Did You Know?
Did you know that the first library in Eastford was established in 1887? In May of that year Frederick Sumner learned that a collection of 50 books, known as a Circulation Library, could be purchased for $50. He raised this amount through subscription — each person who gave him a dollar would become a member of the Eastford Circulating Library Association. Bylaws were drawn up and officers elected — Stephen O. Bowen (President); Charles O. Warren (Vice President); and Mrs. Timothy J. Walker (Librarian).
Over the years, friends and former residents gifted books to the library, and by 1896, it housed 340 volumes. That same year, Judge Jarius Carpenter, of Madison, Wisc., contacted the town with an offer. He and the brothers and sisters of Alfred P. Carpenter would give $500 as a memorial fund if the town would establish a town library in his honor.
Alfred was born in Eastford in on Oct. 29, 1835. He moved from Eastford to St. Charles, Minn., with his family in 1852. He worked the family farm and taught school in Madison, Wisc. He mustered as Private, Company K, First Minnesota Infantry in 1861 at the age of 25. After being wounded in action at Antietam in September of 1862, he was promoted to Sergeant. He was wounded twice in action at Gettysburg, Penn., in July 1863. Once recovered he was commissioned 2nd Lieutenant, 2nd US Colored Infantry in September 1862. Stationed at Key West, Fla., he died of yellow fever there on Oct. 18, 1864.
It was voted to accept the Carpenters’ offer. On Dec. 3, 1896, the Library Association gifted their library to the town. The first town library was kept by Jane Walker in the spacious hall of her home on Pork Hill (current address is 269 Old Colony Rd.). It moved several times before finding its final home in today’s Ivy Glenn Memorial building, first in its basement and finally taking over the entire building.