Wilton Public and Gregg Free Library - Wilton NH - U.S. National Register of Historic Places on Waymarking.com

The Wilton Public & Gregg Free Library in Wilton, New Hampshire was constructed from July, 1905 until October, 1907.

Designed by the Boston architectural firm of McLean & Wright, the building is a superb example of the "Neo-Classic" style prevalent among monumental architecture between 1900 to 1920.

The building is symmetrical in plan and elevation, basically rectangular (45’ x 65’) in configuration with a front projecting pedimented entrance portico. Even though the site pitches to the south rather steeply, a float terrace was created upon which to place the building.

The structure is basically 2 ½ stories in height, comprised of a basement, main level and second level. One-half of the basement level is above grade, visually defined by a granite base of regular bond. The two upper levels are built of brick in a flemish bond pattern. The front entrance portico is flanked by four monolithic limestone Corinthian columns, one pair at each side of the arched limestone entrance. Applied rectangular limestone columns frame all corners of the structure. The entire building is capped with a limestone entablature of rich detail. The roof cornice is entirely of copper, including the gabled pediment above the main entrance portico.

The front double hung windows have an arched top sash with a pointed arch mullion pattern, and the windows are surrounded by a limestone frieze, including a very ornate balustered limestone relief below each sash. The second level spaces are fenestrated with rectangular sash with an arched and oval mullion pattern. Curved bays on the east and west facades add visual interest, both inside and outside the building. Two brick chimneys flank the Northeast and Northwest corners of the roof. The slate hip roof is crowned with a copper clad skylight monitor which furnishes light to the leaded glass window of the dome in the circular Rotunda room.

A grand double staircase approached by semi-circular walks under huge maple trees provides the visitor with a fitting entrance to this classic building.

The main level floor is symmetrically divided into seven rooms: the Entrance Vestibule, Rotunda (delivery room), Adult Reading Room, Children’s Reading Room, Stack Room, Reference Room, and Librarian’s Room/Stair Hall.

County / Borough / Parish: Hillsborough Year listed: 1982 Historic (Areas of) Significance: Event, Architecture/Engineering Periods of significance: 1900-1924 Historic function: Education, Social Current function: Education, Recreation And Culture Season start / Season finish: From: 01/01/2008 To: 12/31/2008 Hours of operation: From: 9:00 AM To: 5:00 PM Primary Web Site: [Web Link] Street address: Not listed Privately owned?: Not Listed Secondary Website 1: Not listed Secondary Website 2: Not listed National Historic Landmark Link: Not listed

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Recent Visits/Logs:

Date Logged Log User Rating   11/29/2008 nomadwillie visited it

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