Homestead library room re-created in 1920 designThe room, which has been restored to what library officials believe is its original design, sits in the front of the 110-year-old library and overlooks what was once the massive U.S. Steel Homestead Works, now the site of the sprawling retail and entertainment complex, The Waterfront.
That room design was taken from a black-and-white photo of the room that library officials believe dates to about 1920.
The project was completed and dedicated last month and was financed by grants from the Donald A. Abraham Memorial committee and former Homestead native William Campbell.
Mr. Abraham was a popular state legislator from the area who was killed in a car accident in 1978. Mr. Campbell is chairman of Intuit Inc. and a major benefactor to projects in the Mon Valley area.
Library officials have not released a total cost on the project.
The lamps and other items in the reading room were made to replicate those from the 1920s photo by an Oregon firm called Rejuvenation, said Eddie Wehrer, a library board member involved in the restoration project.
"We sent them pictures and dimensions and they worked from that," Mr. Wehrer said.
The restoration included uncovering a fireplace and the rebuilding of the woodwork and mantel.
The outside vent to the fireplace had been closed, so artificial logs sit in its hearth. Two chairs and a table and lamp sit in front of the fireplace and two lamps sit on the mantel, making it a bright place to sit and read.
Also restored was the hardwood floor in the room, which had been covered with layers of carpet and padding. Volunteers ripped up the old carpet.
"It was very hard, dirty, nasty work, but the volunteers who did it saved the project about $7,000," Mr. Wehrer said.
The walls of the room are covered with wooden bookshelves filled with adult fiction. Various chairs, tables and lamps are set for reading.
The black-and-white photo used as a model for the restoration sits on an easel at the entrance to the room to show visitors that the space has been restored almost completely to its original design.
The project started Aug. 30 when volunteers and librarians began dismantling and moving items from the room.
"The librarians oversaw the process, but most of the work was done by volunteers and board members. It was a real joint venture between board members, community volunteers and the contractors," Mr. Wehrer said.
It was dedicated Nov. 14 as part of the ceremony for the first-ever Steel Valley Hall of Fame induction.
"I think it's something the community can really be proud of," Mr. Wehrer said. "It keeps the original intent but makes sure it's a place that makes good, productive use for patrons in the 21st century."
