Work continues on Carnegie portion of Caon City Public Library

By DC Spencer

Special to the Daily Record

Library Director Suzanne Lasha stands at the edge of the decorative tiled fireplace hearth in the Carnegie portion of the Caon City Public Library. In her hands is a photograph depicting the library' appearance in 1902, a pictorial guide to restoration efforts currently under way. (DC Spencer / Daily Record)

A bit of Caon City heritage is rising to the surface in the Carnegie portion of the Caon City Public Library, and even Director Suzanne Lasha was surprised by one of the discoveries.

After tearing up the carpet in front of the brick fireplace on the east wall and digging away a half-inch of mastic adhesive beneath it, restoration contractor Bob Leck asked Lasha to take a look at what he found.

"I can't wait for people to come in and see it," Lasha said, standing at the edge of a colorful inlaid tile hearth. "It sent shivers up and down my spine."

The fourth phase of work in the 112-year-old structure is nearing its end with the historic cream- and ocher-colored mosaic tile flooring revealed. Careful and tedious chiseling has cleared the hardened adhesive, but work continues, scrubbing away the circular tracks left behind when installers cemented the carpeting to the tile.

The last century slips away when one takes in the recently exposed high ceiling and stately oak wainscoting and pillars. Stenciling soon will replicate the frieze that once adorned the walls, as well as high lattice-like woodwork. Original Carnegie tables, chairs and book shelves will be refinished and returned to their historic home.

"People have paid for the (furniture) restoration," Lasha said, and many of the items will be designated with small bronze plaques as memorial pieces.

Lasha said she is pleased with the pace at which restoration is taking place, in spite of minor setbacks, such as a section of crumbling plaster revealed when the drop ceiling was removed.

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Work continues on Carnegie portion of Caon City Public Library