THE MISSIVE MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING? NOTICE: ANNUAL DUES

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1 MILITARY ORDER OF THE LOYAL LEGION OF THE UNITED STATES COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN THE MISSIVE VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1 MAY 2013 WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING? Most of you have probably noticed I haven t sent out a Commandery newsletter for quite some time. Some of you have asked about your 2013 dues and the status of your membership. I guess the easy answer, and the most truthful, is that I ve been intensely occupied in a project to rehabilitate two memorial parks in downtown Grand Rapids and have literally ignored most of the other projects on my plate. While I won t apologize, I will take some time here to explain the reason for my actions. In 2000, with the help of several great friends, I kicked off an effort to restore the 115 year old [Grand Rapids] Kent County Civil War monument and fountain. Outside of some minor repairs and many coats of paint, nothing had been done to this monument. Veterans Memorial Park, the location of memorials for WW I, WW II, the Korean War, Vietnam, and Operation Iraqi Freedom and Operation Enduring Freedom has been identified as a memorial park since 1918 and officially since The history of how these parks are viewed reflects the changing attitudes in the United States towards honor and respect for the ser- vice and sacrifice of our military and veterans, and an appreciation for the freedoms we have. Once places of respect and solemn reverence, beginning with the placement of pieces of art in Monument Park in 2006, it has been a challenge, almost a fight, to keep these two parks from being converted into regular city parks and open to any usage by visitors. Since 2000, I, as a representative of the Michigan Commandery and a member of the Gen. John A. Logan Camp No. 1, Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, have been an outspoken protector of these -continued on page 2 SPECIAL POINTS OF IN- TEREST: Perpetuate the memory and ideals of the 16th President Abraham Lincoln Officers in the Union Army in the Civil War Patriotism & the Flag Americanism & Education Partnership with the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War Honor all veterans Recognize ROTC cadets & Midshipmen 150th Anniversary of the Civil War INSIDE THIS ISSUE: WHAT HAVE I B EEN DOING CONTINUED 2 NOTICE: ANNUAL DUES The annual membership fee is now due. The rate remains at $25. Please make checks payable to: Michigan Commandery, MOLLUS Please send to: Bruce Butgereit, II 1948 Wyoming Ave. SW Wyoming, MI Companions who ve paid - Bruce B. Butgereit, Bruce Butgereit, II, Colin Butgereit, Paul Davis, Ronald Risley, W. Fred Roberts, Don Shaw, Max Waldrop, and Walter Weart. Companions still owing - Michael Davis, Thomas Doty, Charles DuCharme, David Eaton, Jerald Everts, Keith Harrison, Nathan Harrison, Timothy Killam, James McHargue, Jon Reed, Thomas Singelyn, Hal Smith, and George Walton WHAT HAVE I B EEN DOING CONTINUED MOLLUS AT THE G.A.R. BUILDING CELESTINE HOLLINGS 5 FROM OUR LAST MEETING PHOTOS OF THE G.A.R. BUILDING UPCOMING EVENTS

PAGE 2 THE MISSIVE WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?, CONTINUED Monument Park 1895 Monument Park 1930s two parks.

In early 2012, the city put together a group of twenty-three stakeholders including city government, historical groups, veterans, businesses, residents and more to work on plans

Someone suggested the need for a backdrop for wedding photos. Another recommendation was to install a children s splash pad in Monument Park.

One member, the chair of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission proposed an anti-war monument be placed in Veterans Memorial Park.

2 PAGE 2 THE MISSIVE WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?, CONTINUED Monument Park 1895 Monument Park 1930s two parks. After questioning the respectfulness of placing playground art in a veterans memorial park, the City promised greater respect in the future and a new policy was adopted to govern the two parks. Since then, we have been forced to defend the parks from more art exhibits, children drawing with chalk amidst the monuments, and book sales by the public library. In early 2012, the city put together a group of twenty-three stakeholders including city government, historical groups, veterans, businesses, residents and more to work on plans to rehabilitate the two parks. recommended uses. These uses included adding playground equipment and a dog run in Veterans Memorial Park. Someone suggested the need for a backdrop for wedding photos. Another recommendation was to install a children s splash pad in Monument Park. Other committee members have proposed adding so many trees to both parks we could probably have changed The restored monument in 2003 the name to Sherwood, as in the forest. One member, the chair of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission proposed an anti-war monument be placed in Veterans Memorial Park. At a meeting in October of last year, the city began suggesting no one really knew what the purpose or intent was for Veterans Memorial Park. The landscape architect began questioning what was a It became clear early on that the city was hoping that there would be enough votes on the committee to overrule any attempt by the few of us who saw these parks as special and deserving of our respect. Monument Park 1950s But something happened along the way. Most of the committee found its conscience and began to express concern over some Monument Park 1978

The Hiker VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3 WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?, CONTINUED memorial and what was a monument.

As a side note, by now you may be asking yourself why do I care so much? Why do I put so much time and energy into this? Here are my answers - 1.

As a member of the Sons of Union Veterans, I am to honor the veterans of all wars. 3. Too often, the words and deeds of those no longer with us are forgotten.

3 The Hiker VOLUME IV, ISSUE 1 PAGE 3 WHAT HAVE I BEEN DOING?, CONTINUED memorial and what was a monument. Sensing yet another attempt to alter the use of these parks, my wife and I began a research project to uncover any historical references that might answer these questions. As a side note, by now you may be asking yourself why do I care so much? Why do I put so much time and energy into this? Here are my answers - 1. Having never served in the military, I believe in actively demonstrating my support and appreciation for veterans as my way of saying thanks. 2. As a member of the Sons of Union Veterans, I am to honor the veterans of all wars. 3. Too often, the words and deeds of those no longer with us are forgotten. I strive to be the voice of those who can no longer speak. Our research uncovered language from the city commission proceedings, supporting documents of the proceedings, newspaper accounts, and letters from local veterans organizations. This work, done between October, 2012 and February, 2013, involved hundreds of hours and resulted in a sixtyfive page booklet giving the true history of Veterans Memorial Park from 1917 to present. This work also uncovered artwork and site plans that no one has seen since they were created in the 1920s, 1940s, and 1950s. Over the course of this time, I still attended monthly meetings and subcommittee meetings to discuss policy, signage, and more. I have had meetings with the landscape architects and city officials. Countless s have been sent back and forth. While a majority of the stakeholders embraced this new information, the city dug in its heels and promptly resorted to bringing in city attorneys to negate our proposals and to once again attempt to turn the parks into a general public park. This week alone, I had three meetings related to these parks. I have been successful in convincing the veterans groups that they too need to speak out. In preparation, I have put together an editorial piece for the Grand Rapids Press titled, Feigned Respect - The Truth Behind the City s Effort to Rehabilitate Our Memorial Parks. Also as part of this project, I am petitioning to move the Spanish-American Hiker statue to Veterans Memorial Park. Currently it is the only war memorial to men and women from Grand Rapids and Kent County not with the other war memorials. That project resulted in additional research and a twelve page booklet of historical facts. Last weekend I found more information at the State Archives in Lansing and the Bentley Historical Library in Ann Arbor on the Grand Rapids Hiker. All of this leaves me at times just shaking my head. For instance, the history of Veterans Memorial Park has always been to honor the war dead from Kent County and so when a group wanted to place a memorial there to the Purple Heart, the simple answer should have been it doesn t fit the purpose and intent of the park. But because it was an election year, the Mayor authorized its placement so as to avoid the wrath of the veterans. However, with no veterans from the Spanish-American War to protect, that same mayor is opposed to moving a war memorial to its rightful place. And then there is the city attorney who claims she cannot prohibit dogs from these memorial parks and yet they prohibit dogs from the cemeteries. Please note, I do not share this to advertise my efforts or to minimize any projects you may have going on in your life. It is shared only to let you know I have been a little selfish in what I ve worked on - reasons I believe worthy. OTHER CURRENT PROJECTS: To be dedicated May 18 New veterans memorial in Byron Twp. including 1928 Woman s Relief Corps tablet CANNON RESTORATION IN LOWELL, MI NEW CIVIL WAR MEMOROIAL IN GAINES TWP. To be dedicated May 18 MEMORIAL DAY BRONZE TABLET RESTORATION IN GRAND RAPIDS, MI

1942 1931 1921 Sanborn Map Early photo - Pre-auto? MOLLUS AND THE G.A.R.

Hospitality was Freely Extended to the Public The Loyal Legion inaugurated the year with a reception in the new quarters at the G.A.R. Building, corner of Cass and Grand River avenues.

There was a bowl of punch of the familiar Loyal Legion brew for those who would, and ginger ale (probably Vernor s Ginger Ale) for those who would not, in addition to other refreshments and cigars,

This was the first occasion on which the public has had an opportunity to inspect the new rallying place of the G.A.R. veterans, and the building was looked over from the top to the first floor.

One striking feature is the excellently lighted condition of of the whole building.

The heating apparatus yesterday was in good working order and the temperature most agreeable.

4 Sanborn Map Early photo - Pre-auto? MOLLUS AND THE G.A.R. MEMORIAL BUILDING The Detroit Free Press ran the following story in the January 2, 1901 edition - Veterans are Snugly Housed in Well-fitted Structure. Hospitality was Freely Extended to the Public The Loyal Legion inaugurated the year with a reception in the new quarters at the G.A.R. Building, corner of Cass and Grand River avenues. From 2:30 until late in the afternoon, visitors by the score poured in, not only G.A.R. veterans, but civilians, and all were heartily welcomed. There was a bowl of punch of the familiar Loyal Legion brew for those who would, and ginger ale (probably Vernor s Ginger Ale) for those who would not, in addition to other refreshments and cigars, so that it was a man s own fault if he did not enjoy himself with these and the good fellowship that prevailed. This was the first occasion on which the public has had an opportunity to inspect the new rallying place of the G.A.R. veterans, and the building was looked over from the top to the first floor. Many of the rooms looked bare yet, as the fitting up has not been completed not the furniture moved in, but a few days will right all these things. One striking feature is the excellently lighted condition of of the whole building. With streets on all sides, and no tall buildings to keep off the sun, there is no room for a dark spot anywhere, and the result is to make every part of the edifice look cheerful. The heating apparatus yesterday was in good working order and the temperature most agreeable. With elevator service, electric light and other up-to-date accessories provided, the veterans may congratulate themselves on having secured comfortable quarters. The fittings throughout the building are the same. The doors and casings and the stairs are of oak, the floors of natural pine and the wainscotings of painted pine. The floor at the main entrance on the ground floor is of mosaic. (The tile is in the image of the G.A.R. badge.) The elevator is just in front of the main entrance and but a few feet away. The second floor is taken altogether by the Loyal Legion. In the angle east end of the floor is the smokingroom. Across the hall a door opens into the billiard room. From this room entrance is obtained to the recorder s office, which faces on Grand River avenue, and to the library. On the Adams avenue side is the auditorium, which is connected with the library by folding doors. The cloak room lies between the audi- torium and the main hall. Already this floor has taken on a settled appearance, for most of the Legion furniture has been put in place. Next floor up is for the use of the G.A.R. posts, Women s [sic] Relief Corps, the Union Veterans Union and the Naval Veterans, all of whom, except Detroit Post, are now tenants. The auditorium is on the Adams avenue side, and is now supplied with Fairbanks furniture. Folding doors open into a large room that can be used for overflows at public or private meetings. There are cloak and ante-rooms attached to the auditorium ands across the hall in the eastern angle is the smoking and card room. On the next floor above is the large auditorium, with a gallery. There is a fully-equipped kitchen for use on the occasion of banquets, as well as cloak and store rooms. The auditorium and gallery will accommodate several hundred people and will be available for entertainments given by the various bodies that tenant the building, or by other organizations, if the trustees so decide. At the G.A.R. building last night the members of the Loyal Legion and of Fairbanks Post held open house and made good use of their beautiful quarters. From 1899 Detroit Free Press

C ELESTINE H OLLINGS Credit for the fact that the G.A.R. Building exists today is due one woman, Celestine Hollings.

As a member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, 18611865, Celestine is my fraternal sister and we have been good friends for over ten years.

The team from Mindfield USA (brothers Tom and David Carleton and partner Seam Emery) that has purchased the building recognized Celestine s efforts and often

They have created several videos, shot from within the building, to permanently document Celestine s efforts and the reasons why she believed the building was

Following the talk, attendees were allowed to tour the building and encouraged to write something on the walls (which have yet to be repaired and painted) with

5 C ELESTINE H OLLINGS Credit for the fact that the G.A.R. Building exists today is due one woman, Celestine Hollings. An African-American, small in stature but tall in spirit, Celestine waged a campaign to keep the City of Detroit from tearing down this building. As a member of the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War, , Celestine is my fraternal sister and we have been good friends for over ten years. Some of the comments made during TEDx are highlighted here. The team from Mindfield USA (brothers Tom and David Carleton and partner Seam Emery) that has purchased the building recognized Celestine s efforts and often share her story with others. They have created several videos, shot from within the building, to permanently document Celestine s efforts and the reasons why she believed the building was worth saving. Following the talk, attendees were allowed to tour the building and encouraged to write something on the walls (which have yet to be repaired and painted) with a felt-tipped pen. Jet Magazine pg.38 On October 26, 2012, the G.A.R. Building was the site of an event known as TEDxDetroit where Mindfield partner Sean spoke on the concept of perseverance. His talk highlighted the efforts of Celestine in persevering to preserve the building. He also mentioned the efforts of Abraham Lincoln, Daniel Crotty (color sergeant of the Third Michigan Infantry), and their own efforts to purchase and restore the building. Seeing the comment above brought tears to the eyes of my wife Marcia. It made me proud to be a very small part of the restoration process.

NOTES FROM OUR LAST MEETING Past Commander-in-Chief and Registrar of the Michigan Commandery Keith G. Harrison presenting the ROTC award to Michigan State University Army Cadet Alec Schaffer.

The location was Friar s Kitchen and Bakery and the food was fantastic.

Commandery Chaplain Reed opened blessed our meal with a prayer - Most Holy, Righteous, and everywhere present God, our Father who art in Heaven. We ask thy blessing on this food.

6 NOTES FROM OUR LAST MEETING Past Commander-in-Chief and Registrar of the Michigan Commandery Keith G. Harrison presenting the ROTC award to Michigan State University Army Cadet Alec Schaffer. The presentation was on 16 April, The Michigan Commandery held our informal mid-winter meeting in Warren, MI on Saturday, 23 March, The location was Friar s Kitchen and Bakery and the food was fantastic. In attendance was Bruce Butgereit with Marcia Butgereit, Michael Davis, Adam Gaines with Bill Gaines, Keith Harrison, Jon Reed, and W. Fred Roberts. Commandery Chaplain Reed opened blessed our meal with a prayer - Most Holy, Righteous, and everywhere present God, our Father who art in Heaven. We ask thy blessing on this food. Bless the hearts and hands that provided the same. Remember us and those who currently serve their country. Bless our ancestors who defended our nation in your name. Curtis Z. Pratt (the title of the book) who served in the 1st Corps d Afrique. It is a Amazon Kindle Book and available for download. It has received some good reviews and the cost is under $5 and contains about 500 pages. Companion W. Fred Roberts shared a photograph of the cadet who was awarded the MOLLUS ROTC Medal of Merit award. The recipient was Army Cadet Elizabeth Scothorn of Spring Arbor University/ Eastern Michigan University. The presentation was conducted at the EMU military ball and awards program on 22 February, 2013 at the Polo Fields Country Club in Ypsilanti, MI. Marcia shared some photos taken on a visit to the Detroit G.A.R. Building the day before. On the next page are some photos of the building. Surgeon John McDowell Kollock of the 50th and 118th Pennsylvania Companion and Michigan Commandery Junior Vice-Commander Adam Gaines shared MOLLUS membership medal #10 he recently purchased. It once belonged to Kollock. And when it is ours to pass from time to eternity, own us and crown us heirs to Thy kingdom. These favors and blessings we ask in the name of Christ, our Great Redeemer. Amen. The reason we have this meeting is to just enjoy the camaraderie and stories of fellow Companions. Adam Gaines brought an original MOLLUS membership medal. Companion Jon Reed shared information on a book he just wrote about one of his ancestors - Lt.

7 PHOTOS FROM INSIDE AND OUTSIDE THE G.A.R. BUILDING Photo by Lindsey Yeo Photo by Bruce Butgereit Photo Detroit Free Press Photo by Lindsey Yeo Top row: Some of the detail of the interior pieces. Left: The new roof and gutter. Photo by Mindfield Photo by Mindfield Photo by Mindfield Right: The peep hole on the 2nd floor door to the MOLLUS Michigan Commandery meeting rooms. From the library into the meeting room. The billiard room. Photo by Bruce Butgereit Photo by Bruce Butgereit Photo by Bruce Butgereit Left: Photo by Bruce Butgereit Photo by Mindfield Photo by Mindfield Natural lighting from the windows on the 4th floor assembly hall. Stain samples on original floor in assembly hall. The original storefronts once hidden behind glass block.

Saturday Jacoby s Restaurant in Detroit Events - Rededication & Dedication of New Veterans Memorial, Byron Township, MI: May 18, 2013: 10 AM Saturday The Commandery, the General John A. Logan Camp No.

8 COMMANDERY OF THE STATE OF MICHIGAN Bruce B. Butgereit, Commander 1691 Summerfield St. SE Grand Rapids, MI FUTURE MEETINGS & EVENTS Meetings in Annual Business Meeting June 1, 2013: 12 noon Saturday Portofino Restaurant in Wyandotte, MI Fall Meeting October 12, 2013: 12 PM Saturday Jacoby s Restaurant in Detroit Events - Rededication & Dedication of New Veterans Memorial, Byron Township, MI: May 18, 2013: 10 AM Saturday The Commandery, the General John A. Logan Camp No. 1, SUVCW and the Champlin Corps No. 41, Woman s Relief Corps have partnered to restore a bronze tablet from 1929 and to create a new memorial to veterans of all wars. Rededication of 1927 Bronze Tablet Commemorating Memorial Day May 18, 2013: 10 AM Saturday This tablet was given to the Elks as a thank you gift from the Auxiliary to the SUVCW following a national convention held in Grand Rapids that year. The tablet now is at Northeastern Post No. 459, American Legion. Other events - Memorial Day events in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Saginaw, and Flint the week of May 25-May 30.

The MOLLUS Missive THE MISSIVE. The newsletter of the Michigan Commandery of the Military Order of the Loyal Legion of the United States

The MOLLUS Missive THE MISSIVE The newsletter of the Michigan Commandery of the Volume 11, Issue 1 18 February, 2011 Meeting Schedule for 2011 Please pardon the confusion but some of you may have received