Junction City in Geary County, Kansas — The American Midwest (Upper Plains)

George Smith

Born 1835 - Died 1905

— Pioneer Citizen - Philanthropist —

George Smith Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 7, 2017

1. George Smith Marker

Inscription. In memory of
George Smith
Born 1835 – Died 1905
Pioneer Citizen – Philanthropist
who willed his entire estate, including this site, to the city of Junction City for the establishment and maintenance of a public library and reading room. This library, uniquely self-supporting, is an enduring memorial to a wise and generous benefactor.

The George Smith
Public Library
with its unlimited opportunities
for cultural and intellectual
development was dedicated
March 17, 1908

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical date for this entry is March 17, 1908.

Location. 39° 1.751′ N, 96° 49.781′ W. Marker is in Junction City, Kansas, in Geary County. Marker is at the intersection of West 7th Street and North Washington Street (Alternate U.S. 77), on the right when traveling east on West 7th Street. Marker is a large metal plaque, mounted at eye-level, directly on the subject building, on the column at the northwest corner of the building, facing 7th Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 103 West 7th Street, Junction City KS 66441, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. 600 Block Washington Street (within shouting distance of this marker); 7th Street East & West of Washington

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(within shouting distance of this marker); 700 Block Washington Street (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); 800 Block Washington Street (about 400 feet away); Civil War Memorial Arch (about 400 feet away); State of Kansas Vietnam Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away); Purple Heart Memorial (about 600 feet away); 1st Infantry Division Memorial (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Junction City.

Regarding George Smith. The George Smith Reception Hall was formerly the George Smith Public Library. The building was built in 1907 and formally opened on March 17, 1908. It was used as the public library until 1983 when the Dorothy Bramlage Public Library was built at the corner of 7th and Adams Street.

Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. George Smith Public Library

Also see . . . George Smith. (This link presents some photos of the library interior.) George Smith was born in Canada and came to the United States before the Civil War. He became an investor

George Smith Marker (<i>wide view south along Washington Street; marker mounted on column</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 7, 2017

2. George Smith Marker (wide view south along Washington Street; marker mounted on column)

and local property owner. He never married, and upon his death in 1905, gave his entire estate of $75,000 for the purpose of building a library for the people of Junction City. His estate also purchased 4,000 volumes for the shelves of the library. It was constructed by Ziegler Brothers for a total cost of $32,198. Mr. Smith specified that the rent from the bottom floor businesses was to pay for the operation of the library, which it did until 1944. (Submitted on September 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)

George Smith Library Entrance image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 7, 2017

3. George Smith Library Entrance

George Smith Library (<i>front view from 7th street; marker visible at far left</i>) image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Cosmos Mariner, September 7, 2017

4. George Smith Library (front view from 7th street; marker visible at far left)

Credits. This page was last revised on March 30, 2019. It was originally submitted on September 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 201 times since then and 17 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on September 4, 2018, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.