The Exeter Times-Advocate, 1976-03-25, Page 19Ball-Macaulay Limited
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Times-Advocate March 254 1970 Pogo. 19
Henson library has interesting hi0ory, started in 1890
in March 1919 Nellie McArthur
became Librarian, The next year
she assumed the duty of
Secretary and Win. MacKay
became Associate-Secretary and
Treasurer at a salary of $10.00 a
year. He had done this clerical
work since 1905 without
remuneration,
pays share
The Library paid a share of the
Village Audit, $5,00, for the first
time in 1921, Nellie McArthur
continued her duties until
November when Mrs. Jas, A.
Patterson was hired for the
balance of term and rehired for
the next four years. In 1923 the
Purchasing Committee must
have shopped around for $133,89
spent on books was divided
among ten publishing companies,
On Mrs. Patterson's resignation
in April 1926, Gretta McNaughton
was chosen from seven ap-
plicants for the position. In 1929
served ten consecutive years and
Mr. Kerslake eight consecutive
years.
In 1975 the Huron County
Library Board has six members:
Norman Durst, Elgin Thompson,
Thos. MacMillan, Geo. McCut-
cheon, Ernest Talbot, Don.
McKenzie. In November Mrs.
James Robinson began her duties
as Supervisor of the Hensall
Branch of the Huron County
Library.
twelve
eleven
Owen Geiger, G.C. Petty, Owen.
Geiger, G.C. Petty, J.W. Ortwein,
T.H. Hudson, F.W. Smallacombe,
G.C. Petty, Alex Smith, Owen
Geiger, Robt. Higgins, Owen
Geiger, Wm. Consitt, W.J. Jones,
Owen Geiger, R.E. Shaddick,
A.W. Kerslake, Win. G. Parke,
N.H. Jones, Jno. Henderson, N.H.
Jones, Mrs. Leonard Noakes.
In five terms Mr. Geiger
and Mr.
Shaddick
years
Mr.
Many others who gave clerical
and other assistance could be
named if space permitted. As a
tribute to the electors and
Hensall Village Council the
names of the Reeves who
represented the Council on
the Library Board of Directors
and later the Board of
Management from 1896-1967
follow in order: G.C. Petty, G.F.
Arnold, Wm. J. Miller, Jno. Scott,
Smallacombe, G.C. Petty,
served
Petty
Special requests for funds and
other favours were met if
possible. The Council had always
depended on the school staff and
the local clergy, as well as
business men for appointees,
These citizens gave lengthy
periods of service: Wm. MacKay
and Jas. A. Patterson, Secretary-
Treasurers, Mrs. Robert
Cameron, Librarian, Miss M.
Ellis, Mrs. Geo Joynt and Mrs.
W.O. Goodwin, Board members.
Goderich every three months and
choose about 300 books.
Any book can be requested and
sent out on interloan. Films and
talking books are available from
the Regional which gives courier
service three times a week, The
county has a twice-weekly
courier service for delivery and
pick-up of books and films.
In 1972 book circulation, ex-
clusive of schools, was 337,000
and by June 1974 book service to
all schools was phased out as
their permanent libraries were
meeting their needs. In Sep-
tember of that year Miss Dewar
retired and was succeeded by Mr.
Win. Partridge. The office staff
of members includes a Library
Technician, a Secretary and
Library Assistants. Regular staff
meetings are held quarterly to
inform members of new
developments, For branches
without adequate services
accommodate 1000 books.
Librarians chose their allotted
number and the previous lot were
sent back to Goderich. These
books were in addition to those
purchased by the Hensall Library
Board. 4
From 1943 the Village Grant
was paid in two instalments
which was an advantage when
buying the books, The Library
began paying $175.00 rent to the
municipality. In 1946 the County
Grant was raised to $40.00 and
remained at that figure until the
change in library service. In 1948
the additional qualifications
obtained by Mrs, Cameron
brought an extra Legislative
Grant of $100.00. This was passed
on to raise the Librarian's salary
to $300.00 in 1949,
In 1948 the children were given
special library hours on Satur-
days 2:30 - 3:30, and a second
series of Children's Story Hour Adapt your space with a Vilas Colonial
Wall System available only at Bonthron's
VELMA ROBINSON is seen here arranging some books, a pleasant task, in the Hensall library.
T-A photo by Sharon Specht
headquarter's staff put on puppet
and other children's programs.
Floats were made for Clinton and
Seaforth Centennial celebrations
in 1975. The highlight of the year
was the opening of newly
decorated premises in the new
Municipal Building in Zurich and
the modernized Town Hall in
Hensall.
This Library now occupies the
entire east side of the building,
Book-lined walls, fireplace
reading group, a study table and
children's corner make an at-
tractive setting. More im-
provements of like kind are in the
planning stage. As the Huron
County Library expands the
Hensall Branch will be able to
offer more and better reading
and research material as well as
some of the more specialized
programs and services of a large
modern library system.
Loyal support
The "constant" behind the
success of the Hensall Public
Library seems to have been the
steady, loyal support of the
Village Council and the unselfish
and, in some cases, long service
given by the residents. The Reeve
was always a member of the
Board and, records show, rarely
missed a monthly meeting at
which he generally presided.
choice of two basic systems. Wall Mounted and Wall Standing, In
addition, the Wall-Mounted system is available in two vertical rail
sizes - 60" and 81" Your Vilas dealer will be glad to show you
Modular 5, and to help you plan an arrangement that's just right
for you. Modular 5 by Vilas. Not just a wall system, but an invest-
ment in fine furniture which will beautify your home for many years
to come.
You can tell at a glance it's by Vilas. The grace and beauty of
colonial and traditional design. The solid rock maple construction.
The rich vintage Vila-Seal finish, The craftsmanship. It's all there in
Modular 5. And it's made right here in Canada. Here at last is all
the convenience and variety you get with a wall system, without for-
saking the warmth of traditional decor. Modular 5 gives you a
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Fine Furniture & Accessories
Inglis Appliances & Service
262-2023 HENSALL Open Fri. Night
Till 9 p.m.
had been started.
In 1950 the Bookmobile had
delivered 90,000 books to 7 deposit
stations, 35 libraries and 147
schools, In 1951 the Library
joined the Doubleday Book Club
and in 1954 became a member of
the Ontario Library Association.
The new edition of the Book of
Knowledge was ordered, Five
magazines were available:
Popular Mechanics, Jack and
Jill, Good Housekeeping,
National Geographic and
Canadian Geographic.
In 1958 the Council agreed to
move the Council Chamber to the
west side giving the larger room
on the east side to the Library.
Raises fee
The Co-operative had raised its
fee to $30.00 in 1947 and the next
year the Library's share of the
village audit cost was doubled to
$10.00,
The Village Grant in 1960 was
$743.31, the Legislative Grant
$489.53 and $488.76 was spent on
books. The Secretary-
Treasurer's salary was increased
from $10.00 to $25.00. The trend of
rising costs in operating ex-
penses, price of books and
salaries continued through the
Sixties but grants also increased.
In 1962 the Secretary-Treasurer
was paid $50.00 and the Librarian
$550.00,
James A. Patterson died in
July 1963 and Mrs. Keith
Buchanan completed the year
and retained the office until 1967.
Mrs. Hilliard Lawrence, a
member of the Board, had been
learning library procedure and
was hired as Assistant-Librarian
in 1965.
In November Mrs, Cameron
resigned. It was the unanimous
decision of the Board that she
receive $100.00 annually for life in
recognition of her many years of
efficient and dedicated service to
the Hensall Public Library, Mrs.
Lawrence became Librarian
until her resignation in Sep-
tember 1967 when she moved to
Goderich and joined the Huron
County Library Staff. In 1964, '65
and '66 book purchases amounted
to $2170.00, The Village Grant in
1966 was $1148.72 and the revenue
from Dues and Fines was $124.29.
The Legislative Grant fluctuated
but that year reached a high of
$580.40,
There had been much
discussion about bringing all the
libraries in the county under a
single administration, As of
January 1, 1967 Hensall Public
Library became the Hensall
Branch of the new Huron County
Public Library, This library was
affiliated with the Midwest
Regional Library System and
Miss Carolyn Croke was Chief
Librarian. She was followed by
Miss Ethel Dewar in July 1970.
By 1971 the Library had been
moved from the Court House to
its present location at 60
Lighthouse Street, Goderich.
Delivery van
Early in 1970 the bookmobile
service had been replaced by a
station wagon delivery van.
Books were now . selected at
headquarters by the librarians.
The same local Library Board
continued to function through
1967 and at its final meeting in
October hired Mrs. John F.
Ingram as Librarian. She con-
tinued as Supervisor of the
Hensall Branch until her
retirement in October 1975.
Hensall is one of five village
libraries whose supervisors go to
she became Secretary-Treasurer
when Wm. MacKay resigned.
Mrs. Harry Arnold was appointed
to the Board in 1930 - the first lady
to be so honoured. Soon Mrs.
Peck, appointed by the Council
and Mrs. Hemphill, appointed by
the School Board joined her. A
committee was chosen to meet
the Council to discuss the
possibilities or arranging more
suitable accommodation for the
expanding library.
Seventy-nine percent of this
was spent on books immediately.
Apparently rebuilding was
quickly in 'hand for the Library
was conducted the next year
from the same premises, with the
same Librarian in charge.
• In 1932 due to the serious illness
and death of Miss McNaughton,
Jas. A. Patterson became
Secretary-Treasurer and from
nine tenders that of Mrs. Robt. J.
Cameron of $100.00 per year - was
approved for the position of
Librarian. Beginning in 1935 the
Book Purchasing Committee
went to London to choose books.
Most of them were bought now
from Wendell Holmes and later
Roberts Holmes. The courteous
assistance of a clerical staff
trained in library work was
appreciated by the Book Com-
mittee.
Story hour
A Story Hour was started for
children on Saturdays and
continued for several years.
There were no changes in per-
sonnel except on the Board for
several decades. The Council had
adopted the plan of 1-2-3 - year
appointments so there were
always some experienced
members.
No problems arose except
those which plagued many small
libraries in the Thirties: scarcity
of cash, lack of space and oc-
casional drops in circulation,
Several ventures for raising
extra money were tried: lectures
on relevant subjects by
professors from Western
University, library teas to
display new books and dispose of
discarded ones, and different
types of concerts, A three-night
play (local talent) was probably
most successful netting $118.60,
First step
In 1941 the first step in a
county-wide library service was
taken with the formation of the
Huron County Library
Association. Mrs. W.O. Goodwin
was the Hensall member of the
Association Board which
originally represented fourteen
rural communities. The fee was
$25.00 annually, matched by
county grant. A 16-book unit was
delivered by car and exchanged
quarterly.
By 1945 the combined grants
had increased to $2,150.00, the
circulation to 14,872 and the book
units to 100 titles. Hensall Library
Offered a book service to nearby
rural schools at a rate of $5.00 per
year. The number of books
loaned was based on attendance
and were chosen by the teacher,
They Were called for and
returned by the schools,
In 1946 the 14 members had
grown to 50 and the Association
became the Huron County
Library Co-operative, Mrs. Eck-
mier, a pioneer in the movement,
was the Librarian .Deliveryby car
had become difficult and in 1947
the Council approved the put-
chase of a Bookmobile, It was
christened "Miss Huron" by
Angus Mowat. Its shelving could
By MRS. ROBERT SIMPSON
Hensall Public Library evolved
from the Hensall Mechanic's
Institute which was organized in
1890. At this time Hensall had
been a police village for five
years and was growing rapidly.
124 charter members subscribed
$1.00 per year and paid a 10 cent
fine for each meeting missed,
With a donation of $50,00 from
YPMI the total assets were
$173.40. From this sum they paid
running expenses $16,72, bought
books $127.37, and closed with a
surplus of $30.68, A precendent
was set - for seventy-seven years
and the Mechanic's Institute and
the library which followed it had
a credit balance with the ex-
ception of 1903 when the debits
and credits were equal.
The books were housed on
shelves in J.C. Stoneman's
Jewellery Store. Books were
chosen from a catalogue printed
annually by the local printer -
only the Librarian had access to
the shelves, Probably Florence
Pope, his assistant, attended to
this duty, The second year a
Government Grant was received
and a County Grant in 1894. This
system continued until 1897,
The village was incorporated in
1896 and the first Council elected.
In 1897.8 a new organization, the
Hensall Public Library, took over
the assets of the Mechanic's
Institute - the books and cash on
hand $95,26. J.C. Stoneman, who
was now the Village Clerk,
continued as Librarian and
landlord. The Government Grant
dropped from $180.00 to $30.59
but, in addition to the County
Grant, the Library received a
Village Grant of $25.00. The
subscription program was
retained.
Disastrous fire
On August 11, 1900 a disastrous
fire destroyed several stores on
the south side of King Street. The
library books and Minute Book
were lost along with the
municipal records. With book
insurance $450,00 a generous
Government Grant $159.40, the
County Grant $15.00, a doubled
Village Grant $50.00 and a
donation of $25.00 from the Royal
Templars the assets amounted to
$738.03.
At this time the library year
was changed to the calendar
year. In the three years following
the fire, book purchases
amounted to $1069.78. By 1904 the
Village Grant had increased to
$70.00. A petition was presented
to the Council in 1905 by the
Board of Directors of the HPL
asking that a Board of
Management be appointed - also
a petition signed by sixty-nine
electors for the same object. It
was moved and seconded "that
the prayer of the petitioners be
granted provided that the
Directors will raise the balance
of debt on the Library $60.00,"
The terms were accepted and
in May, 1905 a Board of
Management was set up. In July
a bylaw was passed appointing
the Reeve and three members to
the Library Board.
In 1909 the County Grant was
raised to $20.00 the Government
Grant was $60.00 and the Village
Grant had increased to $90.00. In
that year the Library was moved
across the street to another
jewellery store, that of Fred C.
McDonell, who succeeded J.C.
Stoneman as Librarian. From
1907 to 1912 book purchases
averaged about $100.00 per year.
Second time
For the second time the
Library was burned when a fire
in August 1913 destroyed almost
the entire business block on the
north side of King Street. The
Library was bookless, homeless
and in a critical financial
situation for they had to borrow
r $50.00 from a member to pay Mr.
McDonell up to date. Soon the
County Grant $25.00, Legislative
Grant $56,22, Village Grant $89.05
plus insurance benefits of
$1000.00 gave them a working
capital of $1210,72. New quarters
were rented from D.W. Foss on
the south corner of King and
Wellington Streets and his
daughter, Florence, was
Librarian.
During the balance of 1913 and
1914 book purchases were
$1004.00. Several books on
Agriculture and a set of the Book
of Knowledge were on the list.
One new ruling important to
readers was the decision to
discontinue printing catalogues.
The patrons would now have free
access to the book shelves. It was
also decided to adopt the Dewey-
Decimal system of classifying
the books. A new Town Hall had
been built in 1914 with provision
for a Library arid Reading Room.
By October 1, 1915 the entire
library had been moved to the
Town Hall.
By December 1916 the Reading
Room offered the following
periodicals: Daily Mail and
Empire, Daily Globe, Toronto
Star Weekly, Toronto Saturday
Night, Weekly Witness, London
Illustrated News, British Weekly,
The TimeS (weekly edition with
Literary Supplement), Canadian
Magazine, MeLeanS, Strand
(Eng. edition), Popular
Mechanics and Century.
Ina Hudson was the first
Librarian in the new room. She
was followed by Alda Dinadale, in
Ottober 1918, On her resignation