Wells Memorial Library
Why it's listed
Wells Memorial Library is a small community library on Route 9N at the north end of Upper Jay, in the Adirondack foothills of Essex County. Completed in 1907, the one-and-one-half-story building combines Tudor Revival and Arts and Crafts features: a steep hipped roof with cross gables, stucco and false half-timbering, cedar shingles, and banks of multi-pane windows. Inside, the Reading Room has a coffered ceiling, built-in bookcases, a brick inglenook and original Stickley furniture. A sympathetic addition was built in 2001. The library was a gift from Jean Wells Smith and Wallis Craig Smith, who financed construction and early operations after a library association formed in 1905 and received its state charter in 1906. Beyond lending books, it hosted clubs, fundraisers and community events. It is recognized for its architectural integrity and as a surviving example of early rural public library development supported by private philanthropy. The building continues to serve as a library.
Significance in brief: It is nominated under Criterion C as an outstanding, remarkably intact small community library in the Tudor Revival and Arts and Crafts styles. Under Criterion A it is tied to the history of education in Upper Jay, as an example of early public library development funded by philanthropy. It was a gift from Jean Wells Smith and Wallis Craig Smith, the hamlet's leading benefactors.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 11000289, listed May 18, 2011. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 12230 NY 9N, Upper Jay |
|---|---|
| County | Essex County |
| Listed | May 18, 2011 |
| Reference number | 11000289 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1907 |
| Architectural style | Early 20th Century: Tudor Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Education, Architecture |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Still in use as a library; a 2001 addition and accessibility ramp were added in consultation with the State Historic Preservation Office. |
| Acreage | 2.3 |
| Within district | New York Central Railroad Adirondack Division Historic District |
| Coordinates | 44.33964, -73.77325 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 11000289.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q23092155
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.