HOPKINS HALL
In 1897, the citizens organized the "Lake Helen Improvement Association." They met at first in the Congregational Church. Then, a community house was built and opened Christmas Eve, 1898. Mr. Currier gave the lot on North Euclid Avenue and Mrs. Willard Hopkins, a large amount of the money for the building with the understanding that there be a library. She had brought down books from her home especially for the use of the children. They had been kept at the home of Mrs. J. P. Mace, who acted as librarian. After the death of Mrs. Hopkins, her son, Samuel E. Hopkins carried out her wish in giving $1,000 for an endowment fund. When the Village Improvement Association came to an end, he gave the building and the money to the town on the condition that they keep up the library. There are about eighteen hundred books with a monthly circulation of one hundred. The librarian is Mrs. Laura Bunger. Besides housing the library, Hopkins Hall is used as a community center.
Excerpt from, The History of DeLand and Lake Helen, Florida.
Written by, Helen Parce DeLand.
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