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Willard Carpenter was enamored with the Emma Willard School, a women%u2019s seminary in Troy, New York. So much so, that he decided to found a college and call it Willard rather than Carpenter. He later erected a library instead, but kept the Willard name.Known as Evansville%u2019s %u201cpioneer of public charity,%u201d Carpenter created a trust in 1876 to build and endow his library. Its purpose would be %u201cthe improvement of the moral and intellectual culture of...Evansville.%u201d An active participant in the Underground Railroad, he wanted the library to be for %u201call persons.%u201dConstruction began in 1876, but a depressed economy slowed the process for several years. Carpenter himself supervised construction, consulted closely with architects, and hired all the workmen. He also made certain the best materials were used. A formal opening was finally held on March 28, 1885, making it the state%u2019s oldest public library building.The architectural design had characteristic Victorian features. It included a tower, steeply pitched roofs with ornamental gables, a dramatic color contrast (with light limestone and darker brick), and Gothic-style arched windows. Capitals supporting the arcade%u2019s arches were roughed out for carving, but never completed, perhaps to save money or time. Extensive use of terra cotta for exterior decoration included rosettes and owls (popular symbols of wisdom). The Victorian Gothic theme carried into the interior with woodwork of select quarter-grain oak. Tall doorways and a grand staircase made for an imposing entrance.A veiled lady in grey is said to silently haunt the Willard Library. Some believe the apparition is Louise Carpenter, Willard%u2019s daughter, unhappy that a majority of her father%u2019s estate went to the library. Whoever she is, the Grey Lady is not malevolent. In fact, library employees have come to feel she%u2019s just another staff member. And, they do see her%u2014often. Over the years, there have been hundreds, perhaps even thousands, of encounters. Sometimes they%u2019re accompanied with a musky perfume-like scent. She apparently enjoys moving books, adjusting lights, and turning faucets on and off.Willard Library%u2014%u2014Evansville, IndianaErected in 1885 with a donation by Willard Carpenter, and continues to serve as a library.Non-Carnegie Public Libraries