Linda Lee Jolly, Hayner’s director for 24 years, talks enthusiastically about the Hayner gift that became the city’s first permanent library in 1943 and the levy supported Troy Hayner Cultural Center in 1976 when the library moved to a new home to the west along Main Street.
Hayner, whose late husband was part of the Hayner Distillery Company family, enjoyed entertaining, hosting dinners, receptions and garden parties in the home near the 1880s county Courthouse.
Jolly said she believes Hayner, whose children were grown, built the house with longer term intentions. “She built a house three times as big as she was living in with large massive rooms. She was part of the Altrurian Club in Troy that started a library and moved books from location to location as people needed their space,” Jolly said. “I have no proof, but I really think that she built this house intentionally with the mind to leave it to the community for us to use. And, I think it’s the most amazing gift.”
Around 86-89 percent of the center’s budget is supported by the tax levy, with donations and grants helping to keep the house in good repair.
A $25,000 grant from the Paul G. Duke Foundation in honor of the centennial year has allowed the center to renovate the first floor East Room with work including new fabric wall coverings. Also assisting with that project was the Friends of Hayner organization.
The East Room, the building’s largest space beyond its third floor ballroom, is used for activities such as recitals, public meetings/programs, weddings and other events.
The grant also is paying for refinishing stairways and railings, bringing those back to the way they would have been during Mrs. Hayner’s days; LED stage lights in the ballroom; and tuck pointing/sealing the exterior.
For more information on the center, its past and this year’s celebration, go online to www.troyhayner.org.
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