Military museum purchases building from Eastpointe for $1

EASTPOINTE — For the past several years, members of the Michigan Military Technical & Historical Society have leased an 11,000-square-foot building at 16600 Stephens Road.

Earlier this month, the museum announced that the members now own the building after purchasing it from the city of Eastpointe for $1.

At the May 9 City Council meeting, the council voted 3-1 to approve offering ownership of the building to the museum for $1. Harvey Curley, Rob Baker and Stacy Cobb-Muñiz voted in favor of the motion while Mayor Monique Owens voted no. Cardi DeMonaco Jr. was absent. Owens did not comment on why she voted against the measure.

“We own the building now. It was unexpected,” said Wendy Richardson, who is the treasurer of the MMTHS board. “If we leave the building before our 10-year agreement (is up), the city would be able to take back the building.”

But for now, they are staying put. The MMTHS, which opened on Nov. 11, 2011, is dedicated to preserving the stories of Michigan residents who served in the military from World War II to the present. The building contains equipment, artifacts, uniforms and weapons that tell their narratives.

One current piece on display is the 1943 Clark CT-6 Clarktor, which was built in Battle Creek and powered by a six-cylinder Chrysler engine. It was used for moving planes, cargo and armaments. The vehicle has been fully restored and won a gold award from the Military Vehicle Preservation Association in the restored class.

With the $1 purchase, museum volunteers plan to do some updates.

“Right now, we’re trying to raise $50,000 so we can fix the roof. It needs major repairs,” Richardson said. “We’re trying to do beautification of the building. It needs to be painted.”

The museum members invite the public to its “Walk Through History” event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sept. 30. Reenactors representing different eras of American military history will provide demonstrations on the front lawn. Spectators can view the uniforms and equipment from various 20th century conflicts and learn about the hobby of historical reenacting. Admission will be by donation for the day.

The museum is open for school field trips and Scout meetings. It can also be used for holiday parties, Richardson said.

The MMTHS is located at 16600 Stephens Road. For hours and more information, visit mimths.org or facebook.com/MichiganMilitaryMuseum. Research questions can be emailed to mimths@mimths.org.