ESCANANBA — Four of the first five Carnegie Libraries in Michigan were constructed in the Upper Peninsula, with Escanaba being one of the first to be established in the U.P.

Andrew Carnegie, a prominent industrialist, significantly contributed to the establishment of public libraries in the Upper Peninsula of Mich.

Carnegie, of Scotland, is responsible for the monetary donations that built 2,509 libraries across the United States and other parts of the world.

Michigan historian, storyteller and author Dianna Stampfler is presenting two programs this month about the Carnegie Libraries of Michigan.

Her program on Tuesday, Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Escanaba Public Library and Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ishpeming Carnegie Library are both free and open to the public.

There, guests will learn about the libraries that Carnegie funded in the U.P. and other areas.

“There were 61 Carnegie libraries built in Michigan, and four of the first five were in the Upper Peninsula,” Stampfler said.

Carnegie, with the assistance of Vice President of Carnegie Steel Company, James Gayle facilitated the first Carnegie library in Mich., in Ironwood in 1900.

“It was dedicated in January 1902 and is the oldest continuously operating Carnegie Library in Michigan. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2011,” Stampfler said.

Other libraries began to be erected after Ironwood in Iron Mountain, followed by Escanaba and then Ishpeming.

In Escanaba, archive records from Columbia University indicate that the city made first contact with Carnegie in February of 1902.

Records show that in 1902, Escanaba Mayor Murray K. Bissell wrote a letter to Carnegie, making his case for a library in the town.

“The only library at the time was a small room at the school,” Stampfler said.

In the letter, Bissell writes, “I write you as Mayor of the City of Escanaba, Michigan, and on its behalf, and ask if agreeable to you, to contribute to this city toward the erection of a public library.”

He goes on to say that as of the 1900 census, the city had a population of 9,549. Bissel also explained that the city could not afford to build the structure on its own, but it had the land area for its placement.

“The city has no such library, but it owns a site well adapted for the erection of one. The situation of the city is such that it is not financially able to raise by taxation sufficient money to erect a budding,” Bissel said in his letter to Carnegie.

He goes on to say the city needs 15 to 20 thousand and that the city would raise taxation ‘a sufficient amount to maintain it.’

On April 8, Bissel received a letter from Carnegie or one of his representatives – it is unclear if Carnegie personally wrote the letter according to Stampfler – offering a donation of $20,000 for the library with the understanding that the city would contribute $2,000 per year to support the library.

“I thank you very much, both for myself and the people of this city, for your very liberal offer,” Bissell wrote in his letter back to Carnegie.

Bissel was replaced not too long after his communication with Carnegie, making way for then-Mayor Elect George Gallup.

“I can assure you that the present council will comply with the requirements of your letter and avail ourselves of the offer therein contained,” Gallup wrote in a letter to Carnegie.

At the time, the library was built at 201 South 7th Street, now known as 251 South 7th Street.

The building was constructed as a classical revival building, designed by local architect Theodore Ferdinand Lohff. It was constructed of Lake Superior Sandstone and red brick and sits on a stone foundation.

“The front facade has a portico entrance with an entablature and pediment supported by four ionic columns. Windows flanked by pilasters and topped with lintels lighten the mass of the building. The building is topped with a cornice and pediments on each side; a balustrade which originally ran between the pediments was removed in 1928. A low dome originally topped (the) building; it was removed in 1958. An upper dome still is in place,” Stampfler said.

She added that the rear of the building is a less complex design as it is constructed of brick and has simple windows with stone sills.

Years later, the library was designated as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1976 and then added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1977.

Stampfler said most people think of him as only an industrialist, but he was much more than that.

“He really wanted to provide an enriching community for those who worked in his mills and other operations,” she said.

Carnegie funded the construction of 2,509 libraries across the world between 1883 and 1929.

1,795 libraries in were built in the United States while the rest spread between Europe, South Africa, Australia, New Zealand and Barbados.

Many of the Carnegie Libraries across the country are now privately owned, including the Escanaba location.

The Carnegie Library in Escanaba is now owned by Paul Neumeier, who is also the president of Independent Roofing and Siding.

Stampfler said she began working in the tourism industry in late 1997 and found an interest in history.

“I’ve written two books on lighthouses in Michigan and the Great Lakes region, and I speak all over the state talking about the lights and other historic or cultural sites,” she said.

Stampfler started professionally writing and broadcasting in high school. She holds a bachelor’s degree in English with an emphasis in Community Journalism and Communications with an emphasis in radio broadcasting from Western Michigan University. She regularly contributes to Michigan History Magazine. Stampfler is a member of the Historical Society of Michigan, Great Lakes Lighthouse Keepers Association, West Michigan Tourist Association and several other historical organizations.

She will be in Escanaba today, Sept. 3 at 5 p.m. at the Escanaba Public Library and on Wednesday, Sept. 4 at 5:30 p.m. at the Ishpeming Carnegie Library to give a presentation on the buildings that are still standing, either as libraries or other cultural sites.

“A library outranks any other one thing a community can do to benefit its people.” – Andrew Carnegie.