After the
two major additions of the First World War era, it was not until the
Korean War years that there was another major and visible library
expansion. The 1950 addition was on the library’s south side
adjacent to the south wing and faced Buckeye Street. The Cleveland
architectural firm of Outcalt-Guenther & Associates provided the
plans for the 2,500 square foot annex which contained, on ground level,
a garage for two bookmobiles. The second floor would house the cataloging
department along with some additional space for offices and a board
room. This wing would be named the Edith Clawson Wing in recognition
for her generous support to the Lane Public Library.
Renovations
and remodeling, of greater and lesser extent, have taken place at
other times throughout the decades. The last major undertaking, prior
to the restoration and modernization commissioned for this 1997 rededication
ceremony, was work undertaken in 1983-1984. The work was funded in
part through the sale of two Joseph Henry Sharp paintings that had
been given to the library in memory of Lt. Asa William Shuler who
lost his life in World War II. Lane Library trustees voted to memorialize
the $l,000,000 addition to the rear of the library by naming the meeting
room after Lt. Asa William Shuler. The Hamilton architectural firms
of Steed-Hammond-Paul and Winkler, Rank, Beegley & Maxfield collaborated
on this project.
The current
renovation, which was completed in early 1997, was a reconfiguration
of the entire library by Steed-Hammond-Paul. The project involved
a redesign of the entire building, totaling 25,350 square feet, along
with significant interior and exterior restoration. Perhaps the most
notable feature of the undertaking has been the reconstruction of
the original 1866 cupola above the octagon room. The cupola, again
topped with a book and quill weather vane, caps a building linked
to the world through computer work stations, on-line services, and
video collections in addition to the books, newspapers and journals
Clark Lane called for when he donated the library to Hamilton in the
aftermath of the Civil War.
The stained
glass for the cupola windows was created in a Victorian design typical
of the 1860s by Hamilton stained glass maker Robert Collins. The iron
fencing in front of the library was cast in a Victorian pattern by
the Stewart Iron Works in Covington, Kentucky. Nineteenth century
postcards and photos which show ornamental iron fencing as well as
an iron archway in front of the main entrance inspired this decorative
detail. It also honors Clark Lane who was responsible for first introducing
on a large scale foundry work and the metal trades to Hamilton.
Bequests,
which can be described as magnificent, from the estates of Naomi Elizabeth
Hurm (1889-1976) and Edna A. Hurm (1885-1992) enabled Lane Public
Library’s trustees to undertake the current extensive restoration.
The two sisters were descendants of prominent early Hamilton industrialists
and numbered pioneer paper machinery builder Frank X. Black and newspaper
columnist Stella Weiler Taylor among their close relatives.
Miss Naomi
Hurm was educated in Hamilton schools and graduated cum laude from
Oxford College where she studied music and liberal arts. A life member
of the YWCA, she served two years as president and seven years on
its board of directors. Beginning in 1911 she was a member of the
Woman’s Club and she served in every club office during her longtime
affiliation.
Miss Edna
A. Hurm attended Hamilton schools before graduating from Hollins College
in Virginia. Along with her sister, with whom she traveled extensively,
she had a great interest in cultural affairs. In her younger years
she lent her soprano voice to the Community Chorus and took part in
dramatic programs at the Lane Public Library. Especially partial to
music, she played the piano, attended music festivals in the Berkshire
Mountains and enjoyed operas, especially those by Richard Wagner.
A generous
bequest from the estate of Mary Jane Schram Noe (1918-1993) was also
directed by the library trustees toward the 1996 restoration. A lifelong
Hamiltonian, she was the daughter of Adolph and Evelyn Woodruff Schramm.
Early in her marriage her husband, Gordon, was killed in an automobile
accident. She became well-known in the community through her operation
and ownership, in partnership with her sister Peggy Barndt, of the
Marimid Gift Shop. This Main Street business was located at 15 Main
Street before its last site at the northwest corner of Main and F
Streets. Blessed with exquisite taste and an outgoing personality,
she knew her market, her people and her business. Family-oriented
and a lover of animals, Mary Jane Noe was an avid reader and collector
of books.
