Battle Creek in Calhoun County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Willard Library

Battle Creek, Michigan

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

1. Willard Library Marker

Inscription. Opened on April 27, 1905, the Charles Willard Library building was given to the Battle Creek Schools and community from the estate of Charles Willard. Architect J.C> Llewellyn designed the two-story classical structure, constructing it from terra cotta pressed brick and granite at a cost of $74,500. The interior was finished in mahogany, oak, and marble and crowned with a frosted glass skylight. In 1934 the estate of George B. Willard, nephew of Charles, contributed funds to expand the library to accommodate a larger collection and reading space. In 1969 the library built another 55,000 sq. ft. addition on the west side of the structure. In 2005 that portion of the building houses the main operation of Willard Public Library and the original structure is used by the Battle Creek Public School System as its administrative office.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Education. A significant historical date for this entry is April 27, 1905.

Location. 42° 19.234′ N, 85° 10.822′ W. Marker is in Battle Creek, Michigan, in Calhoun County. It is at the intersection of Capital Avenue Northeast and West Van Buren Street,

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on the right when traveling south on Capital Avenue Northeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 3 W Van Buren St, Battle Creek MI 49017, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southwest Michigan.

It is also in the American Midwest.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: St. Thomas Episcopal Church (within shouting distance of this marker); St. Philip Roman Catholic Church (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Ward Mill Site / Ward Building Site (about 300 feet away); Michigan Central Depot (about 300 feet away); Independent Congregational Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); Erastus Hussey: Stationmaster / "Working for Humanity" (approx. 0.2 miles away); Cereal Bowl of America (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Log Schoolhouse (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Battle Creek.

Another marker is no longer

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

2. Willard Library Marker

nearby. Battle Creek House (was about 700 feet away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

3. Willard Library Marker

Willard Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

4. Willard Library

Original portion of building

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, July 12, 2021

5. Willard Library

West side of building which was expanded in 1969 and currently houses the public library.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 18, 2021. It was originally submitted on July 17, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. This page has been viewed 596 times since then and 75 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 17, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Mark Hilton was the editor who published this page.