WELCOME TO THE LARIMER ARTS CENTER
The Larimer Arts Center stands as a beacon of culture and creativity in the heart of downtown Palatka, Florida. Housed in a magnificent historic building on Reid and Third Streets, the Center serves as Putnam County's cultural hub, offering exhibition spaces, live theater, arts education, and community programming. Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, this architectural treasure continues its legacy of serving the community—transitioning from a beloved public library to a thriving arts center that honors the past while inspiring the future.
History of the Larimer Arts Center
The Mellon Legacy: A Gift of Love
The story of the Larimer Arts Center begins with a love story and a family's deep connection to Palatka. James Ross Mellon (1846–1934), son of Judge Thomas Mellon who founded the famous Mellon Bank in Pittsburgh, was a prominent businessman, banker, and philanthropist. His wife, Rachel Hughey Larimer, could not tolerate the harsh Pennsylvania winters, so beginning in 1883, the Mellon family began spending their winters in the warm, welcoming climate of Palatka along the beautiful St. Johns River.
For more than four decades, the Mellons made Palatka their winter home, building a charming 6,000-square-foot residence and becoming deeply involved in the local community. They welcomed many distinguished guests, including Billy Sunday, the famous baseball player turned evangelist. James and Rachel were beloved figures in Palatka, contributing generously to the betterment of the city they had grown to love.
Tragically, Rachel passed away on May 7, 1919, shortly after returning to Pittsburgh from their winter stay in Florida. Grief-stricken but determined to honor his wife's memory, James Ross Mellon commissioned the construction of a magnificent public library in her name. At a cost of $100,000 (equivalent to over $1.7 million today), he created a lasting monument to his beloved Rachel—the Larimer Memorial Library.
Henry John Klutho: A Visionary Architect
To bring his vision to life, Mellon selected Henry John Klutho (1873–1964), one of the most influential architects in Florida history. Klutho had arrived in Jacksonville in 1901, drawn by the opportunity to help rebuild the city after the devastating Great Fire that destroyed over 2,000 buildings. He would become instrumental in defining Jacksonville's architectural identity.
In 1905, during a business trip to New York, Klutho met the legendary Frank Lloyd Wright, whose revolutionary ideas about architecture transformed Klutho's approach to design. Inspired by Wright's "Prairie School" philosophy—characterized by strong horizontal lines, open floor plans, and integration with the natural environment—Klutho became one of the foremost practitioners of this style in the American South. His personal residence, built in 1908, is considered the first modern house in the South.
Klutho's impressive portfolio includes the Florida Governor's Mansion, additions to the Florida State Capitol, Jacksonville City Hall, and numerous other landmark buildings. Today, Jacksonville boasts one of the largest collections of Prairie School architecture outside the Midwest, largely due to Klutho's prolific work. The Larimer Memorial Library represents one of his finest achievements—a masterful blend of Prairie School principles with elegant Art Deco ornamentation.
Architectural Splendor
Completed in 1929, the Larimer Memorial Library stands as a solid limestone landmark that manages a rare balance, marrying the low, horizontal calm of Prairie School architecture with the crisp, confident flair of Art Deco. The exterior feels measured and intentional, but what truly gives pause are the two blunt statements carved beside the front doors. To the left: “Ignorance breeds crime.” To the right: “Knowledge is power.” These aren’t decorative phrases. They reflect a time when public libraries were viewed as a first line of defense against social decline.
Passing through the recessed portico, the building reveals a more intimate kind of craftsmanship. The main hall glows under soft globe lights, while a large segmented skylight floods the space with natural light. From the carefully laid terrazzo floors to the tall arched windows, it’s clear this structure was meant to hold more than its original 50,000 volumes. It was designed for two reading rooms, a children’s section, and an active librarian’s office. That thoughtful mix of function and beauty is exactly why the building still feels vibrant today, continuing its life as a local arts center.
A Grand Dedication
A Tribute in Stone
The building itself was a labor of love. Inside, a simple plaque captures the heart of the project: "Erected to the memory of Rachel Hughey Larimer, wife of James Ross Mellon, 1930." James Ross Mellon didn’t just fund the building and disappear; he remained a fixture in the Palatka community, returning every winter until he passed away in October 1934. His impact on the town went beyond the library walls, as he also donated the land that would eventually house Mellon High School.
A Lasting Architectural Legacy
For over sixty years, the library served as a cornerstone of the city. By 1983, it earned a special distinction: it was recognized as one of only three buildings designed by the renowned architect Henry John Klutho that remained in "excellent condition." It stands not just as a place for books, but as a testament to 1930s craftsmanship and a husband’s tribute to his wife.
A New Chapter: Birth of the Larimer Arts Center
In 1992, when the Putnam County Library System moved to its new headquarters at St. Johns River State College, the City of Palatka entrusted this historic building to a new purpose. The Larimer Memorial Library was renamed the Larimer Arts Center and became the permanent home of the Arts Council of Greater Palatka and River City Players.
The transformation preserved the building's historic character while adapting its spaces for artistic endeavors. The main floor now houses exhibition galleries bathed in natural light from those magnificent arched windows. Administrative offices occupy former library spaces. The lower level has been thoughtfully renovated to include wheelchair accessibility, an arts education facility, and a black box theater.
River City Players, the resident theater company, established the Scarlett-Hill Theater within the Center. Named for two remarkable women—Betsy Scarlett and Marchetta Hill—who dedicated their lives to bringing live theater to Palatka and Putnam County, this intimate 71-seat venue offers audiences a unique and personal theatrical experience. The company produces four shows annually, one for each season, with performances that include champagne opening nights and benefit performances supporting local charities.
National Recognition
On March 12, 2008, the Larimer Arts Center achieved a milestone when it was added to the National Register of Historic Places—the nation's official list of cultural resources worthy of preservation. This designation recognizes the building's architectural significance and its importance to the heritage of Palatka and Florida. The building stands as an essential part of Palatka's heritage and a monument to public trust and private generosity.