|
Places, Earth |
|
|
Throughout the country, state parks, historic sites, homes, buildings, museums, and similar institutions are struggling to continue operating. Because of general financial problems, many of these institutions are operating on a reduced schedule or in danger of closing. Some are being forced to sell off artifacts and property. Many will not weather these hard times without your help. Places Earth urges everyone to support these vital and important public resources any way you can. Please donate your treasure, time, and talent. Write to your governor and other elected officials telling them to find a way to keep state parks open. It will be your loss. Public Service Announcement | Test space for future ad if donations don't increase. |
|
|
| Back | San Bernardino County Main Page |
A. K. Smiley Library
All photographs taken by Kenneth A. Larson. All rights reserved. © 2003 - 2012.In December of 1891, several prominent citizens joined together to establish a public library. Alfred Smiley, a Redlands winter resident from the East, became a prime mover in the crusade. After two years of effort, a public library was approved in Redlands. Dedicated on February 22, 1894, the RedlandsPublic Library was originally located in the Y.M.C.A. building, but the need for a larger and permanent headquarters quickly became apparent. Throughout 1896, Alfred Smiley and his twin brother Albert K. Smiley planned a new library building. Alfred wanted to build a permanent library building and Albert wanted to provide a downtown park for Redlands. By March of 1897, Albert K. Smiley had purchased sixteen acres of downtown on which to build a new library building. The A.K. Smiley Public Library and the surrounding Smiley Park was dedicated on April 29, 1898.
The A.K. Smiley Public Library was designed in Moorish style (popularly called "mission") by T.R. Griffith. When completed the library featured walls of solid brick with hand-cut stone trimmings and a roof of heavy red tiling. Albert Smiley also furnished the entire building with desks, chairs, tables, and stacks--all fashioned from oak. Gargoyles, griffins, and other carving adorned the library interior. The stained-glass windows feature symbolic images associated with learning and libraries.
Albert Smiley added a reference extension. Daniel Smiley, a younger brother, added another wing in 1920. Eldridge M. Lyon provided for additional wings being added to the Library in 1926 and 1930. In 1990, a major remodeling, restoration and expansion took place with money provided by a city bond.
The A.K. Smiley Public Library is listed on the National Register of Historic Places and a California State Landmark.
Also part of the A. K. Smiley Library is the adjacent Lincoln Memorial Shrine
A. K. Smiley Public Library
125 W Vine Street
Redlands, CA 92373
909-798-7565 telephone
909-798-7566 fax
 Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 South side. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 East side. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 East side. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 North Entrance. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 North Entrance. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 North Entrance. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 West side. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
 President William McKinley visited Redlands on May 8, 1901. Photo date: 1-29-05. |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
| San Bernardino County Main Page |
This page last updated: Wednesday, 31-Oct-2007 11:31:19 EDT
| Note: This is not the official site for any of the places shown in Places Earth. Places Earth is not responsible for accuracy of the information. Hours of operations, prices, exhibits, and sometimes locations are subject to change without notice. |
|
This web site started because of my love for Architecture and interest in History. This web site is for your benefit and I make no profit on it. I don't allow paid advertising. This site is supported primarily from my regular paycheck as a Set Designer and there haven' been many this year. I sell art at www.klimages.com. A non-tax deductable donation to help cover the cost of operating this web site may be made to Kesign Design Consulting through PayPal ... | ||
 You can buy candles from my wife. |
 Or donations can be mailed to the address on the contact page. |
 |
 |
This site maintained by Kenneth A. Larson. Copyright © 2004 - 2012, Kenneth A. Larson. All Rights Reserved. Website content including photographic and graphic images may not be redistributed for use on another website. |
| This site is a non-commercial alternative to my commercial design portfolio site. This site's only purpose is for your enjoyment. There is no advertising and I make no profit. If you are in the need of a designer, please check my commercial site www.kesigndesign.com. |
|
|
Home | Contact | Road Trips | Sales | Space | USA Ken Larson | K L Images | Mission Trail Today | U. S. Mission Trail | Kesign Design Consulting |
|
|