Sunfield Grand Army of the Republic Post No. 283 Hall
Introduction
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This historic building was constructed in 1899 to serve as the home of a local chapter of the Grand Army of the Republic (GAR), a fraternal organization established 1866 by Civil War veterans. The hall is unique in that Civil War organizations (and other military organizations) have used it since its construction; no other GAR hall in the state can make this claim. The hall is also notable for featuring original chairs and memorabilia. The group that meets in the hall today is called the Sons of Union Veterans of the Civil War, which began using the hall in 1983. It was founded in 1881 and chartered by Congress in 1954 as the legal successor to the GAR, which ceased to exist in 1956 when the last surviving member of the Civil War died. On display outside are two Spanish cannons captured during the Spanish-American War (1898), a historical marker, and a memorial listing names of locals who have served in the military. The hall was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1992.
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Backstory and Context
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The post in Sunfield was established in 1884 with 15 founding members. It was named in honor of Sergeant Samuel W. Grinnell, who served in the 12th (presumably, Michigan) Infantry and fought in the Battle of Shiloh. Other organizations that have used the hall include the Women's Relief Corps, the Sons of Union Veterans, and the Daughters of Union Veterans of the Civil War.
Sources
Photos: Sunfield Grand Army of the Republic