The Authenticity of Reid Memorial Library By Alexandra Blockton ablockton@lc.edu
Initially, it all began in the days when Lewis and Clark was known as Monticello College. Which was the original school that existed on our picturesque campus?
to honor Captain Benjamin Godfrey, founder of Monticello. Its look was done to resemble a ship’s hull constructed completely of oak and fitted together with wooden pegs.
According to Assistant Director, Reference Services Greg Cash and Assistant Director, Instructional Services Liz Burns of the Reid Memorial Library informed me of this here article stating, The structure we occupy was built as Reid Memorial Chapel after the original campus building was destroyed by fire in Nov 1888. It was named for alumnus Eleanor Irwin Reid at the bequest of her husband. Eleanor had perished in the month prior to the fire. Knowing how important Monticello was to his beloved wife.
Greg Cash and Liz Burns said, “In approximately 1940, when the population of the school was so great that their number would no longer fit the space, the girls would make the trek to what is now known as the Benjamin Godfrey Memorial Chapel.” At the time it sat across Godfrey Road, being relocated onto campus proper in 1991. It was then that the space became Reid Memorial Library, the name it continues to proudly bare. The lower level of the library was originally the dining hall for Monticello, and also for Lewis and Clark Community College when it purchased the campus in 1970 upon Monticello’s closing.
34. L&C has made efforts to provide good lighting and emergency call William Henry Reid, a prominent and wealthy stations, as well as employ multiple banker from Chicago, Illinois gave $25,000 to VHFXULW\ RIƓFHUV DW DOO WLPHV VR WKDW build that portion of the structure, only asking that it students will be safe. be named in her memory. At that time only the read35. L&C makes every effort to improve ing, or as it is often called, Praise After an addition was built onto the west end of the student life and make classes Angel room, was used as the structure in 1988 the library took possession of the easier, such as some of the classes chapel. Notable features lower level, stairs were added for easy access, and including books and software into of the room include the the library expanded into the new addition. the tuition rate! “Tiffany Style” stained 36. The advisors always make an effort glass window de“We proudly wear our history and encourage interto let their students know they care signed by Frederick ested readers to come to the library where campus and are there for them. 37. L&C has a radio station that plays Lincoln Stoddard, historians Liz Burns and Greg Cash will happily and the ceiling share more photographs and tales of its beginthe best music, and is run by which was nings,” said Greg Cash and Liz Burns. students! designed 38. L&C also has a dedicated free Liz Burns newspaper to keep those on camAssistant Director, Instructional Services pus informed and entertained, also Reid Memorial Library run by students! RE2215 39. L&C is willing to help people with Phone: 618-468-4320 their taxes and FASFAs! Fax: 618-468-7166 40. 7KH ƓQDQFLDO DLG RIƓFH LV RSHQ DQG 47. The professors here are 44. L&C has donelburns@lc.edu their best to willing to work with all kinds of wonderful mentors. protect their students during the VWXGHQWV IURP GLIIHUHQW ƓQDQFLDO Greg Cash COVID-19 pandemic. 48. It is a college where you backgrounds so that they may Director, Reference Services can build lifelong friends. 45. L&C is willingAssistant to do textbook succeed! Reidfor Memorial Library 49. It is a college that I percurbside pickup the Summer 41. L&C hosts a chapter of the Phi Theta RE2217 sonally love. 2020 and Fall 2020 students! Kappa Honors Society. 618-468-4330 50. It’s been servicing the 46. The guidancePhone: department is 42. L&C has a very excellent Honors 618-468-7204 community for 50 years! dedicated toFax: mental health and College program on campus. gcash@lc.edu cares about the students. 43. L&C has delicious food in the cafe. Painting by David Tupper
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