Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library

The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library is located in Kenosha, Wisconsin. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1974.[2][3]

Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library
Location711 59th Pl.
Kenosha, Wisconsin
Coordinates42°34′50″N 87°49′10″W
Built1900
ArchitectDaniel Burnham
Architectural styleClassical Revival
Part ofLibrary Park Historic District (ID88002657)
NRHP reference No.74000093[1]
Added to NRHPDecember 17, 1974
Library interior

History

The Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library was the first public building in the City Park district in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Upon its completion, City Park became known as Library Park. Daniel Burnham designed the Neoclassical library while Ossian Cole Simonds developed the landscaping plan. Former Kenosha mayor Zalmon G. Simmons donated $150,000 for the building's construction on the condition that it be named in honor for his deceased son. The city agreed, and the library opened to the public on May 30, 1900.[4][5] As the city's first public library building, Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library greatly increased the volumes of literature available to the citizens of Kenosha. By the mid-1910s, the library had 124,368 volumes and sought to expand with a branch library.[6]

The building was recognized by the National Park Service with a listing on the National Register of Historic Places on December 17, 1974. When the Library Park Historic District was created in 1988, the library was listed as a contributing property.[1]

There are rumors of the library being haunted by a female ghost. There is also legend of a secret tomb in the library.[7]

References
  1. "National Register Information System". National Register of Historic Places. National Park Service. July 9, 2010.
  2. "Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library". Landmark Hunter.com. Retrieved 2012-02-25.
  3. "Gilbert M. Simmons Memorial Library". Wisconsin Historic Society. Retrieved 2018-06-30.
  4. "Library Park Historic District - Visitors' Guide" (PDF). Retrieved 2018-06-30.
  5. Charlene Stant Engel (1974-07-01). "Simmons, Gilbert M., Memorial Library". NRHP Inventory-Nomination Form. US Dept. of the Interior. National Park Service. Retrieved 2018-06-30. With one photo.
  6. Public Libraries: A Monthly Review of Library Matters and Methods. 19. Chicago, IL: Library Bureau. 1914.
  7. Is Simmons Library haunted? Some think so. Kenosha News. Retrieved 2019-10-08


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