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History of the Library Proprietors Compiled and Appended by Robert E. Hafeman The first librarian was Lueva Montgomery from Wheaton, Illinois, and she began her duties in June of 1914 (Minutes 1914). The library was officially opened (and dedicated) on August 14, 1914, and by this time, the annual report states that she had organized the entire library according to the architectural suggestions, and her own sense of function (Annual Report 1914). From what can be discerned, that organization has remained for 80 years, with no apparent reorganization attempted. (Note: In reference to the August 1914 dedication, a copy of the original printed program describing the dedicatory activities, was discovered behind the backing of a framed photograph of R.B. Stinson sent to the library in 1936 by his niece). In 1918, Lueva has retired or been 'canned', it is not clear, though in some correspondence prior to her hiring there is a 'hot and heavy', albeit mannerly, discussion of the amount of salary she is requesting and the amount the Board of Directors is willing to pay. There is also note to a Miss Lucy Willard, on August 1918, that it had been decided by the committee: ...that in the interest of the harmonious working of the Library, your service should be dispensed with...realizing the conditions have not been pleasant for you...(Alden 1918). Why was Lucy let go? Was she an assistant to the librarian? Possibly, there was a problem between she and the Board or the previous librarian or the public in general. Who knows, and, after all, what does it matter? Presumably not much, unless one is pursuing Stinson Library trivia, or happens to be of blood-line. Miss Mary Pomerene, who resides in Chicago and works at a branch of the Chicago Public Library, was suggested in a letter from the State Library Extension Commission as a fine librarian for the job, but, before the Stinson Library can hire her, the Detroit Public Library offers her a position, and she accepts (Letters 1918). Again the Commission recommends another upstate librarian, Miss Ivae Walker, who was seemingly well qualified. The Board of Directors, however, pick a hometown favorite, Miss Helen Louise Grear. It is unclear as to when she begins working, however, as the first recognition of her presence is recorded on a monthly report in January 1919. Miss Grear holds this position for approximately eight years, giving way for reasons unclear, to one Corita Spann Alden around 1927. Miss Alden remains librarian, from all indication, until 1942, when Miss Mary Bacon was appointed caretaker of the collection. She remained in this position until 1990 when she retired. The current librarian is Mr. Robert Hafeman. Therefore, in all likelihood, the Stinson Memorial has had but five librarians in the eighty years of its existence. As far as lasting contributions, perhaps this is what their contributions has been (at least for two of them) - they lasted. This is a quality not to be taken lightly in an age of upward mobility, corporate raidings and general professional nomadicism. The decision to remain in the same area, let alone the same profession, is not always a matter of stodginess. It can as readily be recognized as the quality of dedication. One significance can be noted in regards to the Stinson Memorial Library's early innovativeness, however. Around 1917, a 'book wagon' was introduced. This was apparently a horse drawn buckboard that caddied books around the neighboring communities within the county. In a letter from a Michigan librarian, who was compiling information on trends in library circulation, there is a request for greater details on this inventive idea (Annual Report 1917).
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