Mrs. J. W. Hommel, a Neillsville resident, was formerly
married to George C. Carnegie whose father was the
nephew of Andrew Carnegie. Through her efforts, in 1913,
the Neillsville Library Association received a
communication from Andrew Carnegie stating he was
ready to contribute $10,000 toward the construction of a
new library if the City of Neillsville could demonstrate
that they would provide $1,000 a year for its maintenance
as well as a building site. Judge James O'Neill was
made chairman of the library committee. O'Neill worked
with Chicago architect George Awsumb, who designed
the Period Georgian/Adam Revival structure, which also
exhibits Arts and Crafts influence. The budding is
rectangular with a formal symmetrical facade. A centered
pediment, protecting pavilion provided entry. The side Click on image to enlarge
gabled roof has paired side walled chimneys. Adam Revival
influenced decorative wall garlands and wreath wrapped pavilion window add formality and elegance. In October of 1998, Midwest Living Magazine bestowed its annual Hometown Pride Award for Historic Preservation to the Neillsville Library for its sensitive library expansion. LR
EL – The structure is eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
LR – The structure is on the Local Historic Register
NR – The structure is listed on the National Register of Historic Places
