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Graves
Museum
Because
of the generosity of Russell Marshall and our many volunteer
members, Graves Library has been re-opened as Graves Library Museum. A
walk
through the building will take you back at far as 1881. The Museum is
opened every Saturday from 10:00 am to Noon. Graves Library Museum
is also available for special tours.
Located
2 and ½ blocks east on 4th
Street
from Highway 35 in Wakefield
Nebraska,
this library was one of the most luxurious librarys in the area
when it was
constructed in 1917 by Philo Graves. It was established as Graves
Public
Library as a memorial to his son Jay. He
built and donated another
building used
for a school. He also donated money and assisted with the
building of
local churches. He provided
land for the cemetery, and created Graves
Park,
still existing
today,
with scores of
walnut
trees. A subdivision of the city is the Graves Addition.
Philo Graves had
been a sharp public figure in the Wakefield community in
1915. This
library has been serving Wakefield
for over 9 decades. The original structure held a portico
entrance
standing six feet tall, above a 13 step exterior staircase.
The building
is a great honor for the Grave's family and served the community proudly
The Graves Public
Library is operated by the Wakefield Historical Society,
and is owned by Russell Marshall who displays his wrench collection in
the
basement.
This building is
on the
Nebraska Historical Society Register.
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Graves
Library Museum
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