King in Waupaca County, Wisconsin — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)
Grand Army Home
Photographed By Keith L, September 6, 2007
1. Grand Army Home Marker
Inscription.
Grand Army Home. . The Grand Army Home was established in 1887 by the Wisconsin Department of the Grand Army of the Republic, a nationwide organization of Union veterans of the Civil War (1861-1865). The Home provided care for indigent veterans and their wives in a pleasant community setting. The city of Waupaca donated seventy-eight acres along scenic Rainbow Lake to the veterans, and the local branch of the Women's Relief Corps (an auxiliary of the G.A.R.) constructed several cottages on the site. This was the first veterans' home in the nation to allow women to become members. Dr. Frederick A. Marden, a G.A.R. member from Milwaukee, originated the concept of a co-educational veterans' retirement community. He also devised the Home's cottage plan. Marden believed that elderly soldiers and their wives were owed a debt of gratitude for their service to the imperiled Union and that they would find contentment in the modest cottages and tree-shaded lanes at King.
The Grand Army Home was established in 1887 by the Wisconsin Department of the Grand Army of the Republic, a nationwide organization of Union veterans of the Civil War (1861-1865). The Home provided care for indigent veterans and their wives in a pleasant community setting. The city of Waupaca donated seventy-eight acres along scenic Rainbow Lake to the veterans, and the local branch of the Women's Relief Corps (an auxiliary of the G.A.R.) constructed several cottages on the site. This was the first veterans' home in the nation to allow women to become members. Dr. Frederick A. Marden, a G.A.R. member from Milwaukee, originated the concept of a co-educational veterans' retirement community. He also devised the Home's cottage plan. Marden believed that elderly soldiers and their wives were owed a debt of gratitude for their service to the imperiled Union and that they would find contentment in the modest cottages and tree-shaded lanes at King.
Erected 1988 by the Wisconsin Historical Society. (Marker Number 283.)
Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Notable Buildings • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Wisconsin Historical Society series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1887.
Location. 44° 20.285′
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N, 89° 8.726′ W. Marker is in King, Wisconsin, in Waupaca County. Marker is at the intersection of Bell Avenue and Wright Avenue, on the left when traveling west on Bell Avenue. Marker is on the grounds of the Wisconsin Veterans Home. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: N2665 County Road QQ, King WI 54946, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Memorial Day Order
General Orders, No. 11.
Headquarters Grand Army of the Republic,
Washington, D.C., May 5, 1868.
Credits. This page was last revised on October 12, 2020. It was originally submitted on December 17, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. This page has been viewed 1,401 times since then and 55 times this year. Photos:1, 2, 3. submitted on December 17, 2007, by Keith L of Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.