Marlette in Sanilac County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

The Marlette District Library

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 7, 2022

1. The Marlette District Library Marker

Inscription.

In 1914 the Marlette Research Club, composed of women in the community, decided to build a public library for Marlette. The club contacted the Carnegie Corporation for a grant to build the library. In compliance with the Carnegie Corporation’s rules, Marlette raised funds and instituted a quarter-mil tax for maintenance of the library. In 1918 the Carnegie Corporation agreed to fund the Research Club’s library project. The simple brick building was constructed in 1921. The building has a hipped roof and a portico of classical design. The library was the last in the Midwest to receive a Carnegie library grant and the second to the last to do so in the country. The Marlette District Library is one of fifty-three Michigan libraries funded by the Carnegie Corporation.

Erected 1987 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L713A.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Notable Buildings. In addition, it is included in the Carnegie Libraries, and the Michigan Historical Commission series lists. A significant historical year for this entry is 1921.

Location. 43° 19.55′ N, 83° 4.8′ W. Marker is in Marlette, Michigan, in Sanilac County. Marker is on Main Street (Michigan Route 53) south

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of Ervin Street, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3116 Main St, Marlette MI 48453, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 9 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Methodist Episcopal Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Flint and Pere Marquette Railroad Depot (approx. ¼ mile away); St. Patrick's Church (approx. 5 miles away); North Branch Veterans Memorial (approx. 8.6 miles away); Pioneer Bank (approx. 8.8 miles away); Daniel Orr Sons (approx. 8.8 miles away); Brown City Community Schools (approx. 8.9 miles away); Brown City Veterans Memorial (approx. 9.1 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Marlette.

Also see . . . Blog on the Marlette District Library. (Submitted on August 8, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills.)

Additional commentary.
1. The Origin of Marlette
Robert Stinson was the first person to claim government land in the area. In October, 1856, a committee of settlers petitioned the Sanilac County Board of Supervisors to allow the growing community to become a township. The name chosen was suggested by William Rudd, who found the name “Marlatt” carved into the end of a log used in the construction of a shanty across from his farm.

Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 3, 2019

2. The Marlette District Library Marker

Marlatt apparently was the name of the mother of two young men who had come to this area to build a mill, but failed to do so, returning to Canada a short time later. But not before carving their mother’s name into the log of their shanty. William Rudd found that carving and suggested using the name Marlette, a form of the word Marlatt, as the name of the new township. The township was officially established in 1859.

— Submitted August 8, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills.

2. Grant Amount
The Marlette District Library received a grant of $7,500 from the Carnegie Corporation of New York to help construct this building Apr 16, 1918.

— Submitted December 20, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan.

The Marlette District Library and its Historical Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 3, 2019

3. The Marlette District Library and its Historical Marker

The Marlette District Library Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Kathy Garman, August 3, 2019

4. The Marlette District Library Cornerstone

The Marlette District Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, September 7, 2022

5. The Marlette District Library

Credits. This page was last revised on December 22, 2022. It was originally submitted on August 8, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. This page has been viewed 143 times since then and 11 times this year. Photos: 1. submitted on December 20, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 8, 2020, by John Garman of Rochester Hills. 5. submitted on December 20, 2022, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.