Healdsburg, Sonoma County
North Bay Loop area, North Coast region
Healdsburg Museum
221 Matheson Street
Healdsburg, CA 95448
opened 1911
Public library from 1911-1988
currently a museum
grant amount: $10,000
architectural style: Classical Revival (Type B)
architect: Brainerd Jones
At the northwest corner of Matheson and Fitch streets, the Healdsburg
Carnegie is just a block from the town's historic central plaza and the site
of the old city hall in which the library was formerly located. The city
hall was demolished long ago and the Classical Revival Carnegie, now a
museum, is Healdsburg's only remaining example of a civic building of
impressive architecture.
The history of Healdsburg's library dates from an 1859 literary society,
although the Russian River Institute established a private library two years
earlier. During several subsequent literary societies and libraries,
including the Masonic Library Association, the book collection seem to have
been passed on. The 1885 WCTU library was given space in city hall in 1889
and became a city library in 1896. Carnegie funding of $10,000 was obtained
in 1909. Petaluma architect Brainerd Jones designed the building, built by
Frank Sullivan. Construction of reinforced concrete faced with a 1/2" layer
of textured white concrete, scored to resemble stone blocks, reflects James
Burton's emphasis on economy, but its craftsmanship is notable. After the
1988 completion of a new library, including a unique wine library, the community
raised funds to convert the Carnegie for an historical museum. A City of
Healdsburg Landmark, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places
in 1988.
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