Joy Bells receive America 250 Patriots marker

GROSSE POINTE FARMS — A piece of Grosse Pointe Farms history has been recognized in a unique way.

The Joy Bells, which now sit on the property of the Farms Water Treatment Plant as part of Joy Bells Park, received a prestigious America 250 Patriots marker from the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution, thanks to the work of the local Louisa St. Clair Chapter of NSDAR.

Farms Mayor Louis Theros presented Deann Newman, Louisa St. Clair Chapter America 250 chair, with a proclamation acknowledging the marker during an Oct. 9 City Council meeting.

“This is the first one that was placed because of” work by a DAR chapter, Newman told the council. She said there are only about 48 such markers around the country. The other markers in Michigan are at veterans cemeteries.

“We are so very proud that Joy Bells Park in Grosse Pointe Farms is now home to an America 250 marker honoring Revolutionary War patriots who sacrificed their lives and fortunes to form our American government,” Newman said.

The marker was dedicated during a ceremony Sept. 17 — Constitution Day. More than 100 gathered for the program, which included participation by local Scouting groups and members of the Grosse Pointe South High School Choir, among others. The America 250 initiative is part of NSDAR’s efforts to celebrate the 250th anniversary of America’s founding in 1776; that anniversary will take place in 2026. The country’s 200th anniversary was likewise marked by national events in 1976.

“It’s leaders like you who love our community and our country who drive America every day,” Newman said. “I look forward to working with you as we plan a fabulous celebration of America’s 250th birthday on July 4, 2026.”

Newman said work to bring the marker to the Farms started about a year ago. She said the mayor, council members and City Manager Shane Reeside all played an important role by supporting the endeavor.

“The Farms is privileged to have one of the few 250 Patriots markers in Joy Bells Park in the State of Michigan,” Theros said via email. “I want to thank the Louisa St. Clair Chapter of the Daughters of the American Revolution for donating this marker in recognition of our country’s fight for freedom and our country’s 250-year anniversary. Our city looks forward to celebrating our country’s birthday in 2026.”

According to local historian Katie Doelle, the Joy Bells were part of the Henry B. Joy estate that once stood at 301 Lake Shore Road. The 15-bell carillon was commissioned in 1929 from the Paccard Foundry in the French Alps. Joy, a banker and financier, was one of the founders of the Packard Motor Car Co., which was formed out of the Ohio Automobile Company circa 1902. On her website, Doelle writes that the bells rang daily between the hours of 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. and were supposedly used by Joy’s wife, Helen Newberry Joy, to call him to dinner during the summer months, when he was sailing on Lake St. Clair. The estate was torn down and the property subdivided into smaller lots following Helen Joy’s death in 1958. Before the house was demolished, the tower and bells were given to Grosse Pointe Farms by the Joys’ son, Henry.

Louisa St. Clair Chapter Finance Director Peggy King Scully, a local historian, said Helen Newberry Joy was an early member of the Louisa St. Clair Chapter.

The tower and bells, which were restored by the nonprofit Grosse Pointe Farms Foundation, have been moved twice and have stood at their current location since 1992, Doelle wrote.