Cambridge-Narrows Regional Library

GENERAL

Type / Purpose

Former meeting hall, current library

Location

2216 Lakeview Road, Cambridge-Narrows, New Brunswick

Description

The Cambridge-Narrows Regional Library is a small wooden building. It was previously used as a meeting hall for several groups and is now a library. It is located in the heart of Cambridge-Narrows.

Heritage Value

The Cambridge-Narrows Regional Library is recognized for its long-standing role in Cambridge-Narrows' social organizations.
 
The library was originally built for Leonard Tilley and his Baptist temperance organization, the International Order of Good Templars. The group played a significant role in the early history of Cambridge-Narrows. As a celebration of Canada’s Confederation, Leonard Tilly planted the "Tilley Elms" around the hall in 1867. The trees remained until the 1970s, when they became hazardous and had to be cut down. A member of the Senior Citizens group, who owned the hall at the time, salvaged a chunk of one of the trees. This piece of wood was polished and preserved, and it is now on display in the library.
 
The Templars used the hall until the early 20th century, after which it was taken over by the Agriculture Society of Cambridge-Narrows. The hall became the site of day-long agricultural fairs and the importation of animals. After about sixty years, declining membership left the hall in the hands of the local Senior Citizens group. This group made several modifications to the hall, such as installing indoor plumbing. After the Senior Citizen group dwindled, the hall was occupied by the short-lived community Women’s Institute group, followed by the similarly short-lived Lions group. In the 21st century, the Village Council repurposed the hall into a library, which it continues to be in the present day.

Heritage Recognition

Local Historic Place (municipal) (2009/12/14)

ARCHITECTURE

Date of Construction

1901

Character Defining Elements

- One-and-a-half storey shingled wood frame massing
- Gable roof
- Retained original placement of windows and doors
- Internal board-and batten walls
- A polished wooden chunk of one of the demolished "Tilley Elms" is inside the hall
- Placement near the heart of Cambridge-Narrows

Additions/Major Alterations

The Senior Citizens group made significant alterations to the hall, including adding indoor plumbing.

Builder/Building Company

Samuel Black

OWNERSHIP HISTORY

Notable Historic Occupants

International Order of Good Templars, Agriculture Society of Cambridge-Narrows, Senior Citizens group, Women’s Institute group, Lions group

Other Occupants

Dr. Francis and Marjorie O’Keefe

SOURCES AND DOCUMENTS

Photos
Cambridge-Narrows Regional Library, photographed by the Village of Cambridge-Narrows. Image taken from historicplaces.ca.

Sources Contributors

Gabrielle Byrne

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A Ginger Design