Carnegie Library
a.k.a. Montclair Co-Operative School
Church St. at Valley Rd., Montclair, NJ Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1988.
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 Miss America Pageant, one of the most famous beauty pageants in the world, was first held in Atlantic City, New Jersey in 1921. The pageant has been held in Atlantic City almost every year since then, except for a few years during World War II.
During the American Revolution, Essex County played a significant role. The Battle of Connecticut Farms took place in present-day Union, one of the municipalities within Essex County, where American forces successfully defended against British attacks in 1780. The county was also home to other prominent Revolutionary War events, such as the construction of forts to protect the region.
In the 19th century, Essex County experienced rapid industrialization and urbanization. The advent of the railroad and the burgeoning textile industry brought prosperity to cities like Newark and East Orange. The county became a center of manufacturing and commerce, attracting immigrants from various parts of Europe. This diversity contributed to the cultural richness that still characterizes the area today.
In the 20th century, Essex County faced many challenges as urban decay and economic decline gripped the region. However, efforts to revitalize the county have been ongoing, with extensive redevelopment projects, urban renewal initiatives, and the improvement of transportation infrastructure. Today, Essex County is a vibrant and culturally diverse community that is home to a variety of industries, educational institutions, and recreational opportunities, making it a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.
Essex County Timeline
This timeline provides a condensed summary of the historical journey of Essex County, New Jersey.
- 1666: Essex County, NJ is founded as one of the original four counties in East Jersey.
- 1682: Newark is established as the county seat.
- 1739: The first courthouse in Newark is built.
- 1776-1782: Essex County experiences significant Revolutionary War activity, including the Battle of Connecticut Farms and the Burning of Springfield.
- 1837: The Morris and Essex Railroad is completed, connecting Essex County to New York City.
- 1862: Princeton Theological Seminary relocates to East Orange, bringing educational and cultural influence.
- 1895: The Cathedral Basilica of the Sacred Heart, one of the largest cathedrals in the United States, is completed in Newark.
- 1920s: Essex County becomes a hub of roaring industrial activity, with growth in manufacturing and commerce.
- 1930: The Art Deco-style Newark City Hall is constructed.
- 1967: The Newark riots, a period of civil unrest, occur in response to long-standing racial tensions.
- 1999: The iconic Prudential Center, an arena and multi-purpose venue, opens in Newark.