Hall-Fowler Library

The Hall-Fowler House, a fine example of Italianate architecture,  was built in 1869-1870 by Captain Lucius Mills for Frederick Hall.  Mr. Hall had settled in Ionia in 1841 and had become a major buyer and seller of pine land.  He was also a noted public official serving in the state legislature and (in 1873) as the first mayor of the newly incorporated city of Ionia. 

In 1903 his daughter, Marion Hall-Fowler, deeded the house to the city of Ionia with the stipulation that it be forever used as a public library.  The building became a Michigan Historic site in 1992.

In 2003 the library district became known as the Ionia Community Library, however, the Hall-Fowler building continues to be used.

For more information see:

http://ionia.llcoop.org/index_files/Page393.htm

Postcard courtesy of Mark Patrick

Last update March 17, 2009