HAGERSTOWN, Md. — Libraries are buildings that contain books about history, but no one thinks about the history of the library itself. Old Washington County Library is one of the greatest attractions in the region, but how much do any of us know about it or the man who designed it?
Traveling down Summit Avenue, the sight of a two-story beige stone structure immediately captures attention. Built in the Neo-Georgian style, which was made popular in 17th and 18th centuries Europe, became a popular trend again in the United States in the 19th century. This style of design was highlighted by grand entranceways with massive pillars of stone greeting the building’s visitors.
The Old Washington County Library was built in 1900 and was designed by Cumberland, Maryland, native Bruce Price (1845-1903). Price was a highly respected and sought after architect whose influence stretched across the globe. He began his career studying at Princeton University and then returned to Maryland, interning in Baltimore.
After a trip to Europe where he studied the popular renaissance design techniques, he returned to the states and set up shop in New York City. There he built his legacy of design when he created many of the scenic locations such as the Bank of Metropolis and the American Surety Building. The popularity of his designs would lead him to Canada, Europe and all around the United States where he helped create spectacular buildings, including the library back here in Washington County.
Price died at the young age of 57 while in Paris, working on a collaboration with French architect, Jules Henri de Silbour (1872-1938), whose work is well known around Washington, D.C.
While Price was never a resident of Washinton County, the building that he created still stands as a tribute to him and his structural genius. The Old Washington County Library was in operation from 1901 until 1965. In 1905, the library became well-known for launching the first-ever “bookmobile” which took books around the region using a horse-drawn carriage. It was added to the U.S. National Register of Historic Places in 1978.
The historic building still stands at 21 Summit Ave. and is still being put to good use as the home of the Garland E. Groh Foundation, which helps support local charitable organizations such as Arc of Washington County and the local arts through their work with the Maryland Symphony Orchestra. Libraries may be known for their wealth of historical knowledge contained within, but their true history lies in the stones that make them. Brilliant minds like Bruce Price and the hard-working men and women who helped create the structure and legacy of the building.
