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Mary E. Belknap Forney "History of the public library" manuscript

 Collection — Folder: 1
Identifier: MG 5004

Scope and Contents

Mary Emma (Belknap) Forney was an active member of the local Moscow community and the University of Idaho. She was the driving force behind the founding of the Moscow public library with the help of Andrew Carnegie. This manuscript outlines that process, providing a historical context to Idaho's first public library.

Dates

  • Creation: circa 1927

Creator

Conditions Governing Access

Collection is open for research.

Biographical / Historical

Mary Emma (Belknap) Forney was born to Corrington and Anne Belknap in Oregon state. As a child her and her family moved to California. Here she graduated from the College of the Pacific.

In September of 1881 she married James H. Forney in Santa Barbara, California. She returned with him to his home in Mount Idaho, Idaho Territory. About ten years later, the family moved to Moscow, Idaho. Mary Forney took an active role in the social life of the town. During this time Mary corresponded with Andrew Carnegie to receiving funding for a public library building. This building still stands as Moscow's public library.

Mary died at her Moscow home at the age of 72.

Extent

3 Pages

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

An account of the fundraising efforts and individuals involved with the founding of Moscow, Idaho's first public library and reading room.

Title
Guide to Mary E. Belknap Forney "History of the public library" manuscript
Status
Completed
Author
Finding aid prepared by Courtney Berg.
Date
2020
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.

Repository Details

Part of the University of Idaho Library, Special Collections and Archives Repository