People for Palmer Park (www.peopleforpalmerpark.org) had a successful fundraising event last Sunday, Aug. 23rd to restore stained glass windows of the former home of Senator and Mrs. Palmer’s 1880’s Historic Log Cabin. The home in Palmer Park is the last standing Log Cabin in the City and the non-profit 501(c)(3) is determined to restore the home to its former glory as a testament to the rich and storied history of Palmer Park and all who have enjoyed it since it became a 269 acre sprawling city park over 120 years ago. The other community event involving the Log Cabin home happens in June during Michigan Log Cabin Day, set to occur next June 26, 2016.
The all volunteer board of People for Palmer Park should be proud of their efforts and the results of this classic event. Many in the audience poured over the 60+ items on the “silent auction” block to bid on music, hot retail items from local businesses, art, and a slice of Detroit’s history with Detroit Savings Bank safety deposit boxes, courtesy of the bank, Board member Kathy Bledsoe donated some African Art pieces from the collection of the late Catherine Blackwell’s estate.PFPP events chair, Barbara Barefield and her “all volunteer army” worked tirelessly to pull off this great event. Kudos to Board President Rochelle Lento, Board Secretary & Tennis Coordinator Lenora King, and Board member and Webmaster Amy Lebowsky, who all helped with the story. And what a great home in which to stage a Garden Party!
The Garden Party was hosted at Frank Lloyd Wright’s Dorothy Turkel house in Palmer Woods and the current homeowners Dale Morgan and Norman Silk graciously opened the house to interested onlookers. The home is a classic trademark of Wrights’ use of compression and expansion – a low-ceiling, narrow entrance space which opens up into a dramatic main living space with great views out toward nature. The second floor wrap around terrace outside area celebrated nature from both within and outside the home. It’s evident how much time, energy, cost and care has gone into restoration of this 1950’s home. A true testament to one of the great modern architects of the 20th century.
The People for Palmer Park originated as a group to protest the closing of public parks in 2010 when then Mayor Dave Bing proposed closing many of Detroit’s parks for lack of funds. Since then, it has become a non-profit group with much greater ambitions, namely, to draft more Palmer Park lovers and create a family atmosphere for a community park enjoyed by its residents and anyone who can appreciate the role this park has played in the city’s rich history …. And what it can once again represent to the residents of this comeback city. Looking forward to seeing a great turnout on Thursday evening Bike Rides, Tai Chi on Tuesday evenings, the successful Tennis Academy for children, Paint the Art Canopy onSeptember 12-13 and the Harvest Festival on Saturday, October 3rd. Keep up the good work, PPP.
ROBERT E. MATTLER is Managing Director for PACE-Equity in Michigan. He speaks, writes and reports about emerging green real estate and development issues in Michigan and elsewhere. Bob is a senior correspondent for www.greeningdetroit.com. For more information, contact Bob at PACE-Equity (248) 762-4370; or by e-mail: bmattler@pace-equity.com.
