Rw's @ The Museum Lets Cruise Babe

Published on Dec 6, 2018The McHenry Museum has a history going back to 1912. In 1906 Oramil McHenry* died and his will left $20,000 and interest in three city lots for the expressed purpose of constructing a public library in Modesto. The city was unwilling to begin the library facility until the probate of Mr. McHenry's will was complete. By 1911 all the pieces began to fall into place. The probate was complete and the city indeed would receive the monies from the McHenry estate. 
In July of 1911 the city opened bids for the new building and Robert Trost of San Francisco was low bidder. W. H. Weeks was chosen as the architect and his plans for the library were published in the “Modesto Morning Herald” on August 3, 1911. Construction began in January of 1912 and continued until completion in April 1912. The City of Modesto formally took possession of the building and opened it's doors to select visitors on April 29, 1912. The official opening of the McHenry Library to the public was on May 1, 1912