Hall-Fowler Memorial Library

Also known as: Frederick Hall House
126 E. Main St., Ionia, Michigan

Photos

EXTERIOR, SOUTH FRONT AND WEST SIDE

Photo taken for the Historic American Buildings Survey

Map

Coordinates:
+42.98300, -85.06202
42°58'59" N, 85°03'43" W

Description

Built by a prominent family of Michigan, the Frederick Hall House is one of the most elegant forms of Italianate architecture adopted in western Michigan. Highly ornate brackets supporting the overhanging cornice, an octagonal cupola, and a richly finished interior contribute to the distinction of this building. The mansion is built of variegated ashlar sandstone which deviates in color from a yellow grey to a reddish brown. The unusual sandstone was excavated from quarries near Ionia. -- Historic American Buildings Survey (HABS MI-238)

The Ionia Historic District, created later, included this building.

National Register information

Status: Posted to the National Register of Historic Places on May 6, 1971
Reference number: 71000398
Architectural style: Victorian: Italianate
Area of significance: Architecture
Level of significance: Local
Evaluation criteria: C - Design/Construction
Property type: Building
Historic function: Single dwelling
Current function: Library
Period of significance: 1850-1874
Significant years: 1869; 1870

Update Log

March 9, 2020: New photos from Jim Allen
March 2, 2020: Updated by Jim Allen: refined coordinates
June 2, 2012: Imported photos from HABS/HAER

Related landmarks

Ionia Downtown Commercial Historic District (Adjacent)
Ionia County Courthouse (Adjacent)
Ionia Historic District (Parent district)

Sources

HABS MI-238 - Frederick Hall House
Jim Allen
National Register database - Reference number 71000398 (Search for documents)