Original Masonic Cornerstone of Carnegie Library
The original Masonic cornerstone was dedicated October 1908 by Dr. W.T. Lucas, past Grand Master of Masons in California and the officers of Santa Maria's Hesperian Lodge #264, E.&A.M.
A $10,000 grant from Andrew Carnegie financed Santa Maria's first public library in 1908. The Ladies Literary Society, now the Minerva Club, began the effort with letters to the steel magnate in 1901, and later enlisted the city council's help.
Carnegie gave millions of dollars for more than 1,600 libraries between 1889 and 1928. He required local officials to support the building with tax funds and communities to provide sites for these buildings. Citizen donations supplemented city funds to purchase a lot for the library and park at Broadway and Cook Streets. The Classical revival style building served until 1941 when a larger library was constructed adjacent to it. The original "Carnegie Library" became a USO center during the war, then the community youth center. It was demolishied in 1966.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations.
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Location. 34° 56.927′ N, 120° 26.096′ W. Marker is in Santa Maria, California, in Santa Barbara County. It is on South McClelland Street south of East Cook Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 421 South McClelland Street, Santa Maria CA 93454, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is on California’s Central Coast, specifically on the Coast Ranges, and specifically in the Transverse Ranges. It is also on the American Pacific Coast. Globally, it is in North America, on the Ring of Fire, in the Pacific Rim, in the Western Hemisphere, in the Western World, and in the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain and also Mexicos Alta California.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Santa Maria Libraries (within shouting distance of this marker); Reuben Hart Residence (within shouting distance of this marker); Santa Maria Valley World War II Memorial
Credits. This page was last revised on December 4, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 4, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California. This page has been viewed 667 times since then and 25 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 4, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
