Winning Words 6/7/12
“No person will make a great business who wants to do it all himself or get all the credit.”  (Andrew Carnegie)  Carnegie was one of the great philanthropists of his time.  In fact, NPR announces that his foundation is a supporter of their programming, almost 100 years since AC’s death.  His name is on the library in my hometown.  His was a “rags to riches” story, and he never forgot the “rags” part of it.    ;-)  Jack

FROM RI IN BOSTON:  One of the pleasures of wealth, even modest wealth, is to spend it in ways that benefit others.  When you've come from humble circumstances it doesn't take a fortune to make you feel "rich". ////FROM JACK:  I read that people who move from poverty to middle class, are happier than than those in the middle class who get additional wealth..  I like what Buffett and Gates are doing by encouraging the wealthy to give away large sums to help the poor.

FROM DC IN MICHIGAN:  I lived for four years in Braddock, PA.  The first Carnegie Library was there.  It also had a Carnegie Hall.  Our church was built in 1904 and Mrs. Carnegie saw to it that an organ was put in that church.  That organ was still there from 1944 to 1948 when we lived there.  When we went back in about 1950, it had been replaced.  My dad had to make arrangements for the Gustavus Choir to sing in Braddock in about 1947.  It was supposed to be in Scott High School in No Braddock, but through some mix up, they couldn't sing there.  So they sang in Carnegie Hall.////FROM JACK:  I wonder how many Carnegie libraries there are.  It's interesting to read that you have seen the first one.  Were you there for the dedication?  It's also interesting to know that there's another Carnegie Hall besides the one in NYC.

FROM TAMPA SHIRL:  That was a wonderful library.  Have you seen the new one?  Once we took our children to see the film Johnny Appleseed there sometime in the 60's.  He is another inspiration for young people.////FROM JACK:  I know that there's a new one, but I haven't seen it.  It probably isn't a "Carnegie."  In the old one, I remember going downstairs to look at pictures, using a steriopticon. ////MORE FROM TS:  That is one of my fondest memories, too.  Also, the librarian had some kind of a contest with a ladder, and for each book one read you moved your figure up a rung.  There must have been a reward when you reached the top.



FROM GOOD DEBT JON: Amen brother.////FROM JACK:  I wonder if Carnegie's friends ever called him, Andy?

FROM BLAZING OAKS:  My Augustana Choir sang in NYC Carnegie Hall, with its excellent acoustics. Still remember that night perfectly...my parents drove from Moline, and surprised Jan and me, in the  audience!  I well remember our Moline Carnegie Library, and spent many hours there.  What a fantastic heritage of giving he left, which continues even today!  It would be interesting to know how many  libraries and city buildings he did endow!  Bless A. Carnegie!!////FROM JACK:  I read that there are 2,811 Carnegie Libraries., and each one has its own story.

FROM OUTHOUSE JUDY: Several people I know have taken his course and loved it.  They are better people for taking it too.  He was a blessing.////FROM JACK:  Two different Carnegies.  The one you're referring to is Dale Carnegie.  The quote is from Andrew Carnegie who was born in Scotland in 1835.  He made his money in the steel industry.