National Register Listing

Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Children's House Montessori School

101 5th St., Lewiston, ID
Local significance of the building:
Architecture; Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2018.
  A brief timeline of the history of Carnegie Libraries

  • 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.

architecture education library
Audiobooks about the history of Idaho.
Idaho was once home to one of the largest sawmills in the world. The Potlatch Lumber Company, which was based in the town of Potlatch, produced more than 2 billion board feet of lumber between 1906 and 1956.
Idaho random facts
Nez Perce County, located in western Idaho, has a rich history that dates back thousands of years. The area was home to Native American tribes, particularly the Nez Perce people, who have lived in the region for centuries. The Nez Perce were skilled hunters and gatherers, known for their connection with the land and their use of horses.

In the early 19th century, European American settlers began to arrive in the area. The Lewis and Clark Expedition passed through Nez Perce County in 1805 and the American Fur Company established a trading post in the region around 1835. Conflict between the settlers and the Nez Perce people escalated over the following decades, as the land was increasingly encroached upon.

In the late 19th century, the discovery of gold in the area brought a wave of prospectors seeking their fortunes. Towns like Lewiston sprang up as a result, becoming important hubs of commerce and transportation. The completion of the Northern Pacific Railroad in 1883 further spurred growth and development in the county.

Nez Perce County played a significant role in the settlement of the American West. It witnessed the clash between Native Americans and European Americans, the gold rush era, and the expansion of railways. Today, it continues to thrive as a vibrant and diverse community, preserving its past while adapting to the challenges and opportunities of the modern era.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Nez Perce County, Idaho.

  • 1805: The Lewis and Clark Expedition passes through the area.
  • 1863: The Idaho Territory is established, and Nez Perce County is created as one of the original counties.
  • 1867: Nez Perce County becomes the location of a reservation for the Nez Perce Tribe.
  • 1875: The town of Lewiston is established as the county seat.
  • 1884: The Oregon Railway and Navigation Company constructs a railroad line to Lewiston, connecting it to the national railroad network.
  • 1911: The Lewiston-Clarkston Bridge, a major landmark connecting Idaho and Washington, is completed.
  • 1957: The Dworshak Dam is completed on the Clearwater River, providing flood control and hydroelectric power.
  • 1975: The Nez Perce National Historical Park is established to preserve and interpret the history and culture of the Nez Perce Tribe.
  • 1993: The Heart of the Monster, a significant spiritual site for the Nez Perce Tribe, is designated as a National Historic Landmark.