Nomination for Defiance Public Library

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EXP. 12/31/84 1. Name and/or common street & number 320 Fort Street - not for publication city, town - vicinity of _ state - county - - district . unoccupied - agriculture _ museum X building(s) - private . structure _ both work in progress .site - yes: restricted - in process - government _ being considered - yes: unrestricted . industrial X other: Library 4. Owner of Property courthouse, registry of deeds, etc. Defiance County Courthouse - Office of Recorder has this property been determined eligible?

- yes _ federal - - local depository for survey records Category date entertainment Accessible code 43512 Ownership Status educational commercial Defiance transportation religious historic object park title received Public Acquisition scientific Inventory-Nomination Form Type all entries-complete applicable sections date entered private residence Ohio (7-81) National Register of Historic Places 3. Classification Present Use Defiance Public Library 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys 2. Location National Park Service See instructions in How to Complete National Register Forms For NPS use only City of Defiance United States Department of the Interior OMB NO.1024-0018 NPS Form 10-900 military SEP 3 0 1985 * public 324 Perry Street Clinton and Second Streets 7. Description - original site _ excellent X good X altered _ moved .

fair The Defiance Public Library is located on the banks of the confluence of the Maumee and the Auglaize Rivers adjacent to the site of Fort Defiance, now a park. Situated in a late 19th century residential neighborhood it is a few blocks east of a Carnegie Library as well as being unique in the Defiance landscape because of its Tudor Gothic building. Rectangular in shape, with a cross-gable slate roof, the library was constructed in 1904 of varigated random-course ashlar red sandstone from Mansfield, Ohio, and Teatures a full basement and a glass skylight above the centrally located reading room. flying buttresses define the edges of the building. The main entrance to the library is centrally located beneath the gable on the are adorned with metal lamps held by metal armored hands.

Inscribed in the stone frieze above the entrance are the words, "Public Library" The focal point of the interior is the main reading room which is reached by wide glass panels, dentils, moldings and the glass skylight, the main reading room features area with a large polygonal bay window overlooking the river. A window conta1ning stained glass panels of a laurel wreath and shields separates the main desk from the reading area to the north. Much of the original shelving, cupboards and furnishings Several additions have been made to the building including a c. 1960 two story and mezzanines on the south elevations. Condition ruins Check one Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

Two flared gable dormers punctuate the roof.The half-timbering in each flared gable double hung semicircular windows on the building have stone 1intels.Small sandstone garage addition in the rear corner),and two grey Indiana limestone wings rusticated ashlar red sandstone exterior. It is a story and a half, full basemented, south elevation. Reached by a flight of wide concrete steps, the wooden, single-light the interior entry doors. Crowned by an octagonal dome, and surrounded by stained which flank the east and west elevations. Connected to the original bumlding by arcades remain. The interior was restored in 1975-76.

(made from the original semicircular-arch window openings) these wings were constructed in 1962 and 1970, respectively, and contain pointed-arch windows on the north elevations unexposed deteriorated unaltered double-door entrance is framed by a Tudor-arch transom and diamond-paned sidelights, indased in a sandstone Tudor-arch entryway. Stone plaques on either side of the entrance NPS Form 10-900-a OMB NO.

1024-0018 Far NPS use only high integrity of design, materials and craftsmanship through its distinct intact exterior which is not overwhelmed by the new additions, Page Inventory-Nomination Form Continuation sheet National Register of Historic Places National Register despite the new additions.The original block displays an unusually National Park Service United States Department of the Interior date entered Detiance Public Library, Detiance, Defiance County, Ohio Item number stonework and architectural detailing and its intact interior plan, woodwork, stained glass (3-82) received and detailing.These elements combine to give the library an architectural

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significance - prehistoric _ archeology-historic . agriculture . education .architecture . military . social/ _ art - engineering - commerce - 1900- . communications -politics/government gie's philanthropy was a continuation of this full-fledged library and public education Wing and M.S. Mahurin. Charles E. Bronson, Librarian for the Defiance Association, at the corner of Clinton of twenty-four citizens, gave 1200 books, one hundred dollars and some furniture for the purpose of starting a free public library. After great debate by the citizens of Defiance, in which many sites were considered, the site of Fort Defiance was chosen. the fort site was the nucleus for the early settlement of the city and the site was the original building committee agreed that "no library site compared with ours in as stipulated by Carnegie.

Built in 1904, the library predates the era in which Carnegie's private secretary, James Bertram, initiated the requirement to submit building plans for approval. Al- characteristic of Carnegie libraries, the use of varigated coursed ashlar red sand- octagonal dome, glass skylight, stained glass panels and armored hand light sconces make the Defiance Public Library one of the most unusual of 109 Carnegie Libraries in The architects of the library were prominent in the northern Ohio-Indiana region having designed such significant buildings in Fort Wayne, Indiana as the second City Francis College campus. The builders were a local firm. Baker, Baker and Baltes. Locally, this sandstone structure with its central dome is an architectural landmark and architectural force in the city of Defiance.

1400-1499 1600-1699 1800-1899 1500-1599 1700-1799 economics conservation theater industry literature invention music humanitarian science sculpture Specific dates law 8. Significance particularly significant for.the citizens of the community.Upon.choosing the site building is also significant as a unique example of Carnegie supported libraries found Builder/Architect J.F. Wing and M.S. Mahurin Areas ofSignificance-Check and justify below The library represents the culmination of efforts by citizens to provide free The Defiance Public Library is historically significant as a local example of Andrew Carnegie's philanthropy combined with local efforts to provide free public Statement of Significance

Statement of significance

(in one paragraph) the original portion of the Defiance Public Library still remains a dominant historical Hall in 1892,now the Allen County Historical Society and Brookside,now part of St. though the building has the basic rectangular form with a basement and a single story Although wings were added to the east and west elevations in the 1960s and - other(specify) Criteria A and C - transportation - archeology-prehistoric - community planning . landscape architecture _ religion .exploration/settlement - philosophy in Ohio. Additionally, it is significant for its association with the architects J.F. for a tax levy, a library board of six members and a free library. The Association, Donated to the people of Defiance as a park upon the incorporation of the city in 1835, 1904 Period Ohio. educatton.The educational trends prevalent in American society at the turn of the 9.

The rest of the file

Bibliography, boundary description, and the people who prepared and reviewed the nomination.

Major Bibliographical References Ankenbruck, John. Twentieth Century History of Fort Wayne. Fort Wayne, Ind.; 20th Century Historical Fort Wayne, 1975 Defiance Express, 10-10-04; Defiance Crescent-News, 7-18-1895,7-20-1895,12-15-1953, Acreage of nominated property less than 1 acre Quadrangle scale 1:24000 the east edge of the Jefferson Street right-of-way. - state 11. Form Prepared By date May 22, 1985 telephone (419) 782-1456 city or town Defiance 12.

State Historic Preservation Officer Certification _ national X local As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89 665),I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated State Historic Preservation Officer signature county date Northing code Easting Zone Attest: name/title UMT References Chief of Registration List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries 10. Geographical Data I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: For NPs use only 10-31-85 Simmons, David A.

"Carnegie Libraries in Ohio", Echoes, April, 1981 415 713/81610 the east by a line ten feet east of, and parallel to, the building running between the north edge cf Fort Street and the Maumee, on the south by Fort Street and on the west by organization Defiance Public Library state Ohio 435l2 Defiance East Quadrangle name Betsy Hileman according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. EXP. 12/31/84 Defiance Public Library, Defiance, Defiance County, Ohio Continuation sheet 1 (one) Item number 9 the building committee, March 7, 1904; and correspondence with Andrew Carnegie's secretary James Bertram.

received National Park Service National Register of Historic Places Inventory-Nomination Form (7-81) date entered Files of the Defiance Public Library including Specifications of Architects; report to NPS Form 10-900-a United States Department of the Interior Page one For NPS use only OMB NO.1024-0018 1 (one) Defiance Crescent-News, 7-5-05, 5-9-05, 4-26-04, 10-22-38 WASO Form - 177 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ("R" June 1984) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET SEP 3 0 1985 Federal Agency: - -appeal I sample -request Discipline _ see continuation sheet _ technical corrections cited below _substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification Public Acquisition 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description J yes 7.

Description - excellent - deteriorated J unaltered -original site - moved - summary paragraph resubmission Date Condition ruins Category Ownership alterations/integrity REJECT Reviewer Defiance County Status Recom./Criteria boundary selection Substantive Review: OHIO Action: owner objection Accessible Working No. 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Nomination returned for: NR decision clarity Reviewer's comments: Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance completeness Has this property been determined eligible? Defiance Public Library nomination by person or local government Check one Present Use NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Fed. Reg. Date:o Date Due: - RETURN fair National Register unexposed Entered in the good 10-31-85 8. Significance - summary paragraph Other 9. Major Bibliographical References 11.

Form Prepared By _local State Historic Preservation Officer signature Date context Signed completeness Period national state Builder/Architect UTM References title Maps applicable criteria Quadrangle name Photographs Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to relating significance to the resource The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: justification of areas checked 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) Verbal boundary description and justification 10. Geographical Data Specific dates justification of exception relationship of integrity to significance Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet Acreage of nominated property Areas of Significance-Check and justify below clarity - Phone: - Sept.

1984 Defiance Public Library Negative on file with photographer at Ohio Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson Front Facade looking North 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co., 11i8 Jefferson Ave., Defiance Sept. 1984 Northeast Ohio Front and West Elevations looking Defiance Public Library Photogbapher: Kelly Smith Masterson Negative on File with Photogbapher at #2 of l0 Photographs 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co., 1118 Jefferson Ave., Defiance Front Entrance looking North Ohio Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson Defiance Public Library Negative on File with Photographer at #3 of lo Photographs 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co., Sept, 1984 1li8 Jefferson Ave., Defiance Sept.

1984 Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson Defiance Phblic Library Negative on File with Photographer at Ohio 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co., #4 of lo Photographs 1118 Jefferson Ave-, Defiance Detail of Front Entrance looking North Defiance Public Library Sept, 1984 Negative on File with Photographer at 1118 Jefferson Ave, Defiance Facade looking South Ohio Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co., #5 of lo Photographs View across Maumee River of Rear Sept. 1984 Southwest Defiance Public Library Negative on File with Photographer att Rear and East Elevations looking Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co., #6 of l0 Photographs Obio 11i8 Jefferson Ave., Defiance Sept.

1984 Ohio Defiance Public Library Negatives on File with Photographer at Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson Detail of Rear Facade looking South 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co. #7 of lo Photographs 1li8 Jefferson Ave., Defiance Ohio Defiance Public Library Negatives on File with Photographer at Dome above Main Desk looking up Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co., #8 of lo Photographs Sept. 1984 Sept. 1984 Negative on File with Photographer at 1ooking North Ohio Defiance Public Library Interior view of Main Desk area Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson #9 of io Photographs 1l18 Jefferson Ave. Defiance Sept.

1984 North Ohio Negative on File with Photographer at Interior view of Main Entrance looking Defiance Public Library Photographer: Kelly Smith Masterson 320 Fort St., Defiance, Defiance Co-, 1118 Jefferson Ave., Defiance DEFIANCE EAST QUADRANGLE ( 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC GEOLOGICAL SURVEY UNITED STATES STATE OF OHIO DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR DEFIANCE EAST, OHIO OHIO-DEFIANCE CO. DEFIANCE. OHIO 43512 May 22, 1985 I-71 & 17th Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 Dear Mr. Simmons; preservation. The recognition of National Register listing Sincerely, Director David Simmons Ohio Historic Center of community pride for eighty years.Mueh well-spent thought Ohio Historic Preservation Office To have the library placed on the National Register would significance and beauty of the building have been a source DEFIANCE PUBLIC LIBRARY Jane M.

Small, The Defiance Public Library Board of Trustees herewith National Register Manager Public Library to the National Register of Historic Places be meaningful to the townspeople of Defiance.The historic submits materials and forms in nomination of the Defiance 32O FORT STREET would be appreciated by all of Defiance. and expense have been lavished upon the building's upkeep and CITY-COUNTY BUILDING 324 PERRY STREET W. TOM WISEMAN DEFIANCE, OHIO 43512 Office 784-2101 Home 782-7814 May 29, 1985 Center for Archival Collection Bowling Green, Ohio 43402 Dear Ms. Moran: I, W.

Thomas Wiseman, as Mayor of the City of Defiance, in response Whereas, the Library has been a public landmark since the early part of the century, and we are proud of the heritage of Defiance, I feel Mayor, City of Defiance Mayor Diana Moran W.Thomas Wiseman Regional Coordinator Ohio Historical Society Yours very truly INCORPORATED 1836 it is indeed appropriate that our library have this distinction. Bowling Green State University Register of Historic Places. Defiance Public Library at 320 Fort Street be placed on the National to the citizens of the hereby heartily recommend that the CITY Of DEFIANCE RESOLUTION NO. 2027 Defiance Public Library in the National Register of Historic Places, and NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of Defiance, Defiance County, Ohio:- the earliest period allowed by law. HISTORIC PLACES.

Defiance Public Library being listed in the National Register of Historic Places. by the Chief Elected Local Official and the Waiver by Property Owner regarding the WAIVERS OF OBJECTION TO LISTING THE DEFIANCE A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE MAYOR TO SIGN PUBLIC LIBRARY IN THE NATIONAL REGISTER OF Section 2:That this Resolution shall be in full force and effect from and after WHEREAs, Council agrees that the library should be listed. Section 1:That the Mayor is hereby authorized and directed to sign the Waiver WHEREAS, Council has been informed that steps are being taken to list the