SAT, MAR 8, 2025 / 11 AM (Brunch services begins at 10 AM)

James T. and Elsa U. Pardee: Community Builders, Architectural Patrons, and Philanthropists with Tawny Ryan Nelb

Brunch history is back with Midland County Historical Society! Jim and Elsa Pardee, both originally from Cleveland, were noted Midland community builders in the early twentieth century. Jim was an early investor in the Dow Process Company and Midland Chemical Companies and one of the co-founders of The Dow Chemical Company. The couple were major donors to many community efforts including the original hospital construction. After Jim became Chairman of the Board of The Dow Chemical Company, they built a new home on Main Street designed by Alden B. Dow which became one of his most iconic structures. The home, also explored during the lecture, later became the Headquarters of several foundations, and Pardee’s financial estate created three area foundations that have collectively funded over $475,000,000 in grants for our community and the wider area. The lecture is full of historical images about the Pardee and Gerstacker families and the home designed by Alden B. Dow.

Brunch service is sold separately and must be preordered. Pre-order your brunch food now! Pre-orders available until March 2 at 11 PM. Learn more and order here.