Library to commemorate special day

June 19 is birth date of boy in whose memory library was built    

Holton Harcourt Wood

  DERBY - The Derby Public Library will commemorate the birthday of Holton Harcourt  Wood, the young boy in whose memory the Library was built, from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. June 19.
  The Library will be decorated with flowers in compliance with Colonel H. Holton Wood’s request, which he made at the dedication of the Library in 1902.
 At that time he asked that flowers be placed throughout the Library every year on the birth date of his son.  His request has been honored ever since.
Several years ago, the Library added the tradition of commemorating this special day with a birthday cake. This time-honored tradition has become well known over the years, throughout the Valley, and beyond, and has been written about in the New York Times.
A plaque in Harcourt’s memory is displayed at the front entrance of the Library.
The public is invited to visit throughout the day for cake and to learn more  about the history of the Library.
For information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org.

The above was provided by Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.