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

Inscription. 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, 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. Marker 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.

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 away); Kent County Civil War Monument & Fountain

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(approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Rapids Veterans Memorial and Honor Roll (approx. 0.2 miles away); First (Park) Congregational Church (approx. 0.2 miles away); St. Cecilia Music Society (approx. 0.2 miles away); Grand Rapids Public Library (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bishop Frederic Baraga (approx. ¼ mile away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.

Ladies Literary Club image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, November 21, 2016

2. Ladies Literary Club

Photographed By Bill Pfingsten, November 21, 2016

3. Ladies Literary Club

Additional plaques on building.

Credits. This page was last revised on April 26, 2018. It was originally submitted on November 26, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland. This page has been viewed 414 times since then and 35 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on November 26, 2016, by Bill Pfingsten of Bel Air, Maryland.