16874 Lahser Road
Wolverine Post No. 171 (Veterans of Foreign Wars)
Wolverine Post No. 171 was incorporated as a non-profit in Michigan in 1934 “to assist worthy comrades, to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans.” Harry Cotton, Iver Peterson, Weld Maybee, and Frank Bates were founders. The organization was a place for veterans to meet and help their community. They were active in the local VFW ritual competitions, winning states on several occasions and winning nationals at least once.
On December 3, 1936, the New Memorial Home of the Wolverine Post No. 171, pictured here, was dedicated. The advert in the Detroit Free Press described the structure as a brick-and-block construction at 16874 Lahser Road that would be completely devoted to veteran activities and the community’s welfare.
In the 1930s, there were various benefit dances, dinners, and luncheons to support a number of local charities and organizations. At such an event in 1937, Billy Rogell, who played for the Detroit Tigers from 1930 until traded to the Cubs before the 1940 season, delivered a speech. After he retired from pro ball, Rogell served over 35 years on Detroit City Council. He’s still tied for the record most consecutive walks in a row with seven.
Even when famous baseball players weren’t speaking at events, the Wolverine Post No. 171 continued to grow and serve the community, even outside the walls of 16874 Lahser Road. In 1939, the group took over the former fire hall at ‘Argus and Parkdale.’ I believe this is a typo and is supposed to be Rockdale. The Detroit Fire Department hadn’t used the space since a new station was built at Trinity and Grand River in 1938. The veteran group planned to use the old structure for ’ boys’ organizational work.’ Expect a post on that structure sometime soon.
During World War 2 and in the aftermath, the post on Lahser was very involved with raising money and helping families affected by the war. They also sponsored parades for heroes and to remember those who lost their lives.
On March 27, 1949, a groundbreaking ceremony was held for a $40,000 addition to the Wolverine Post No. 171 headquarters. The newer portion of the structure was on the backside, and you can notice the difference in brick from the street.
In 1950, the post was robbed. $200 was taken from the cashbox, the vending machines and cash register were looted, and a revolver was stolen.
In 1956, post members thought they were robbed again, this time during a game of BINGO. During an event at headquarters, Mrs. Gertrude Cole, 55, shouted bingo and threw her card in the air. In the process, her numbers became smudged, but she was awarded the grand prize, a whopping $1,000.
Later, a VFW official, William Perrin, noticed that the ink was wet, and it was assumed that she had cheated. Mrs. Cole was arrested, although she immediately claimed it was a misunderstanding. A recorder’s judge dropped the case by the end of the week.
After the 1950s, I haven’t found much information about the structure. Online records show that the nonprofit’s main office was still at 16874 Lahser in 1977; however, by 1982, they had moved to a room inside 17405 Lahser (the old Masonic Temple). In 1985, it moved again to a house on Evergreen. The organization was dissolved in 2013.
At some point, a church moved into the space. I haven’t determined its congregation, but it may have been Beth El Community COGIC. Like many structures in Detroit, it isn’t improbable that multiple congregations used it over the years.
Today, 16874 Lahser is in dire shape. The floor has collapsed, the roof is failing, and the future doesn’t look bright. It’s on the city’s demo list, and Duggan has made it clear that he intends to tear anything down that crosses his desk. Given this structure’s current state, its date with the wrecking ball is understandable.
However, this building is unique and worth saving. They don’t build the like this anymore, and Old Redford sees more and more investment. Demolition, although understandable, is shortsighted.
