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Summary
D.R. Moon Memorial Library
East Fourth Avenue, Stanley, Chippewa County
Architect: W. Channing Whitney
Date of construction: 1901
The D.R. Moon Memorial Library was built in memorial to DeLos R. Moon, an Eau Claire lumberman responsible for Stanley's development as a lumber center. He brought the Northwest Lumber Company to Stanley in the 1880s. In 1893 the Stanley, Merrill & Phillips Railroad, a subsidiary of the Northwest Lumber Company, provided employment and means for transporting large quantities of lumber from the company's camps. As settlement grew, community members showed interest in the creation of a public library. Stanley became incorporated as a city in 1898 and shortly thereafter the city council passed a resolution to establish a free public library and created a library board.
The D.R. Moon Memorial Library is a modest structure inspired by the popularity of classical styles for public buildings. W.C. Whitney, a Minneapolis architect, designed the building to compliment other public buildings in the community. The one story, T-shaped building rests on a stone basement. The projecting entrance dominates the front façade. It is distinguished by a compound round arch opening. Smooth Doric columns support the arch. These columns are echoed within the enclosure with a pair of Doric pilasters to either side of the doorway. On each side of the entrance a large rectangular window lights the interior. The composition of the exterior is unified with the denticulated entablature just under the roofline.
Another broad arch in the library's central room echoes the front entrance arch. Doric columns on pedestals distinguish the reading room from the stack areas. A large fireplace in the east wing creates a warm, domestic feeling. Its surround exhibits Doric colonettes, frieze and cornice that complement the overall classical design. A bronze plaque above the fireplace commemorates the Moon family¿s donation of the library.
The library is still in operation and is open during regular hours.
Property Details
| Criteria | Event,Architecture/Engineering |
|---|---|
| Area Of Significance | Architecture,Social History |
| Period of Significance | 1900-1924 |
| Architectural Style | Classical Revival |
| Architect | Whitney,W. Channing |
| Resource Type | Building |
| Historic Use | Library |
Resources Within The Property
| Contributing Buildings | 1 |
|---|---|
| Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Contributing Objects | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Buildings | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Sites | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Structures | 0 |
| Non-Contributing Objects | 0 |
Designations
| Historic Status | Listed in the National Register |
|---|---|
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Dec 2, 1985 |
| Historic Status | Listed in the State Register |
| National Historic Landmark Listing Date | Jan 1, 1989 |
State & National Registers of Historic Places
The State Register and National Register recognize buildings, sites, districts, structures, and objects that are significant in national, state, or local history. The State Historic Preservation Office in conjunction with the National Park Service maintains the list for Wisconsin and makes the data available to the public for research and education.
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Stanley Public Library
Interior view of the Stanley Public Library. The library opened in 1901 and was funded with a $15,000 donation from Mrs. S.F. Moon. In the room are a large reading table with bentwood chairs under ...
Stanley Public Library
Interior view of the Stanley Public Library. The library opened in 1901 and was funded with a $15,000 donation from Mrs. S.F. Moon. Reverse of the cardboard backing reads: "D.R. Moon Memorial, cost...
1305 Second Ave.
92000804
Located in Cumberland, Barron County
Stanley Public Library
Exterior view from road of the Stanley Public Library. The library opened in 1901 and was funded with a $15,000 donation from Mrs. S.F. Moon. Above the main entrance it reads: "Public Library." The...
