The initial concept of the Haggard-Twogood Charitable Trust was formed in 1981 during a conversation between sisters Barbara Haggard and Eleanor Twogood. Haggard was a life-long resident of Algona and very involved in the arts and community betterment. Twogood was then a resident of California and shared her younger sister’s interests. Their only brother, John, had never had children, nor had they, and they were aware that their family line was nearing its end. They wanted to leave something behind to mark the family’s time in Algona.

 

When Haggard, the last of the family, died in November 1996, it set the wheels in motion for the trust which came into being a year later – Nov. 1, 1997. The sisters had left 240 acres of farmland valued at $750,000 to the trust. Eighty acres were sold, and the remainder continues to be rented out. Their intent was that the income from the trust be used for the benefit of the community. In a letter to the Trustees, Haggard specifically notes, “the library, the hospital and the Historical Society would be possible recipients. Also the Arts Council.”

 

Haggard mentioned music and art as other worthwhile projects, such as bringing in musical performances other groups would not bring in and art to be enjoyed by all in a civic setting such as the library.