Grundy County Jewett Norris Library - Trenton, MO - Libraries on Waymarking.com

County of Library: Grundy County
Location of Library: 1331 N. Main St., Trenton (64683)
Library Phone: (660) 359-3577

"Jewett Norris' generosity was responsible for our library, After moving to St. Paul, Minnesota, in 1870, he was fortunate to make lucrative investments. When he decided to bequeath the library to Trenton, he estimated that he had earned the sum of $50,000 during his residence in Grundy County and that he should return that amount to the county in his library gift. His letter of transmittal was dated January 22, 1890. Mr. Norris' offer was accepted immediately by the Trenton Board of Education, and the library building was constructed and equipped at a cost of $35,000 - leaving $15,000 for the endowment fund. Formal dedication occurred October 13, 1891, but Mr. Jewett Norris was not present as he died May 12 of the same year." - Jewett Norris Library Site

"The Grundy County Jewett Morris Library, 1331 Main Street, Trenton, Mo., is a massive, square, 2 1/2 story building of stone and brick. It is situated on a high corner lot, with paved streets on two sides in a residential and commercial area.

The high stone base and broad stone steps leading to a porch with heavy, round stone arches, provide the building with the Romanesque architecture typical of the late 19th century. Situated on the southwest corner of the intersection, the library building faces east with entry located on the northeast corner of the building.

This was the first library of note, outside of St. Louis and Kansas City, to be built in the state of Missouri. Though not a man of fame, Jewett Morris was an early settler and developer of Trenton and Grundy County. His benefaction continues to promote the area. The building is a good example of the Richardsonian Romanesque style of turn-of-the-century architecture. The stone arches and massive appearance of the building are typical. The broad free-standing oak stairway, tile lobby floor, use of windows, fireplaces and oak paneled wainscotting carry out in exceptional detail this style. The original characteristics of the building have been preserved. The library is the oldest public building still in use in Trenton. It was opened to the public in 1891." ~ National Register Nomination Form

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