Willard Library at 21 First Ave. "Founder Willard Carpenter wanted to leave a lasting legacy in Evansville, a town he had helped to build through politics and business. His dream was to build a Willard College. Although the project was actually begun�plans were drawn up, trustees were appointed, and resources were allocated by Carpenter�the resources available were not great enough to fund a sustainable institution of higher learning. A considerable fortune that Carpenter had amassed in his earlier years in Evansville had been lost through some unfortunate railroad and other dealings. Although Carpenter had worked to rebuild his wealth, he did not have enough years remaining to replace the money he had spent his most productive years pursuing through real estate and other business deals. And the real estate he held had been considerably devalued by the economic conditions of the day. And so, faced with that reality, and with many who agreed that the college would struggle at best, Carpenter was encouraged by his peers to direct his intentions to the founding of another institution, perhaps a library. Carpenter seemed to like the idea, seeing a connection between the two�both were dedicated to learning and would benefit the community. And so, his long-held dream of creating a Willard College was re-directed into the creation of Willard Library. In the spring of 1877, at age 74, Willard Carpenter, hoping to speedily complete the library project, made two trips to Chicago to consult with architects. Robert Boyd and Henry Brickley were chosen to be the architects for the job, and groundbreaking was scheduled for May 17. By August 13, the stone foundation had been completed to the top of the water table, and by September 2, 1877, the stonework was finished. But at that point, the foundations were sealed to be made weathertight. The real estate market was very weak, and the trustees had decided to wait to continue construction until their land holdings�the source of project funding�could command higher selling prices. Quelling rumors that the project had been abandoned, work on the Library resumed in 1882. Carpenter wanted to see the Library built in his lifetime, and although the land values had not rebounded as hoped, he was ready to �hurry matters up.� The former architects were no longer in business in Evansville, but their successors, James and Merritt Reid, took over the project. With construction in full swing in 1883, Willard Carpenter, now 80 years old, was on the job site every day, inspecting the work of the paid laborers�and working. Not everyone was thrilled with that arrangement. His family was said to be embarrassed that he was hauling around wheelbarrows and climbing up on the roof; and one has to wonder how excited the workers were to have his watchful eye on them daily. His work came to an end, however, in late October 1883, when Carpenter suffered a paralyzing stroke. On November 3, he died. By 1884, Willard Library, at a construction cost of $60,000, was nearly ready to open." On opening day, the Library had been decorated to receive its public for the first time. An orchestra was prepared to play. Addresses were scheduled to be delivered by prominent citizens and members of the board of trustees. And the weather was dreadful. Although the crowd size was no doubt diminished by the elements, the opening went on, as scheduled, on March 28, 1885. Just two days later, on March 30, patrons began checking out books. In a two-day period, 98 people registered as patrons. (https://www.willard.lib.in.us/about_willard_library/history/college_or_library.php) This library still stands and looks much like this today, although there have been additions in the rear. Although it is not part of the local public library system (Evansville Vanderburgh Public Library), it is a public library. This photograph was by Rachel Yokel. Text on the back notes, "You are invited to a tree-planting ceremony to inaugurate this Spring's renovations of Willard Park. Arbor Day Eve Thursday, April 13, 1989, 1:00 p.m. and to honor the many contributors to our neighbhorhood assistance project, tree planting project, and Esther Caze Memorial Flagpole Fund. This is postcard 84622-D."