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

John A. Belt Building

Built: 1903

 
 
John A. Belt Building Marker image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007
1. John A. Belt Building Marker
Inscription. According to an 1880’s newspaper report, John A. Belt was the proprietor of the largest mercantile establishment in Montgomery County. Belt’s store and upstairs hall, known as Norman Hall, became the pivotal structure of Gaithersburg’s social, cultural, and civic activities. The present 1903 brick structure replaced an earlier wooden one lost to fire. The early 20th century commercial building also housed one of the first Gaithersburg post offices and a 1928 automobile showroom. This National Register Historic site was rehabilitated in 1987 when the rear addition was constructed.
 
Erected by City of Gaithersburg.
 
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1903.
 
Location. 39° 8.528′ N, 77° 11.618′ W. Marker is in Gaithersburg, Maryland, in Montgomery County. It is at the intersection of East Diamond Avenue and South Summit Avenue, on the right when traveling east on East Diamond Avenue. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 227 East Diamond Avenue, Gaithersburg MD 20877, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally,
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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: Baltimore and Ohio Railroad Station (within shouting distance of this marker); Pythian Temple (within shouting distance of this marker); DNC Building (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); The Early Years (about 300 feet away); The Business of Agriculture: Cannery and Mills (about 300 feet away); Serving the Community's Health Care Needs (about 300 feet away); A Center of Culture and Commerce (about 300 feet away); Building The Future (about 300 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Gaithersburg.
 
John A. Belt Building image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Tom Fuchs, November 3, 2007
2. John A. Belt Building
John A. Belt Building image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016
3. John A. Belt Building
Close-up of photo on marker
John A. Belt and Son Norman image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016
4. John A. Belt and Son Norman
Close-up of photo on marker
National Register Plaque image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016
5. National Register Plaque
John A. Belt Building image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016
6. John A. Belt Building
<br>1903<br>J.A. Belt. image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016
7.
1903
J.A. Belt.
Growlers Restauant and Brewery image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, November 8, 2016
8. Growlers Restauant and Brewery
Current Occupant of the Belt Building.
J. Forest Walker's Store image. Click for full size.
Photographed by Allen C. Browne, March 6, 2017
9. J. Forest Walker's Store
Mr. Walker is at left. Circa 1919.
Close-up of photo in the Gaithersburg Business Training Center
 
 
Credits. This page was last revised on January 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland. This page has been viewed 2,156 times since then and 40 times this year. Last updated on November 10, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. Photos:   1, 2. submitted on November 6, 2007, by Tom Fuchs of Greenbelt, Maryland.   3, 4, 5. submitted on November 10, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.   6, 7, 8. submitted on November 11, 2016, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland.   9. submitted on March 8, 2017, by Allen C. Browne of Silver Spring, Maryland. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.
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Jul. 25, 2026