Paulding County Carnegie Library
205 S. Main St., Paulding, OH Local significance of the building:Listed in National Register of Historic Places in 1983.
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 Ohio State Reformatory, located in Mansfield, Ohio, is a famous prison that has been featured in several movies, including "The Shawshank Redemption." It was built in 1886 and operated until 1990.
The county was named after John Paulding, a Revolutionary War soldier known for his capture of British spy Major John Andre. In the early 19th century, Paulding County was primarily an agricultural region, with settlers cultivating the fertile land. The completion of the Miami and Erie Canal in the 1840s brought further growth and development to the area, as it provided a mode of transportation for goods and materials.
During the mid-19th century, Paulding County experienced an influx of immigrants, including Germans, Irish, and Scottish, who brought their unique cultural influences to the region. As the county continued to grow, new industries emerged, such as lumber mills and brick manufacturing. The introduction of the railroad in the late 1800s further boosted economic activity in Paulding County, facilitating the transportation of goods and fostering trade.
In the early 20th century, the county saw advancements in education and infrastructure. Schools were built, and the first hospital was established in the county seat of Paulding. The discovery of oil and gas reserves in the region brought about an economic boom in the 1920s, leading to increased prosperity for the county.
Today, Paulding County remains a predominantly rural area with a strong agricultural community. The county is known for its beautiful landscapes, including the Maumee River and Paulding Reservoir, which attract outdoor enthusiasts. With its rich history and natural beauty, Paulding County continues to be an important part of Ohio's heritage.
Paulding County Timeline
This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of Paulding County, Ohio.
- 1817 - Paulding County is established and named after John Paulding, a Revolutionary War soldier
- 1839 - The county's first courthouse is built in the town of Brownsville
- 1851 - The village of Paulding is founded and becomes the new county seat
- 1856 - The Toledo, Delphos and Burlington Railroad is completed, connecting Paulding County to other parts of Ohio
- 1882 - Paulding County's first newspaper, the Paulding Democrat, is published
- 1891 - The county's first public high school, Paulding High School, is established
- 1918-1919 - The Spanish Influenza pandemic impacts Paulding County, leading to many deaths and disruptions
- 1930s - The Great Depression causes economic hardship for many residents in Paulding County
- 1950s-1960s - The county experiences growth and development with improvements in infrastructure and the establishment of industrial parks
- 1974 - The Paulding County Carnegie Library is built and continues to serve as a community resource
- 1990s-present - Paulding County sees fluctuations in population and economic activity, with a focus on diversifying industries and promoting tourism