History of the Lewistown Public Library.

              Lewistown Public Library
By Florence Kettering, Librarian
Writing about the early establishment of a public library, Mrs. Plassman from Helena, said,
“One of the surest indications of the growing intelligence of a new community is its manifest
desire to have a public library. The educational standards of an older town are judged by its
support and use of this cultural agency.”
The “manifest desire” for a public library stirred early in Lewistown, Montana. In January
1897, two full years prior to Lewistown’s incorporation, Frank E. Smith, a local attorney,
delivered a lecture and during its course he “deviated from his subject so far as to plead for the
establishment of a public library.”
By March 5 of that same year Lewistown’s first public library was a reality - albeit not
without some opposition.
Mrs. Mary Hanson, offered to act as librarian and keep the books in her millinery store, a
point accessible to all and wherein the necessary cases are already provided. The building is
fireproof, another valuable consideration. Those who desire to aid in the establishment of the
library will be asked to contribute books or money and a committee was appointed by the chair to
canvass the town for this purpose. The committee included Messrs. Parrent and Moulton,
Mesdames Stafford, Wiedeman, Carson, and Stiles.”
Everything seemed to be progressing toward the quick establishment of a free public library.
Volunteers had acquired 269 books and $91.50 in subscriptions. Rev. Joel Vigus, Rev. Pfaus,
Mrs. Carson, Mrs. F.C. Stiles and E.K. Cheadle were appointed to serve on a committee to draft
bylaws and a constitution.
But at this point “an extended debate was precipitated by Mr. Von Tobel’s opposing the idea
that the library should be free, the gentleman favoring the sustaining of the library by dues for the
use of books.” (Fergus County Argus Feb. 11, 1897)
This matter wasn’t decided until a meeting on Feb. 18 when the champions for a free library
were victorious.
On Mar. 5, 1897, Lewistown’s first public library was open for circulation with 269 books
and $126.50 in contributions for operating expenses. It was operated thus for several years with
the number of books increasing by several hundred and Mrs. Mary L. Hanson, wife of Dr. W.F.
Hanson, acting as librarian without compensation.
From April 1897 until May 1899 the Lewistown Public Library existed in the millinery shop
on the corner of 5th and Main under the direction of Mrs. Mary Hanson. At that time Mrs.
Hanson moved away from Lewistown.
“In Mrs. Hanson and her sister, Lewistown loses two estimable ladies who will be greatly
missed in church and social circles. Mrs. Hanson has acted as librarian since the establishment of
the public library, and for these services, given absolutely free, she deserves thanks of everyone
interested in literature or education. At the end of two years she was able to deliver to President
Smith every book but one, all in good condition. Without her, or some one equally public spirited
and responsible, a public library would have been impossible.”
Mrs. Hanson’s move caused the public library to make its first move: from the millinery store
to the office of the county superintendent of schools. There “much hampered for room” and a
“circulating library” only, there still being no reading room, it was supervised by Miss Elizabeth
S. Peebles (later Mrs. Albert Pfaus).
As Lewistown’s second librarian, Miss Peebles served for a period of two years during which
time her principal job was that of county superintendent, and, according to the Fergus County
Argus Aug. 23, 1899, Miss Peebles excelled in yet a third area.
“Miss Peebles, our county superintendent, is something of an expert with a rifle. While in the
foothills of the Judith Mountains the first of the week she bagged two grouse by shooting their