Discover Marlboro: Flatiron Building/ Old Location of the Marlboro Free Library

Discover Marlboro: Flatiron Building/ Old Location of the Marlboro Free Library

  • <p>Flatiron Building [photograph]. (Early 1900s). Marlboro Free Library: Local History Collection.</p>
  • <p>Marlboro Free Library [photograph]. (n.d.). Marlboro Free Library: Local History Collection.</p>
  • <p>Ceremony outside of the Marlboro Free Library [photograph]. (n.d.). Marlboro Free Library: Local History Collection. </p>
  • <p>Marlboro Free Library [photograph]. (n.d.). Marlboro Free Library: Local History Collection. </p>

Originally built sometime during the 1800s, the Flatiron Building sat at the corner of King and Main Street, and received its nickname from its similarities to the famous Flatiron Building in Manhattan. The first photo depicts what this area looked like during the early 1900s. The town’s public washrooms and jailhouse sat just behind the Flatiron Building. Sanborn Fire Insurance Maps from the time indicate that in 1886 a harness shop was located here, while in 1895, it was listed as a partially vacant dwelling.

In the early 1920s, the Flatiron Building was torn down, as it was noted to be an “ancient wooden monstrosity,” and was replaced by the Marlboro Free Library. The Library procured this site after raising funds from numerous town fundraisers, including Old Home Week in 1911-1913. The Library began serving the public here from 1921 until 1978, when it moved to its current location on the corner of Bloom Street and Route 9W.

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In front of the old Library, sits the town's World War I monument, honoring the community members who served during this war.

Sources

Amodeo. E., Pagnotta, J. & Cosgrove, J. (2012). Images of America: Marlborough (p. 58). Charleston, SC: Arcadia Publishing.

“Marlboro Free Library: 100 Years Celebration 1911-2011. (2011). Hudson River Valley Heritage.

Plank, W. (1959). History of the Town of Marlborough (p. 18). Marlborough, NY: The Fifty-Niner.

Town of Marlborough Bi-Centennial Committee (1978). Picture Book: As We Were- As We Are: Marlborough-Milton. NY. (p. 50). Saugerties, NY:Hope and Farm Press Bookshop.