We’re gearing up here at the library for an active summer. Come, celebrate the end of the school year at our Annual Backyard Event on June 23rd at 5:30 pm. This year it will be bigger and better than ever!
Brian Richards will return to entertain young and old alike with magic, puppets and silly antics – he’s a hoot! Show begins at 6:30 – bring your blanket and reserve your space!
In addition to the magic and comedy, we’ll be celebrating our 100th Anniversary. Kids can enjoy 1920’s style games, photo ops and a food truck- Fresh Forte’s Burgers (a no cook night!). And the spectacular replica of the Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library will be open for all to explore and enjoy!
Moving into July, in addition to the regular Wednesday Story Hour, Miss Kim has tons of fun planned for kids. Art and craft projects and outdoor activities are already on the schedule.
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 Community Service Award— Judy Misoyianis! For many, many years, Judy has transformed her home into holiday displays to the joy of all who see them. If you want to convey Mill Street to someone outside of Vincentown, “the street with the Gingerbread House,” suffices. She is also an integral member of the Vincentown Garden Club, and a driving force of the barrel initiative. She and her counterpart, Betty Allen, share their wonderful creativity and talents each year at Smithville and have donated their displays to be further enjoyed at the Children’s Library. In 2004, Judy was a part of the committee that helped residents recover from the flood. We appreciate her kindness and generosity with her time and talents. Through her artistry, Judy makes our community a better place to live.
Everyone is invited to help us celebrate Judy on Tuesday, May23rd at 6pm at the library. We will hold an award ceremony and have a reception with light refreshments immediately after.
The Board of Trustees is pleased to announce the winner of the 2023 Community Service Award— Judy Misoyianis! For many, many years, Judy has transformed her home into holiday displays to the joy of all who see them. If you want to convey Mill Street to someone outside of Vincentown, “the street with the Gingerbread House,” suffices. She is also an integral member of the Vincentown Garden Club, and a driving force of the barrel initiative. She and her counterpart, Betty Allen, share their wonderful creativity and talents each year at Smithville and have donated their displays to be further enjoyed at the Children’s Library. In 2004, Judy was a part of the committee that helped residents recover from the flood. We appreciate her kindness and generosity with her time and talents. Through her artistry, Judy makes our community a better place to live.
Everyone is invited to help us celebrate Judy on Tuesday, May23rd at 6pm at the library. We will hold an award ceremony and have a reception with light refreshments immediately after.
This announcement, celebrating the 50 year anniversary of the Vincentown Library’s founding and dated 1917, is signed by S.S. Herbert, Secretary of the Library Association.
Southampton has had a version of a library since 1867. The first public library in the village of Vincentown was privately owned by John G Herbert, who loaned his books to the residents. He had a select school on Plum Street, which was part of his home. Mr. Herbert was a Yale graduate. He and his daughters ran the school from 1858-1898. (D. Best)
It is time to formally introduce you to our namesake. Sally Stretch Keen was born Sarah Stretch Eayre, to Thomas Wilkins Eayre and Sarah (Sally) Howell (Stretch) Eayre at Grove Hill Farm in Lumberton, October 29, 1841. She married William Hudson Irick on March 10, 1863. The couple lived at his estate, Locust Grove on Retreat Road, which was built 1833. Census details show that W.H. Irick was a master farmer. In 1864, their only child, Mary Stretch Irick, was born. In 1871, William died, leaving his entire estate to Sally. Four years later, Sally married Charles Joseph Keen of Philadelphia. Charles was the half brother of her first husband– Charles and William were both the sons of Matillda Burr. Charles and Mary had no children. Census data shows that Locust Grove was listed as Sally’s until she died, while Charles owned a house on 18th Street in Philadelphia. Charles died March 13, 1904 and is buried at Laurel Hill Cemetery in Philadelphia. Sally lived another 14 years, and died on June 29, 1918 at the age of 76. She is buried next to William at St. Andrew’s Graveyard in Mt. Holly.
Of all the images that we found during our research, this is a favorite. Posed in front of a curtain backdrop, Sally is looking down modestly at a ring on her right hand as a gentleman stands facing her, hands behind back, not touching her and with a look of great affection. On the back was written “Sally Stretch Keen and maybe William Irick?”
Why the question? Sally had two husbands, William Irick from 1863 until he died in 1871 and in 1875 she married William’s half brother, Charles Keen. So who is the gentleman, William or Charles?
The type of printing and the clothing did not clarify matters; both were from the 1860-1870’s period. A photo of William does show he resembles the man in the image. We were unable to find a photo of Charles, however, we did find a copy of his passport. The description also fits this gentleman. Based on their ages and the fact they were closely related, it could be either of them.
Looking at the pose in the photo, we think we may have the answer. We believe this is Charles Keen. And an engagement photo. Notice that Sally is looking serenely at the ring on her right hand. It is a longstanding tradition that widows move the wedding ring from their deceased husband from their left hand to the right. We think her pose appears to be one of modesty and honoring William, her late husband, while Charles looks at her intently, close but not touching, signifying their intent to marry.
Could it be that the image is reversed and she is looking at her left hand? Not likely. Older daguerreotypes created a flipped image, however, this image is printed as a full sized “carte de viste” and would have used a glass plate negative, causing the image to be correct.
We are fortunate to have a few of the letters that Sally saved. One is from Charles and would have been from around the time we are guessing this photograph was taken. It further supports our theory. We will share that next time. Whether this is Willam or Charles, it is abundantly clear that Sally was loved.
An early sketch of the library done by Stewardson & Page architects. (1921) Note the windows at the front of the building were changed for the final design. The original plan for the library also had a fireplace on the north wall, where the chimney is located. Cope & Stewardson, which became Stewardson & Page, were known for their design of institutional buildings. Much of the Penn campus and other local universities were designed by the firm. They also were architects for many of the city’s elite. https://www.philadelphiabuildings.org/…/ar…/25417
Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library 