Corporal Walter F. Bruce VFW Post 1146

Corporal Walter F. Bruce VFW Post 1146. Jefferson Avenue at Martin Road. , The Turner Sommerheim Gesellschaft, or Turner Summer Home Society, was organized after the land, known today as 28404 Jefferson Avenue, was purchased in 1910. Built in 1924 to serve as a Turnverein, or German athletic club, it also served as Interurban Station #54, a stop on the Interurban Railway that ran through Saint Clair Shores until the late 1920s. Only members of the Detroit Socialer Turnverein could join the Turner Sommerheim. The organization was to be for the benefit of its members and their families "for rest and recreation, and for healthy exercises and games in the open air." Its official opening was on May 10, 1925. The St. Clair Shores Business Men's Association, which was founded in 1928, met weekly at the Turner Summer Home. , , In April 1934, four men felt that the prospering village of St. Clair Shores should be represented by a Veterans organization. The men were Bill Randall, Joe Dendoven, Leo Delo, and Charlie Pasters. They held several organizational meetings, and their initial application was received by the VFW National on August 2, 1934. The original charter application, based on the defunct Halfway Post 1146 of East Detroit, was submitted on August 21, 1934. The post name listed on the application was "St. Clair Shores," located at Harper Ave. and Ten Mile Road. , , When Walter F. Bruce, the first member of the newly formed post passed away in November 1934, the remaining members decided to name the post after him. On February 2, 1935, the post was renamed Corporal Walter F. Bruce Post 1146. , , The members soon realized that they would need a home for their post if they were to continue to grow. In 1939, they purchased the Turner Sommerheim building. After the building was purchased, it was remodeled. VFW Bruce Post members met there for the first time in 1943. , , When World War II veterans returned home and began taking their place, there was a period of unrest. The returning young men wanted to hold office and take an active part in post policies. They also had visions of expanding. The idea of a new post home was conceived in 1954. Plans were drawn and committees were formed. Construction began in 1956 and was completed at a cost of $150,000. The present building opened in 1957 and was dedicated on Sunday, September 21, 1958. , , The Corporal Walter F. Bruce VFW Post 1146 has been an integral part of the history of St. Clair Shores. However, the real history is embedded in the memories of its many dedicated and devoted members who served our country and defended our freedom. They, together with all the brave men and women who have served and are serving in defense of our country today, remain forever in our hearts. , , Top left image caption: The Turner Sommerheim in the 1920s. , , Top right image caption: Corporal Walter F. Bruce. , , Bottom image caption: Bruce Post 1146: Veterans of Foreign Wars.