Cleveland Public Carnegie Library Hough Branch
a.k.a. Cleveland Public Library-Treasure House; Ichabod Flewellen
1765 Crawford Rd., Cleveland, OH Local significance:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2016.
1881: Andrew Carnegie, a Scottish-American industrialist and philanthropist, begins his philanthropic efforts in library construction by donating funds to build the Braddock Library in Pennsylvania.
1883: The first "Carnegie Library" is officially established in Dunfermline, Scotland, Carnegie's birthplace. This library serves as a model for future Carnegie Libraries.
1886: Carnegie writes an article titled "Wealth," where he articulates his belief in philanthropy and the responsibility of the wealthy to give back to society.
1889: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is established with the aim of funding the construction of libraries across the United States and other English-speaking countries.
1893: The first Carnegie Library in the United States, the Carnegie Library of Braddock in Pennsylvania, is opened to the public.
Late 1890s to early 1900s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries spreads rapidly throughout the United States and other parts of the English-speaking world, including Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand. The libraries are often designed by prominent architects and feature diverse architectural styles.
1901: The Carnegie Corporation of New York is founded as a philanthropic organization to manage and administer Andrew Carnegie's charitable projects, including the library program.
1902: Carnegie makes a significant endowment, donating $10 million to establish the Carnegie Institute in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The Institute includes a library, an art gallery, and a natural history museum.
1917: Andrew Carnegie dies, leaving a lasting legacy of philanthropy, including the establishment of thousands of libraries around the world.
1920s-1930s: The construction of Carnegie Libraries gradually slows down, and the focus shifts to maintaining and updating existing libraries to meet changing community needs.
Late 20th century to present: Many Carnegie Libraries undergo renovations, expansions, or repurposing to adapt to modern library services and technological advancements. Some continue to operate as public libraries, while others have been transformed into cultural centers, museums, community spaces, or educational institutions.
The Carnegie Libraries have left an indelible mark on the accessibility of knowledge and education. They remain a testament to Andrew Carnegie's belief in the power of libraries to uplift communities and provide opportunities for personal and intellectual growth.
The National Register of Historic Places is the official list of the Nation’s historic places worthy of preservation. Authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the National Park Service’s National Register of Historic Places is part of a national program to coordinate and support public and private efforts to identify, evaluate, and protect America’s historic and archeological resources.
Ohio was the site of a major oil boom in the late 19th century, with oil wells producing millions of barrels of oil per year. The town of Lima, Ohio, became known as the "little giant of the oil industry" because of the large number of oil companies headquartered there.
In the late 18th century, the area became part of the Northwest Territory and was eventually settled by New Englanders. Cleveland, the county seat, was founded in 1796 and quickly grew with the opening of the Ohio and Erie Canal in 1827, connecting Lake Erie with the Ohio River. The canal played a significant role in the county's economic development, facilitating the transportation of goods and encouraging further settlement.
During the mid-19th century, Cuyahoga County, like much of Ohio, experienced rapid industrialization. The region became a major center for manufacturing and trade, particularly in the steel, iron, and oil industries. This period of growth led to the rise of several influential industrialists, including John D. Rockefeller, whose Standard Oil Company had its headquarters in Cleveland.
In the 20th century, Cuyahoga County faced economic challenges as manufacturing declined. However, the county remained an important cultural and educational center, home to prestigious institutions such as Case Western Reserve University and the Cleveland Museum of Art. Additionally, Cuyahoga County played a significant role in the civil rights movement, with Cleveland becoming an important site for activism and organizing efforts.
Today, Cuyahoga County continues to be a center for healthcare, finance, and technology. It is also known for its vibrant arts and cultural scene, with attractions like the Cleveland Orchestra and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame drawing visitors from all over the world. The county's history, from its Native American origins to its role in the industrial revolution, has shaped it into the diverse and dynamic region it is today.
Cuyahoga County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Cuyahoga County, Ohio.
- 1807: Cuyahoga County is established by the Ohio General Assembly.
- 1810: Cleveland is incorporated as a village in Cuyahoga County.
- 1831: The Ohio and Erie Canal reaches Cleveland, stimulating trade and growth.
- 1842: Cuyahoga County Courthouse is constructed in Cleveland.
- 1878: Cleveland becomes a city and Cuyahoga County's population booms.
- 1929: The Cuyahoga River catches fire due to pollution, leading to increased environmental awareness.
- 1967: The Cuyahoga River catches fire again, prompting the Clean Water Act and environmental reforms.
- 1978: The Cuyahoga County Public Library system is formed.
- 1992: Cleveland becomes the first American city to host the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.
- 2016: The Cleveland Cavaliers win their first NBA Championship.