Eldon Public Library
Location
Current street address: 608 West Elm Eldon, IA 52554-0430
Carnegie address: 608 West Elm Eldon, IA 52554-0430
Original building still standing: Yes
Still in use as a library: Yes
Carnegie Grant Information
Date of Grant: March 18, 19111
Amount of Grant: $5,000.00 (initial) + $2,500.001
Cornerstone Date: 0000-00-00 00:00:00
Opening Date: Friday, May 9, 1913, Christian church, evening2
Carnegie Correspondent: Retta Meyers, President of the Library Board
Librarian, at Dedication: Miss Jessie Alford
Architect: Wetherell & Gage, Des Moines
Contractor: Guthrie & Holst, Albia - $6,275
Building Style:
Building Size: 47 ft. 8 in. x 28 ft. 2 in.
Building Description: "...convenient and attractive building."2
Town & County
City: Eldon
County: Wapello County
Population in 1900: 1,850
Population in 2010: 927
Town/County Images:
Sources:
Twelfth Census of the United States — 1900. p. 449.
Thirteenth Census of the United States — 1910. 2,024.
Eldon is a town in Wapello County, which was established on February 17, 1843. Wapello is named for the Chief of the Fox Tribe who was involved in the sale of the Sac and Fox lands to the United States government. In 1844, a county seat was located at Appanoose Rapids, which was renamed Louisville, and then Ottumwanoc. In 1845, the name was shortened to Ottumwa. In Wapello County, both Eldon and Ottumwa received Carnegie grants.
(Source: Pratt, LeRoy G. “The Counties and Courthouses of Iowa.” Mason City, Ia; Klipto Printing & Office Supply Company, 1977, p. 310-311.)