Nomination for McMillan, Reuben, Free Library

From the form

The catalogue entry the section above was filed under.

OMB No. 1024-0018 National Park Service See instructions in How to Complete National Register Forms and or common street & number - not for publication city, town - vicinity of state Ohio - county . unoccupied - public - agriculture - museum X building(s) - private . work in progress - in process - yes: restricted . government X- yes: unrestricted . military 4. Owner of Property Ohio 44503 5. Location of Legal Description courthouse, registry of deeds, etc.

- yes X no September, 1985 _ local depository for survey records Ohio Historical Center, 1985 Velma Avenue Ohio 43211 Youngstown 039 both transportation Category Accessible educational code date entertainment Mahoning commercial park structure religious district industrial Ownership historic site Status (3-82) object Mahoning County Courthouse being considered scientific private residence Public Acquisition Location Ohio Inventory-Nomination Form National Register of Historic Places 1. Name 120 Market Street 3. Classification Present Use 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Type all entries-complete applicable sections Columbus The Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County Reuben McMillan Free Library United States Department of the Interior has this property been determined eligible? For NPS use only 305 Wick Avenue NPS Form 10-900 code 099 X other: Library Expires 10-31-87 7.

Description X excellent _ deteriorated _ unaltered X original site - good . ruins X altered -moved date grouping of five bays at the center of the building, followed by a trio of from the exterior, with new interior steps to the main floor level. accommodate the ground floor entry, a pedimented entry pavilion was change was made, the Library Board of Trustees carefully evaluated changing previously non-public basement area, where the reference, periodical and Condition unexposed fair fenestration pattern and window detailing remain intact and the character Check one dramatic classical feature of the space is the elaborate modillioned entrance, with a tri-partite window above.The entrance originally was The central bay of the building's main facade contains the library's main provide direct public access to this area from the main building entrance.

A well-preserved example of the monumental Classical Revival style, the building could be adapted to meet those needs.The decision was made to of the building remains unchanged. cornice surmounted by a four-foot plaster replica of the Parthenon frieze. The interior of the Reuben McMillan Free Library features a grand two-story reduced in height from those on the first floor.Side elevations feature a generally simple enframements.Classical elements of the second floor.

bays Windows are set into the limestone facade between pilasters and feature Reuben McMillan Free Library is two stories in height with five bays on its and square Doric columns of French Caen marble at its perimeter.A Ionic pilasters which rise between bays from the base of the first floor to clearly compatible and proportional with the building, is enhanced by the entrance hall, originally known as the Delivery or Loan Room, with round main floor.A 1954 renovation brought the entrance to ground floor level reached by a set of exterior steps leading to an interior vestibule on the use of limestone and a projecting cornice of terra cotta, and does not balance the overall horizontal feel of the building. library's name. bays'at the rear (stack room) of the library which reflect the multiple floor levels in this area.

While windows have been replaced, the original alter the building's character or integrity. needs for space in the Youngstown facility and whether the existing roofline, projecting cornice with modillions, and frieze inscribed with the recessed plane enframed by the building's corner pilasters.Decorative include scrolled keystones and carved sills, while the first floor bays the building's frieze meet the same plane as the end pilasters and tend to limestone with terra cotta detailing, the building features a parapet Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance

Description of the property

replaced by the limestone pavilion which exists today.This change is refurbish the than build new)and expand into the The details and fenestration of each facade are set in a children's library are located today.The ground floor entry was needed to OMB No. 1024-0018 Exp. 10-31-84 Reuben McMillan Free Library, Youngstown, Mahoning County, Item number Page (3-82) book-binding activities. received Continuation sheet Inventory-Nomination Form surface-mounted concave fluorescent fixtures.The intended effect of light date entered National Park Service National Register of Historic Places spaces in the building include the original Reading/Reference and is well-maintained, with the building's setback enhanced by walkways, and openness is maintained in the entrance hall today.

The ceiling contains encased beams and recessed panels which originally The vestibule area retains is original walls of French Caen marble as well railing and stairs of Tennessee marble. floor. The staircase features a balustrade of bronze with a mahogany skylight structure is still intact, panels now feature unobtrusive as the original decorative staircase leading to the building's second Occupying the entire rear of the building is the Stack Room, in its United States Department of the Interior operating, is well-located to the rear of the building. For NPS use only NPS Form 10-000-a housed skylights, admitting natural light into the lobby. While the originally used for lecture rooms, music, trustees offices, and special landscaping and trees.

Parking, necessary for any library to continue The Library's corner setting at the intesection of Wick and Rayen Avenues study areas.The basement was used for building mechanicals, storage and Children's rooms to either side of the Delivery Room.The second floor was Areas of Significance-Check and justify below _ landscape architecture... religion - archeology-historic - science - sculpture X architecture X social/ . music - theater - 1900- - other (specify) Niedermeier and Restle, Heller Bros, Statement of

Statement of significance

(in one paragraph) The Reuben McMillan Free Library meets Criterion C as a fine example of 20th century in Youngstown, as a major work of the prominent Youngstown architectural firm of Owsley and Boucherle, and as the first and only remain essentially intact, as the Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning setting as well, occupying a large corner lot landscaped with trees and Governmental buildings, cultural facilities, fraternal organization The library was one of the first works attributed to Charles F. Owsley, who study at the Ecole des Beaux Artsin Paris, the first Youngstown area 1600-1699 1500-1599 1800-1899 1700-1799 1400-1499 Contractors Period engineering industry humanitarian education commerce military prehistoric incomplete." law 8.

Significance conservation been made within the original framework and do not disturb the library's eye toward good quality design.The public library was no exception, as an There is no question that it surpasses in stateliness any other public County has chosen to maintain this building in its original condition while quickly established a reputation as one of Youngstown's most prolific early Board of Trustees has carefully maintained the character of this site, -agriculture building erected to house the main public library of Youngstown in the The Reuben McMillan Free Library illustrates the importance which was and as a Carnegie-endowed library which does not bear the Carnegie name. institutional Classical Revival architecture from the first decade of the building, and will be surpassed only by the new Courthouse, which is yet -communications placing parking to the rear.

Pennsylvania School of Architecture in 1903,Owsley traveled to Europe to article in the Youngstown Telegram in 1910 points out:"The new library -economics Built in1909-1910,the library stands as an excellent example of the _literature ...invention --art -. archeology-prehistoric --_ community planning - philosophy - transportation politics/government exploration/settlement Specific dates 1909-10 century in Youngstown.Both exterior and interior features of the building themselves to keep pace with Youngstown's growing population and wealth.

adds another to the list of public buildings which are gradually rearing placed on the design of outstanding buildings which reflected Youngstown's 20th century architects.After graduating from the University of shrubs just three blocks north of the center of Youngstown.The Library using its space as efficiently as possible.Changes to the building have Classical Revival influence in institutional architecture of the early 20th tremendous growth and optimism during the early years of the 20th century. architect to do so.He returned to Youngstown to work with his father, 9.

The rest of the file

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

Major Bibliographical References Youngstown Vindicator, Special Anniversary Edition, 1938. "The First Hundred Years," Oct/Nov., 1980. 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property Quadrangle name - - state 11. Form Prepared By Judy Williams, Consultant Benjamin D. Rickey & Co. January 13, 1986 street & number 12.

State Historic Preservation Officer Certification _ national Xlocal 665),I hereby nominate this property for inclusion in the National Register and certify that it has been evaluated Entered in tha Keeper of the National Register Youngstown code county date organization Columbus Easting Northing Zone Attest: Ohio name/title UTM References Verbal boundary description and justification The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: 391 Library Park South State Historic Preservation Officer signature List all states and counties for properties overlapping state or county boundaries The nominated property includes the original corner lot of the Reuben McMillan Free Chief of Registration Less than one acre Public Library of Youngstown and Mahoning County.

GPO 911-399 city or town I hereby certify that this property is included in the National Register Library and the building,130'by300'.Lot Number is 794. SHPO For NPs use only Butler, Joseph G. History of Youngstown and the Mahoning Valley, 1921. Quadrangle scale As the designated State Historic Preservation Officer for the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89 1:24,000 according to the criteria and procedures set forth by the National Park Service. OMB NO. 1024-0018 For NPS use only Charles H. Owsley, thought to be Youngstown's most prominent 19th century Elizabeth's Hospital, Youngstown City Hall, and the Isaly Building. in a number of downtown structures, most recently the Richard Brown home at population of 170,000 in the early 1930s, the main public library had $50,000.

Youngstown was a natural location for a Carnegie library, with frequent visitor to Youngstown, where a Carnegie Steel plant successfully building was named for Reuben McMillan, a founder and first president of Page Inventory-Nomination Form Item number the present building erected as the first structure built specifically to The library is also significant for its association with Andrew Carnegie, National Register of Historic Places public library has remained at this location within this building for 76 creation of library branches throughout the Youngstown area, the main Youngstown's most important buildings, including Home Savings and Loan, St.

National Park Service Continuation sheet in design by this firm at approximately the same time, and both reflect the before the Richard Brown home was acquired.McMillan did not live to see both the exterior and interior.After the Courthouse was completed, lasting tribute to his service.

the Youngstown Library Association in 1875.The name of the Youngstown Charles F.Owsley headed the firm and continued to design a number of the buildings are noted in their use of stone and classical treatment of lead in the design of the Public Library as one of his first major Since its founding in 1875,the Youngstown Public Library had been housed funds being provided by the industrialist/philanthropist to over lo0 Ohio influence of Charles H.Owsley aswell as his son.Similarities between location of the new Mahoning County Courthouse in l907,the library was United States Department of the Interior who provided one-third the cost of erecting the building with a gift of NPS Form 10-900-a reached a peak circulation of nearly l.2 million volumes.Despite the Reuben McMi11an Free Library, Youngstown, Mahoning County Shio architect, on the new Mahoning County Courthouse about 1907.

While in partnership with his father's firm of Owsley and Boucherle, he took the just five years, and soared to 700,000 by 1926. When Youngstown reached a the present building erected in 1910, but his name was retained as a years. (3-82) received operated.The Youngstown library is unusual in that it is not named for date entered commissions. It should be noted that the library.and the courthouse were was evident:A1910circulation of nearly84,000 increasedto157,000 in Library was changed to the Reuben McMillan Free Library in 1897.shortly house the library's collection.The need for an expanded library facility towns between the mid-1890s and 1920s. WASO Form - 177 UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR ("R" June 1984) NATIONAL PARK SERVICE EVALUATION/RETURN SHEET Reuben Me Millan Free Library FEB 2 6 1986 Working No.

- nomination by person or local government owner objection Federal Agency: - -appeal Jrequest Reviewer's comments: Recom./Criteria _ Date Due: _ Nomination returned for: _technical corrections cited below _substantive reasons discussed below 1. Name 2. Location 3. Classification 4. Owner of Property 5. Location of Legal Description 6. Representation in Existing Surveys Has this property been determined eligible? 7.

Description J excellent J unaltered L original site summary paragraph ruins moved Category resubmission Accessible Condition Ownership completeness deteriorated yes REJECT alterations/integrity unexposed Reviewer RETURN Status Mahoning County Discipline clarity boundary selection Substantive Review: 86000526 Public Acquisition Describe the present and original (if known) physical appearance see continuation sheet Present Use NR decision fair NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES Check one sample National Register Eatored in the Fed. Reg. Date:2/3/82 Action: 8. Significance Statement of Significance (in one paragraph) - summary paragraph J relating significance to the resource -justification of exception Other 9. Major Bibliographical References 10. Geographical Data Acreage of nominated property 11.

Form Prepared By _local State Historic Preservation Officer signature GPO 918-450 Builder/Architect Date Signed context Phone applicable criteria title Photographs state Maps Specific dates UTM References relationship of integrity to significance The evaluated significance of this property within the state is: Questions concerning this nomination may be directed to justification of areas checked 12. State Historic Preservation Officer Certification Verbal boundary description and justification Comments for any item may be continued on an attached sheet _national Quadrangle name Areas of Significance-Check and justify below clarity Period - Reference Nurbel - Resour ce Name - Other Nane/Site Nurber T120T 1 Non-contt ibut ing Ob jects mis field should be left blank.

Sites 2-19-84 State County Stop Date City Federal Agency List Resour ce Type 'ield may be left blank if informat ion is not given. tola. Contiol No. Bui ldings Stiuctures Restr icted Public (Fedeial) Vicinity Address/Boundary lanlatoty data elenent; field uwist he filled in. page 1 of 4 Addt ess t05a. Public (local) Public (State) tll. No. of Conti ibut imj (B, D, S, U, O) State Code O4 Statt 01. Reference Nuwber *13. Now/Det Type 5 Other : - - Certification Date *119. Curtent Certification + This field should be left blank. Mandatory data element; field must be filled in. Federal Field may be left bland if infoumation is not given. New Certification State 2-19-84 page 2 of 4 t16.Nan.Nane/Designations NPS Park Nane Nominator +19a. Other Cettification Dates Local T120T page 3 of 4 -_/ 22. Construction Materials Foundation Roof Walls Other *24. Level of Significance 26.

Criteria Consideration Pet iods of Significance 129a. Specific Significant Yeats 30. Cultural Affiliation This field should be left blank. 12-19-84 Applicable Critetia Arch Style Data element that may be left blank if information is not given. t23a. other Desct iption 521_-1 Funct ion/Subfunct ion Codes +25a. Significant Person's Name *27. Areas of Significance +29. Circa 20/20a. 1909 2. Other Documentation This field should be left blank. Mandatory data element; field must be filled in. -19-84 32a. ICS page 4 of 4 13. Acreage _ 14. UIM Coordinates N/1115130132911415019201 HAER HABS/NO DOF: NIIL. W/__11_1--1 Youngstown, Mahoning Co., Ohio J. Williams photo, 10/85 Neg. @ 391 Library Park South, Cois. Photo # / view of building, looking east. Reuben McMillan Free Library 305 Wick Avenue 111 Youngstown, Mahoning Co., Ohio J. Williams photo, 10/85 Neg. C 391 Library Park South, Cols.

Photo # 2 Avenue facades. view looking east at Wick and Rayen Reuben McMillan Free Library 305 Wick Avenue Youngstown, Mahoning Co., Ohio J. Williams photo, 10/85 Photo # 3 Reuben McMillan Free Library view looking southeast at main facade 305 Wick Avenue Neg. @ 391 Library Park South, Cols. Youngstown, Mahoning Co., Ohio J. Williams photo, 10/85 Neg. © 391 Library Park South, Cols. Photo # 4 Reuben McMillan Free Library 305 Wick Avenue lights and frieze interior view of library, showing sky YOUNGSTOWN QUADRANGLE GEOLOGICAL SURVEY UNITED STATES 7.5 MINUTE SERIES (TOPOGRAPHIC) DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO ROBERT H. DONAHUGH RECEIVED JAN 1 3 1086 January 9, 1986 AS THE Dr. Ray Luce State Historic Preservation Officer 1985 Velma Avenue Columbus, OH 43211 Dear Dr.

Luce, I am writing, on behalf of the Board of Trustees, brary of Youngstown and Mahoning County, to request pre- tion's Main Library at the January 31 meeting of the Ohio jection and hereby waive our right to object during the 60-day comment period. honor and appreciate your recognizing our library as an 305 WICK AVENUE - YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO 44503 - TELEPHONE (216)744-8636 Director YOUNGSTOWN FREE Cordially, ASSOCIATION INCORPORATED COUNTY AND REUBEN historic site. PUBLIC Judith Williams Jeanne Dykins We understand the provisions for property owner ob- Community/Public Relations Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board.

MAHONING nomination for the Reuben McMillan Free Library Associa- Ohio Historical Society MCMILLAN We are pleased to be considered for this prestigious LIBRARY Director Robert H.Donahugh and staff of the Public Li- JD/1W 1iminary and final consideration of the National Register Office of the Mayor Youngstown, Ohio RECEIVED JAN 1 7 1986 January 13, 1986 Dr. Ray Luce SUBJECT: Request for preliminary and final consideration of the Rayen and Wick, on January 31, 1986. Dear Mr. Luce: period between the preliminary and final consideration.

I City of Youngstown, Ohio cc: Jeanne Dykins, Public Libary 216/742-8701 State Historic Preservation Officer PJU/JS/pb Youngstown, Ohio 44503 Ohio Historical Society National Register nomination for the Public Library at support the Library's request that preliminary and final Ohio Historic Preservation Office Ohio Historic Site Preservation Advisory Board and waive the Mayor Patrick J. Ungaro consideration take place at the January 3l,1986 meeting of the I understand that the nomination process ordinarily is a two City Hall 1985 Velma Avenue Julian Suso, YRF City's right to comment on it during the sixty day period. step review with a sixty (6o) day public and owner comment Columbus, Ohio Mayor 43211 1985 Velma Avenue Columbus, Ohio 43211 SINCE 1885 February 21, 1986 Ms. Carol Shull, Chief National Register of Historic Places FEB 2 6 1986 Department of the Interior P.O.

Box 37127 Washington, D.C. 20013-7127 Reuben McMi|lan Free Library 614/466-1500 SOCIETY Mahoning County HISTORICAL Enclosures Sincerely, New Submissions National Park Service review this nomination as soon as possible. Ohio Historic Preservation Office City of Youngstown and the Library Board of Trustees. Therefore, please State Historic Preservation Office WRL:bp Dear Carol: note that we have received letters waiving their right to comment from the Enclosed is one new National Register nomination.All of the appropriate Please contact me if you have any questions. Recd