Soldiers Home Foundation

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Home Recreation Hall

Our Buildings - Recreation Hall

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Following orders from Colonel Cornelius Wheeler, Governor of the Home in the late 1800s, a Recreation Hall (Bldg. 4) was built from Post Funds, in 1894.

Built in Colonial Revival style, it was fitted with card tables, checkers, chess, pocket ball boards and other pastimes. The first story served as a billiard room, and the second story was a beautifully furnished Grand Army of the Republic (GAR) Post Hall.

In late November 1931, the Recreation Hall was remodeled to accommodate 40 beds to alleviate hospital overcrowding. A three-lane bowling alley was installed in the basement and continues in operation today.

The building continues to serve veteran recreational needs in the basement though a 2005 VA renovation converted the upper floors to offices.

 

1889 Chapel Update

Current donations and our goal:

fundraiser ideas

The Milwaukee Soldiers Home Foundation, Inc. has, to date, raised over $200,000 toward restoring the National Soldiers Home Historic District's 1889 Chapel. We've used donations to complete lead, asbestos and animal abatement at the Chapel as well as architectural plans and the required Historic Structures Report. In addition, we've obtained $1.37 million in National Park Service tax credits toward the $6 million project. We need your help to meet the immediate need of raising $500,000 to begin Phase I of the Chapel Restoration project, restoring the damaged Chapel's roof, the first Phase of the Chapel Restoration Project. To donate cash, goods, or time and talent to the project, visit the Chapel Restoration section of this Web site.