Towanda in Bradford County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Towanda Public Library
104 Main St.
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 23, 2017
1. Towanda Public Library Marker
Perhaps one of Towanda's most unusual buildings is the Public Library, donated to the town in 1897 by Frank Welles. He chose Flemish Renaissance Revival style characterized by tall steeped gables; steep roofs with lacy spires; fanciful faux dormer windows; and round towers with conical roofs. A tiny oval window in the main gable is framed by terra-cotta cherubim. Welles chose architect Henry Chapman of New York City, who adapted this style to the library using red brick with terra-cotta decoration. Frank Welles' grandfather, Charles F. Welles, built Towanda's second oldest house, found next door at 28 Main St. Carl and Katherine Patterson donated a Children's Room addition to the library in 1951 in memory of their son John, killed in WW II.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Charity & Public Work • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1897.
Location. 41° 46.149′ N, 76° 26.597′ W. Marker is in Towanda, Pennsylvania, in Bradford County. Marker is at the intersection of Main Street (U.S. 6) and Maple Street, on the left when traveling north on Main Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 104 Main Street, Towanda PA 18848, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Towanda First Methodist Church (within shouting distance of this marker); The Daily Review
this page online
Also see . . .
1. Towanda Public Library History. Library website entry (Submitted on November 8, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania.)
2. Towanda Historic District. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on December 31, 2023, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 23, 2017
2. Towanda Public Library and Marker
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 23, 2017
3. Towanda Public Library
Photographed By William Fischer, Jr., October 23, 2017
4. Towanda Public Library Cornerstone
circa 1922
5. Public Library, Towanda, Pa.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 31, 2023. It was originally submitted on November 8, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. This page has been viewed 304 times since then and 13 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on November 8, 2017, by William Fischer, Jr. of Scranton, Pennsylvania. 5. submitted on November 9, 2017.
