Grosse Pointe Woods in Wayne County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Children's Home of Detroit

Photographed by Joel Seewald

1. Children's Home of Detroit Marker

Inscription. On May 18, 1836, following a cholera epidemic, thirteen civic-minded women met at the Woodward Avenue Presbyterian Church and founded the Ladies’ Orphan Association of Detroit. The women adopted a constitution and began raising money to run a home for children orphaned by the epidemic. A house on St. Antoine Street was obtained, rent free, for one year. The home opened on February 1, 1837, and cared for eleven children during its first year. Now known as the Children’s Home of Detroit, the home has had a number of names and locations. In 1950 it moved to this campus. As it celebrated its sesquicentennial in 1986, the Children’s Home of Detroit continued to meet the challenge of serving children with special needs.

Erected 1986 by Michigan History Division, Department of State. (Marker Number L1237.)

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Charity & Public Work. In addition, it is included in the Michigan Historical Commission series list. A significant historical date for this entry is February 1, 1837.

Location. Marker has been reported permanently removed. It was located near 42° 25.42′ N, 82° 53.856′ W. Marker was in Grosse Pointe Woods, Michigan, in Wayne County. It could be reached from Cook Road 0.7 miles east of Mack Avenue, on the left when traveling east. Touch for map. Marker was at or near this postal address: 900 Cook Road, Grosse Pointe MI 48236, United States of America.

We have been informed that this marker is no longer there and will not be replaced. This page is an archival view of what was.

Regionally, this marker was in Southeast Michigan

and in Greater Detroit.

It was also in the American Midwest

and on the Great Lakes.

Globally, it was in North America,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it found itself in

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what was once the Viceroyalty of New France

and also the Northwest Territory.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this location, measured as the crow flies: Grosse Pointe Farms Sewage Pumping Station (approx. 0.9 miles away); Fractional District No. 9 School (approx. 0.9 miles away); This Bell House (approx. 1.2 miles away); Grosse Pointe Farms Water Filtration Plant (approx. 1.2 miles away); Grosse Pointe Shores Village Hall (approx. 1.4 miles away); Grosse Pointe Academy (approx. 1.9 miles away); Saint Paul Catholic School and Convent (approx. 1.9 miles away); Pere Gabriel Richard Elementary School (approx. 2 miles away).

2. Children's Home of Detroit Marker

Photographed by Joel Seewald, September 17, 2020

3. Children's Home of Detroit Marker

Children's Home of Detroit was demolished in 2012 and replaced with The Rivers—Grosse Pointe, a senior living facility.

Credits. This page was last revised on July 1, 2026. It was originally submitted on September 18, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan. This page has been viewed 3,901 times since then and 248 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on September 18, 2020, by Joel Seewald of Madison Heights, Michigan.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. Close-up of the marker and image of the Children's Home of Detroit buildings. • Can you help?