Did you know that Vincentown has its very own library?
It’s called the Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library, also known as the Vincentown library.
Library director Maile Irion, along with LeAnn Ditzman – two long-time Vincentown residents – will share the history of the library and its connection to the wealthy Drexel family of Philadelphia during a meeting and program with the Southampton Historical Society at Old Town Hall, 25 Plum St., on Wednesday, May 6.
The original Sally Stretch Keen Memorial Library building was constructed at the site of the old sawmill on Race Street in 1923. More than 50 years later, in 1976, the firehouse next door to the library – by agreement with the township committee – was converted into a children’s library to expand the collection and allow space for programs.
Today, the library continues to operate both locations to meet the needs not only for the Southampton, but also Tabernacle, Shamong, Lumberton, Medford and other local communities.
The original library is a memorial to Sally Stretch Irick Keen, a beloved Vincentown resident, by her daughter, Mary Irick Drexel, according to the library website. The wealthy and influential Irick family’s contributions to the community included the bank, railroad, waterworks and mills.
Irick Drexel was raised as a lady of means and educated accordingly. In 1891, she wed George W. Childs Drexel, the youngest son of millionaire banker, philanthropist and Drexel University founder A.J Drexel. The couple lived an extraordinary life in Philadelphia society and were very involved in practical philanthropy.
The library building was given to the community with much ceremony on June 18, 1923. Its mission was and still is to aid and encourage the reading of good literature and to promote general education for township residents and those in the surrounding area.
At the time of the dedication, the library had a collection of 504 books. It was open six hours a week and run by a single librarian. Its care was turned over to a group of trustees made up of community members.
The Drexels gave a large number of books over the years to keep folks interested in reading. In 2023, the library celebrated the 100th anniversary of the original building. The New Jersey Trust for Historic Preservation has recognized the significance of its history, architecture and mission with a matching grant for capital improvements.
The library was designed by noted Philadelphia architects Stewardson and Page. The small, one-room facility incorporates elaborate Georgian Revival details, including Flemish bond brickwork; quoining; a central front door flanked by sidelights and an elaborate arched fan light; and a large rear Palladian window, according to the New Jersey Historic Trust.
The Southampton Historical Society program is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Kathy Rosmando at (609) 859-0524.
The Vincentown library (above) is a memorial to Sally Stretch Irick Keen, a beloved Vincentown resident, by her daughter, Mary Irick Drexel, who is pictured with her husband, George W. Childs Drexel.
