Albert J. Buchheit, Mayor

As outlined by the Park Ridge Library:

In the early 20th century, Scotch-born steel tycoon and philanthropist Andrew Carnegie was making grants available through the Carnegie Foundation to establish libraries.

On June 10, 1910 a civic committee, part of the Park Ridge Woman’s Club, met to form a library board in the home of Mrs. J.H. Collins. Robert Baird was appointed chairman and Mrs. Clara E. Miller was named treasurer. Mrs. C. Boening, the secretary, was instructed to write Carnegie a letter requesting a grant to build a library building. A letter was also sent to the City of Park Ridge for approval of the project and a request for an annual budget of 10% of the initial grant for salaries, maintenance and acquisition of books.

Eventually, Carnegie approved the initial $5,000 grant. An appeal was made to increase the amount. The grant was increased to $7,500.

Above is the letter sent to the City of Park Ridge with Albert J. Buchheit’s name imprinted on the letterhead.

The letter states:

June 19th, 1910

Mr. Wm Kobow:
Dear Sir,

The Board of Library Directors having met in business session directed that a letter be sent to the City Clerk requesting that he send to their Secretary a letter stating the total sum that may be applied for library purposes each year. In their effort to get a larger sum from Carnegie they feel that such a paper would be necessary also we would request that you send an official notice to the effect that we were appointed Members of the Library Board. This notice to be forwarded to Mr. Carnegie also.

We hope to hear from you at your earliest convenience.

Clara L. Boening
Secretary