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GLREA is thrilled to announce the establishment an Energy Demonstration Center at our new headquarters in a Civil War Memorial Hall in the Village of Dimondale, Michigan. The GLREA Energy Demonstration Center is not only home to our offices but serves as a training facility and features a renewable energy resource library with exhibits and displays. The historic structure itself is a fine example of a 21st century retrofit of a 19th century building and will showcase innovative ideas for using renewable energy, saving energy, water, and other natural resources.

The building has stood at the corner at Jefferson and Bridge Streets in Eaton County's Village of Dimondale during part of three different centuries. On the banks of the Grand River, it has witnessed processions, parades, funerals, street dances, and much of this peaceful village's history from its unique corner location. The architectural gem was built in 1897 in the tradition of the American barn raising by groups of volunteers called "workerbees" from the Tim Lewis post of the G.A.R. (Grand Army of the Republic). The volunteer "bees" were led by Alex McManning, master bricklayer and Isaac Hess, finish carpenter, and fed by their partner organization, the members of W.R.C. (Woman's Relief Corps.) This site at the corner of Jefferson and Bridge streets had been occupied by a previous building, which was burned to the ground (along with most of Dimondale) in 1888. Funds were raised for construction by holding ice cream socials and oyster suppers, and by serving dinners at elections for prices ranging from 5 to 25 cents. When the hall was completed, civil war veterans, the members of the G.A.R. and the W.R.C used the top floor for meetings. The first floor was rented to one of the post's members, Albert Shotwell, who ran a mercantile for more than a decade. As a young boy, Albert's son Dorr learned the merchant's trade well because he later became Chairman of the J.W. Knapp Company in Lansing. In 1942, with a dwindling number of veterans, Windsor Township assumed ownership and used the structure for more than 50 years. With the construction of a new Windsor Township facility, Architecture Professor James Perkins of Lansing purchased Memorial Hall in 2001. He began a restoration of the exterior of the Hall to reflect its original 1897 appearance. Professor Perkins was pleased to hand over the building to GLREA, who he felt would be perfect "good stewards" of this architectural gem.

GLREA plans to continue the restoration process of this unique structure with care. The 2,800 sq. ft. historic building itself will be a central feature of GLREA's on-going educational programs. Funds are being raised for the project through grants and contributions from supporters of GLREA. The former "Memorial Hall" will showcase the energy efficient renovation of the building as we develop the organization's new Energy Demonstration Center, exhibit materials, and educational services.

Can You Lend a Hand?
A number of individuals, businesses, government agencies, have shown their commitment to the building renovation and our goals for its use as a demonstration center by contributing support to GLREA. They include:

 

State of Michigan Energy Office		Jim Beaver & Susan Barnes
Kelly-Tinker Architects		Stephen & Rachel Kaplan
Village of Dimondale		Karen & David Lankheet
Sundu Solar		Jean Newbrough
DTE Energy		Tom Rapini
Tetra Tech		John Savaro
Stony Creek Services		Patti Witte
North Carolina Foam Industries		Mark Brucki & Julia Morris
O'Leary Paint
Michigan Plumbing
Bo & Mike Scott Floor Refinishing
Adult Learning Institute

We invite you to join with the generous people and companies who support GLREA's goals and become a Sponsor of the Energy Demonstration Center by contributing to the building fund. Our goal is to raise at least $50,000 for the first phase of the project.

Sponsors will be prominently recognized at the Center and in all GLREA publications and activities. (> Click Here to contribute as a sponsor!)

• Great Friend of the Center ...... $100

• Lake Erie Sponsor ................. $250

• Lake Ontario Sponsor ............ $500

• Lake Huron Sponsor ........... $1,000

• Lake Michigan Sponsor ....... $2,500

• Lake Superior Sponsor ........ $5,000

If you prefer to make a contribution of your choice, please consider making a tax-deductible donation (> Click Here to make an online tax-deductible donation!)

Your support not only provides direct financial and material resources, it is also a sign of your commitment and serves as seed money to garner matching funds from a variety of other sources. The overall growth in resources is vital to GLREA's continued success.

To make a tax-deductible contribution or to donate an item, your products, skills, or other resources to GLREA, simply call 800-434-9788, email info@glrea.org, or send by mail to 257 S. Bridge St., PO Box 346, Dimondale, MI 48821. Thank you!

P.S. We'd love to show you the facility. We think you'd be impressed. At this time, tours are conducted by appointment only.

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Great Lakes Renewable Energy Association
URL: www.glrea.org
Email: info@glrea.org
Lansing:
(517) 646.6269
Toll Free:
1.800.434.9788

Join GLREA
Go to our membership area and find out how you can join GLREA!

Contact GLREA
Feel free to contact us if you have any additional questions or comments.

GLREA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization and contributions may be tax deductable.