Captain Charles L. Albertson
On November 10, 1921, Captain Charles L. Albertson, a winter resident of Orlando and a retired Police Inspector from Waverly, New York, met with the Orlando City Commissioners and a committee from the Chamber of Commerce to officially offer his personal library of 12,000 books, valued at around $75,000, to the City of Orlando. Learn more about the beginnings of the library.
The announcement of Captain Albertson’s offer was published on the front page of the Evening Reporter Star the following day. On November 12, 1921, the Orlando City Commissioners met and unanimously accepted Capt. Albertson’s offer to donate his library to the City of Orlando. The formal agreement was signed on November 26, 1921. It stipulated that the City of Orlando would “erect a fireproof library building of sufficient capacity to accommodate the said books, and that the same shall be known as The Albertson Library…”
The Original Building
On February 21, 1922, the City held a bond election, and the vote was 446 for and 155 against a bond issue for certain municipal improvements, including a public library building. Mr. Murray S. King was instructed to prepare plans for the building, which were approved by the Commission on May 12, 1922. The contract was let to Mr. C. C. Hanner on August 30, 1922, for the sum of $73,983 and the building was erected under Mr. King’s supervision. The total cost of the building, grounds, and equipment was $110,000. On November 8, 1923, the doors of the library were opened to the public with little fanfare.
Assisting the Head Librarian Miss Olive Brumbaugh at the public reception were Mrs. B. Lawrence Brown, Miss Agnes Robinson, Miss Stackpool, Mrs. Claudine Wallace, and Miss Ada McKnight.
For photos, documents and more visit the Albertson Public Library – In the Beginning.
A postcard written in 1929 from Mrs. C. B. Alleyn to Miss Ella Ladd in Mystic, Connecticut, was donated to the library by Nancy Pelser-Borowicz on the occasion of the library’s 100th Anniversary rededication celebration on January 7, 2023. It shows the east side of the library from Rosalind Street looking west, with the Salvation Army Citadel and the Old red courthouse in the background. Read the reverse.
ABOVE: The Albertson Public Library circa 1950
The Albertson Public Library was a fine, limestone building with four tall Greek Doric columns topped with a carving of draped Grecian figures. Eleven broad white steps led up to the entrance, and a long low wall along Central Avenue was covered with trailing lantana. Just inside the tall doors, a large skylight in the rotunda added to the natural light admitted through large windows reaching almost to the ceiling. If you stood directly under the dome, you could see the head librarian — first Miss Brumbaugh, then Miss Wendel — in her little office on the balcony over the first floor. View architectural blueprints for the library.
ABOVE: The Adult Reading Room
Glass floors in the stacks were designed to let the light penetrate from one floor to another, but they also created “shocking” situations when static electricity sparked the woolen-clothed patrons in cool winters. The heating plan was not installed until 1938 and in later years the building leaked terribly in heavy rains.
ABOVE: The Children’s Room in the basement.
There was a separate Children’s Room in the Albertson from the very beginning, and story hours and vacation reading clubs were held regularly. A garden and entrance to the Children’s Department on the Rosalind Avenue side were added in 1935 as a result of a gift from Miss Annetta O’B. Walker of Portland, Maine.
ABOVE: The Art Room
Sorosis donated all suitable books from their library to swell the original collection of 12,000 to more than 15,000 and then the City purchased books so that the Library began with a collection of 21,000 volumes.
The original accession books, listing every title added to the library and the donor or book seller from whom it was purchased, still exist.
Accession Book One
The first accession book contains entries 1 – 10,000, and includes books gifted by Captain Charles L. Albertson, the Sorosis Club, and others in the community.
Front Matter Entries 0001-1000 Entries 1001-2000 Entries 2001-3000
Entries 3001-4000 Entries 4001-5000 Entries 5001-6000 Entries 6001-7000
Entries 7001-8000 Entries 8001-9000 Entries 9001-10000
Accession Book Two
The second accession book contains the remaining books donated by Captain Albertson and the Sorosis Club, which comprised a large percentage of the adult books when the library opened in November 1923.
Entries 10001-11000 Entries 11001-12000 Entries 12001-13000
Entries 13001-14000 Entries 14001-15000 Entries 15001-16000
Entries 16001-17000 Entries 17001-18000 Entries 18001-19000 Entries 19001-20000
ABOVE: The librarian’s desk in the lobby. The entrance to the Stack Room to the right.
In 1935, the library received a gift of $4,000 by a library patron who wished to remain anonymous. A large portion of the money was used to create a beautiful gated and walled garden to complement the addition of a side entrance to the Children’s Department located in the basement.
In November 1948, the community celebrated the Silver Anniversary of the Public Library in Orlando and a booklet was created to commemorate the event. It outlines the history of how the library came to be, the library board through the years and facts and figures on the library’s holdings, circulation and borrowers in 1948.
Peruse the 25th Anniversary booklet.
It is unclear if “The Book Shelf: notes from the Albertson Public Library” was a weekly feature of the Corner Cupboard newspaper, but based on the title and the graphic, it seems that it might have been. The February 3, 1950, edition was a full-page article about the benefits and needs of the local library. Penned by library director Clara Wendel, it emphasizes the need for a better facilities to meet the needs of the community.
Have you ever wondered why we tore down the beautiful traditional Albertson Public Library and built the current structure?
Many folks have and many folks ask. Read this report completed by the Jaycees in January 1959 and you’ll understand why it was a necessity!
The committee that studied the library was composed of John Barber, John Peake and S. Victor Tipton, and they enumerated 13 issues that made the library unfit for staff and residents. Number 10 caught my attention:
There is grossly inadequate space for the some 40 clerical and staff workers to carry on their work. For example, four attempt to work at desks in a room 8 by 12 feet which includes also book shelves and filing cabinets. Desks have to be placed in almost every corner of the building. Some are protruding into aisles necessarily used by patrons. There are only eight small lockers for the 40 odd workers.
Explore the DOCUMENTS and IMAGES below under ATTACHMENTS.
People of note mentioned in correspondence or newspaper articles include Clara Wendel, Wintson Henderson, Walter Reed, Mrs. Kenneth Rogers, Donald Walker, Rev. Louie Blackwell, David Flick, Mrs. Floyd H. Bruton, Lois Lenski, Hamilton Holt of Rollins College, Melvil Dewey.
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Captain Charles L. Albertson circa 1905
Photograph of Charles L. Albertson published in the January 19, 1906 edition of The Waverly Free Press.
Portrait of Charles L. Albertson
Painting of Captain Charles L. Albertson.
Rollins College job offer to Olive Brumbaugh March 11, 1927
Rollins College job offer to Olive Brumbaugh March 11, 1927
Postcard of the APL sent on January 19, 1929
Nancy Pelser-Borowicz donated this postcard of the Albertson Public Library for the library's 100th Anniversary. It is taken from Rosalind Street look...
Postcard of the APL sent on January 19, 1929
Nancy Pelser-Borowicz donated this postcard of the Albertson Public Library for the library's 100th Anniversary. It is taken from Rosalind Street look...
Quest Society invitation to Melvil Dewey's Birthday
Letter from the Quest Society dated November 1, 1931, inviting librarians to attend the 80th birthday celebration for Melville "Melvil" Dewey.
Letter from Florida Library Association dated November 9, 1931.
Letter from Florida Library Association dated November 9, 1931, to Olive Brumbaugh asking that she represent the organization at Melvil Dewey's 80th...
Albertson Library Interior 001
Interior photograph from the Albertson Public Library.
Albertson Library Interior 002
Interior photograph from the Albertson Public Library.
Albertson Library
No description has been added yet
Albertson Library Interior 003
Interior photograph from the Albertson Public Library.
Albertson Library Interior 004
Interior photograph from the Albertson Public Library.
Albertson Library Interior 005
Interior photograph from the Albertson Public Library.
Albertson Library Interior 006
Interior photograph of the Albertson Public Library.
Gated garden to Children's Department.
In 1935, the library received a gift of $4,000 by a library patron who wished to remain anonymous. A large portion of...
Gated garden to Children's Department.
In 1935, the library received a gift of $4,000 by a library patron who wished to remain anonymous. A large portion of...
Gated garden to Children's Department.
In 1935, the library received a gift of $4,000 by a library patron who wished to remain anonymous. A large portion of...
Albertson Library Interior 008
Interior photograph from the Albertson Public Library.
Reading Area - Albertson Public Library
Patron shown in the reading area at the Albertson Public Lbirary.
Lobby - Albertson Public Library
Lobby in the Albertson Public Library.
Albertson Public Library - Front exterior circa 1960
Albertson Public Library - Front exterior circa 1960. From the private collection of Tim Orwick.
Captain Charles L. Albertson Dies
Mentioned: Captain Charles L. Albertson, Charles Albertson, Florida Sanitarium, Albertson Public Library, Mrs. Lillian Albertson, Lake Jennie Jewell.
Silver Anniversary Cover
Cover from the program for Albertson Public Library 25th anniversary in November 1948. Peruse the entire program and read the history of the...
Albertson Public Library Bookmobile in action
Newspaper photograph showing children and the bookmobile in a country setting publsihed in the Orlando Sentinel on June 1, 1950, 2nd section. Caption:...
Telephone Reference Service - Albertson Public Library - 1949
Telephone Reference Service - Albertson Public Library. This article published in a December 1949 issue of the Orlando Morning Sentinel by George...
Albertson Public Library - Customers At Card Catalog
Customers using the card catalog at the old Albertson Public Library.
Card Catalog - Albertson Public Library
Card catalogs in the old Albertson Public Library.
Albertson Library
Front steps
Albertson Public Library - Orlando Public Library
This is an original painting by James Stoll and is part of the Orlando Remembered display case located on the 4th floor...
Albertson Library
Circa 1964 prior to demolition.
Albertson Library
Circa 1964 prior to demolition.
Albertson Library
Circa 1964 prior to demolition.
Albertson Library
Circa 1964 prior to demolition.
January 1906.
The Albertson Library (Waverly, NY) is featured on the entire front page of the Waverly Free Press. The Press takes the reader room by room listing most of the titles on the shelves in the Library located in one of Captain Albertson's homes.
This is historical accounting of our own Orlando Public Library as these are most likely some of the works that were part of the collection donated by Captain Albertson to create the Albertson Public Library in Orlando.
November 12, 1921. City Commissioners unanimously accepted Capt. Albertson's offer to donate his 12,000 books to the City of Orlando.
November 26, 1921. Articles of Agreement between Charles L. Albertson of Warverly, in the State of New York and the City of Orlando in the State of Florida.
It is mentioned in several places that, in addition to the books and loose leaf encyclopedia, Captain Albertson also presented to the library board a collection of 43 steel engravings of great value. The location of the engravings is still unknown in 2023, one hundred years after the gift was made. A document found recently indicates that the library attempted to sell the engravings in 1955 but found no takers. A note on the report directed staff to "Pack them up and store them." Perhaps one day we will find them.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
First Accession Book showing the first 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Second Accession Book showing the second 10,000 books in the library's opening day collection.
Rules of the newly opened Albertson Public Library
March 11, 1927 Albertson Public Library - Rollins College Letter
Albertson Public Library - Letter from Melvil Dewey - March 29, 1928
Albertson Public Library - Invitation to Melvil Dewey's 80th Birthday Celebration
1931 Albertson Public Library letter from FLA
April 7, 1928 Albertson Public Library - letter from Hamilton Holt of Rollins College
1928 Letter from City of Orlando thanking Albertson Public Library for helping with Halloween festivities.
April 13, 1928 letter to Olive Brumbaugh from the board, notifying her that her pay was being increased by $300 per month and she would have two months vacation each summer.
April 8, 1929 letter from Gov. Carlton's office acknowledging that he would be happy to meet with Miss Brumbaugh when she was next in Tallahassee.
During the financial crunch in 1930, Captain Albertson sent an inquiry to the Buffalo Public Library asking about number of hours staff were required to work per week. They responded to Olive Brumbaugh with humor.
Letter to the Editor, April 9, 1930, on the virtues of the Albertson library and the Rollins College library.
Interesting letter from Genealogy patron describing the location of a book from which they needed information and a map showing exactly where to find it.
Article published November 7, 1930, penned by Olive Brumbaugh on the occasion of the 7th anniversary of the opening of the Albertson Public Library, entitled "A Business That Grows and Grows."
Orlando newspaper article mentioning the APL as "one of the finest in the South," and Olive Brumbaugh, "Orlando Proves to be a Popular Hoosier Resort."
Due to financial crisis later to be called "The Great Depression," the library budget was cut by 25 percent.
Case brought against the library and Miss Brumbaugh by disgruntled staff ends.
Newspaper clipping referencing letter to edition in a Delaware County, New York newspaper, praising the services of the staff at the Albertson Public Library under the direction of Olive Brumbaugh.
Letter from Edward P. Moses of Tampa concerning the bill before the Florida Legislature regarding providing library services to unincorporated sections of counties dated April 26, 1931.
Olive Brumbaugh's writing for publication in the local newspaper on the 10th Anniversary of the opening of the Albertson Public Library ten years prior on November 8, 1923.
Albertson Public Library - Letter from Children's Author Lois Lenski - 1944
This commemorative booklet was created in celebration of the Silver Anniversary of the opening of the establishment of the Albertson Public Library in Orlando. The booklet lists the Board of Directors, Librarian and staff and presents the history of the library from its beginnings with the Sorosis Club of Orlando.
Page 20 of the Orlando Brief includes photos of the Albertson Public Library and the Orlando Municipal Auditorium (Bob Carr Auditorium). The auditorium is hardly recognizable if you see it today as a façade was added to the front of the building that altered the entrance area many years ago.
Clara Wendel, Book Shelf, Corner Cupboard Feb. 3, 1950
Albertson Public Library - Orlando Evening Star Article, David Flick, Mrs. Floyd H. Bruton, Clara Wendel, circa 1951
Albertson Public Library, Orlando Evening Star Article, January 16, 1953.
Albertson Public Library, Orlando Evening Star Article, January 17, 1953.
Albertson Public Library, Orlando Evening Star Article,February 8, 1953
Albertson Public Library - Orlando Evening Star Article, February 10, 1953, Wintson Henderson, Mrs. Kenneth Rogers, Donald Walker, Rev. Louie Blackwell
Albertson Public Library - Orlando Evening Star Article - March 11, 1953: Clara Wendel, Wintson Henderson, Walter Reed
I have a postcard of the Albertson Library, postmarked 1939 if anyone is interested in it.,
Greetings Ben! We received the postcard and will have it online shortly on our post https://orlandomemory.info/topics/orlando-history-through-postcards/ Thanks again for sending us the postcard! THE ORLANDO MEMORY TEAM
We have several on Orlando Memory. We are curious to know if it is one of the ones already on the site. We’ll email you directly. Thanks for visiting and sharing your comments. We hope you will explore all the posts on the Orlando Memory homepage as we’ve been scanning items from the archives in honor of the library’s 100th anniversary this year. THE ORLANDO MEMORY TEAM