one of the most significant buildings in the district is the coldwater public library at 12 e. chicago. in 1869, the ladies library association was formed to start a local library. by 1870, the association had collected 1200 volumes, and started a library in the house of dr. john beech (across the street at 11 e. chicago). by 1880, the library was flourishing and the coldwater city council adopted a resolution providing for the establishment of a city library. a site was procured, but it wasn't until 1885 that a successful businessman, edwin r. clarke (whose house is located at 299 e. chicago street), donated funds to construct a building. the library opened in 1886. the first president of the library board henry c. lewis, who live at 53 e. chicago. lewis was an art collector, and constructed a gallery near his house at 45. e chicago, which is now a portion of the masonic temple.