Title
Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion, 1305 Greensboro Avenue
Subject
Tuscaloosa Public Library
Historic house museums
Friedman, Victor Hugo 1878-1965
Description
The Jemison-Van de Graaff Mansion when it housed the Friedman Library, 1958 - 1979.
In 1955, this house then owned by the Burchfields was purchased by the YMCA for $70,000. In a prearranged agreement, it was then exchanged with Mr. Victor Hugo Friedman for the north half of the block containing the Battle-Friedman House. The YMCA used that property as the site for the new central YMCA building. Mr. Friedman gave the Burchfield property to Tuscaloosa County for use as a public library. The library which moved from the Searcy House, 815 Greensboro Avenue, in 1958, was known as the Friedman Library to honor Mr. Friedman’s generosity. Before moving to the Searcy House in 1926, the library was housed in the basement of the County Courthouse beginning in 1921.
A new public library was built on River Road (now Jack Warner Parkway) opening in 1979.
In 1955, this house then owned by the Burchfields was purchased by the YMCA for $70,000. In a prearranged agreement, it was then exchanged with Mr. Victor Hugo Friedman for the north half of the block containing the Battle-Friedman House. The YMCA used that property as the site for the new central YMCA building. Mr. Friedman gave the Burchfield property to Tuscaloosa County for use as a public library. The library which moved from the Searcy House, 815 Greensboro Avenue, in 1958, was known as the Friedman Library to honor Mr. Friedman’s generosity. Before moving to the Searcy House in 1926, the library was housed in the basement of the County Courthouse beginning in 1921.
A new public library was built on River Road (now Jack Warner Parkway) opening in 1979.
Source
Historical Commission of Tuscaloosa County
Contributor
Betty Slowe (Description)
Elizabeth Bradt (Description)
Type
Photograph
Identifier
428
Coverage
Tuscaloosa (AL)
Original Format
Photograph