1854After several years of gathering volumes, the Lyceum opened its library.Arts and Culture, Cultural Institutions

Detroit Publishing Co., Sawyer Free Library, Gloucester, Mass., c. 1906, Still image, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division Washington, D.C., https://www.loc.gov/pictures/item/2016799989/

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Four years earlier Samuel E. Sawyer offered the Lyceum money toward the purchase of books for a circulating library, which was finally opened on August 14, 1854 with 1400 volumes. Citizens paid $1 per year to use the library, but the board was authorized to grant the use of the library to anyone who could not afford to contribute the fee.

Gloucester Lyceum and Sawyer Free Library. Outline of History and Dedication of the Sawyer Free Library of Gloucester, Mass., Tuesday, July 1, 1884. Cape Ann Bulletin Steam Book and Job Print., 1884. p. 2.

Other Events

1854
The almshouse was built on Bridge Street.
1854
The first School Committee minutes were recorded.
1855
Oak Grove Cemetery was consecrated as a park and burial place.
1855
Harriet "Hattie" Johnson, of the prominent Black Freeman family, was born to Harriet and Horace Johnson.

1854After several years of gathering volumes, the Lyceum opened its library.Arts and Culture, Cultural Institutions

Other Events

The almshouse was built on Bridge Street.

The first School Committee minutes were recorded.

Oak Grove Cemetery was consecrated as a park and burial place.

Harriet "Hattie" Johnson, of the prominent Black Freeman family, was born to Harriet and Horace Johnson.