History
The Cordelia A. Greene Library, established in 1897 under the Board of Regents was started by doctor and philanthropist Cordelia Agnes Greene. Prior to the
building of the current library structure, Dr. Greene started the first library
with books collected from townspeople and herself in one of the Castile Town Hall
rooms. She also provided the library with a $12,000 endowment and $500 for books.
The current physical building at 11 South Main Street is a compact version of Classical Revival. It was built in 1902 across from the sanitarium on land donated by Dr. Greene. This building was designed by Architect Otto Block and constructed by contractor Fred Gleason. The construction cost of $8,250.00 was acquired by donations from friends and patients of Dr. Greene.
Today the library is committed to carrying on the legacy of Dr. Greene as we endeavor to hold true to our mission.
Local History
The Genesee River Gorge and Silver Lake are two important natural features located in the township of Castile that make this area one of the most beautiful places to live.
Castile was first settled in 1808 by Robert Whaley, his wife Janet and her brother Robert McKay. As noted in the book “Wyoming County, New York; an architectural tour” by James Yarrington, the town’s history has been molded more by personalities than by specific events. Personalities like Mary Jemison, also known as “White Woman of the Genesee”, Robert Whaley who was related to Oliver Cromwell and Dr. Cordelia A. Greene and her Sanitarium who brought prosperity to the area following the economic doldrums during the Civil War.
To find out more about the current Castile, visit Epodunk.com.