Once Upon a Time…
Emily and Melvin J. Clark moved to a 24-room home at 1546 Sherman Street. The year was 1874. An exceptionally successful entrepreneur and
businessman, M J Clark amassed a sizable fortune. His wife, Emily, assumed the role of home maker – she was determined to make homes for those
less fortunate.
At a time when there were no social service programs, Emily was not only a philanthropist, but she was also a modern-day activist. Truly a woman
ahead of her time, she was instrumental in the creation of several organizations to improve society. They all still thrive today.
- Emily and her friend Jane Blodgett organized the D. A. Blodgett Home for Children. Emily served as the first president, and the
organization’s first building was the former residence of Isaac Clark, Emily’s brother-in-law.
- Emily donated money for the first schoolhouse at the Starr Commonwealth for Boys near Albion, Michigan.
- Emily made a $50,000 challenge grant, contingent on The Grand Rapids Art Association raising an additional $25,000, for the
purchase of the historic Pike home on Fulton Street for use as the first Grand Rapids Art Museum.
- Emily and Melvin donated their Sherman Street home with the accompanying 20 acres and additional outbuildings to establish a home
for retired Methodist ministers and their wives. Soon other area elderly were being served as well. Valued at $40,000 in 1906, today the gift
would equal $900,000.
Today Clark is a thriving, ecumenical retirement community with a heart. We are dedicated to providing a welcoming, supportive and rich
environment, so residents can individually define their retirement years.
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