opportunities. Let this building become a real thing, in your
11ves - a part of your daily, personal experience...">
The chief article of ornament in the reading room, commented
on by the reporter, was a handsome mantel opposite the entrance
with massive andirons and fenders. Above this fireplace is a
large bronze plaque inscribed:
This building, the generous gift of S. Maretta Thrall, was erected in 1899 by Lafayette olney, John W. slauson, and Frank J. Lindsey, trustees under her will. E. G. W. Dietrich Architect, Contractors, Giles Brothers, Superintendent Harry M. Lindsey.**
I remember it well.
Miss Mary K. Van Keuren was the first 11brarian in the new
building. According to early Middletown City Directories she had worked since 1889 as the librarian, perhaps in the room at the
Wallkill Academy or at some other of its locations in its
wandering history. She served as Thrall's first librarian until at least 1921 and perhaps as late as 1922. The 1923 Annual
Library Report was not signed. City Directories 11st her as
librarian in 1921, 1922, and librarian emeritus in 1924. The
1923 City Directory lists her by name only. Her profession,
librarian, was not listed. She died June 7, 1925. Her obituary
- published in the Middletown Daily Press on June 7, 1925 states
that she had been librarian in the "old building" before serving
in that capacity at Thrall Library.45