Mary E. Belknap Forney "History of the public library" manuscript, circa 1927
Table of Contents
Overview of the Collection
- Creator
- Forney, Mary E. Belknap, 1855-1927
- Title
- Mary E. Belknap Forney "History of the public library" manuscript
- Dates
- circa 192719271927
- Quantity
- 3 pages
- Collection Number
- MG 5004
- Summary
- An account of the fundraising efforts and individuals involved with the founding of Moscow, Idaho's first public library and reading room.
- Repository
-
University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives
Special Collections and Archives
University of Idaho Library
875 Perimeter Drive
MS 2350
Moscow, ID
83844-2350
Telephone: 2088850845
libspec@uidaho.edu - Access Restrictions
-
Collection is open for research.
- Languages
- English
Historical Note
Mary Emma (Belknap) Forney was born to Corrington and Anne Belknap in Oregon state. As a child her and her family moved to California. Here she graduated from the College of the Pacific.
In September of 1881 she married James H. Forney in Santa Barbara, California. She returned with him to his home in Mount Idaho, Idaho Territory. About ten years later, the family moved to Moscow, Idaho. Mary Forney took an active role in the social life of the town. During this time Mary corresponded with Andrew Carnegie to receiving funding for a public library building. This building still stands as Moscow's public library.
Mary died at her Moscow home at the age of 72.
Content Description
Mary Emma (Belknap) Forney was an active member of the local Moscow community and the University of Idaho. She was the driving force behind the founding of the Moscow public library with the help of Andrew Carnegie. This manuscript outlines that process, providing a historical context to Idaho's first public library.
Use of the Collection
Preferred Citation
Author, Description or "Title" of item, date. Collection name, collection number, box, folder. University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.
Photographer, "Title," date. Collection name, object ID. University of Idaho Library Special Collections and Archives, Moscow, ID.
