The following is taken from an article in The Leader Herald, July 1, 1925
ARKELLS GIVE PUBLIC LIBRARY TO CANAJOHARIE
Building is Memorial to Their Father, Sen. James Arkell
CANAJOHARIE -- Arrangements are being made for the dedication of the new village library, the gift of Bartlett Arkell, president of the Beechnut Company, and his sister, to Canajoharie, as a memoriam to his father and mother,
the late Senator James Arkell and Mrs. Arkell.
The new library is located almost directly opposite the main building of the Beechnut Company. It is a single story building of rough stone with a very deep cellar. The stones used in this construction work were taken from a village landmark, the old paper box factory of Arkell and Smith,
where Mr. Arkell began his business career.
The cost of the building has been estimated at $25,000 and the interior probably cost many thousands more. The building follows the lines of an ancient dwelling house. The interior is arranged in two parts, one side with small chairs and tables for children. As yet no books have been placed upon the shelves,
which have been installed by the Library Bureau of Ilion.
There is no heating plants in the library. Pipes, however,
run from the library cellar into the Beechnut boiler room.
While details of the dedication ceremony will not be announced before the arrival of Mr. Arkell, it is expected that there will be speaking from a platform to be erected on the grounds and that the Beechnut band and singers
will have a part in the ceremony.
