Smith, A. Herr and E. E., Public Library
Why it's listed
Loda's public library at 105 Adams Street is a one-story red brick and stone building in the Romanesque Revival style, measuring about 42 by 30 feet. Designed by Bloomington architect Paul O. Moratz and built by Chicago builder Fred E. King in 1896-97, it cost $3,118.57. Its front gable shelters an open arched entrance with memorial inscriptions. Inside are a vestibule, reading room, fireproof stack room and librarian's room, with original oak woodwork and a fireplace. The library was funded by Eliza E. Smith of Lancaster, Pennsylvania, in memory of her brother A. Herr Smith, and it followed decades of effort by the Loda Literary Society to secure a permanent home for its books. It has operated continuously since 1897, serving students when the local schools had no libraries and hosting groups such as the Loda Historical Society. Its importance lies in education and community social life.
Significance in brief: The nomination argues the library is locally significant under Criterion A in education and social history. It has operated continuously since opening in 1897, supplying books to students and residents and hosting local social and reading groups. It was also the culmination of decades of effort by the Loda Literary Society to establish a library.
Machine-generated summary. This summary was generated by a language model from the official nomination document and has not been reviewed line by line by an editor. It may contain errors. Check the source document before relying on any detail. Source: nomination document (PDF) · National Archives catalog entry. NRHP reference 95000992, listed August 4, 1995. Summary generated October 2026 (model claude-sonnet-5-5, prompt v1.0-2026-10-29, confidence high).
Key facts
| Address | 105 Adams St., Loda |
|---|---|
| County | Iroquois County |
| Listed | August 4, 1995 |
| Reference number | 95000992 |
| Resource type | Building |
| Period of significance | 1897-1945 |
| Architect / builder | Moratz, Paul O., Architect; King, Fred E., Builder |
| Architectural style | Romanesque Revival |
| Criteria |
|
| Areas of significance | Education, Social History |
| Level of significance | Local |
| Status (as stated in the nomination) | Has been in continuous use as a library since 1897; exterior remains essentially as built, with some interior and material alterations. |
| Acreage | 0.9 |
| Coordinates | 40.51919, -88.07036 (NPS GIS) |
What listing means for this property
For a publicly owned building or structure, listing mainly matters when federal funds, permits or licences are involved: projects then go through Section 106 review so effects on the property are considered. Listing also strengthens applications for preservation grants and, for leased income-producing uses, can enable the federal rehabilitation tax credit.
General information, not legal or tax advice. Rules change; confirm with your State Historic Preservation Office or a qualified adviser.
Sources and further reading
- National Park Service, National Register of Historic Places database (snapshot May 2026), reference 95000992.
- Nomination form (PDF, National Archives) — catalog entry
- Wikipedia article (used for cross-checking only; text not reproduced here)
- Wikidata Q20710281
- This listing as JSON
Last updated October 2026. Found an error? See the editorial policy for how to report it.