Postcard, Free Library Waterloo, Ont.

Postcard printed by Canadian Souvenir Post Card for Geo. Cork Waterloo around 1905

You could hear a pin drop in the Carnegie Library during Emma Belle Roos’ almost 50 years as chief librarian. Thanks to American philanthropist Andrew Carnegie, 2,500 public libraries were built worldwide, including one in Waterloo. On November 1, 1905, the new free library on Albert Street opened to the public. Waterloo’s Charles Moogk, an architect and the town’s first full-time engineer, designed the building in the Classical Revival style. The plans included ornamental brickwork and a large stained glass window over the entrance. Did you notice the publishing date of the colourized postcard is 1867? That’s 35 years before the library was even built!

What did Mina Eby write to Mrs. J. F Checkley of Smith Falls, Ontario in 1906?

“Dear Friend,

I just thought I would drop a few lines we all have the gripp just now. Yes, I have a little brother he did not die but he is not so very strong. He is going to be six in May, I am going to write a long letter after a while and pretty soon we will live two miles from the town.

Your true friend, Mina Eby

Did you get my photo.”