Curtis Memorial Library

The Curtis Memorial Library, now the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center, is a historic former library building at 175 East Main Street in Meriden, Connecticut. It was designed by New Haven architect Richard Williams in the Classical Revival style, and was completed in 1903. The building was a gift to the city from Augusta Munson Curtis in honor of her husband George, who was one of the city's leading businessmen and onetime mayor.[2] It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981.[1]

For the library in Brunswick, Maine, see Curtis Memorial Library (Brunswick, Maine).
Curtis Memorial Library
The building in 2007
Location175 E. Main St
Meriden, Connecticut
Coordinates41.5358°N 72.7973°W / 41.5358; -72.7973
Area1 acre (0.40 ha)
Built1903 (1903)
ArchitectRichard Williams
NRHP reference No.81000618[1]
Added to NRHPApril 27, 1981

Description and history

The Curtis Cultural Center is located in the historic civic center of Meriden, set on a knoll at the southeast corner of East Main and Pleasant Streets. It is a two-story masonry structure, built out of white Vermont marble. It presents as a single-story structure, with the second floor only evident due to a high parapet above the main cornice. A copper dome is placed at the center of the cruciform structure. The front projection houses the main entrance, which is deeply recessed in an opening that has flanking pilasters and two fluted Ionic columns set in antis. The interior retains many original features, including mosaic tile flooring, a red marble fireplace, and Corinthian columns supporting the dome.[2]

Meriden's first library was established in 1898 by the Thursday Morning Club, an association of local women, and was kept in a private home. In 1900 August Munson Curtis offered to buy land and fund construction of a dedicated building. This building was completed in 1903, and was dedicated in honor of Curtis' daughter Agnes and husband George; he was a prominent industrial executive and also served as mayor of the city.[2] The building remained in use as a library until 1974, when new facility was opened on Miller Street. This building was then repurposed by the city as an arts and cultural center, named in honor of its benefactor.[3]

  • The library in 1901
    The library in 1901
  • The facade of the building
    The facade of the building

See also
Wikimedia Commons has media related to Curtis Memorial Library.

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "NRHP nomination for Curtis Memorial Library". National Park Service. Retrieved 2015-01-20.
  3. "A Brief History". Curtis Cultural Center. Retrieved 2018-07-20.
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