The Moniteau County Library at Wood Place Friends Committee hosted the 140th Birthday Celebration of Elia Wood Paegelow, founder of the library, Saturday, Aug. 3.
Elia's husband Col. John Paegelow preceded her in death, and upon Elia's death, her entire estate was left to the Christian Church to establish a library. Elia was born Aug. 12, 1873, thus the 140th birthday celebration.
Memorbelia and photos of the Paegelows were displayed for viewing in Heyssel Hall, on the second floor of the library. Phil Lewis, California, provided music from the early 1900's. Carole and Richard Schroeder protrayed the Paegelows in outstanding performances as they shared interesting stories from the Paegelows' lives.
"Carole and Richard had studied a great deal about the Paegelows, so they were perfect to do the portrayal," Head Librarian Connie Walker said. "The Schroeders are very involved with the historical society and museum."
Over 50 birthday cards created by children in the library's summer reading club were also on display.
Elia's cousins Edith Dolstein, Hernitta Cook and Marie Wood were present for the celebration.
"We were very pleased with the turnout," Walker said. "There were over 100 people who attended and they all seemed to enjoy the event."
Cake and ice cream was served by the Friends Committee in the Bolinger Room at the library.