Arrow-right Camera
The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Restoring A Landmark Patrons Of Wallace’s Carnegie Library Hope To Return Building To Its 1911 Glory

Andrew Carnegie, the Bill Gates of his day, looks down calmly but intensely from his portrait in the Wallace Public Library.

It’s easy to imagine the steel magnate’s words: “My heart is in the work.”

The sentiment is shared by library supporters. They love the stately building, and their work is cut out for them as they set about restoring its historic glory.

Built for $15,300, the library will take an estimated $100,000 and three years to restore.

“Replacing the roof alone will cost about $20,000,” said project coordinator Joseph Grismer.

The restoration effort was launched in September. Grismer is busy applying for grants. Because such donations often require matching funds, library foundation members hope the community will dig into its pockets, too.

The original $12,000 Carnegie Foundation grant arrived in 1910. As the City Council voted to accept it, ashes were falling from the cataclysmic 1910 forest fire. Half of the town was burning.

The fire delayed construction. The ornate doors finally opened on Oct. 19, 1911.

“I’m sure we’ll never find the original doors,” Grismer said Wednesday.

Gone, too, is the graceful street light out front, the wood-shingle roof, and several towering windows.

Project goals include replacing the existing green metal roof, and removing paint from the brick facade.

The crumbling cornices, foundation and front steps will be repaired. The plain front doors will be replaced with replicas of the originals. Wood trim will be refinished. The wedge of lawn will be freshly landscaped.

Philanthropist Carnegie helped build 2,811 libraries before he died in 1919. Of the 10 built in Idaho, only four - in Wallace, Moscow, Preston and Pocatello - have escaped the wrecking ball or conversion to other uses.

The Wallace library originally was in a large park, said Mary Zeller, who served 56 years on the library board.

Part of that land was filled by the high school. Its east wall now is a few steps away from the library. The library may work with the school district to provide an access for the handicapped that would link the two buildings, Grismer said.

Zeller, who was librarian from 1930 to 1933, contends the library wasn’t well-designed, and is too small. She’d like to see a shiny new building, but knows there is no money for that.

Besides, many people are attached to the old library, with its pale green walls and high ceiling.

“Quite awhile ago we thought about tearing down the building,” said Genevieve Paroni, head of the library’s board of directors. “We quickly decided against it.”

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: 2 Color photos

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: FOR MORE INFO More information about restoration of the Wallace Public Library is available from the Library Foundation, 415 River St., Wallace 83873; or by calling the library at (208) 752-4571.

This sidebar appeared with the story: FOR MORE INFO More information about restoration of the Wallace Public Library is available from the Library Foundation, 415 River St., Wallace 83873; or by calling the library at (208) 752-4571.