(Click thumbnail for more images)
Ever since Beebe Library unveiled its new web site in 2008, a key element of the library’s web presence has been its repository of nearly 700 photos stored and publicly displayed on flickr.com. In addition to being neatly organized and categorized as collections of images on Beebe Library’s own flickr page, these photos are integrated and woven into every aspect of the library’s web site.

The Library’s photos on flickr.com include everything from Historical Images of Wakefield to photos of library programs and displays. There are collections of old Wakefield picture postcards dating back nearly 100 years and well as postcards of Wakefield’s legendary Pleasure Island amusement park from the 1960s. See images of the theme park called “the Disneyland of the East.”

The online photo collection also includes photos from the collection of Wakefield photographer and historian Joseph Payro, as well as images from Wakefield’s days as a center of the rattan/wicker furniture industry. See photos of workers inside Cyrus Wakefield’s rattan furniture factories, and examples of some of the earliest wicker furniture from the Heywood-Wakefield Company.

There are pictures of Beebe Library dating back to its original construction in 1922. The “Library Building” set of photos includes a photo spread that appeared in a 1924 issue of Architecture magazine showing the exterior and interior of the original library building, designed by architect Ralph Adams Cram, as it looked shortly after the building first opened.

Other sets offer photos of Wakefield school buildings, past and present, including the Montrose, Greenwood, Franklin, Doyle and Dolbeare school buildings. See images of Wakefield churches from the early 20th century to the present, including interiors and exteriors of the original St. Joseph Church. You can even view old pictures from the earliest days of Camp Curtis Guild.

You can also get in the mood for the 2nd Annual “Blossoms at the Beebe” fundraiser/party on March 28, 2009 by viewing photos from last year’s event. Last year’s two-day weekend celebration featured a gala party with dancing to live music of The Transistors (left) on Saturday night and Family Day events on Sunday. “Blossoms at the Beebe” was so successful it will be an annual event each spring.

There are several ways to view Beebe Library’s collection of nearly 700 photos online. Click on any of the “thumbnail photos at left to get started. From anywhere on the library’s web site – under the “About Wakefield” tab, click “Historical Images.” You can also scroll down to the bottom of the library’s web site and see a random selection of thumbnail photos. Click on any one and you will be taken to the library’s Flickr page and hundreds more photos. Of course, you can always go directly to Beebe Library’s flickr photo page.
Photos are added on a regular basis, so there’s always something new to see.

Categories: Library News