1949 Following the end of World War II, a number of memorials dedicated to those who sacrificed their lives in the name of freedom were established throughout the United States, including . The building was formerly the Russell A. Alger Jr. mansion, named 鈥淭he Moorings,鈥 and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
On the banks of Lake St. Clair, this Italian Renaissance-style villa designed by New York architect Charles A. Platt was built in 1910 for Alger Jr., vice president of the Packard Motor Car Co. and the son of his namesake, the former Civil War general, Michigan governor, U.S. senator, secretary of war, and lumber baron. After Alger鈥檚 death in 1930, the home later served as an annex for the Detroit Institute of Arts from 1936 to 1948.
In 1945, the Grosse Pointe Honor Roll Association began efforts to perpetually honor the Grosse Pointers who served and died in World War II, including Russell and Marion Alger鈥檚 grandson 2nd Lt. Henry F. Chaney. Four years later, in 1949, Marion Alger deeded the estate to the Grosse Pointe War Memorial Association for that purpose and to create a center for educational, cultural, and charitable activities.
Bronze plaques near the grand staircase preserve the names of those who served and died in World War II, and smaller plaques in the entrance hall list those residents who served in the Korean and Vietnam wars and in Operation Desert Storm. In addition, a meritorious service plaque honors those killed during peacetime.
The War Memorial, celebrating its 75th anniversary, features a nearly 30,000-square-foot venue that includes the Fred M. Alger Center and the only waterfront property in Grosse Pointe that is open to the public. Partnering with more than 70 organizations, The War Memorial hosts an estimated 100,000 visitors annually who attend public and private events, celebrations, and programs honoring veterans.
This story originally appeared in the November 2024 issue of 糖心vlog安卓版. To read more, pick up a copy of 糖心vlog安卓版 Detroit at a local retail outlet. Our will be available on Nov. 6. Plus, find even more The Way It Was articles at hourdetroit.com.听
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