Built to Inspire: The James Library Building in Madison

In 1899, the neatly lined streets of Madison, New Jersey, were already home to prestigious institutions like Drew Theological Seminary, yet the town lacked a proper sanctuary for public learning. This changed when philanthropist D. Willis James decided to give back to his summer community. He envisioned a structure that would not only house books but would inspire the “young and old” to better themselves.

Today, that vision lives on. While the building no longer serves as a library, it remains a “crown jewel” of Morris County, housing the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts and continuing its century-old mission of education and inspiration.

The Merchant Prince of Madison

D. Willis James was an industrial capitalist who epitomized the “Gilded Age” philanthropist. Born in Liverpool and enriched by the metal importing and railroad industries, James was a deeply religious man who believed wealth carried a moral obligation.

In January 1899, he purchased a vacant green space in the center of town for $65,000 to build a free library for the “public enjoyment and benefit.” Though he refused to put his name on the building, his legacy is woven into every stone. To ensure the library would be self-sustaining, James also built the James Building across the street; the rent from those commercial shops provided the perpetual funding for the library’s operations.

A Cathedral of Learning

The building is a masterclass in the Richardsonian Romanesque style, designed by the noted New England architects Willard Adden and Charles Brigham.

The Architecture: The library features a cruciform (cross-shaped) floor plan, heavy granite walls, and soaring semicircular arches. The pink granite was shipped directly via train from the Stony Creek Quarry in Connecticut.
The Clock: In 1899, a 1,560-pound bell was hoisted into the tower. The original Seth Thomas clock still runs on its original weights today—a rare mechanical survivor in a digital age.
Modern Luxury: When the library opened in 1900, electricity was still a marvel. The interior was illuminated by eight grand chandeliers and 250 light bulbs, a dazzling sight for the turn-of-the-century residents.

Artistry in the Interior

No expense was spared to turn the library’s interior into a contemplative haven.

Stained Glass: The building features 56 painted and stained glass windows designed by Arthur B. Cutter. These windows are inscribed with wisdom from philosophers, the Bible, and poets like Shakespeare and Longfellow.
The Glass Floor: One of the most striking features is the mezzanine level of the book stacks. The floor was made of thick, translucent glass to allow light to filter down to the levels below—a “high-tech” solution for a pre-electric era.
The Stenciled Walls: Inspirational quotes were hand-painted onto the stenciled brick walls and carved directly into the mantels of the building’s three massive fireplaces.

A New Mission: The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts

By the 1960s, the library had outgrown its Romanesque walls and moved to a modern facility on Keep Street. The vacant building found a new purpose thanks to Edgar and Agnes Land, passionate collectors of 18th and 19th-century New Jersey artifacts.

In 1969, the Museum of Early Trades & Crafts (METC) was incorporated within the James Library building.

The Collection: The museum focuses on the lives of ordinary people—the blacksmiths, cobblers, and farmers who built New Jersey. Its collection has grown to over 8,000 tools and artifacts.
The Restoration: In 1996, a $1 million restoration project added climate control and a handicap-accessible atrium, ensuring the building could protect its artifacts while welcoming a new generation of visitors.

If You Visit

The Museum of Early Trades & Crafts is located in the heart of Madison and is a must-visit for fans of architecture and social history.

Location: 9 Main Street, Madison, NJ 07940.
The “Whispering” Walls: As you tour the main hall, look for the stenciled quotes on the walls—many are original to D. Willis James’s 1899 design.
The Gallery: Be sure to look up at the mezzanine level to see the rare glass floor panels.
Exhibits: The museum features rotating exhibits that showcase the ingenuity of early New Jerseyans, from hand-made furniture to early textile tools.

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