[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 130 (Friday, September 25, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1807]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




              100TH ANNIVERSARY OF JAMESTOWN CITY LIBRARY

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                            HON. JERRY MORAN

                               of kansas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, September 25, 1998

  Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 
100th anniversary of the Jamestown City Library in Jamestown, Kansas. 
The community of Jamestown recently celebrated this historic milestone 
with a parade and book sale on September 12.
  In 1898, the Current Literature and History Club established the 
Jamestown Library through the voluntary efforts of the women club 
members. Initially, they secured a traveling library housed in a spare 
room in the house of Frank Lane. Soon after, they raised enough money 
to obtain the plot of land that became the present site of the library 
through an initial $100 donation from Jamestown resident James Pomeroy.
  The Club was incorporated in 1900 and the building that housed the 
new library was completed in January of 1901. The total cost of the 
project was $1,098.75 and was named the Pomeroy Library.
  In 1911, a fire burned down much of the main street of Jamestown, 
including the library. What remained of the library's book collection 
was housed temporarily in the basement of the First United Methodist 
Church. Again the Current Literature and History Club women went to 
work for the community of Jamestown. With insurance money and local 
donations made from 46 charitable events such as box suppers, foods 
sales, plays and musicals, they again raised the needed funds to 
construct a new library.
  In 1925, the club transferred ownership of the library to the city of 
Jamestown and gave it its present name, the Jamestown City Library.
  Of particular importance to the Jamestown City Library was Ms. Ora 
Good, who later became Mrs. Ora Ansdell. In 1904, she volunteered to 
serve as the first librarian. Weathering fire, drought, the depression, 
two world wars, the beginning and end of the cold war, men landing on 
the moon, and the bicentennial celebration of our nation, she served 
for 72 years until her retirement in 1976.
  In later years the library has experienced several renovations and 
alterations, but continues to serve as a reminder of Jamestown's hard 
fought beginnings and the commitment put forth by its early founders. 
Jamestown is a community rich in history and long on accomplishments.
  I congratulate the community of Jamestown in light of this special 
celebration. Further, I am confident that another proud Congressman 
will read a similar such statement 100 years from now on the 200th 
anniversary of this historic library.

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