Lewistown Public Library
1897
Frank E. Smith urged formation of some sort of local library in a speech he gave about "Self-made Men." March 5th, Lewistown's first Library opens. It began with 269 books and $126.50 all donated by local citizens. The library was located at 5th and Main, Mrs. Mary Hanson donated the space in her millinery shop and her time to operate the library.
1899
The Library moved into the office of the County tendent of Schools. Miss Elizabeth Peebles, who was the County Superintendent, also acted as librarian.
1901
April, The people of Lewistown voted overwhelmingly to officially establish a Free Public Library . The Library has remained under city jurisdiction from that day to this. All the holdings of the first subscription library were donated to the new Free Library. The first trustees were Frank Smith, Chairman, W.M.Blackford , Mrs. Von Tobel, Mrs. Austin Warr, Mrs. George Bach and Mrs. G. Wiedeman. They found a location on the first floor of the Hawthorn school building which charged no rent. They hired a librarian, Mrs. M.A. Sloan at $10.00 per month. Library hours were 2-5 p.m. Tuesdays and 7-9 p.m. Saturdays.
1902
The fine for overdue books was five cents per day. 95 years later it's still five cents.
1905
The collection out grew the room in the Hawthore School, so the Library moved into a room at the new City Hall. Mrs. Pfaus was appointed to replace Mary Sloan as librarian. After many years of trying, Mr. Frank Smith was successful in obtaining a $10,000 grant from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation for building a new Library. A location to build on was needed, some were offered but the price was too high. Mr. Stafford saved the day when he offered lots 1&2 of block #17 for the small sum of $600. They were easily worth $2000. The $600 was raised in one day by George Cook, who went around asking for subscriptions.
1906
July, Mrs. Pfaus resigned and Mr. Archie Farnum was hired at a salary of $65. a month. The Library closed in July to prepare for the move to new quarters. During that time, Mr. Farnum and a professional Librarian from Helena, cataloged and labeled the books and installed "The Card Plan." The new Carnegie Library was planned to open September 1st, however the furniture hadn't arrived, so the Library reopened in October at the old location in City Hall.
1907
February 1st, Lewistown Carnegie Library Opens!
1908
January, Library was in financial crisis. The money set aside for building the New Library was used entirely in the erection of the building. No funds were left for installment of the heating plant, electrical fixtures, furniture and steel shelving. To meet these expenses the annual tax levies were used, leaving no money to meet operating expenses. It was during this time that Mr. Farnum left. February, The Library was Closed except on Saturday. Mrs. Pfaus offered her services without pay. Mr. Pfaus looked after the building and grounds during the summer without compensation. Voluntary contributions of $1000. were received for the decorating the interior of the building and improving the grounds. September, An agreement was worked out that Mrs. Pfaus would do the work of librarian and janitor, she was allowed to live in the basement of the building and her lights and heat would be free.
1909
January 1st, Mrs. Pfaus was appointed Librarian at a salary of $50 per month. For doing the Janitorial services she was still able to live in the basement. January - March, Library Hours were from 2-6pm . This was to avoid the heavy light bills attending late evening sessions. Evening sessions were to be resumed beginning in April.
1913
Mrs. Pfaus resigned in January. Mrs.Wait was hired to take her place. Mr. and Mrs. Wait were to occupy the library on the same conditions and salary as Mr. and Mrs.Pfaus. In September Mrs. Wait asked for a three month leave of absence, the Board thought this would be impractical, so she resigned. September 26, Miss Clara Main was hired as librarian. It was also decided that the Library would charge rural patrons at the rate of $1.00 every 3 months for the use of books. Fall 1913, Library hours were 2-6pm and 7:30-10pm weekdays and 4-9pm on Sunday (reading room only). Annual circulation was 13,415. Total books in collection was 3,937.
1914
During the winter Clara Main along with Mrs. Graham, an experienced cataloguer recatalogued the entire collection. The Library now had the Dewey Decimal Classification system, and the Reader's Guide listed all important magazine articles.
1916
Annual circulation was 22,850. Total books in collection was 4,493.
1917
By this time the Library was cramped for space, short of funds, and Miss Main was overworked. She requested an assistant. The Library Board gave her $4.00 per month to hire an aid so she could have one half day off each week.
1918
January, because of the war conditions, the Board decided that instead of hiring an assistant they would give Miss Main a raise so her salary was now $90. per month. Circulation continued to climb, and the Library and the Librarian became much involved in the war effort. May, Miss Main along with others were very busy raising funds ($400.) to help form "war libraries" which would provide books to the training camps and at the front. Miss Main also gathered 408 books and sent them to Camp Lewis.
1919
The Library was closed from February 20 - April 7 because of the prevalence of contagious diseases. May, Clara Main sent 826 books to training camps and overseas and 100 books were donated to the local Soldiers and Sailors Club. The Library's shelves are full to overflowing, and the reading tables are often taxed beyond their capacity. December, The Juvenile department was moved to the basement to help resolve some of the over crowding, it was under the direction of Mrs. Grace Conant.
1941
October, Miss Clara Main resigned. The problems of being cramped for space, and short of funds remained.
1960
May 15th the Busch Memorial addition was dedicated. This enlargement of the Library was made possible by the generous bequest of Dena Busch and the untiring advocacy of Oscar Mueller.
1990s
The latest addition to the Library was completed in January. It was funded by a grant, plus many donations and a vigorous coupon drive. Through all the years of library service in Lewistown, we have benefited from many other dedicated librarians, and library workers (too numerous to mention) who like Clara Main have added greatly to the Library as well as to the community in general. Through the years the Library has also suffered from the same reoccurring problems that Miss Main faced, lack of space and lack of funds. Today the Lewistown Public Library has 40,800 items and over 84,000 checkouts a year. As seen in this brief history, the one thing that the Library has always had is unwavering community support. That is something of which the people of Lewistown can be very proud.
Fergus County's first Courthouse
DonThe only information we have, is that it was built in 1890. We would sure appreciate more information that you may have, on Fergus County's first Courthouse.
Lewistown Public Library
Courtesy of Lewistown Public Library 