Fireplace Mantle

If you have ever spent a cold afternoon relaxing in our reading room, your eyes have likely been drawn to the magnificent fireplace that anchors the space. More than just a source of warmth, this fireplace is a beautifully crafted monument to the history of our library and the family that made it possible.

Built from durable, hard-burnt Philadelphia brick, the fireplace structure was designed to stand the test of time, perfectly complementing the library's timeless architecture.

Looking just above the hearth, the striking wooden mantle features an intricate carving of the Parsons coat-of-arms. Flanking this historic emblem is a dedicated memorial inscription that honors the legacy of Edwin Parsons:

Edwin Parsons 1823–1895 "Sagacious, Self-reliant, Generous"

These three carefully chosen words perfectly encapsulate the spirit of the man whose family gave our community this beautiful institution. Sagacious in his endeavors, self-reliant in his life's work, and incredibly generous to the people of Alfred—Edwin Parsons' legacy continues to benefit our town more than a century later.