Three Rivers in St. Joseph County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Sue Silliman House
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 19, 2012
1. Sue Silliman House Marker
(Front Side)
Arthur Silliman deeded this property named “Riversbye” to his daughter Sue in 1914. Sue Silliman was Three Rivers librarian and historian for forty-two years. During that time she also served on national, state, and local boards of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Before she died in 1945, she left to the people of this area her papers, the books she wrote including St. Joseph in Homespun, her home, and the memory of a life dedicated to public service.
(Back Side)
This brick structure was built in the 1870s by Arthur Silliman, an early pioneer in the area, who came to Three Rivers in 1847. The lower level of the building served as Silliman's blacksmith shop and the upper stories housed his family. Near this site a Potawatomi Indian trail crossed the St. Joseph. The confluence of the St. Joseph, Portage, and Rocky rivers at this site gave Three Rivers its name.
Erected 1977 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L400.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Native Americans • Settlements & Settlers. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1914.
Location.
this page online
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Traditional Site Of Seventeenth Century Jesuit Mission (within shouting distance of this marker); Three Rivers (about 600 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of Legendary Battle (about 700 feet away); Three Rivers Town Cannon (approx. 0.2 miles away); Historic District (approx. 0.2 miles away); Motor Car (approx. 0.2 miles away); The First Grist Mill in Three Rivers (approx. 0.2 miles away); The Meneely Bell (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Three Rivers.
Also see . . .
1. Sue Silliman House Museum. National Society Daughters of the American Revolution website entry (Submitted on April 16, 2022, by Larry Gertner of New York, New York.)
2. Early Photo of Silliman House. Date unknown. From the Three Rivers Public Library. (Submitted on July 14, 2014, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas.)
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 19, 2012
2. Sue Silliman House Marker
Photographed By Duane Hall, November 19, 2012
3. Sue Silliman House and the St. Joseph River
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 14, 2023
4. Sue Silliman House Marker
Photographed By J.T. Lambrou, April 14, 2023
5. Sue Silliman House Marker
Credits. This page was last revised on April 15, 2023. It was originally submitted on December 10, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. This page has been viewed 550 times since then and 25 times this year. Last updated on April 19, 2013, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on December 10, 2012, by Duane Hall of Abilene, Texas. 4, 5. submitted on April 15, 2023, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. • Bernard Fisher was the editor who published this page.
