| The Prescott Woman's Club (which became the Monday Club) formed in
1895 and quickly acquired a membership of 79. Some of its members had
also been active in the Prescott History Club and the Prescott
Chautauqua Circle. One of the club's primary goals was to secure the
funds to open a public library in Prescott. The women were also
interested in creating a public space in town where alcohol was not
served.
In 1899, Julia Goldwater, a member of the Monday Club, wrote to Andrew
Carnegie, requesting funds to open a free public library. The Carnegie
Foundation pledged $4,000 and stipulated that the remaining funds be
donated by the community. The Monday Club succeeded in raising the
additional monies, purchasing books and securing a building lot.
However, their plans were stymied when in 1900 a fire destroyed the
books that had been acquired for the library. The club pressed on and
secured additional donated books and the library was constructed and
opened in November of 1903.
Built in the Classical Revival style of brick and stone, the library
was located in the heart of downtown Prescott, at the corner of Gurley
and Marina Streets. It served as the Prescott Public Library until
1974 but now houses the offices of a lawyer, realtor and bail
bondsman.
Prescott's Monday Club was one of five clubs that formed the Arizona
Federation of Woman's Clubs in 1901. This federation focused on
education and community improvement. Women beautified their
communities through these clubs, improved their local schools,
supported museums and educated themselves about community and national
issues. Through these activities, their efforts helped shape the
State of Arizona.
For more information, see archival records at the Sharlot Hall Museum
and the Prescott Historic Preservation Office.
Photo Credits:
Carnegie Library - Courtesy of the Sharlot Hall Museum Archives
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