Clarinda Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Clarinda Public Library
300 N. 16th St., Clarinda, IA Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2014.
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.
The Amana Colonies, located in east-central Iowa, were founded by a group of German immigrants in the mid-1800s. The Amanas are known for their unique communal way of life and their production of high-quality furniture, textiles, and food products.
During the mid-19th century, Page County, like many other areas in Iowa, experienced a growth in population and agricultural development. The rich and fertile soil in the area attracted settlers who engaged in farming, particularly livestock and grain production. The county also became an important center for milling and manufacturing, with numerous mills and factories popping up throughout the region.
Page County played a significant role during the Civil War, with many of its residents volunteering to fight for the Union side. The town of Clarinda served as a recruiting and training center for soldiers. In fact, Page County raised two companies that served in the famed Iowa 12th Infantry Regiment, which participated in several major battles including Shiloh, Vicksburg, and Atlanta.
In the 20th century, Page County saw both growth and challenges. The advent of railroads brought increased opportunities for trade and transportation, spurring economic development. However, like many rural areas, the county also faced challenges such as the Great Depression and the subsequent changes in agricultural practices. Today, Page County is a vibrant community that values its history while looking towards the future with a focus on education, healthcare, and agriculture.
Page County Timeline
This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Page County, Iowa.
- 1833: The area that is now Page County was included in the Platte Purchase, land acquired by the United States from the Native American tribes.
- 1841: The first recorded white settlers, William and Mariah Parker, arrived in what is now Page County.
- 1843: The county was officially established on February 24, named after Captain John Page, a veteran of the War of 1812.
- 1853: The town of Clarinda was founded and became the county seat.
- 1869: The Burlington and Missouri River Railroad reached Clarinda, boosting the local economy.
- 1878: The Friendship Home for African American orphans was established in Clarinda, becoming a nationally recognized institution.
- 1890s: Page County experienced an agricultural boom, with farmers specializing in corn, wheat, hogs, and cattle.
- 1930s: The Great Depression hit Page County hard, leading to significant economic challenges.
- 1942: The Clarinda Correctional Facility, a maximum-security prison, was established in Clarinda.
- 1980s: Page County began diversifying its economy, focusing on industries such as manufacturing, healthcare, and education.
- 1992: Maryville, Missouri, experienced severe flooding, and residents of Maryville were evacuated to Clarinda.
- 2008: The city of Shenandoah celebrated its sesquicentennial, marking 150 years since its founding.