[Graphic] Click here to go directly to the content of this page[graphic] Welcome to Hardin County, Iowa[graphic] Arrowhead that is a link to the National Park Service website
[photo] Princess Cafe sign
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[graphic] A National Register of Historic Places Travel Itinerary


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[photo]
Current view of Carnegie-Ellsworth Public Library
Courtesy of the Iowa Falls Historic Preservation Commission
The Carnegie-Ellsworth Public Library (1904-05), is one of 22 public libraries in Iowa constructed with Carnegie grants made in 1903, the year which marks the highest point in Carnegie giving, both nationally and in the state. Eugene S. Ellsworth made an additional cash donation. Andrew Carnegie's library program, which funded over 1600 buildings, has been accorded recognition by historians of the Progressive Era, and of the public library movement. Between 1889 and 1919, 101 Carnegie libraries were built in Iowa, including the Alden Public Library and Eldora Public Library.

[photo]
Historic view of Carnegie-Ellsworth Public Library
Courtesy of the Iowa Falls Historic Preservation Commission

The Carnegie-Ellsworth Library is one of the more elaborate library buildings of its size and type. The façade is dominated by a large and lavish entrance pavilion featuring a distinctive portico with Ionic style columns set in-antis between rusticated corner piers and a semi-circular window above the cornice. The effect of richness is enhanced by the variety of materials, textures and colors. The interior features an octagonal rotunda with a double-curved delivery desk and a stained-glass dome.

The Carnegie-Ellsworth Public Library is located at 520 Rocksylvania Ave., in Iowa Falls. The building has been restored and is open to the public.


[graphic] Collage of different scenes from Hardin County
[graphic] Link to Settlement Essay[graphic] Link to Transportation Essay[graphic] Link to Agriculture Essay[graphic] Link to Preservation Essay