(a continuation of Guy S. Baker's notes)

Holmes Public Library, early 1900's.  Now the museum of Halifax.

"At the time I probably felt halfway sorry for the loss to the town for what to me had been, for a short time, my school house and especially the place where we had our community Christmas parties. Santa seemed awfully real in those days I'm sure.  Every family, without exception, was always present.

            Another big loss was the library that was joined onto the rear of the town hall.

Dr. Howard Holmes of Lexington established it as a free library in 1876. His original gift was $100.  The room had been used previously as an armory. The library was open only on Saturday evenings.  The first librarian was Thomas D. Morton.  His yearly salary was $20.  He served for 6 years. His successor was James T. Thomas who established an enviable record of 48 years as librarian.  At the beginning, there were 250 books, a years subscription to Harper's Monthly and St. Nicholas Magazines. This was 20 years before Carver, 19 years before Hanson and 18 years before Plympton had public libraries.

            It may interest you to know that all books were kept in cases, no one but the librarian was to remove them and borrowers had to be over 12 years of age.

            Dr. Holmes spent his early childhood in this town and indicated his continued interest in its welfare by his donations.

            This accounts for some activities and functions of the old town hall. In moving from this subject I summarize briefly: Up in the gable end toward the street were the numbers 1733. The town was incorporated July 4, 1734 - built the building in advance to earn the right to become a township.   That July 4th date that made us a town, some 42 years later became July 4th 1776, which marks the beginning of our republic. We share our birthday with a noble co-owner, our country."

Respectfully submitted, Sue Basile