Charles Francis Himes: his role in the evolution of the Hamilton Library Association
by Andrew Averill
Perhaps one of Charles Francis Himes most enduring legacies was his lifelong effort to improve Carlisle’s local library and historical society, the Hamilton Library Association. Himes’ efforts as member, and later, as president of the Association provide tremendous insight into Himes’ considerable skills as historian, archivist, and administrator.
The Formation of the Hamilton Library
Association
The Hamilton Library Association was the brain child of the prominent
Carlilian, James Hamilton. Later in life Mr. Hamilton realized the
lack of, and definite need for, a public library and museum for historical
artifacts. It was the hope of Mr. Hamilton that the people of Carlisle
have at their disposal a place where their intellectual efforts might find
fertile ground. Furthermore, Hamilton stressed the importance of
such a place for the young people of Carlisle. His hope of a more
learned and intellectual society is perhaps best embodied in the explicit
steps he took to see his dream come to fruition. In the final draft
of his will, Hamilton spelled out his plan for the library’s creation:
Believing that a Town Library would be of great advantage to Carlisle, I give and devise...the two story brick dwelling house, situated on High street, adjoining the house and lot in which I now reside in the borough of Carlisle, together with the yard, garden and outbuildings and appurtenances...1
With the donation of a structure, the Hamilton Library was well on its
way to becoming a reality. Also bequeathed to the organization was
two thousand dollars provided to the society to assist in the early formative
period. The actual effort to create the society came about on January
10, 1874 when a committee was formed with the goal of creating the society’s
charter. The committee drew up a constitution and created a charter
dated April 21, 1874.
During the early years the Hamilton Library experienced a period
of financial strain. As a result the construction on the library
was slowed dramatically. In a September 13, 1882 article in the American
Volunteer one see’s a sense that the lack of completion of the building
was frustrating the local community and the Board of Directors as well.
The American Volunteer ‘s words express this frustration:
We have been informed that months ago this building would have been completely finished in itself and surroundings, had it not been that workmen were otherwise engaged, and none regretted the unsightly condition of the place more than the directors. But as soon as possible every thing necessary will be finished; and the place will then present a far more attractive appearance than it does now. We hope the friends will have a little more patience and forbearance.2
Perhaps the greatest reason for this early financial strain was a drop
in the value in the many shares of Pennsylvania Rail Road stock held by
the society. During this time of market devaluation, the progress
of the society was slowed dramatically. Soon however the value of
the society’s stock rose again and an excess of money was available to
continue construction. Following this period of financial uncertainty,
the Hamilton Library was firmly rooted in Carlisle and its place in the
community was soon felt.
A description of the physical structure of the Hamilton Library
perhaps lends the best insight into how eclectic its collection was.
For many, the use of the word library evokes images of shelves upon shelves
of books. For the Hamilton Library however, this couldn’t be farther
from the truth. The Library Association had in its possession several
important historical artifacts, many of which had direct ties to the local
community. In the entrance of the library by 1901, the following
items could be observed: a flax brake, a spinning wheel and distaff for
tow, ten plate stove “Peter Ege Pine Grove”, another ten plate stove “George
Ege Mount Holly Iron Works”, a flail, an ox yoke, a lantern, waffle iron,
and a dutch oven. While of course the library made a concerted effort
to acquire volumes, items such as these were available for inspection from
the local community.
Charles Francis Himes’ enduring legacy at the Hamilton Library
Association is undeniable. Himes was a prolific writer submitting
countless articles to the society. Himes also played an essential
role as president as well. An examination of Himes’ work as historical
author as well as his publications as president reveal a great deal about
the nature of the Hamilton Library Association and about Himes himself
as well.
Charles Francis Himes: Local Historian and Published Author
Some of the best examples of Charles Francis Himes’
dedication to the study of history are the many articles he wrote for the
Hamilton Library. These articles, which were read before the members
of the Association, presented topics ranging from a biography of noted
scholar John Dickinson to a contemporaneous discussion of Native American
affairs. With a closer look at these two articles, Himes’ broad knowledge
of the past and present becomes apparent.
One of the most intriguing articles Himes presented to the Hamilton
Library Association was titled, “An Account of Illustrated Talks to Noted
Indian Chiefs on Scientific Subjects on Their Visits to the Carlisle Indian
School”. Himes presented this piece on November 17, 1916. In
this article Himes’ progressive thoughts on the topic of Native American
relations were presented. As Himes described his interactions with
several Native American chiefs, his belief that white people and Native
Americans should strive to find ways to live harmoniously. Furthermore,
this forward thinking scholar empathized with the plight of Native Americans
and made no attempts to skirt the white man’s history of brutality.
Himes described the theft of Native American land by colonizing Europeans:
Each nation in its eagerness to get a share in the great domain based a claim to some particular portion of the Continent on the so-called “Right of Discovery;” and by common consent this right was regarded as paramount to any right of the then occupiers of the soil. This right...became the established foundation of the title of European nations to territory in America, without the slightest regard to the rights of the native tribes.3
Himes’ words speak volumes to his empathetic nature and reveal how forward thinking he was, even later in life. This theme of understanding and cooperation with other races continues in Himes’ article:
But there is every reason to believe that there are still bigger things to be found further on, and the White Man is still going on, and he wants the Indian to go with him, and help him if he wishes.4
Charles Francis Himes’ dedication to spreading understanding and tolerance
to people of all races and cultures is one of his greatest character traits
and speaks well of his strong moral fiber.
Another article that lends a good view into Himes’ intellectual
focus is a piece presented to the Association on February 23, 1912.
The article, entitled The True John Dickinson, lends a excellent view into
Himes’ dedication to history, especially local history. The very
title of the piece reveals Himes’ dedication to history as he seeks not
to give a brief biography of John Dickinson, but rather to reveal the trueJohn
Dickinson. Himes’ words seek to unveil the truth about Dickinson’s
life and to expose the popular misconception that Dickinson was a British
supporter during the American Revolution:
But I have been led more particularly to the consideration of his character this evening, because there is, perhaps, no prominent statesman of his period who has been more completely misunderstood or more unjustly judged, or the study of whose character more essentially requires the historic perspective afforded by lapse of time for a just and complete estimate of him as a statesman and patriot.5
Himes’ words tell a great deal of his view of the historical craft. Clearly Himes is aware of his place in the scope of American History as he hopes to view Dickinson from his present time of 1912. Furthermore, by seeking to expose the faults in the popularly held view of Dickinson, Himes reveals his desire to become a true historian and not merely a superficial scholar.
Charles Francis Himes: President and Administrator
Himes’ efforts to forward the cause of the historian manifested themselves in many ways. Clearly as author Himes was dedicated to the study of history. In another, perhaps more abstract way, Himes focused on history as the president of the Hamilton Library Association. As president, Himes made sure the Association was financially sound and that the members were active and their numbers were growing. In his report as president for the year ending 1902, Himes words expressed this effort:
It was thought that the usefulness and efficiency of the Association in all directions would be increased by bringing it into closer touch with a greater number of individuals...the number of elected and accepting members enrolled, each of whom has paid the entrance fee of $2.00, has been increased to 120, not limited to residents of the borough.6
Without question, Himes goal as president of the Association was to
increase its numbers and extend the availability of its resources to its
members. Surely the mark of an effective president.
As Himes’ tenure as president of the Association progressed his
focus on the advancement of the historical craft remained unwavering.
In his report as president from the year ending 1907, Himes describes his
pragmatic policy on distribution of the Association’s publications:
As the editions of the papers published are necessarily limited, copies are not supplied to members, as they might not be desired by every one in all cases; but a nominal price is placed upon the several publications, after reserving a sufficient number for exchanges. On this plan it is believed the publications will go into the hands of those especially interested in them, and will be more likely to be preserved.7
Himes’ ingenious plan to selectively publish the Association’s work
reveals how committed he was to seeing the Association progress.
Rather than waste the Hamilton’s limited resources, Himes’ proposal brings
about a happy medium. Those members who wish to own a particular
paper are free to do so. Other like-minded societies were also welcome
to own a copy. Those who did not want the given paper did not receive
it, thereby eliminating waste. This policy exemplifies Himes’ administrative
style.
By 1911 and 1912 Himes’ role as president of the Hamilton had
reached its heights. Furthermore, the Association itself had, in
many ways, also achieved a sense of maturity. Financially and structurally
sound, James Hamilton’s vision of a place where the Carlisle public might
find fertile intellectual ground had been achieved. In his report
for the years 1911 and 1912, Himes testifies to the importance of the Association
to one particular facet of Carlisle’s people:
The use of the library by the pupils of the High School, in the preparation of the Lamberton Prize Essays, at times more than taxes the room at their disposal. As it becomes more generally known that the use of the library is not restricted to members of the Association, but that it is an absolutely free public library, it may be expected that its use will increase.8
Under the expert guidance of Charles Francis Himes, the Hamilton Library expanded its positive influence on the local community. Himes’ role as the Association’s president, during this era of success, pays testament to his selfless dedication to the study of history by local citizens and dedicated historians alike.
Charles Francis Himes: Dedicated Historian
Throughout his life Charles Francis Himes’ dedication to the study
of history was steadfast. Himes expressed this love of history in
two main ways. First as author Himes found an outlet that allowed
him to expose the inequities of our collective history. Also Himes
sought to better his present America, by exploring our past. Himes
also found a slightly different means of focusing on history. As
president of the Hamilton Library Association, Himes made concerted efforts
to improve on the library’s facilities and the resources its offered the
public. During his tenure, Himes witnessed the Association expand
and welcome new members. This is due in no small part to Himes’ effective
administration.
With a look at Charles Francis Himes lifelong relationship with
the Hamilton Library Association, the true nature of Himes as historian
becomes apparent. Himes constantly sought to redefine what is perceived
as the historical truth. Himes also sought to bring history’s more
elusive topics down to the level of the common man. Carlisle Pennsylvania
and its surroundings owes Himes a debt of gratitude. Without the
presence of this eminent local historian, Carlisle’s intellectual environment
would surely not be as rich as it is today.
Endnotes
1 William Homer Ames, “History of the Hamilton Library”, 3. Copy
found in the Charles Francis Himes Family
Collection, Archives and Special
Collections, Dickinson College, Carlisle PA.
2 American Volunteer, September 13,1882. Carlisle, PA. Copy found
in the Charles Francis Himes Family
Collection, Archives and Special Collections,
Dickinson College, Carlisle PA.
3 Charles Francis Himes. “An Account of Illustrated Talks to
Noted Indian Chiefs on Scientific Subjects on
Their Visits to the Carlisle Indian School”, 3. Copy found in the Charles Francis Himes Family Collection,
Archives and Special Collections, Dickinson College, Carlisle PA.
4 Charles Francis Himes. “An Account of Illustrated Talks to
Noted Indian Chiefs on Scientific Subjects on
Their Visits to the Carlisle Indian School”, 4. Copy found in the Charles Francis Himes Family Collection,
Archives and Special Collections, Dickinson College, Carlisle PA.
5 Charles Francis Himes. “The True John Dickinson”, 2. Copy found
in the Charles Francis Himes Family
Collection, Archives and Special Collections,
Dickinson College, Carlisle PA.
6 Charles Francis Himes, “Annual Report to the Hamilton Library
Association of Carlisle, Penn’a., For 1902.”,
4. Copy found in the Charles Francis Himes Family Collection, Archives and Special Collections, Dickinson
College, Carlisle, PA.
7 Charles Francis Himes, “Annual Report to the Hamilton Library
Association of Carlisle, Penn’a., For 1907.”,
3. Copy found in the Charles Francis Himes Family Collection, Archives and Special Collections, Dickinson
College, Carlisle, PA.
8 Charles Francis Himes, “Annual Report to the Hamilton Library
Association of Carlisle, Penn’a., For
1911-1912.”, 4. Copy found in the Charles Francis Himes Family Collection, Archives and Special
Collections,
Dickinson College, Carlisle, PA.