Gresham Carnegie Library: Preserving the Past

At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, we take pride in supporting the preservation of historic buildings that highlight Oregon’s architectural legacy. This week, we’re featuring the Gresham Carnegie Library, a stunning example of Tudor Revival architecture and a cornerstone of Gresham's cultural history. Now home to the Gresham Historical Society, this iconic building continues to celebrate the past while serving the present.

The Gresham Carnegie Library: A Community Treasure

Constructed between 1912 and 1913 with funding from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation, the Gresham Carnegie Library provided over 50 years of educational resources and a venue for civic events. Today, it is one of 31 Carnegie-built libraries in Oregon, offering a glimpse into the state’s history of public education and community enrichment.

The library’s early beginnings were modest—a public reading room in the back of the town's post office in 1903. By 1908, the growing collection of over 400 books spurred the community to raise funds for a dedicated building. This grassroots effort, combined with Carnegie’s financial support, made the new library a reality.

A Masterpiece of Tudor Revival Design

Architect Folger Johnson, a Columbia University graduate with Parisian Beaux-Arts training, designed the library with meticulous attention to detail. His choice of the Tudor Revival style—reminiscent of English country manors—was both elegant and timeless.

Key architectural features include:

• Herringbone-patterned brickwork and faux half-timbering on the façade.
• Leaded glass windows adorned with carved oak brackets and colophon medallions.
• Original hardwood floors throughout the spacious main reading area, adding warmth and authenticity.
• A Tudor arch framing the front door and redwood accents that complement the warm brick tones.

Inside, natural light floods the large reading room through bay windows, enhancing the charm of the built-in bookcases and wood casement windows.

A Legacy of Learning

Declared the “educational, civic, and social center of Gresham” by The Oregonian in 1914, the library was more than just a repository of books—it was a gathering place for story hours, lectures, and club meetings. This enthusiasm for learning and community persisted until the 1970s when urban growth led to the library’s eventual relocation.

In 1990, the Gresham Historical Society acquired the building, transforming it into the Gresham Historical Museum. Today, the building serves as both a monument to the town's past and a venue for exhibits and events.

Preserving History Through Hardwood

At Rejuvenation Floor & Design, a leading company for flooring in Gresham, we understand the timeless beauty of hardwood flooring, especially in historic spaces like the Gresham Carnegie Library. Hardwood floors not only add character but also stand as a testament to craftsmanship and sustainability.

Whether you’re restoring original floors or installing new hardwood in your home, our selection includes North America's finest brands, offering durability, sustainability, and exquisite finishes. Our team specializes in preserving the character of older homes while delivering modern functionality and style.

Visit Us Today

Restoration and maintenance of historic homes is our passion. Let Rejuvenation Floor & Design help you preserve your home’s legacy with the perfect hardwood flooring. Visit our showroom to explore our wide selection of premium hardwoods and take the first step in bringing history to life in your home.