Alvah N. Belding Library

Alvah N. Belding erected this library in 1917-18 as a memorial to his parents, Hiram and Mary Wilson Belding. Alvah and his brother Hiram began peddling silk around Belding (then Patterson’s Mills) in 1858. With the help of their brother Milo they began the internationally known Belding Brothers and Company in 1863. Michigan’s first silk mill was erected here in 1886 and operated until 1932. This library, which cost fifty thousand dollars, was dedicated and presented to the city of Belding on May 14, 1918. It is the only structure built by the Beldings still being used for its original purpose. An example of Classical Revival architecture, the limestone structure features a Spanish-tile roof. Its interior contains trim of marble, oak, and pine.