Harrisburg in Dauphin County, Pennsylvania — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)
Harrisburg Public Library Dauphin County Library System
Founded in 1889, the Harrisburg Public Library became a national model of 19th Century efforts to bring the world's information to community residents, a role that continues today. Its first home was at 125 Locust Street in a building erected by James McCormick, Jr., which still stands. McCormick lived around the corner at 101 N. Front Street, just across Walnut Street from the side yard garden of the Haldeman Mansion at 27 n. Front Street. It was here that Jacob Haldeman's daughter, Sara Haldeman Haly, would continue to reside until her death in 1895. the Haldeman mansion had been erected circa 1810 and served as the residence of Governor John Andrew Shultz from 1823 to 1829. Like the McCormick's, the Haldemans were an old Harrisburg family involved in the transportation, banking and manufacturing industries. In 1900, the executors of Sara Haldeman Haly's estate donated the side yard garden of her home to the Library. Thereon, the present library building was constructed in 1914. Limestone in construction and Georgian Revival in style, the building continued to serve as the Harrisburg Public Library until 1976 when it evolved into the Dauphin County Library system, with branches now situated across the county.
[Captions:]
1900 view of the Haldeman Haly Residence's side yard garden on Front Street at Walnut Street where the Harrisburg Public Library would be erected in 1914.
1915 postcard showing the Library shortly after construction.
Erected by The Harrisburg History Project Commissioned by Mayor Stephen R. Reed.
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Education • Industry & Commerce. In addition, it is included in the Pennsylvania, The Harrisburg History Project series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1889.
Location. 40° 15.557′ N, 76° 53.069′ W. Marker is in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, in Dauphin County. Marker is at the intersection of North Front Street and Walnut Street, on the right when traveling south on North Front Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 101 N Front St, Harrisburg PA 17101, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Swenson Plaza Flood Memorial (here, next to this marker); James McCormick Mansion (here, next to this marker); The People’s Bridge (a few steps from this marker); The First River School (a few steps from this marker); Walnut Street Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); a different marker also named The People’s Bridge (within shouting distance of this marker); Threatened Invasion of Harrisburg (within shouting distance of this marker); The Calder / Olmsted / McCormick Mansion (within shouting distance of this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Harrisburg.
Credits. This page was last revised on December 8, 2022. It was originally submitted on March 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,691 times since then and 63 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 17, 2008, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.