Scranton Public Library - History of the Scranton Public Library

This legal document establishes a land swap wherein William Silkman acquired the property and building now known as Silkman House from his cousin A.B.Silkman.

This photograph of the Albright entrance is undated though fashion styles place it somewhere between 1945 and 1955.

Photograph of Circulation Desk looking south, Albright Memorial Library. Original has matting added late 20th Century. Photograph is undated, but is likely pre-1950.

Though undated, this photograph appears to date from just before the building's completion. Most of the windows in the main wing have not been installed, and there is no fencing or landscaping. Two blurry figures, one near the northwestern corner of the Stack Wing and one (bending) near the western stairs, appear to be people in motion, perhaps workers. The children are sitting on a stone. The last two letters, "H" and "T," can be discerned. If the children's legs are hiding the rest of the word "ALBRIGHT," this stone cannot be found in the completed building.

"Pictured are Mrs. Jane Shaw, Children's Librarian, and Mrs. Fred Pfaff." Note that open windows indicate the lack of air conditioning. Air conditioning was installed in the early 1990's.

Date is unknown, but assume late 19th Century. Photo is glued to matting. Matting is in poor condition. The following information appears on the back: 1. Emma A. Th(unreadable) 2. Myra Millit 3. Jessie Keefer 4. Anna Edwards Standing 1. Bess Handenbergh 2. Lulu James 3. Josephine Hawley 4. Cora Decker

This tag was found in the outbuilding of a property that borders the Silkman House property. Though unverified, "Miss L.C. Silkman" is likely Luella Silkman (1856-1940), daughter of Aaron Burr Silkman and Elizabeth Seager. By the time Luella was born, Aaron had already moved from Providence to Scranton. They moved to Vineland, NJ in 1870, back to Providence in 1873, back to Scranton, and then finally back to Vineland, NJ. The item is undated.

Original has matting added at a later date and appears to be laminated. Includes a label with the date, title, and names of the personnel in the photo. Left to right: Eileen Dickstein, Ann Wright, Marie Crispino.

Photograph of Reference Room looking west. Original has matting added late 20th Century. Photograph is undated, but the woman's hat style suggests 1920s.