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. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Education • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations.
Location. 34° 56.927′ N, 120° 26.096′ W. Marker is in Santa Maria, California, in Santa Barbara County. Marker
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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 (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); The American Woman Veteran (about 600 feet away); Santa Maria Valley Korean War Memorial (about 600 feet away); John Edward Smith Memorial (about 600 feet away); Santa Maria Valley World War I Memorial (about 600 feet away); Santa Maria Valley Cold War Veterans Memorial (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Santa Maria.
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 303 times since then and 68 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on December 4, 2020, by Andrew Ruppenstein of Lamorinda, California.
