Carnegie Library – Cadillac

The Cadillac Carnegie Public Library is now home to the Wexford County Historical Society Museum. It is a historical landmark located at 127 Beech Street in Cadillac. Recognized for its architectural and cultural significance, the building was designated a Michigan State Historic Site in 1980. It was later listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 2007

Carnegie Library in Cadillac - Image By Andrew Jameson - Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=15828740

The journey of the Cadillac Carnegie Public Library began in 1903 when the Andrew Carnegie Foundation agreed to donate $15,000 for the construction of a new library in Cadillac. This generous offer was contingent upon the community raising matching funds. The Cadillac Literary Society rose to the challenge, successfully matching the required amount. In 1904, the architectural firm Scheurmann & Merriam from Saginaw, Michigan, was selected to design the building.  Freuchtel Construction Company was chosen as the contractor.

Library completed

Completed in 1906 at a total cost of $30,000, the library was a testament to the community’s dedication to education and public service. The building served the community as a public library for over six decades, until 1969. After the library’s closure, the Cadillac Police Department utilized the space until 1977. Following their departure, the building faced the threat of demolition. However, the Wexford County Historical Society proposed repurposing the building as a museum, a proposal accepted by the city. This ensured the building’s preservation and continued use.

Architecturally, the Cadillac Public Library is a fine example of Classical Revival style. The single-story, polygonal brick structure rests on a raised stone foundation, lending it a sense of grandeur and permanence. The building features a shallow-pitched hip roof capped with a low-pitched dome. This contributes to its distinctive silhouette. The main entryway is marked by a simple door flanked by Ionic columns, support a semi-circular window above, adding to the building’s classical aesthetic.

Carnegie Library in Cadillac Historical Market - Image By Notorious4life (talk) (Uploads) - Own work, CC0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=135306426

The interior of the library was designed to serve the needs of the community. There is ample space for reading, study, and access to a wide range of literary resources. Over the years, the building not only housed an extensive collection of books but also became a center for community gatherings, educational programs, and cultural events.

Wexford County Historical Society Museum

When the building transitioned to the Wexford County Historical Society Museum, it took on a new role in preserving and showcasing the region’s history. The museum now offers a variety of exhibits that explore the local history of Wexford County. You will find artifacts, photographs, and documents that provide insight into the area’s past. The museum also hosts educational programs, workshops, and special events. They have continued the building’s legacy as a center for learning and community engagement.

Today, the Cadillac Carnegie Public Library stands as a cherished historical landmark, reflecting the enduring values of education, community, and preservation. Its transformation from a bustling public library to a vibrant museum highlights the adaptability and resilience of this historic structure, ensuring that it remains an integral part of Cadillac’s cultural heritage for generations to come.

The 16 locations in Northern Michigan:

Northern Lower Peninsula – Boyne City, Cadillac, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, East Jordan, Mancelona, Manistee, Petoskey and Traverse City.

Upper Peninsula – Escanaba, Houghton, Iron Mountain, Ironwood, Ishpeming, Sault Ste. Marie, and Stambaugh (now Iron River).

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