The New York Public Library, 1911–13, as Reported by John H. Fedeler
New York Public Library, 1910
For decades, the public have walked up the marble steps of The New York Public Library (Stephen A. Schwarzman Building) to admire the building. One would first notice the Library's lions, Patience and Fortitude, resting regally on their pedestals while watching all the visitors who would pass by them. Once through, the revolving doors Astor Hall awaited.
One person who witnessed the opening of the Library was John F. Fedeler, the first superintendent and building engineer. A blog post about about the Library's supervisors details information about The New York Public Library's live-in superintendents.
Fedeler had accepted the position to manage The New York Public Library's "Central Building" in 1910. This would be a 24/7 job. With Fedeler's living quarters inside the Library, the question to ask is, "How did Fedeler handle his job during the early years?" Everything was new in this massive structure. Fedeler was on the go the minute he took on the responsibility of keeping the Library running. His colorful background would prove valuable in managing the Library. Fedeler's comments in published articles note that he trained at the Harvard Engineering School, spent ten years working as a draughtmen for Thomas Edison and others, and tenured five years as superintendent for the massive Produce Exchange Building (now demolished).
New York Public Library, 1907
Fedeler arrived as the Library was undergoing the final construction phase. His reports from 1911 to 1913—specifically to John Shaw Billings (1838-1913), the Library's first director—are informative. The Library's letterhead indicates that for some time Billings remained at the Astor Library Building at 425 Lafayette Street.
Fedeler typed meticulous reports about the daily activities of the building, costs, employees, and other matters. The scope of his supervision extended far beyond what would be expected from a modern building manager and engineer. Some of the reports were information heavy, others were insightful or unintentionally funny, while still other reports show concern for his fellow workers. Let's take a look at some excerpts.
New York Public Library Boiler Room, 1907
Memorandum(s) for Dr. John S. Billings, Director
"I have been instructed by Mr. Lydenberg that the care and watching of the picture galleries will not be dependent upon me. I therefore take the liberty of informing you what I have done up to the present time." May 1, 1911. (Note. Lydenberg was the Library's third director from 1934 to 1941.)
"The third chandelier from the south end of the room #225 has broken on two occasions and is liable to fall down on a reader. We have just tied it up the second time with ropes...I recommend that the architects be notified about these matters." July 7, 1911.
"On the night of July 14th one of the readers fell asleep in the Main Reading Room and must have remained all night underneath one of the tables...when he tried to sneak out he was held by a porter until he was examined. A book entitled The Wizard of the Sea was found in his possession. " July 14, 1911.
"We find that the ornamental bronze waste-baskets which were furnished by the contractors are injuring the office desks wherever they are used...I recommend that we take all these bronze waste-baskets... and replace them with ordinary wicker baskets. The bronze ones should be stored..." July 21, 1911. ( Note. Billings did not approve.)
"I am informed by coal dealers that there is a freshly mined coal on the market and I therefore ask you to permit me to store about seven hundred tons of coal in our bunkers for emergency cases during the next winter." October 25, 1911.
"Mr. Corcoran, of the Park Department, has a grand master key to this building. He used to come in after ten and eleven at night prowling around in the dark inspecting furniture. The Park Department may not be able to employ as reliable a man as Mr. Corcoran and unless we can get our grand master key and other keys the Department has back, I recommend that we change the combination in the locks of our outside doors." December 26, 1911.
"Edward McCormack was struck on the head by highway men and robbed of his month's pay in Bryant Park on February 29th. His head has to be operated on and may take some time to heal. I recommend that the Library allow him half-pay during confinement." March 26, 1912.
Suffrage parade in May 1913, Fifth Avenue, from reviewing stand in front of public library, N.Y.
"On account of the Staff meeting to-night and the desire of the ladies to have refreshments served in the court, I have taken some of the old wires left by the contractors and rigged up some extra illumination for them. I also borrowed a few park benches and placed some boxes with old boards along the sides of the court for seats." June 4, 1912.
"Mr. J. L. Gilbert of the N.Y. Stock Exchange lost $85,000 in the men's toilet room on the third floor yesterday. The colored porter found the money and it was returned. He received a reward of fifty dollars, and, as such an unusual amount was involved, I made no objection." October 4, 1912.
"During the women's suffrage parade our rooms facing 5th Avenue were made uninhabitable to readers by the disorder of people wanting to see the parade. They were up on the chairs and radiators, and when we tried to maintain order we were abused. According to the law we must only use persuasion or send for a policeman if that won't do. We tried this and were abused by the women who immediately became worse when the officer had gone." October 11, 1912.
Indicator Main Reading Room
"We have recently had a number of visitors who, out of pure 'cussedness,' have refused to show any books they were carrying out of the building. I went down to see and one of these men myself this morning to ask his reason for not conforming with the rules. He told me that he wanted to see what I could do about it. " (Note. The visitor told him to call a policeman and Fedeler told him to stay out the building. The visitor replied by showing him the books which proved to be personal property.) January 31, 1913.
A memorandum circa 1911 reflects Fedeler insights about the "new" New York Public Library. Here are the hightlights:
"Since the opening of the New York Public Library entertained 1, 590,00 visitors and judging from the expressions of many the building with its content has made a gratifying impression. There is no question but that the building is a beautiful monument to the City of New York, of which its citizens may be proud.
The maintenance of the New York Public Library as a collection of books and a source of information should not be confused with the maintenance of the New York Public Library as a monument.The funds intrusted to the trustees should be applied more to the purchase of books and the maintenance of a library staff than that of the building.The propagation and diffusion of knowledge by the contents of the building far surpass the educational features of the Library as a building."
Federler's ended with the following comments: "The New York Public Library should be the greatest in the world. The finest building has been provided which is open for more hours than any other library and those in charge hope it will some day contain the most valuable collection, so that future generations may be benefitted thereby." JHF*MG.
Fedeler's Family
Fedeler and his wife Cornelia Dingley Fedeler raised their three children inside The New York Public Library. Fedeler, now a widower, moved to Miami, Florida. One of his sons, John H. Ephraim Fedeler became the chief engineer for The New York Public Library. When he retired in 1949, Fedeler, Jr. gave a first-hand account of what it was like to live in the Library to the New York Times. He, along with his sister Viviani Joffre Fedeler (born in The New York Public Library), and his younger brother Edouard would have the run of the library. He found another use for the large reference books. When the library was closed they served as bases for softball games.
Further Reading
The New York Public Library : a universe of knowledge, Phyllis Dain.