The Local History Room started some time ago, and while the exact date may never be known, the point of initiation is clear: a box of memorabilia carefully kept somewhere in the Frederic C. Adams Library.
At some point during her tenure, which stretched from the Library’s founding in 1898 to her retirement in 1936, Jennie F. McLauthlen “1st Librarian” wrote this undated note
It has been my object to slip into this box anything which may promise to be of local interest in the years to come. After a generation or two, a picture of the life of Kingston in these days as shown by this varied and heterogeneous collection may prove of value as well as of interest. At times it may look like a collection of trash, but I trust that my successors may consent to give it house room and perhaps add to it samples of their history.
And consent we do! Thank you Jennie, for saving us from the trash.
