Letter Of Support

American Legion – District 1   Resolution of Support

Restoration of the Brodhead Naval Armory

Whereas, Brodhead Armory was constructed in 1930 in Detroit on property operated by the City of Detroit, now Gabriel Richard park, with significant funding by the federal government to the State of Michigan to advance the training of the Michigan Naval Militia.

Whereas, the architect, William ‘Buck” Stratton, married to Marry Chase Perry (Stratton), founder of historically recognized Pewabic Pottery in Detroit, and which tiles adorn the building. The state contracted the Walbridge Aldinger Company to erect the building, construction began on September 1, 1929, completed on August 1, 1930, and dedicated on October 6.

Whereas, Boxing legend Joe Louis fought the first fight of his career at Brodhead Armory in 1932.

Whereas, The Works Progress Administration (WPA) and Federal Art Projects (FPA) were established from 1936 to 1941, and Brodhead engaged artists from Cranbrook Academy of Art, David Frendethal, to complete nautical murals. In addition, artist Edgar Yaeger, John Tabaczuk, Gustave Hildebrand, and James Johnson contributed to the murals and wood carvings, completing the richest WPA art collection of any building in Michigan.

Whereas, the Navy League has claimed tenant occupancy of Brodhead Armory; in 1942 the Metropolitan Detroit Council was established, in 1946 the first Women Council of the Navy League was established, and in 1964 the James M Hannan Division of the US Naval Sea Cadet Corps was established, being one of the first Sea Cadet units in the country, claiming Brodhead Armory as their official residence.

Whereas, the Michigan Naval Militia, Marines and Navy Reserve have trained and operated at Brodhead Armory and claim Brodhead Armory as their official training location. In 1930, the 1st Battalion 24thMarines was designated and has operated at Brodhead Armory.

Whereas, the Brodhead Armory was designated and listed at the State and National level as a historical landmark.

Whereas, the Owner of the building is listed by the City of Detroit Register of Deeds as State of Michigan, Chief Construction and Facilities Management Department of Military and Veteran Affairs, 250 S Washington Ave, Lansing, MI  48913.

Whereas, the mission of the “Brodhead Armory Association” as a Non-profit 501-C3 organization is to recognize the former Brodhead Naval Armory in Detroit as a Historic Landmark that contributes to the revitalized Belle Isles and Detroit Riverfront. The “Brodhead Armory Preservation Society” was established for the purpose of coordinating efforts to rehabilitate and maintain the armory as a historic structure and to raise funds for that purpose.

Be It Resolved, District 1 of the American Legion - Department of Michigan, supports the Brodhead Armory Association and the Brodhead Armory Preservation Society in their efforts to gain approval from the Department of Military and Veteran Affairs and the City of Detroit to move forward with the plans to restore, preserve, and operate the Brodhead Armory.  In addition, the Brodhead Amory Association will work in conjunction with the Detroit Women’s Council (NLUS )to preserve and protect the WPA assets, its historical designation, and the restoration of Brodhead Armory to its former stature. 

Jeff Haeseker,  District 1 Commander

Carnel Mickey,  District 1 Vice Commander

Gary DeMars,  District 1 Adjutant

Jim Pardo,  District 1 Service Officer

Roger Avie,  District 1 Finance Officer

Richard Chatman,  District 1 Judge Advocate

Gregory Spight,  Zone 1 Commander