The Grosse Pointe War Memorial is home to many people for many things. This beautiful community facility is unique, stylish and historic…all at once! “In offering a myriad of lifelong learning and enrichment opportunities, the Association serves as a living memorial in honor of those Grosse Pointers who so valiantly served our country in the armed forces.”
This magnificent “Italian Renaissance-style” mansion was built in 1910 for the Russell A. Alger family. Architect Charles A. Platt from New York designed the home while Mrs. Allen Shipman designed the landscaping. “The house and gardens were designed together as a unit, with particular attention to the use of various ground levels to the best advantage. It was called The Moorings.”
“Shortly after Russell Alger’s death in 1930, The Moorings was used as a branch of the Detroit Institute of Arts. In 1949, it was dedicated to a twofold purpose: to serve as a perpetual memorial to the 3,500 Grosse Pointers who served and the 126 who died in World War II: and it was to serve as a continuing center for educational and charitable activities of the Grosse Pointe community. The War Memorial is unusual ~ some say unique ~ because of its dual use.”
Over the years, additions have expanded the possibilities of the War Memorial usage. In 1962 the Crystal Ballroom and Fries Auditorium were dedicated. In 1993 the Center for Arts and Communication was completed and “houses art and dance studios, a conference room, a large activity room and the community’s local origination television studios.”
Today, several events are featured throughout the year at the Grosse Pointe War Memorial. Activities ranging “from lectures, classes, trips, luncheons and concerts to such programs as science camps, ballet and theatre performances, art shows, bridge tournaments, safe ride programs, bloodmobile drives, support groups, ski trips, aerobic exercise classes, weddings, holiday events, recitals and more.”
The Grosse Pointe War Memorial is a charitable organization partially funded by voluntary contributions to it Annual Fund. Since it receives no tax-dollar support, these voluntary contributions play an important role in supporting its operations. For further information, contact their Community Relations Office as (313) 881-7511.
The Grosse Pointe War Memorial also has an informative website for detailed offerings at www.warmemorial.org
