National Register Listing

Clarksville Township Carnegie Library

a.k.a. Clarks Public Library; MK04-002

108 West Amity St., Clarks, NE
Local significance of the building:
Education

Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 2021.
  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.

education library
Audiobooks about the history of Nebraska.
The first Kool-Aid drink mix was invented in Hastings, Nebraska by Edwin Perkins in 1927.
Nebraska random facts
Merrick County, Nebraska is located in the central part of the state, and its history dates back to the mid-1800s. The county was officially established on November 4, 1858, and was named after Elvira Merrill, the wife of a territorial legislator. The area initially attracted settlers drawn by the fertile land for farming and the potential for economic opportunities.

The first settlements in Merrick County were along the Platte River, which provided transportation and trade routes. With the introduction of the railroad in the 1870s, the county saw an increase in population and economic growth. Towns such as Central City, Chapman, and Clarks sprang up as agriculture, particularly grain farming and livestock raising, became the mainstay of the local economy.

Merrick County played a role in the development of the state's infrastructure. Major roads, including the Lincoln Highway and the Union Pacific Railroad, traversed the county, connecting it to larger cities and facilitating trade. The county also had several coal mines, which contributed to its industrial growth.

Throughout its history, Merrick County has faced challenges, such as floods and economic downturns. However, the agricultural sector has remained resilient, adapting to changing times and technologies. Today, the county continues to thrive as a rural community with a strong agricultural foundation, while also diversifying its economy through industries such as manufacturing and services.

Overall, Merrick County's history is a testament to the resilience and perseverance of its residents, who have contributed to its growth and development over the years. With its rich agricultural heritage and strategic location, the county continues to play a significant role in the state's economy and history.

This timeline provides a concise overview of the key events in the history of Merrick County, Nebraska.

  • 1857 - Merrick County founded and named after Elvira Merrick, the first pioneer child born in the county
  • 1865 - First permanent settlements established in the county
  • 1872 - Central City becomes the county seat
  • 1878 - Union Pacific Railroad reaches the county, boosting economic growth
  • 1880 - Merrick County Fair held for the first time
  • 1890 - County population reaches its peak at over 11,000 residents
  • 1946 - Floods devastate the county, causing significant damage to infrastructure and agriculture
  • 1950 - County population begins a slow decline
  • 1967 - Merrick County Historical Society founded to preserve the area's heritage
  • 2000 - Grand Army of the Republic Memorial Highway designated in the county