Jones, B. F., Memorial Library
Approximate location: the National Park Service places this pin arbitrarily within the property, not at a surveyed point (stated accuracy ±12 m).
Why it's listed
Built in 1927-29 of Indiana limestone in Aliquippa, Pennsylvania, the B.F. Jones Memorial Library is a one-story T-shaped building with Ionic columns, recessed colonnades, and a cast bronze cheneau carrying carved names of subjects such as Philosophy, Astronomy, and Drama. Its design was by Brandon Smith, with construction by A. & S. Wilson Co. of Pittsburgh. The interior holds ornamental plaster ceilings planned by color architect Norah Thorpe, leaded glass medallions by Henry Hunt of Pittsburgh, wrought iron screens with bronze medallions by Oscar Bach, and a bronze statue of B.F. Jones by sculptor Robert Aiken. The building is significant for its architecture and craftsmanship and as a memorial to Benjamin Franklin Jones Sr., a co-founder of Jones & Laughlin Steel. It was given by his daughter, Mrs. Elisabeth Horne, and has served the community's educational and social needs.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the building is architecturally distinguished for its Renaissance-derived classical design and its carefully planned interior decoration by named artists and craftsmen. It also holds significance as a memorial to steel industrialist Benjamin Franklin Jones Sr., co-founder of Jones & Laughlin Steel, and as a gift from his daughter that shaped the community's development.
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 78002341, listed December 15, 1978. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-haiku-5-5, prompt v1.1-2026-10-29, confidence medium).
Key facts
| Address | 663 Franklin Ave., Aliquippa |
|---|---|
| County | Beaver County |
| Listed | December 15, 1978 |
| Reference number | 78002341 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1900- |
| Architect / builder | A. & S. Wilson Co. (Pittsburgh, Pa.); Brandon Smith, R.A. (architect) |
| Architectural style | Renaissance (classic, Italian Renaissance interior) |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Architecture, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Library use continues, with several rooms reassigned to new functions such as a pre-school room and district library center office. |
| Acreage | 0.6 |
| Coordinates | 40.61319, -80.25127 (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 78002341.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q4833800
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.