Carnegie Mellon University - Andrew Carnegie Online Archives

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  • Subject = Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
  • Subject = Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence

About This Collection

This collection contains primary resources about Carnegie's bequests along with supporting explanatory text, that teachers will be able to use as part of their curriculum.
Displaying 36 items
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(Andrew Carnegie to Mr. President, August 29, 1907)
(Andrew Carnegie to Mr. President, August 29, 1907)
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh
Letter dated August 29, 1907 from Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew congratulating him on success in constructing the Institute under the appropriation.
(Andrew Carnegie to President Frew, January 8, 1908)
(Andrew Carnegie to President Frew, January 8, 1908)
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Pa.)--Buildings, structures, etc.
Telegram dated January 8, 1908 from Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew expressing delight that the City Fathers will be not only hearing but seeing the development of the Library.
(Andrew Carnegie to W. N. Frew, May 17, 1906)
(Andrew Carnegie to W. N. Frew, May 17, 1906)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Board of Trustees, Public Libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh--Finance, Pittsburgh (Pa.)--Appropriations and expenditures, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence
A typescript letter from Andrew Carnegie to William Frew discussing the city of Pittsburgh's yearly allotment for their library system. Carnegie notes that if the allotment is maintained at the same level as last year, possibly with an increase for the newest building, he believes that funds for the upcoming year will be sufficient. In order to avoid surprises on either side and to help further the trustees' agenda, Carnegie recommends that Frew keep in close contact with city officials.
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, April 11, 1906 (manuscript))
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, April 11, 1906 (manuscript))
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Public librariesPennsylvaniaPittsburghFinance, Public librariesPolitical aspects--PennsylvaniaPittsburgh, Public librariesPennsylvaniaPittsburgh--Endowments, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919Correspondence
Handwritten letter in which Andrew Carnegie tells William Frew that all cities appoint library commissions, and he doesn't believe that the people of Pittsburgh would accept political control rather than a commission. It should be an easy matter to fix a sum for the Carnegie Librarys maintenance and let the City pay that to the commission. He dismisses the idea of a contract to manage the city's libraries for $150,000 annually, thus relieving the city of responsibility for maintaining them, and he will not pay for such purpose, especially as Pittsburgh will need over twice that much money in the future. He proposes a private conference with Mayor Guthrie and some of the board members to discuss his plans.
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, April 11, 1906 (typescript))
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, April 11, 1906 (typescript))
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919Correspondence, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Public librariesPennsylvaniaPittsburghFinance, Public librariesPolitical aspects--PennsylvaniaPittsburgh, Public librariesPennsylvaniaPittsburgh--Endowments
Typescript of handwritten letter in which Andrew Carnegie tells William Frew that all cities appoint library commissions, and he doesn't believe that the people of Pittsburgh would accept political control rather than a commission. It should be an easy matter to fix a sum for the Carnegie Librarys maintenance and let the City pay that to the commission. He dismisses the idea of a contract to manage the city's libraries for $150,000 annually, thus relieving the city of responsibility for maintaining them, and he will not pay for such purpose, especially as Pittsburgh will need over twice that much money in the future. He proposes a private conference with Mayor Guthrie and some of the board members to discuss his plans.
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, April 1906)
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, April 1906)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence
Handwritten letter from Andrew Carnegie requesting a conference on the issues between the City of Pittsburgh and Carnegie Library.
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, December 15, 1906)
(Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, December 15, 1906)
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Philanthropists--United States, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Institute--Appropriations and expenditures, Pittsburgh (Pa.)--Appropriations and expenditures, Carnegie Institute--Finance, Pittsburgh (Pa.)--Finance
A letter from Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew, President of the Board of Trustees, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, in reference to a letter from Mr. Frew dated December 13, 1906, that states he would like to ""take care of everything but the Library proper"". Mr. Carnegie wants to have his ""fund"" used ""to pay for the portion of the Building the Carnegie Institute occupies"".
(Andrew Carnegie to Wm. N. Frew, May 16, 1906)
(Andrew Carnegie to Wm. N. Frew, May 16, 1906)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Homewood Branch--Endowments, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Public Libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh--Finance, Pittsburgh (Pa.)--Appropriations and expenditures, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence
A typescript letter from Andrew Carnegie to William Frew discussing the amount to appropriate towards construction of a branch library at Homewood. Carnegie emphasizes his opinion that Pittsburgh city officials must adopt a clearly defined policy regarding the development and funding of their library system before the trustees can make a final decision about the amount of the appropriation.
(Andrew Carnegie to W.N. Frew, January 16, 1907)
(Andrew Carnegie to W.N. Frew, January 16, 1907)
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh--Finance
A copy of a letter dated January 16, 1907 from Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew regarding Mayor Guthrie's letter about appropriations for the library. This copy is not signed by Carnegie.
(Andrew Carnegie to W.N. Frew, January 16, 1907)
(Andrew Carnegie to W.N. Frew, January 16, 1907)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh--Finance
A letter dated January 16, 1907 from Andrew Carnegie to William Nimick Frew regarding Mayor Guthrie's letter about appropriations for the library.
(Andrew Carnegie to W.N. Frew, July 16, 1906)
(Andrew Carnegie to W.N. Frew, July 16, 1906)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Board of Trustees, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh--Finance, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence
A typescript letter from Andrew Carnegie to William Frew providing further clarification about the respective roles of the library trustees and the city of Pittsburgh with regard to library funding and fund administration and explaining the source of Carnegie's concerns about tensions between the library trustees appointed by himself and those appointed by the city. The letter includes handwritten references to related letters in another correspondence collection.
Carnegie Library extension, contracts and orders
Carnegie Library extension, contracts and orders
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh (Pa.)--Buildings, structures, etc., Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh--Finance, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence
A three-page list of financial figures for contracts and orders pertaining to the Carnegie Library extension. The document is undated, but had accompanied a letter from William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, dated August 16, 1907.
(George W. Guthrie to William N. Frew, January 12, 1907)
(George W. Guthrie to William N. Frew, January 12, 1907)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh--Finance, Guthrie, George W.--Correspondence
A copy of a typescript letter from George W. Guthrie to William Nimick Frew regarding the stance the city will take on providing funds to the library. (The copy was enclosed with a letter from Frew to Andrew Carnegie dated January 14, 1907.)
(Henry Shenk Co. to W.N. Frew, February 12, 1908)
(Henry Shenk Co. to W.N. Frew, February 12, 1908)
Henry Shenk Company--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Frank Peach and Co., Sterling Company of Pittsburg, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. East Liberty Branch, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh--Finance, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence
Two-page letter dated February 12, 1908 from the Henry Shenk Company to William Nimick Frew regarding the Frank Peach and Company matter involving the Sterling Company and payment for granite.
(Unknown to Dr. John Ross, April 29, 1909)
(Unknown to Dr. John Ross, April 29, 1909)
Ross, John--Correspondence, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Franks, Robert A., Heinz, Howard, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Board of Trustees
Typescript letter dated April 29, 1909 from unknown to Dr. John Ross stating that Mr. Carnegie asked him to send a copy of an enclosed letter from Mr. W.N. Frew to Andrew Carnegie. The related letter is dated April 23, 1909 and is from William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie regarding the latest board meetings. The letter states that increased numbers were seen in reference and circulation, and that Mr. Franks and Howard Heinz were elected to the Board.
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, April 13, 1906)
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, April 13, 1906)
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Public librariesPennsylvaniaPittsburghFinance, Public librariesPolitical aspects--PennsylvaniaPittsburgh, Public librariesPennsylvaniaPittsburgh--Endowments, Carnegie Institute, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence
Typescript letter in response to Andrew Carnegies letter of April 11, in which William Frew clarifies that while the Carnegie Institute as endowed by Carnegie is presumably safe, the Library is in a different situation, and the Board of Trustees is trying to prevent any political interference in the operations of the Library. He notes that the Carnegie Library of Allegheny and the public library in Philadelphia are not supervised by a library commission and are staffed by political appointees, whereas Boston and New York are properly maintained by commissions. He reassures Carnegie that any final decision on the situation is his.
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, April 6, 1906)
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, April 6, 1906)
Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Institute, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh--Finance, Public libraries--Political aspects--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh--Endowments, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence
W.N. Frew, president of the Board of Trustees of Carnegie Institute, writes to Andrew Carnegie describing the relations existing between the library and the City of Pittsburgh, particularly his concern, as discussed with board members Judges J.H. Reed and Joseph Buffington, that the head of the Department of Public Works might assert his authority to discharge the Library's employees and install his own political appointments. Also of concern is potential interference by the city Controller, based on state constitutional law, thus far not observed by the Board, prohibiting any city in the Commonwealth from raising money by taxation and placing it for distribution in the control of a board of commission, such as the Board of Trustees. With the recent election of George Guthrie, a longtime legal advisor to the Controller, as Mayor of Pittsburgh, such interference seems more likely. To safeguard the institutions that Carnegie founded, Frew asks him to provide money sufficient to yield an annual income of $200,000, to be used for the maintenance of the Carnegie Library system as well as the Department of Fine Arts and the Museum of the Carnegie Institute. The fund would be created on condition that the City of Pittsburgh appropriate from it up to $150,000 annually for the Library and that management of the Library remain with the Board of Trustees.
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, December 15, 1902)
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, December 15, 1902)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Carnegie Institute. Technical Schools--Planning, Technical institutes--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh--Planning, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Institute. Dept. of Fine Arts, Lemare, Edwin H. (Edwin Henry), 1865-1934
Board of Trustees president W.N. Frew laments the delay in a decision from the (Pennsylvania) Supreme Court concerning the land for the new technical school, now expected in January, but plans are in the works and building will begin in Spring 1903 if the land is acquired. He notes that all departments of the Institute are doing good work: the Library circulated a record number of books in November, the Art Galleries broke attendance records, and the new organist, Edwin H. Lemare, has been well received.
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, September 14, 1903)
(William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie, September 14, 1903)
Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Carnegie Institute. Technical Schools--Planning, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh. Homewood Branch, French, Daniel Chester, 1850-1931
Typescript letter (carbon copy). Frew tells Carnegie that a settlement is near on the technical school and he expects to call a meeting of the board of trustees to begin the process of founding it once the City of Pittsburgh as enacted legislation. He has been frustrated by the delays both in that matter and an extension of the Carnegie Library building. In response to a letter of Aug. 17 from Carnegie, Frew discusses the proposed Homewood branch library. Also noted is a visit to Daniel Chester French's studio to examine casts of an Anderson bust and a figure of a workman, presumably to be acquired by the museum.
(W.N. Frew to Andrew Carnegie, December 13, 1905)
(W.N. Frew to Andrew Carnegie, December 13, 1905)
Carnegie, Andrew, 1835-1919--Correspondence, Frew, William Nimick--Correspondence, Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Carnegie libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Public libraries--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Library buildings--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Buildings--Additions--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Construction contracts--Pennsylvania--Pittsburgh, Oakland (Pittsburgh, Pa.)--Buildings, structures, etc.|
A typescript letter from William Nimick Frew to Andrew Carnegie regarding the addition to the Carnegie Library of Pittsburgh, Main Library building. Mr. Frew first expresses his disappointment in not being able to attend the annual meeting of the Washington Board. He then goes on to explain that bids were opened and contracts awarded for the interior wall decoration of the Library extension. He expects the ""big building"" to be closed in by Christmas and that much of the interior is completed, except for the decoration and furnishing. He hopes to have it ready for occupancy by November 1, 1906. On W. N. Frew, Attorney at Law stationary.