Paxton History Tour Sites
Thank you for your interest in Paxton's rich history. This page is maintained by the Paxton Chamber of Commerce. To learn more about the 24 selected historic sites around our community, you can either browse this website or preferably visit the site in person and, using the camera on your phone, scan the QR code, which will be displayed at most sites. Each QR code link will bring up a brief history of the site and several pictures. Our goal is to continue to improve this project by adding more historic sites, pictures and information.
Almost all of the QR codes are up around Paxton now!
See map below for locations of QR Codes
The Paxton Carnegie library celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2003.
The Paxton Carnegie Library
The Paxton Carnegie Library remains one of the city’s finest historical landmarks.
Eddy B. Pitney has been called the father of the Carnegie Library. It was his idea from the beginning, and when he raised the subject to the public. Mr. Pitney happened to have personal acquaintance with Mr. Carnegie’s private secretary, and he wrote him inquiring and at once got a reply, in which he was given the guarantee that Mr. Carnegie would give Paxton $10,000. Andrew Carnegie was an American steel tycoon, who donated millions toward education. Over 2,500 Carnegie Libraries were built in the U.S.
With that donation in early 1903, the library was established and Popular Bloomington architect Paul O. Mortz's design was accepted from among a number submitted and construction began in August.
On October 1903 the cornerstone was placed by Harry and George Turner. The interior of the library still resembles its original appearance from 1903 with many furnishings. The Paxton Carnegie Library was dedicated and opened to the community in the summer of 1904 and still serves the citizens of Paxton and is one of the community's greatest resources.
