Cadillac Public Library facts for kids
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Wexford County Historical Society Museum
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 Location in Michigan
Location in the United States
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| Location | 127 Beech St., Cadillac, Michigan |
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| Area | less than one acre |
| Built | 1906 |
| Built by | Freuchtel Construction Company |
| Architect | Scheurmann & Merriam Architects |
| Architectural style | Classical Revival |
| NRHP reference No. | 07001020 |
Quick facts for kids Significant dates |
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| Added to NRHP | September 28, 2007 |
The Cadillac Carnegie Public Library is a special building. It is now known as the Wexford County Historical Society Museum. You can find it at 127 Beech Street in Cadillac, Michigan. This building was once a Carnegie Library, which means it was built with money from a famous person named Andrew Carnegie.
This historic building was recognized as a Michigan State Historic Site in 1980. Later, in 2007, it was added to the National Register of Historic Places. This shows how important it is to the history of Michigan and the United States.
Contents
History of the Cadillac Library
In 1903, a very generous offer came from the Andrew Carnegie Foundation. They offered to give $15,000 to help build a new library in Cadillac. But there was a condition: the community had to raise the same amount of money themselves.
The Cadillac Literary Society successfully raised the matching funds. By 1904, architects Scheurmann & Merriam from Saginaw, Michigan were chosen to design the building. The Freuchtel Construction Company was selected to build it. The library was finished in 1906. The total cost for this beautiful building was $30,000.
From Library to Museum
The building served as a public library for many years. It was a place where people could read, learn, and borrow books until 1969. After that, the building had a few different uses. For a while, it was used by the Cadillac Police Department until 1977.
After its time with the police, there was talk about tearing the building down. However, the Wexford County Historical Society had a great idea. They suggested using the building as a museum. The city agreed to their plan. So, the old library became the Wexford County Historical Society Museum. It still serves the community today by preserving local history.
Design of the Building
The Cadillac Public Library building has a unique and classic look. It is a single-story building made of brick. It sits on a raised foundation made of stone. The building's shape is polygonal, meaning it has many sides.
Classical Revival Style
The building's style is called Classical Revival architecture. This means it looks like ancient Greek or Roman buildings, with grand features. It has a roof that is gently sloped, called a hip roof. On top of the roof, there is a small, low-pitched dome.
The main entrance is simple yet elegant. It features a door with two tall, decorative columns on either side. These are called Ionic columns, known for their scroll-like tops. Above the door, there is a semi-circular window that lets in light.
