National Register of Historic Places listings in Ionia County, Michigan facts for kids

Welcome to Ionia County, Michigan! Did you know that many buildings and places here are super old and important? They are so special that they are listed on the National Register of Historic Places. This means they are officially recognized for their history and unique architecture.

Think of it like a Hall of Fame for buildings! These places help us remember the past and understand how people lived long ago. Let's explore some of these amazing historic spots in Ionia County!

Explore Historic Places in Ionia County

Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library

The Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library is a beautiful building located in Belding. It was added to the National Register of Historic Places on May 21, 1993. Libraries are often important community centers, and this one has served the people of Belding for many years.

The Alvah N. Belding Memorial Library in Belding.

John C. Blanchard House

The John C. Blanchard House is a historic home in Ionia. It became a registered historic place on July 24, 1974. Old houses like this one can tell us a lot about how families lived and what styles were popular in the past.

The historic John C. Blanchard House.

Hall-Fowler Memorial Library

Another historic library, the Hall-Fowler Memorial Library, is also in Ionia. It was added to the National Register on May 6, 1971. This building has a rich history and continues to be a place for learning and community events.

The Hall-Fowler Memorial Library in Ionia.

Ionia County Courthouse

The Ionia County Courthouse, located in Ionia, is a very important building for the county. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places on August 9, 1979. Courthouses are often grand buildings that show the importance of law and government in a community. You can learn more about its architect, Claire Allen, too!

The Ionia County Courthouse.

Ionia Downtown Commercial Historic District

This isn't just one building, but a whole area! The Ionia Downtown Commercial Historic District includes many historic buildings along W. Main and Washington Streets in Ionia. It was recognized on September 13, 1984. This district shows what a busy downtown area looked like many years ago, with shops and businesses.

A view of the Ionia Downtown Commercial Historic District.

Ionia Historic District

Similar to the downtown district, the Ionia Historic District is another large area in Ionia with many historic buildings. It was also added to the National Register on September 13, 1984. This district gives us a glimpse into the past, showing how the city developed over time.

Buildings within the Ionia Historic District.

Lovell-Webber House

The Lovell-Webber House in Ionia was listed on July 30, 1974. Sadly, this historic house has since been demolished. Even though it's gone, its listing reminds us of its past importance.

The Lovell-Webber House, which has since been demolished.

Muir Church of Christ

The Muir Church of Christ is a historic church located in Muir. It was added to the National Register on February 17, 1983. Churches often have beautiful architecture and play a big role in the history of a town.

The Muir Church of Christ.

Pere Marquette Railway Belding Depot

Train stations, or depots, were once very busy places! The Pere Marquette Railway Belding Depot in Belding was listed on March 28, 1997. It reminds us of the days when trains were a main way to travel and transport goods.

The Pere Marquette Railway Belding Depot.

Portland Downtown Historic District

Just like Ionia, Portland also has a Downtown Historic District. This area, including parts of Kent and Maple Streets, was recognized on May 18, 2005. It helps preserve the historic look and feel of Portland's main business area.

Buildings in the Portland Downtown Historic District.

Portland First Congregational Church

The Portland First Congregational Church in Portland was added to the National Register on December 27, 1984. This church faced a big challenge when it was severely damaged by a tornado in 2015 and had to be demolished. However, the community rebuilt a new church in 2016 that looks very much like the original!

The Portland First Congregational Church before its demolition and rebuilding.

Portland School Apartments

The building known as Portland High School, now the Portland School Apartments, is in Portland. It was listed on August 8, 2016. Old school buildings often have unique designs and hold many memories for the people who learned there.

The historic Portland High School building.

Richardson Silk Mill

The Richardson Silk Mill in Belding is a historic industrial building. It was added to the National Register on September 26, 1985. Mills like this were important for making products and providing jobs in the past.

The Richardson Silk Mill in Belding.

Sessions Schoolhouse

The Sessions Schoolhouse, located in Ionia, is a historic one-room schoolhouse. It was listed on February 11, 1985. Imagine learning in a single room with all ages of students! Schoolhouses like this are a great reminder of how education used to be.

The Sessions Schoolhouse.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Complex

The St. John the Baptist Catholic Church Complex in Hubbardston is a group of historic church buildings. It was added to the National Register on September 24, 2001. This complex shows the history of the church and its role in the community.

St. John the Baptist Catholic Church in Hubbardston.

William H. VanderHeyden House

The William H. VanderHeyden House is another historic home in Ionia. It was listed on December 28, 1990. Each historic house has its own story and unique architectural details that tell us about the time it was built.

The William H. VanderHeyden House.