The History of Thrall

CHAPTER II
"Mrs. Thrall's Handsome Legacy"31
By the 1890's Middletown was a thriving city of over 12,000
that found its identity as a railroad boom town. Wealthy
families built stately homes on broad tree lined streets that in
many cases are still attractive and well cared for. This was an
era in our history when vast fortunes were won and lost, and
private philanthropy benefited numerous towns and cities.
Beginning in the 1890's the history of public libraries entered
its own boom time due in large part to Andrew Carnegie's great
philanthropic contributions. His generosity resulted in 1,412
communities receiving funds for 1,679 library buildings. 32
One can only wonder, because there is no evidence
whatsoever, as to what motivated s. Maretta Thrall to bequeath to
her adopted city the generous sum of $30,000 for a public library
structure, to be known as the Thrall Library building, to be
.built on a lot on Orchard Street - land already owned by the
City. Sabra Maretta Thrall has been called "Middletown's
greatest benefactor, with no qualifications whatsoever. "33