The Connor Library
N 29° 01.630 W 080° 55.460
17R E 507368 N 3210997
An historical plaque denoting the original site of the Connor Library is located in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. In 1991, the building was moved to its present location in Old Fort Park and is the home of the Connor Library Museum.
Waymark Code: WMBKBP
Location: Florida, United States
Date Posted: 05/29/2011
Views: 14
The historical plaque reads as follows:
This marks the original site of
The Connor Library
Founded by Washington E. Connor and
Jeanette Thurber Connor on October 1, 1901
and donated to the City May 9, 1924.
The Connor Library raised the level of
literacy and learning and taught
generations of children the joy of reading.
"Originally the area's local library, this circa 1901 library was later donated to the city in 1924 and is the oldest municipal building in the beach area. Today, the building serves as a museum of local history and houses exhibits relating to the Timucuan Indians and Minorcans, as well as other displays that depict the history of Southeast Volusia County."
"The New Smyrna Free Library (now the Connor Library Museum) was constructed by Washington Everett Connor in 1901. Mr. Connor, a New York stockbroker, personally maintained the building and paid the librarian's salary for 20 years. Originally located on the northwest corner of Faulkner and Washington Streets, the library was deeded to the City in 1924, with the stipulation that the City continue to maintain the building as a library.
"In 1940, the New Smyrna Free Library was moved into the newly completed Works Projects Administration (WPA) facility on Sams Avenue (now City Hall). After the relocation of the library, the New Smyrna Beach Garden Club used the original library building as its headquarters.
"Despite its illustrious beginnings, it did not appear that the building would be allowed a graceful retirement. By 1990, the Connor Library stood abandoned and deteriorating and seemed a likely candidate for demolition. In 1991, the City of New Smyrna Beach moved the building to its present location in Old Fort Park. It remained in its dilapidated state in the park until 1994, when the building was completely restored and converted into a museum detailing the history of Southeast Volusia County."
-- Source