Helen Matthes Gives Her Blessing on Library's Last Day

Print

Published on July 31 2015 5:25 pm
Last Updated on July 31 2015 5:25 pm
Written by Greg Sapp

When Paul Eiche died in the 1950s, he left funds for a public library building. His one stipulation is that the library be named in memory of his late mother, Helen Matthes Eiche.

His request was honored, and Helen Matthes Library has been part of the Effingham landscape since 1956. However, a lack of additional land led library officials to look elsewhere for a new home after two additions had been built. Land was purchased on the city's north side in the area where the Richard E. Workman Sports and Wellness Complex is being built. When that site didn't work out, a survey was conducted as to where library patrons wanted the new library located. The winning option was a downtown location. 

(ONE LAST LOOK AT THE STACKS IN THE CURRENT LIBRARY HOME ON MARKET AVENUE)

When the former 5th/3rd Bank became an option, the City of Effingham purchased the facility as the future library home. The renovation of the former bank building began last fall and the work should be completed within a month or so. In the meantime, a temporary library is being located in the Council chambers at Effingham City Hall.

However, the need to box up the items being moved to the new home meant the closing of the current facility and Friday was the day.

(LIBRARY DIRECTOR AMANDA McKAY STANDS BY ONE OF THE DEDICATORY PLAQUES MARKING ONE OF THE EXPANSIONS AT THE MARKET AVENUE FACILITY)

Patrons were invited by throughout the day to view the Market Avenue location one last time and to enjoy refreshments and the chance to meet Helen Matthes, in the person of local re-enactor Patty Winn.

Patty said Helen and her young son, Paul, moved from Ohio and lived with her father. Helen's husband had died in Ohio. As Paul grew, he was surrounded by his mother with singing around the piano and group readings of written works. She thinks that's what led Paul to leave funds for a library named in his mother's memory.

By the way, Helen will still be remembered in the new facility, to be known as Effingham Public Library. The portrait of Helen and Paul, mother and son, will be featured in the new location.