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Grand Traverse Courthouse’s
Link to Memorial Day

Usually when I drive by the courthouse on the corner of Washington and Boardman Streets, I am checking to be sure my seat belt is buckled and that I am not speeding. More than once, however, I have taken notice of the larger white statue, canon and other monuments standing on the lawn. I have always wondered what the monuments were for and so one day, I parked the car and read them.

First, there is a sign on the Washington Street side of the building that describes the building’s history. The land that the Grand Traverse County Courthouse sits on was originally donated by the Hannah and Lay Company in 1854. Since Grand Traverse County had just become organized three years before, it seemed appropriate that it had a building close to downtown to house the courthouse and jail. The original structure was built of wood at a cost of $600. It was not around long, however, as it burned to the ground in 1862.

For the next 38 years Grand Traverse County rented space for the courthouse and jail, until in 1898 when the city accepted plans to rebuild the courthouse on the original property. Within two years, the brick and stone building was complete (this time for $35,665); it has remained there since.

By 1975 time had taken its toll on the courthouse and the repairs and updates it needed could wait no longer. After a huge campaign by the City Historical Society, lead by its then-president Jennie Arnold, the citizens approved the $1.7 million needed to bring it up to date. The Grand Traverse County Courthouse was rededicated July 4, 1981 and is now a registered Historical Site.

So what of the monuments that adorn the lawn? There are two at the base of the steps behind the sign described above, both about four feet high. Both were placed there May 30, 1924. One is “dedicated to the people of the Grand Traverse Region and all her boys and girls who served in the World War and in loving memory of those who died while in service.” The other reads similarly, but to those who served and died in the Spanish-American War. A total of 43 names appear on those monuments.

As you turn the corner to Boardman Street, a tall white statue stands next to a long canon. Although there is no plaque to describe the cannon, it is clear from its neighbors why it is there. The statue reads: “To the heroes who fell and the patriots who fought for and won liberty. 1861-1865.” It is also dated May 30, 1890.

Why May 30? Prior to 1971, Memorial Day was celebrated on May 30.
The roots of Memorial Day can be traced to President Lincoln’s Gettysburg Address November 19, 1863, when he spoke to dedicate the battlefield on which he stood to the thousands who had died in battle during the Civil War. He said, “That from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause which they gave the last full measure of devotion...that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom...”

At about the same time in 1865, a druggist in New York began promoting the idea of decorating the graves of Civil War veterans. His idea soon evolved into grave blankets. In addition, the Women’s Auxiliaries of the North and South began to work together to decorate graves of the entire nation. The first year it was organized was May 30, 1865. Three years later a General Order was issued that established May 30 as an official memorial day to pay respect to all those who had died, in war or peace. It was then called Decoration Day. In May 1971, Congress declared Memorial Day a national holiday to be celebrated the last Monday in May.

As I was researching the history of the Michigan Theatre (see related article), I ran across the schedule of events listed in the Record Eagle for Memorial Day, 1941, as well as the words to the Pledge of Allegiance. The morning was a busy one, starting at 9 a.m. at Oakwood Cemetery. A flag raising and the Pledge; the Traverse City High School band playing the National Anthem; a prayer and singing of God Bless America; the superintendent reciting the Gettysburg Address; a roll call of fallen veterans; a firing salute and the playing of Taps; and the dedication of a tree planted in memory of a soldier who had recently died.

In the past, Memorial Day was a bigger event for the whole community. Today, although many veterans and those close to them observe it, many others see it as the first weekend of summer, a three-day weekend to fire up the barbecue. Albeit, these things are great to welcome summer, the American Legions across the nation and Michigan still coordinate ceremonies like the one in 1941. Whether or not you can attend one, be sure to say, “Thank you” to a serviceman or woman. Fly the American Flag in your yard. Be proud of your country and what it represents and respect those who have helped make it what it is.