Looking good at 75: War Memorial embarks on diamond anniversary
GROSSE POINTE FARMS Jan. 1, 2024 – The year was 1949. Gas was about $0.27 a gallon, a new home could be purchased for less than $8,000, a new car sold for under $1,500, and on the shores of Lake St. Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms, a priceless community asset — the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association — was established.
For three-quarters of a century, The War Memorial has proudly stood as a symbol of unity, celebrating the rich tapestry of our community and enhancing the lives of those who visit our campus. From honoring our veterans to educational and enriching activities, to embrace the diversity that defines us, our mission has been to strengthen the bonds that tie our community together.
Speaking of our history, the place that The War Memorial calls home was built in 1910 — an Italian Renaissance-style house and gardens named The Moorings — for Russell A. Alger Jr. and his family. After Russell’s death, the family decided to donate the campus to the community, and it first became a branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts from 1936 to 1948. Then in 1949, it was dedicated as the newly formed Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association to be a perpetual tool of remembrance of Grosse Pointe residents who served and died in World War II, while serving as a center for continuing educational and cultural activities.
Since our inception we’ve refined our mission to be a patriotic, cultural, and community leader, and have made many improvements and additions to preserve the beauty of the house and grounds. Most recently, these updates include Les Braves II: At Water’s Edge, and the Fred M. Alger Center. The next phase of improvements will be restoring the house. Beginning this year, we will focus on the newly established Alger Historic House Fund, created with the intention to restore and repair the 1910 Alger home.
With our commemoration of history and mission in 2024 comes a year of celebrations! To kick off the festivities, a Chili Cook-Off is set for Thursday, January 25. The evening includes chili, beer, friends, and veterans. The following month, a winter formal dance for adults is planned for Friday, February 9. This event is a throwback to the youth dances of old at The War Memorial. Other events in 2024 include the return of War Memorial classics like tea parties, Winter Brunches and Summerfest, and a few twists on old favorites.
As part of our 75th anniversary initiative, we are looking to hear from our community members about the impact and experiences they have had at The War Memorial. Whether that memory is having your wedding here, attending a concert, or taking a class, we want to know how The War Memorial has enriched your life. Please visit our website to fill out our form and share your story with us.
Reaching 75 years as a nonprofit organization is no small feat, navigating the constant complexities of change, whether economic or societal, but one thing has always stood firm — our commitment to our community and the betterment of their lives. We invite you to join us in commemorating our past, celebrating the present, and envisioning a future filled with continued growth and shared success. Stay tuned for more details about the upcoming festivities.
About The War Memorial
The War Memorial, located on the shores of Lake Saint Clair in Grosse Pointe Farms is an experiential space open to everyone. For 75 years, the nonprofit has served as a patriotic, cultural, and community center. Its unique environment attracts more than 3,000 events and 250,000 visitors annually while offering premier hospitality services for community and private gatherings. Its diverse lineup of innovative programming includes live and virtual engagement experiences for adults and children. At its core, The War Memorial celebrates the ideas of American democracy while honoring those who have defended those ideas with tireless effort and personal sacrifice. Numerous patriotic and veterans’ events are held as well as history and civics offerings on the origin, traditions, and challenges facing American democracy. The War Memorial remains committed to serving the community as a unique, dynamic, and forward-thinking hub for southeast Michigan.
CONTACT:
Alex Szwarc, The War Memorial
Manager of Communications
313.881.7514, aszwarc@warmemorial.org