The Shedd-Porter Memorial Library was built in 1910, a gift to the Town of Alstead from John G. and Mary Rowenna Porter Shedd in honor of their parents. The building was designed in the Beaux Arts style by architects MacLean and Wright of Boston, Massachusetts. Established for the benefit of the residents of Alstead and Langdon, it continues today to serve as a hub for community, learning, service and connection.

John Shedd was born on the Pratt Road in Alstead, raised in our town and on a farm on Holden Hill in Langdon. His wife, Mary Rowena (Porter) Shedd, grew up on River Street in Alstead. John G. Shedd left for work in Chicago, Illinois in 1871. He worked for Marshall Field and Company, starting as a stock clerk. He rose to become the second President and chairman of the board of Marshall Field & Company upon Field’s death in 1906. A major philanthropist in Chicago, he also provided the funds for the Shedd Aquarium. In addition to providing the funds for the building and furnishings of the Shedd-Porter Memorial Library, John Shedd contributed 2000 books for its shelves. The Library today has over 18,000 holdings.

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