Library to hold dedication ceremony for historic painting

PORT JERVIS, N.Y. — A historic oil painting was recently donated to the Port Jervis Free Library by Robert Eurich, owner of the community-oriented PortJervisNY.com website. The oil painting on canvas is titled "At Port Jervis" and attributed to artist John Newton Howitt (New York, 1885-1958). It depicts a view overlooking Port Jervis in autumn, with only the roofs of houses and the golden tops of the trees in sight.
A formal dedication of the Howitt painting will take place on Thursday, March 15, at 2 p.m. at the library, located at 138 Pike St. in Port Jervis, N.Y. All are welcome to attend.
Howitt lived in Port Jervis with his wife, Bertha, from 1939 until his death in 1958. He painted pictures for advertisements and covers for pulp novels and leading magazines. The library’s display case this month showcases some of these works.
Two of the paintings are in the children’s room on the second floor of the library, and the newest acquisition is on the first floor in the fiction room.
"Our library is fortunate to now own three John Newton Howitt historic paintings," said the library's announcement. "The Howitt paintings will grace the walls of the library for years to come and will be enjoyed by all who enter the building."
For more information call the library at 845-856-7313.