Gaithersburg in Montgomery County, Maryland — The American Northeast (Mid-Atlantic)

A Center of Culture and Commerce

Photographed by Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007

1. A Center of Culture and Commerce marker

Inscription. In July of 1889, John A. Belt, a leading merchant in Gaithersburg, purchased the southwest corner of Diamond and Summit Avenues for $200. On this site, Belt built a general store with a large upstairs public room, known as Norman Hall. The building soon became a pivotal structure in Gaithersburg's social, cultural and governmental activities. Norman Hall began its first functions as Post Office, Town Hall, and Polling Place. It was not long before it became the social and cultural center of Gaithersburg as well as housing the town's first library. The Belt Building's Norman Hall became the preferred location of theater, lectures, recitals, musical presentations, and high school graduations. At the turn of the century, the original building was tragically destroyed by fire. It was soon replaced with the present brick structure, constructed in 1903. The Belt Building has been home to many businesses, including W. Lawson King's Auto Showroom, George Woodfield's Maytag Service, Walker's Grocery, Frank Ciarrachi's Restaurant, Clark's Photography, MacMurray's Floral Arts, Armand's Pizzeria, and most recently, Old Town Tavern

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and Summit Station.

Erected by City of Gaithersburg.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical month for this entry is July 1889.

Location. 39° 8.502′ N, 77° 11.564′ W. Marker is in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in Montgomery County. It can be reached from South Summit Avenue just south of East Diamond Avenue, on the left when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 9 South Summit Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20877, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in the Washington Metropolitan Area.

It is also in the American Mid-Atlantic.

Globally, it is in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once one of the original Thirteen Colonies

and also the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: The Early Years (here, next to this marker); The Business of Agriculture: Cannery and Mills (here, next to this marker); Serving the Community's Health Care Needs (here, next

The Belt Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007

2. The Belt Building

to this marker); Building The Future (here, next to this marker); The Schwartz House / Gaithersburg City Hall / Schwartz Peony Garden (here, next to this marker); Supplying an Agricultural Community (here, next to this marker); The Gaithersburg School (here, next to this marker); The Summit Hotel (here, next to this marker). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gaithersburg.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, February 27, 2017

3. The Belt Building

Close-up of photo on marker

Growlers, Celebrating Olde Towne image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016

4. Growlers, Celebrating Olde Towne

Today, the 1903 John A. Belt Building houses Growlers, Microbrewery, Saloon and Restaurant.

The J. A. Belt Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016

5. The J. A. Belt Building

Credits. This page was last revised on May 29, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 1,483 times since then and 34 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. 3, 4, 5. submitted on March 3, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.