Tyrrell Historical Library facts for kids
|
Tyrrell Public Library
|
|
|
U.S. Historic district
Contributing property |
|
Tyrrell Library in 2009
|
|
 Tyrrell Public Library
Location in Texas
Tyrrell Public Library
Location in the United States
|
|
| Location | 695 Pearl St., Beaumont, Texas |
|---|---|
| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1903 |
| Architect | Alonzo N. Dawson |
| Architectural style | Richardsonian Romanesque |
| Part of | Beaumont Commercial District (ID78002959) |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
|
| Designated CP | April 14, 1978 |
The Tyrrell Historical Library is a special public library located in Beaumont, Texas. It's not just any library; it's a building with a rich history! It was first built in 1903. Back then, it wasn't a library at all, but the First Baptist Church. The building looks really unique because it mixes two old styles of architecture: Richardsonian Romanesque and Victorian Gothic. You can see this in its cool pointed arch windows and special four-leaf clover shapes called quatrefoils. All of its original stained glass windows are still there, too!
The church moved to a new place in 1923, so the building became empty. A kind person named Captain W. C. Tyrrell bought it. He then gave the building to the city. His gift allowed it to become Beaumont's very first public library! This historic building is now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means it's recognized as an important place in American history. It's also a Recorded Texas Historic Landmark, which means it's important to Texas history. Plus, it's part of the Downtown Historic District, helping to make that area special.
After some updates, the library opened its doors in 1926. It served as the main public library for Beaumont until 1974. When a new, bigger library was built, this old building got a new name. It was called the "Tyrrell Historical Library" to honor Captain W. C. Tyrrell. Today, this library is a main place for finding old family records, also known as genealogical archives. It also has a special collection of books and items about Texas history, called the Texana collection. The building was updated again in 1990 with new systems. In 2010, a new part was added to the library. This addition was designed to look like the old building, but in a modern way.
A Look Inside: Photo Gallery
-
The Tyrrell Historical Library from the outside.
-
Beautiful stained glass windows inside the library.
-
A view of the detailed ceiling.
See also
