Burns Park in Ann Arbor in Washtenaw County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

William L. Clements Library

1923

Photographed by Joel S., April 4, 2016

1. William L. Clements Library marker

Inscription. William L. Clements (1882, LLD 1934hon) was a regent of the University of Michigan (1910-1933) whose life-long avocation was the collection of books, maps and related materials on American History from 1492 to 1800. In 1922, he donated to the university his substantial collection of rare books, early newspapers, manuscripts, and maps. He felt that the preservation of such works and their availability for scholarly research would be of great benefit to mankind. He also donated the funds for a building to house the William Clements Library of American History. Designed by noted Detroit architect Albert Kahn, the Clements Library Building was built of Indiana limestone, and completed in 1923. An expression of the Italian Renaissance style, the building was based on a sixteenth century Italian casino and reflected the elegance of the hillside palaces of Genoa, the port from which Columbus sailed. After a distinguished career, Albert Kahn said he desired most to be remembered as the architect of the Clements Library.

Erected 2006 by History and Traditions Committee, University of Michigan. (Marker Number 16.)

Topics.

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This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Architecture • Education. A significant historical year for this entry is 1934.

Location. 42° 16.505′ N, 83° 44.281′ W. Marker is in Ann Arbor, Michigan, in Washtenaw County. It is in Burns Park. It is at the intersection of South University Avenue and Tappan Avenue, on the right when traveling west on South University Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 909 South University Avenue, Ann Arbor MI 48109, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

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: Martha Cook Building (a few steps from this marker); The President's House (within shouting distance of this marker); The Professors' Monument (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Samuel Denton (about 400 feet away); Joseph Whiting

William L. Clements Library and marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Joel S., April 4, 2016

2. William L. Clements Library and marker

The marker is on the ground to the left of the blue "William L. Clements Library" sign. The building behind the Clements Library is the Harlan Hatcher Graduate Library.

(about 400 feet away); Law Quadrangle (about 400 feet away); Charles Fox (about 400 feet away); Tappan Hall (about 400 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Ann Arbor.

Also see . . .
1. History of the William L. Clements Library. (Submitted on April 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)
2. Clements Library. (Submitted on October 9, 2017, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.)

William L. Clements Library Cornerstone image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021

3. William L. Clements Library Cornerstone

William L. Clements Library image. Click for full size.

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021

4. William L. Clements Library

Located over east window

Photographed by J.T. Lambrou, September 10, 2021

5. William L. Clements Library

Located over west window

<i>Clements Library, University of Michigan Ann Arbor</i> image. Click for full size.

circa 1920

6. Clements Library, University of Michigan Ann Arbor

Credits. This page was last revised on February 12, 2023. It was originally submitted on April 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 1,129 times since then and 37 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on April 7, 2016, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. 3, 4, 5. submitted on September 13, 2021, by J.T. Lambrou of New Boston, Michigan. 6. submitted on December 12, 2016.