITECTURAL INFORMATION A. General Statement: 1. Architectural character: As described in the Annual Report of the Carnegie Library the building is Southern Colonial in style and consists of two floors. The main floor includes one large reading room with work rooms in the rear.

Across from the entrance of the reading room sits a large fireplace with adjacent seating. An Uncle Remus frieze extends around the room on a number of painted burlap panels. The basement level includes a large auditorium "to be used for stereopticon views, and neighborhood gatherings." 2. Condition of fabric: The Anne Wallace Branch Library appears to be in good structural condition but is in need of maintenance and cosmetic attention. B. Description of Exterior: 1. Overall dimensions: The library features one main floor and a partially submerged basement level. The building has overall dimensions of 60' -2" x 30' the rectangular footprint faces west toward Luckie Street with a entry portico extending out from the main entry. 2.

Foundations: The foundation/basement level walls are constructed of granite block covered by white plaster. 3. Walls: The exterior walls are load-bearing brick masonry with a running bond exterior brick facing. The first floor and basement levels are separated by an 11" band of white marble. Carnegie Library of Atlanta Annual Report, 1 CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 7) 4. Structural systems, framing: The floors and roof are wood frame construction, supported by load-bearing exterior walls. 5. Porches: The west-facing entry features a portico that extends out from the entry. The portico includes four columns that support a wood detailed pediment and entablature. 6.

Chimneys: A brick chimney protrudes from the eastern-most facade, serving the interior fireplace. The chimney is topped with a white marble cap. 7. Openings: a. Doorways and doors: The main entry on the west facade features a door surround with wood detailing. Above the double-doorway is a half-circle window, above which includes a wood arch/keystone and decorative frieze. There are two other doorways located in the basement level on the south and west facades, providing egress from the building. b. Windows: The majority of the windows are double-hung sash construction with mullions creating divided lights. The first floor level windows on the west, north and south elevations feature marble keystone caps. 8. Roof: a.

Shape, covering: The building features a hip-roof with a flat top running longitudinally along the building. A pitched-roof cornice extends out from the main roof of the building covering the entry portico. This cornice is supported by four columns along the west facade and includes extensive wood detailing. The roof is currently finished with gray asphalt wood shingles, although historic photos from the Annual Report of the Carnegie Library illustrate that the original roofing material was standing seam metal. b. Eaves: A wood molding extends the length of all the building's eaves and features intricate wood detailing. C. Description oflnterior: 1. Roor plan: The building consists of two floors, the main floor includes an entry foyer, open stack space and office/work rooms.

The basement level includes mechanical and electrical rooms (previously the boiler and coal rooms) and stack space, originally designed as an auditorium. The basement level also includes a small wash room and office/storage rooms. Major alterations of the floorplan include enclosing the fireplace to create an office, and modifications of the boiler room to accommodate mechanical system upgrades. CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 8) 2. Stairways: One staircase at the northeastern corner of the first floor provides interior access between floors. Two separate stairways extend up grade from each exit on the basement level. 3. Flooring: The first floor is of wood frame construction. Specific finish information is unavailable. 4.

Walls and ceilings: Interior walls and ceilings are finished in plaster. The main stack room on the first floor includes wood molding around the room with wood pilasters framing the fireplace and foyer. 5. Openings: a. Doorways and doors: Detailed information on interior doors is not available. b. Windows: Refer to Section Description of Exterior. 6. Mechanical equipment: a. Heating, air conditioning, ventilation: The original steam-generated, coal-fired boiler has been replaced; the current HVAC system dates from b. Plumbing: There was originally three bathrooms; one librarian's bathroom on the first floor and one men's and one women's bathrooms on the basement level. Detailed finish information unavailable. D. Site: 1.

General setting and orientation: The library building faces Luckie Street to the west. The entry portico is connected by a concrete walk to the street. The east side of the building faces Oark Howell Homes and opens on to a playground area. 2. Historic landscape design: Original landscape plans are unavailable. There are two sugar maple trees on either side of the entry walk and a series of shrubs and bushes along the west facade of the building. PART III. SOURCES OF INFORMATION A Architectural drawings: Several sets of drawings are available, including: CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No.

GA-2309-B (Page 9) Techwood Recreation Center Alterations, drawings by Thompson and Hancock, mechanical alterations, drawings by Williams, Russell and Johnson, measured drawings, Measured drawings are included in this package. B. Historic views: Photographs appear in many of the annual reports of the Carnegie Library of Atlanta and are listed in the bibliography below. C.

Source document Quoted word for word from HABS GA,61-ATLA,63B-. Not written, edited or summarised by this site.

The Atlanta History Center an extensive collection of newspaper clippings, annual reports, and pamphlets pertaining to the Carnegie Libraries of Atlanta. Other information was found in the files of the State Historic Preservation Office. 1. Unpublished sources: Anderson, Samuel. "A Research Paper on: The Anne Wallace Branch Carnegie Library for the Consideration of Inclusion to the National Register of Historic Places." A research paper completed at the Georgia Institute of Technology, 2. Published sources: "Anne Wallace Library is Formally Opened." The Atlanta Journal, Oct. 31, Bobinski, George Carnegie Libraries: Their History and Impact on American Public Library Development. American Library Association, Chicago "Branch Library Will Open Tonight." The Atlanta Journal, Oct.

30, The Carnegie Library of Atlanta Annual Rewrts Nutting, James. "The Carnegie Library of Atlanta, Its Early History and Present Proud Position.", The City Builder, Nov. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps. Atlanta, GA, Vol. 1, Sections 37, 48, 58. (found at the Atlanta History Center) CLARK HOWELL HO:MES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 10) Withey, Henry F., Withey, Elsie Rathburn. Biographical Dictionary of American Architects (Deceased). D. Supplemental material: Following this outline format text are two 8 x 11" sketch drawings, as follows: historic site plan ofTechwoocVClark Howell Homes with the Anne Wallace Carnegie Branch Library indicated. site plan of existing conditions of TechwoocVClark Howell Homes with the Anne Wallace Carnegie Branch Library indicated. PART IV.

PROJECT INFORMATION This HABS documentation packet is being prepared in compliance with a stipulation of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) that addresses the impact of the Techwood/Clark Howell Homes HOPE VI Urban Revitalization Demonstration (URD) Project on the Techwood Homes Historic District, the Clark Howell Homes Historic District, the Georgia Institute of Technology Historic District, and the Anne Wallace Branch Carnegie Library. The MOA is dated March 19, Parties to the MOA are: the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the Georgia State Historic Preservation Officer, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation, the Housing Authority of the City of Atlanta, and the Techwoocl/Clark Howell Resident Association. Prepared by: EDAW,Inc.

Lenox Road, Suite 100 Atlanta, Georgia KitWritcs, Inc. Stillwood Drive, NE Atlanta, Georgia Date: October 10, CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 11) HISTORIC SITE PLAN OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY CLARK HOWELL HOMES, CARNEGIE LIBRARY HABS No. GA-2309-B (Page 12) SITE PLAN OF CARNEGIE LIBRARY