On a picture-perfect fall day, the Scranton community embraced and celebrated the generosity of a man who died more than 60 years ago. The grand opening of the H.F. and Maude E. Marchant Memorial Library was held Saturday morning, Sept. 27.
Linda Hoyt, president of the library board, welcomed everyone and introduced the guests and dignitaries. They included Mary Kruse, daughter of the late Lloyd Marchant, a brother of Frank; Donald “Chop” Gibson, longtime friend of the Marchant family; Maryann Mori, State of Iowa Library Association; Thelma Hedges who offered a prayer of dedication; and children from the Scranton community who entertained with dance, music and recitation.
Scranton Mayor Rod Walker got some help from the Marchant family in officially cutting the ribbon to the new H.F. and Maude E. Marchant Memorial Library. Mary Kruse, daughter of the late Lloyd Marchant and her granddaughter, assisted in making the cut to open the doors to the Scranton Public Library. At the left is Ashley Squibb, library director. On the right is Linda Hoyt, president of the Scranton Library Board. In back are other dignitaries.
Gibson eventuIn his comments, Gibson (right) marveled at how the Marchant family had impacted the Gibson family throughout the years. He recalled that Maude drove to Scranton from Napa, ID, twice when she was well up in years. He said he told her that her driving so far must be some kind of record.
She replied, “I don’t see why that should be so surprising. I’ve got over 60 years of experience.”
Gibson related a story about his father-in-law, the late Glenn Wenger, and how Frank sold him a life insurance policy that Glenn initially said he couldn’t afford. Frank figured out how much Glenn spent per month on cigarettes and convinced him that if he quit smoking and put that money towards life insurance, he could sell him a good policy.
He also recalled when he went to visit Maude about renting the farm when he was a young man. She asked him if he was married or had a girlfriend. He replied that he had a girlfriend.
“Ask her to marry you, “ Maude told him. “If she says yes, I’ll rent you the farm.”
So Chop popped the question and he got both a wife and a farm to rent. Gibson eventually purchased the farm.
Maryann Mori from the State Library Association complimented the Scranton community on the fine, new facility. She explained how some people have predicted the Internet would hurt and hamper libraries but that the opposite has occurred.
“Libraries are busier than ever,” she pointed out. She explained that a library is an investment in the community and a great equalizer, providing access to information to everybody.
Following the ribbon cutting, Chad Elliott entertained with his folk music. Most people toured the new building, showing pleasure with the modern and up-to-date facility. Slide show presentations of the Scranton Centennial and Water Tower Celebration ran continuously on the television sets as people browsed through the books and visited.
The Scranton Betterment Committee served a grilled lunch in the old library building to more than 100 people. A decorated cake was served to celebrate the monumental event. ~The Scranton Journal
For more photos, see this week’s Scranton Journal.
