Downtown in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Ladies Literary Club
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, November 21, 2016
1. Ladies Literary Club Marker
In 1870, six women who had been meeting for a year to study history, organized Grand Rapids' first Ladies Literary Association. The group was also instrumental in opening the first public library in the city that same year. In 1882 the association incorporated as the Ladies Literary Club of Grand Rapids. It built this Richardsonian Romanesque style meeting house for $6,000 in 1887. Designed by William G. Robinson, it is one of the earliest Michigan structures built as a women's club.
Erected 1983 by Michigan History Division and Department of State. (Marker Number L120.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations • Women. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 42° 57.684′ N, 85° 40.009′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in Downtown. It is on Sheldon Avenue Southeast. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 61 Sheldon Street SE, Grand Rapids MI 49503, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Regionally, this marker is in West Michigan. It is also in the American Midwest and on the Great Lakes. 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: Roger B. Chaffee (about 700 feet away, measured in a direct line); Courthouse Square (about 700 feet
this page online
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, November 21, 2016
2. Ladies Literary Club and Marker
Photographed by Bill Pfingsten, November 21, 2016
3. NHRP and Grand Rapids Ladies Literary Club additional markers
Photographed by Craig Doda, October 12, 2024
4. Ladies Literary Club Cornerstone
Credits. This page was last revised on October 17, 2024. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 778 times since then and 24 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. 4. submitted on October 16, 2024, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio.
