Last Sunday, March 20th 2011, was the grand opening of the new Cambridge City Library. According to Vicki Meek, head librarian, there was an estimated crowd of between 300-500 people.
The day after the grand opening the library was a bustle of excitement. People were checking out the new computers and rows of books. Children were reading, coloring and trying out the large screen computers in the children’s section.
People of all ages were searching for and enjoying books and the beautiful new library. On the lower floor of the library is the Overbeck sisters museum. The Overbeck family siblings were comprised of six sisters and one brother. All of the Oberbeck women were accomplished artists in pottery, paintings and water colors. One of the sisters was a musician, having studied music abroad.
Though none of the sisters had children of their own (only one sister actually married) they adored their brother’s two children. They also enjoyed other children as Mary Frances indicated in the creation of a ship with figurines for the children of the library to enjoy.
Pottery, paintings, figurines and the ship are all on display in the Overbeck Museum. Vicki shared that the original cases are still being used and that the builders actually designed the room to fit those cases. It was a difficult job, according to the builders, but well worth it once you witness the results. To learn more about the family there is a book available in the library and a video created by Natalie Richert, native of Wayne County, which you can see when you visit the museum.
Another room of interest on the lower level is the “History Room.” About two days a week historians from the community use this space to share history with others or to do their own research.
175th anniversary of Cambridge City
And with this year being the 175th anniversary of Cambridge City, there will be many stories to tell of the history of this town in Wayne County. We look forward to hearing and sharing these stories on GoWayneCounty.com and in our monthly print edition.
Congratulations, Cambridge City residents, on your new library and the Overbeck museum. What a wonderful addition to our County.
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