Curtis Memorial Library facts for kids
Quick facts for kids |
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Curtis Memorial Library
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The building in 2007
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| Location | 175 E. Main St Meriden, Connecticut |
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| Area | 1 acre (0.40 ha) |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Richard Williams |
| NRHP reference No. | 81000618 |
| Added to NRHP | April 27, 1981 |
The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center is a beautiful old building in Meriden, Connecticut. It used to be called the Curtis Memorial Library. This special building was finished in 1903. A famous architect named Richard Williams designed it. He used a style called Classical Revival, which looks like ancient Greek and Roman buildings.
The building was a gift to the city. Augusta Munson Curtis gave it to honor her husband, George. George Curtis was a very important businessman in Meriden. He even served as the city's mayor. In 1981, the building was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's a really important historical site.
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Discover the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center
The Augusta Curtis Cultural Center is in the historic downtown area of Meriden. It sits on a small hill at the corner of East Main and Pleasant Streets. This building is made from white Vermont marble. It looks like it has one main floor from the outside. But it actually has two stories! The second floor is hidden by a tall wall above the main roof.
What Does the Building Look Like?
Right in the middle of the building, there's a cool copper dome. The front part of the building has the main entrance. The door is set back deep inside an opening. This opening has special columns on each side. Inside, many original parts of the building are still there. You can see mosaic tile floors and a red marble fireplace. There are also fancy columns that hold up the dome.
A Library for Meriden's Kids
Meriden's very first library started in 1898. It was created by a group of local women called the Thursday Morning Club. At first, the library was kept in a private home. In 1900, Augusta Munson Curtis offered to help. She wanted to buy land and pay for a special building just for the library.
The new library building was finished in 1903. It was dedicated to Augusta's daughter, Agnes, and her husband, George. George Curtis was a leader in local businesses. He also served as the mayor of Meriden. The building was used as a library for many years. It served the community until 1974. That's when a new, bigger library opened on Miller Street. After that, the city decided to use this beautiful old building for arts and culture. They named it the Augusta Curtis Cultural Center to honor Augusta Curtis.
Images for kids
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The library in 1901
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The facade of the building
