Newberry Library, A Bust and Portrait of my Ancestor Taken by Diane Boumenot

I wrote about the Library in my post, "A Library, A Librarian and Two Cousins" three years ago this month, and have always wanted photos of the interior. My genealogy friend and blogger, Diane Boumenot who writes the blog, One Rhode Island Family mentioned she was going to go to the Newberry Library in Chicago if she had time during a conference. I asked if she did, could she take photos for me. She did a year ago, and I am just now posting them. Thank you, Diane.

My ancestor was the first Librarian at the Newberry, and Diane was aware of that. Below are a bust and portrait of him, William Frederick Poole.

 

The Library stands on the site
formerly occupied by the
Mahlon D. Ogden residence
the only house in the path of
the great fire of 1871
which was not burned.

Presented by the General Henry Dearborn Chapter
Daughters of the American Revolution
1929

Poole's Index of Periodical Literature was written by my 2nd great-grandfather.

A Christmas Gift from the Newberry Library

Imagine my surprise when on December 23rd I received an email and attachment of a beautiful photograph, an oil, taken of my 2nd great-grandfather, William Frederick Poole, the first librarian of the Newberry Library.  When I poured through some Poole papers in November, I realized I still didn't have a copy of his portrait which is hanging on a wall in the Library.  Immediately, I became a "Facebook fan" of the Library, thinking I could make a connection with somebody who lives in Chicago and who wouldn't mind taking a digital picture.  No connections were made, so I wrote the Library, only to get a reply that they would be glad to do it, but I would have to fill out a form, and pay $20!


Yes, I was a little miffed, because I wanted a cheap digital shot, nothing formal, and I didn't want to pay the big bucks.  When I wrote them back, I pretty much stressed that.


Well, as I stated above, I received a copy of the the photo and a very nice note.  I was also given permission to post it in this blog and share with anybody I wished, just as long as I credit the Newberry Library.  Very nice gift.

Note: Diane MacLean Boumenot wrote an excellent blog about her trip to the Newberry Library. You really get a feel for it, plus she had some nice surprises for me. Please see her One Rhode Island Family post, A Visit to the Newberry Library.

We Have the Same Name. She is a Cousin!

Photo by Diane M. Boumenot

We grew up with the same name, wrote to the Newberry Library in Chicago the same week, and found out we were related. Let me explain.

On November 23, 1998, I sent an email to the Newberry Library, stating I just found out (after nine years of doing genealogy) that my 2nd great grandfather was the first Librarian of the Newberry, and could I have the address or email of a researcher who could help me.

A reply soon followed, stating they had researchers as well as a lot of information that they could send me. That short email also had this line, "I recently made copies of some material on him for another person" Of course I wrote back and said, "... can you tell me for what purpose, or is it confidential. I am wondering if it is a long-lost relative, or is he/she writing a paper?"

A few emails later, I got the name of the other Barbara Poole who was also researching him. We then corresponded and determined we were second cousins, once removed, but both of us were still a bit leery of the other. She lived in Texas and I in Massachusetts. However, once I found out her aunt’s name I remembered many years ago, having dinner at her aunt's house. Once given the aunt's phone number, I called her in Duxbury, MA and she remembered my family and the Thanksgiving dinner.

Once the other Barbara found out about the dinner and other things, I felt she really believed me. It took us both a while to accept our new relationship.

Barbara, a teacher, and I wrote many times, but only when her classroom was open, as she didn't have a computer at home. When summer vacation came, we were out of luck and out of touch. I have tried contacting her in the past, but no reply ever came my way, and the elderly aunt passed away. Several months after my initial query to the Library, I wrote an appreciation letter to the Reference Librarian who had the initiative to let me know about the other Barbara Poole. She had wanted to write an article about the two Barbara's connecting, for a little piece in the Library's newsletter, but I never heard if she did.

I call this story, "We have the Same Name" and I've told it several times because it is rather unbelievable. It pays to follow leads and pray for somebody who is willing to go above and beyond their job duty. Now, where can I find that other Barbara Poole?

UPDATE: September 28, 2018
As I review some of my old posts, I've made additions, corrected typos, and changed photo and font sizes.

Since I am trying to find my cousin, I've decided to use her name, with hopes she will be found. It is, Barbara Poole Whatley, her husband is Thomas, and they have a son, Bryan. I believe they might still be living in Texas.

The name of the Reference Library at the Newberry Library is Rhonda Frevert. Not long after she and I corresponded, I got a notice that she was appointed Curator of the Local and Family History Dept. at the library; however, almost 20 years later, she is the director of a library in Iowa.

 Please see my post, with many photos taken by my friend, Diane M. Boumenot during her visit to the Newberry Library. https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=4664905362839287500#editor/target=post;postID=1220187835891929620;onPublishedMenu=posts;onClosedMenu=posts;postNum=2;src=link