 J.R.Crouse's Autograph Collection
From
time to time Mr. Crouse presented the library with autographed letters
and pictures of the "great and near-great." Especially
noted were autographs of Queen Victoria, Napoleon, and letters written
by Alexander Hamilton and Abraham Lincoln. This collection is currently
housed at the Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan,
for safety and preservation.
Many art works were also donated to adorn the Library's interior.
In 1943 Mr. Crouse gave a copy of the original of the "Madonna
of the Chair" by Raphael which was painted in 1914 by the Italian
artist, Signora Pillegrine. Many other objects d'art were displayed
on the walls and in the cases in Cromaine.
Rachel
 For 13 years (1971-1984) the Cromaine Library had the distinction
of having a feline mascot named Rachel. Just before Christmas of
1971, the scrawny, young orphaned cat was found outside the library
shivering in the snow by librarian, Ann Zick. Mrs. Zick and her associates
nursed the cat back to health and tried to find her a home in the
community.
But, Rachel had established roots at her new home and fast
became the library's mascot delighting the many children (and adults)
who
came to the library seeking books and the opportunity to pet the
cat's soft, tortoise-shell hued coat.
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