Catharine S. Drake Room at the Easton Area Public Library

 

Miss Catharine Stewart Drake

1828 - 1906

 

Catharine Drake was born in Easton, PA on January 3, 1828. Her parents were John Drake and Margaret (Stewart). John engaged in the mercantile business, adding to the family wealth.

Catharine’s life was filled with deeds of kindness and acts of charity. She was a contributor to the Easton Hospital and their nurse’s home. The Easton Home for Friendless Children, Lafayette College, along with the Easton Home for Aged and Infirm Women, all received generous donations from Miss Drake.

 Catharine suffered a broken femur four years before her death. Although she was mainly bed ridden, it was said her giving demeanor never changed. Miss Drake had never married. 

In Catharine’s will, she bequeathed $10,000 to the just built Easton Public Library. This money was given to the Easton School District to be held in trust and only the interest could be used.

In 1928, the Easton Library opened a new room, calling it The Catharine Drake Memorial Technology Room. This room was dedicated to all subjects pertaining to “applied science, business, engineering, advertising and kindred subjects”. 

 In the Easton Area Public Library Board of Trustees minutes, January 31, 1968, it was suggested; that the income from the Catharine S. Drake Fund be put in a separate account known as the "Catharine S. Drake Fund" and that this fund be used toward the meeting room named in her honor.