Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library

Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library is an historic library building located in Watertown in Jefferson County, New York. Built in 1903, it was donated to the city by Emma Flower Taylor as a memorial to her father, Watertown's most prominent son, Roswell P. Flower (1835–1899), the 30th Governor of New York.[2]

Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library
Flower Library, Watertown, NY, postcard from 1907
Location229 Washington St., Watertown, New York
Coordinates43°58′23″N 75°54′39″W
Arealess than one acre
Built1903
ArchitectOrchard, Lansing & Joralemon (A. F. Lansing)
Architectural styleLate 19th And 20th Century Revivals
NRHP reference No.80002628[1]
Added to NRHPJanuary 10, 1980
  • Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library dome murals
  • Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Oculus
  • Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library, 2018

History

Founding

The Flower Library was not the first library in Watertown. The Watertown Social Library was created in 1805 and the Watertown Franklin Library stopped functioning in 1834. The Young Men’s Association had a library collection, but it was lost to a fire in 1849. In 1890 Watertown had three libraries. These were located in the Watertown High School, St. Joachim’s Academy, and the Young Men’s Christian Association. [3]

Around 1890 Watertown citizens began discussing a public library and applied to the Carnegie Corporation for funding. Living in New York City at the time, Emma Flower Taylor discovered the citizens' wish for a new library. In 1901 she offered to donate the land and fund the building of the library in memory of her father, Roswell P. Flower. The first cornerstone was laid in 1903 and the dedication took place November 10, 1904. The cost of the entire project was $250,000. The library was considered a triumph for Jefferson County as can be seen from this statement from the dedication, “The Flower Memorial Library is unique in that every embellishment is a record of something of importance to Jefferson County. It was a daring thought of the designer to establish such restrictions for artistic inspiration, but the result justifies the idea.” The library became known as “the most beautiful small library in the United States.” [4]

Vision

As Emma Flower Taylor had hoped, the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library will "benefit those that delight in knowledge" by providing a welcoming atmosphere, exceptional service from a committed staff and by being responsive to community needs. The Library will maintain a well-balanced collection of books, periodicals, audio-visual materials, technology and other resources, and present programs on a variety of subjects in appropriate formats for children, teens and adults. [5]

Mission

The Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library serves Watertown and surrounding communities as a center for reading, culture and research. The Library is a vibrant institution, committed to promoting a well-rounded and informed citizenry. As a premier historical and community asset, the Library offers educational and recreational opportunities for all ages. [5]

Architecture

Built in the Grecian style with some Roman features, the library is a two-story, brick, rectangular building faced in marble with a centrally placed octagonal dome. The dome creates a three-story octagonal rotunda, which is the principal interior feature. The main rotunda features bronze zodiac signs inlaid in the marble floor. These signs were done by James C. Kindlund. On the dome above there are four figures representing History, Romance, Religion and Science. These are interspersed with more figures personifying Fable, Drama, Lyric and Epic Poetry. Each of the figures has the names of two famous individuals who embody that field of knowledge. Fable is surrounded by La Fontaine and Aesop, Religion has St. John and Moses, Lyric has Milton and Virgil, Epic Poetry has Homer and Dante, Science has Darwin and Newton, Drama has Shakespeare and Moliere and Romance has Scott and Dumas. The inscription on the frieze under the dome states “To know wisdom and instruction: to perceive the words of understanding.” [6]

As you enter the library from the front, the words "Salve," Latin for "Welcome" and "Vale," Latin for "Farewell," are inscribed into the marble floor. To the right and left of the rotunda on the first floor are two large reading rooms, as well as two exhibition areas. These display areas showcase antiques featuring local author Marietta Holley, as well as items relating to the French emigres who once lived in the north country. [6]

The architects hired for the building were Orchard, Lansing & Joralemon of Niagara Falls, and supervising architect, Mr. A. F. Lansing. The artist architect was Mr. Charles Rollinson Lamb and the interior decorators were J & R Lamb. [7]

One of the unique components of the original library was it’s separate Children’s Room which was set away from the adult areas and was donated by Mrs. Taylor as a way to commemorate her eldest son who died in infancy. [6]

in 1976 a new addition was added to the building expanding the library.[3] In 2007 extensive renovation work was done to both the addition and the original part of the library. [8]

It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1980.[1]

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. March 13, 2009.
  2. Jane K. Schweizer (June 1979). "National Register of Historic Places Registration: Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library". New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation. Retrieved 2009-12-10. See also: "Accompanying seven photos".
  3. "Flower Memorial Library". City of Watertown, NY. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  4. "Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library". City of Watertown, NY. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  5. "Flower Memorial Library: About Us: Trustees". Flower Memorial Library.org. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  6. "Artwork at Flower Library" (PDF). Flower Memorial Library.org. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  7. "An Illustrated Souvenir of the Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library Watertown New York, Hungerford-Holbrook Co" (PDF). Flower Memorial Library.org. 1904. Retrieved November 24, 2020.
  8. "Roswell P. Flower Memorial Library, Watertown, NY". BCA Architects & Engineers. Retrieved 2020-11-25.

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