Derby Public Library to celebrate birthday of Harcourt Wood

DERBY - The Derby Public Library will commemorate the birthday of Holton Harcourt Wood, the young boy in whose memory the Library was built, from 11 a.m.-7 p.m. June 20.

Holton Harcourt Wood

The Library will be decorated with flowers in compliance with Colonel H. Holton Wood’s request, which he made at the dedication of the Library in 1902.

At that time he asked that flowers be placed throughout the Library every year on the birth date of his son. 
His request has been honored ever since. 

Several years ago, the Library also added the tradition of commemorating this special day with a birthday cake.

This time honored tradition has become well known over

the years, not only throughout the Valley, but well beyond.  
It has been written about in the New York Times

A memorial plaque in Harcourt’s memory is displayed at the front entrance of the Library.

The public is invited to visit throughout the day for cake and to learn more about the history of the library.

For more information, stop by the Library at 313 Elizabeth St. or visit www.derbypubliclibrary.org. 


This is a press release from Cathy Williams, Director, Derby Public Library.