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Martha Stewart Haskell (1831-1906), the grande dame of Derby Line, Vermont, co-founded the Haskell Free Library and Opera House with her son, Col. Horace Stewart Haskell. Through her parents, Horace Stewart and Catherine Hinman, of Beebe Plain, Quebec, and her husband, businessman Carlos Haskell, who died in a tragic accident at a young age, Martha Haskell inherited a considerable fortune. It was her idea to establish a public library and opera house for the benefit of the border communities, which, accordi
Martha Stewart Haskell (1831-1906), the grande dame of Derby Line, Vermont, co-founded the Haskell Free Library and Opera House with her son, Col. Horace Stewart Haskell. Through her parents, Horace Stewart and Catherine Hinman, of Beebe Plain, Quebec, and her husband, businessman Carlos Haskell, who died in a tragic accident at a young age, Martha Haskell inherited a considerable fortune. It was her idea to establish a public library and opera house for the benefit of the border communities, which, according to a document on the library wall, was 'ample proof of her public spirit and large-hearted generosity.' (Photo - Matthew Farfan)