Community Corner

Happy Birthday Edith!

Children ran obstacle courses on the grass behind Edith Wheeler Memorial Library Wednesday afternoon and other played games like musical chairs and Pin the Hat on the Cat inside the Ehlers Meeting Room.

Michelle Turbak, the children's librarian, watched all of the fun at the Edith Wheeler Birthday Bash, named after the late philanthropist, whose trust helped to make construction of the library possible.

"I think this is a wonderful turnout for the first time we've done this," said Turbak. "They're having fun, eating cake, winning prizes and hopefully checking out a few books."

Arts and crafts were available in the Children's Department and one project involved making birthday cards for Edith Wheeler.

"We also have Lincoln Logs there because that's a toy invented in 1916, a little after she was born," Turbak said. "She could have played with them growing up."

Wednesday would have been Wheeler's 99th birthday if she were still alive, according to Turbak.

Margaret Borchers, the library director, said the day's events, which included a nighttime presentation on Wheeler's life and the town's history, was a chance for residents to learn about the woman Monroe's library is named after.

"I don't think the town appreciates the gift Edith Wheeler gave two the community, so by celebrating her birthday I want to bring some emphasis on her gift and its intended purpose," Borchers said.

She added, "This is just a way to have fun. To have some excitement and to have cake."


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here