West Grand in Grand Rapids in Kent County, Michigan — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Villa Maria

Photographed By Nathan Bierma, May 26, 2022

1. Villa Maria Marker

Inscription.

Villa Maria was founded by the Sisters of the Good Shepherd in 1904 as a haven for destitute young women. Many girls came here seeking shelter from negligent or abusive families; in later years some were referred by social service agencies. Villa Maria's mission was not only to educate, but to teach self-discipline and offer the women a new start. Residents learned a variety of skills so that they could become independent. The home was first located on Bridge Street and moved to the present site in 1904. In 1985 it became a retirement center.

Erected 1989 by Bureau of History, Michigan Department of State. (Marker Number L1603.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Charity & Public Work • Fraternal or Sororal Organizations.

Location. 42° 58.981′ N, 85° 41.976′ W. Marker is in Grand Rapids, Michigan, in Kent County. It is in West Grand. Marker is on Van Buren Avenue Northwest, ¼ mile north of Walker, on the right when traveling south. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1305 Walker Ave NW, Grand Rapids MI 49504, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Stanley Ketchel (approx. 1.3 miles away); Sixth Street Bridge (approx. 1.4 miles away); German-English Schoolhouse

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(approx. 1½ miles away); Great Flood of 1904 (approx. 1½ miles away); First Baptist Mission Station (approx. 1½ miles away); Final Resting Place of Gerald R. Ford (approx. 1½ miles away); Monroe Avenue Water Filtration Plant / The Beginning of Water Fluoridation (approx. 1½ miles away); Gerald R. Ford (approx. 1½ miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Grand Rapids.

Regarding Villa Maria. In 1904, a convent of the Sisters of Good Shepherd was founded for the purpose of ministering to troubled young women. Its first new structure, the Industrial Building, was constructed in 1905. In 1987, the Villa Maria Retirement Community opened.

Photographed By Nathan Bierma, May 26, 2022

2. Villa Maria

Photographed By Nathan Bierma, May 26, 2022

3. Villa Maria

Photographed By Nathan Bierma, May 26, 2022

4. Villa Maria

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on May 30, 2022, by Nathan Bierma of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This page has been viewed 782 times since then and 90 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on May 30, 2022, by Nathan Bierma of Grand Rapids, Michigan. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.