Businessman, lawyer, and philanthropist Edwin Conant donated the majority of the funds—more than $6,000—to build Sterling’s library as a memorial to his daughter, Elizabeth. The library was dedicated in 1886, three years after her death.

The memorial address, by E. H. Hall ends with, “Why may we not hope that her pure presence will always be felt within the walls which to-day we dedicate, and touch with finer influence all that goes forth from them on errands of enlightenment and cheer?”

Photo courtesy of Evergreen Realty