On April 15, 1903 construction began on this site. The Cottonwood stone,
red brick facade and Ionic columns combined to provide a striking
addition to Main Street Newton. The two story building was designed by
W. W. Rose, and constructed by Reikowski and Bartel on land donated by
E. C. Lewellen. The site selection process created controversy between
the citizens living south of the Santa Fe tracks and those on the north
side. The source of funding was a $16000 grant from the philanthropist,
Andrew Carnegie. The structure was officially opened March 14, 1904 and
was a welcome change from the rented rooms in the Randall Building at
5th and Main. In 1924 a $5000 room was added to the west side and in
1937 the basement was remodeled as a children's section. The building
served until April, 1973 when a new library was opened on North Oak and
the Carnegie Building deed was tendered to the Harvey County Historical
Society.
Erected 2001 by the
Harvey County Historical Society
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