"Library is Dedicated" newspaper article (October 19, 1913)

Item Information

Title:
"Library is Dedicated" newspaper article (October 19, 1913)
Description:
A newspaper article on the dedication of the Marsh Memorial Building, the new library building on the campus of the International YMCA College (now Springfield College). The article is titled, "Library is Dedicated at the YMCA College: Ex-president Taft Speaks." By a handwritten note within the headline, the article was published by the Springfield Republican and is dated October 19, 1913. The article describes, in detail, the exercises of the day. This includes a typed version of the speech given by US president William H. Taft, who gave the main address, and the cast and description of the performance of the play "The Frogs" by the College Drama Club. There is a portrait photograph of Taft in the article. On May 25, 1912 excavation for Springfield College’s new library, Marsh Memorial, began. The cornerstone was laid by President Laurence Locke Doggett on Commencement day of 1912 (June 12th) and construction began on September 1, 1912. The new building was dedicated on October 18, 1913 with William Howard Taft, the 27th President of the United States, serving as the featured speaker. The library was named Marsh Memorial after the late Edward Williams Marsh of Bridgeport, Connecticut who gave $40,600 of the $80,000 required for the erection of the library. He died just before its completion. The new library was of Gothic design, with red brick with brownstone and terra cotta trimmings laid in red cement. It was approximately 72 feet front by 117 feet deep, and consisted of two stories as well as a basement. Marsh Memorial served as the College’s library until the opening of Babson Library in 1971. After Babson Library was opened, Marsh Memorial was renovated for other uses. A chapel was developed in the large room in Marsh which already contained stained glass windows. Marsh is still used for religious purposes today, offering regular worship services for members of the college. Other offices the building houses are the President’s office, the Office of Academic Affairs, and the Department of Public Safety. This is part of the Vol 1: New Library Building Scrapbook. There may have been other photographs in the article, but it is hard to tell from how the scrapbook was set up. These photographs have been left out of this digital copy.;
Creator:
Springfield Republican (Springfield, Mass.)
Creator:
Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930
Date:
October 19, 1913
Format:
Documents
Location:
Springfield College Archives and Special Collections
Collection (local):
College Archives Digital Collections
Subjects:
Marsh Memorial
Springfield College--Buildings
International Young Men's Christian Association College
Springfield College
Springfield College--Libraries
Springfield College--Clubs
Drama Clubs
Taft, William H. (William Howard), 1857-1930
YMCA
Springfield (Mass.)
Libraries
Dedications
Drama clubs
Theatrical productions
Presidents
Places:
Massachusetts > Hampden (county) > Springfield
Extent:
3 Pages
Link to Item:
http://cdm16122.contentdm.oclc.org/cdm/ref/collection/p15370coll2/id/24766
Terms of Use:
Text and images are owned, held, or licensed by Springfield College and are available for personal, non-commercial, and educational use, provided that ownership is properly cited. A credit line is required and should read: Courtesy of Springfield College, Archives and Special Collections. Any commercial use without written permission from Springfield College is strictly prohibited. Other individuals or entities other than, and in addition to, Springfield College may also own copyrights and other propriety rights. The publishing, exhibiting, or broadcasting party assumes all responsibility for clearing reproduction rights and for any infringement of United States copyright law.
Contact host institution for more information.
Publisher:
Springfield Republican (Springfield, Mass.)
Language:
English
Notes:
This is part of the Vol 1: New Library Building Scrapbook
Identifier:
rg132-01-12-001-taft-art1