Carnegie Free Library opened its doors on April 30, 1903 due to the generosity of Andrew Carnegie, who believed that education is the cornerstone of success. This was a one time gift with the promise from Connellsville that the borough would provide for the continued upkeep of the building. At that time, Connellsville was the leading coke producer in the world and immigrants were flocking here to work in the mines and coke works. Built of sandstone in the Italianate manner, the building housed books and magazines and offered early patrons both educational and recreational reading, as well as musical evenings in the second floor auditorium. Over the years the building has had few external changes. In the late 1960’s a basement stacks area was added and a mezzanine tier in the 1970’s. The library was named to the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, and the board of directors, with the help of the community, has made a concerted effort to maintain the structure. The most recent project was a complete restoration of the Reference Room, now The Gettys Room, to its 1903 appearance. The only significant change was the addition of computers.
The library now has over 50,000 volumes, magazines, and tapes..
The Drum of the 142nd Regiment
The 142nd Infantry was formed at Camp Curtin from a variety of Pennsylvania counties in August, 1862. The regiment joined the Army of the Potomac and was assigned to Gen. Meade’s PA Reserves. Its first battle was at Fredericksburg on December 13, 1862. During the division’s charge against Stonewall Jackson’s troops, they lost 250 men. Later the 142nd was attached to the 3rd Division, 1st Corps and took part in the Chancellorsville Campaign. At Gettysburg, the 1st Corps suffered tremendous losses during the daylong defense of McPherson’s and Seminary Ridges. After Gettysburg, the corps fought in many battles including Five Forks, where they pursued Lee’s troops to Appomattox Court House. Following the surrender, the 142nd took part in the Grand Review and was mustered out on May 29, 1865.
The 142nd had several companies recruited from Connellsville and the surrounding area, including Company B, which was raised by John G. Anderson of Mount Pleasant. An 18-year-old, William P. Clarke of Mount Pleasant enlisted as a musician. He served as musician of Company B and was later promoted to Chief Musician of the 147th Regiment. After the war, he settled in Connellsville where he became a prominent businessman and died in 1927. The drum found its way to the Carnegie Free Library where it is proudly displayed.
