Irving Jacob Reuter
Encyclopedia
Irving Jacob Reuter was an automotive leader in the early 1900s. In 1925 he was named general manager
and president
of Oldsmobile
after rising through the ranks at Remy Electric
and then General Motors
after the two companies merged in 1918.
He was from Indianapolis, Indiana
, where he met and married Janet (or Jeannette) Reuter in 1909.
Irving Reuter graduated with an engineering degree in 1907 from Purdue University College of Engineering
. His knowledge of the automobile industry was reflected both in managerial duties, and by the six patents he obtained. They include inventions related to such developments as an electric generator, an ignition apparatus, a system for supplying electricity, an ignition coil, a roadster rear seat, and an engine starting device.
In 1922 he was one of ten original investors in General Motors Investment Corporation. That corporation was said to have rejuvenated the finances of the automobile industry.
Mr. Reuter retired from General Motors in 1935 at the age of 50 and after retirement, he and Mrs. Reuter lived in various locations in Florida and Asheville, where they moved in 1937.
Irving Reuter died in North Carolina. Janet Reuter passed at the age of 98 in 1984.
, Reuter and his wife, Janet Reuter (1886–1984), built a lavish country home they called Medovue. From 1928 to 1936, prominent members of American business and automotive companies were their guests at social functions. They were listed both in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Michigan during their Medovue residency. In 1936 he abruptly left his position at Oldsmobile and retired to Florida, although they evidently moved on to North Carolina.
The home was built by the Reniger Construction Co. of Lansing in about a year from a "countryhouse" plan created by Architect Harold Childs of East Lansing. The home includes large expanses of Pewabic Pottery
, and the grand (and for the time technologically advanced) main bathroom is a festive work of decorative arts. Also credited is architect, Kenneth Black, who in 1930 added a rear wing and bedroom space.
Thereafter, the home was owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing
from 1940 to 1962, and Joseph H. Albers
, first Bishop
of the diocese
, used the home as his private residence. In 1989, the house was renovated and converted into a conference center, and in 1991 was declared a Michigan State Historical Object
(Registered Site L1824, erected 1992 at 677 S. Michigan Road, Eaton Rapids, Michigan.)
Meadovue's 10000 sq ft (929 m²) building and grounds are now devoted to a bed and breakfast and a restaurant for fine dining. Many of the furnishing are original antiques, and the site is an important tourist destination in Eaton Rapids. The 15 acres (60,702.9 m²) estate includes the original pergola, nature trails, artesian well, annual and perennial gardens.
in 1954. The name "Janirve" is a neonym derived from the first names of Jeanette and Irving Reuter. Mr. Reuter died at his home in Asheville in 1972 at the age of 87. Much of his estate was transferred to the Janirve Foundation following the death of his wife Jeanett, which occurred in 1984. She was 98. The foundation was to have a limited life, and thus has been the source of a protracted legal wrangle.
One source noted that from 1984 to 2002, the Janirve Foundation distributed $59,863,536 in 1388 grants. Another source reported that: "In 1984, the foundation became involved in grant making, and since that time has issued 1,612 grants totaling $78,897,103. In 2005, there were 78 organizations that received grants in nine different categories that include Arts and Culture, Children and Youth, Community Projects, Education, Environment, Healthcare and Shelter, Social Services, and Miscellaneous. The total amount of funds issued in 2005 equal $5,521,800."
Through the foundation, the Reuters made large philanthropic gifts to the University of North Carolina
at Asheville
.' The Reuter Center is part of the Center for Creative Retirement, and they funded much of the building. The Reuters also donated large sums to Habitat for Humanity. A $2 million matching grant to the west North Carolina Young Men's Christian Association was the largest donation in the organization's history (the building is named in their honor). The also donated to many other Asheville, North Carolina
charitable and civic organizations, such as the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.
The Janirve Foundation Advisory Committee Members: Richard B. Wynne, Vice Chairman; E. Charles Dyson, Chairman Met R. Poston, Committee Member; John W. Erichson, Secretary; and James W. Wollcott, Committee Member.
General manager
General manager is a descriptive term for certain executives in a business operation. It is also a formal title held by some business executives, most commonly in the hospitality industry.-Generic usage:...
and president
President
A president is a leader of an organization, company, trade union, university, or country.Etymologically, a president is one who presides, who sits in leadership...
of Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile
Oldsmobile was a brand of American automobile produced for most of its existence by General Motors. It was founded by Ransom E. Olds in 1897. In its 107-year history, it produced 35.2 million cars, including at least 14 million built at its Lansing, Michigan factory...
after rising through the ranks at Remy Electric
Remy Electric
Remy International, Inc. headquartered in Pendleton, Indiana is a manufacturer, remanufacturer, and distributor of light duty starters, alternators, hybrid power technology, and Delco Remy brand heavy duty systems...
and then General Motors
General Motors
General Motors Company , commonly known as GM, formerly incorporated as General Motors Corporation, is an American multinational automotive corporation headquartered in Detroit, Michigan and the world's second-largest automaker in 2010...
after the two companies merged in 1918.
He was from Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis, Indiana
Indianapolis is the capital of the U.S. state of Indiana, and the county seat of Marion County, Indiana. As of the 2010 United States Census, the city's population is 839,489. It is by far Indiana's largest city and, as of the 2010 U.S...
, where he met and married Janet (or Jeannette) Reuter in 1909.
Irving Reuter graduated with an engineering degree in 1907 from Purdue University College of Engineering
Purdue University College of Engineering
The Purdue University College of Engineering is one of eight major academic divisions, or colleges, of Purdue University. Established in 1874 with programs in Civil and Mechanical Engineering, the college now offers B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in more than a dozen disciplines...
. His knowledge of the automobile industry was reflected both in managerial duties, and by the six patents he obtained. They include inventions related to such developments as an electric generator, an ignition apparatus, a system for supplying electricity, an ignition coil, a roadster rear seat, and an engine starting device.
In 1922 he was one of ten original investors in General Motors Investment Corporation. That corporation was said to have rejuvenated the finances of the automobile industry.
Mr. Reuter retired from General Motors in 1935 at the age of 50 and after retirement, he and Mrs. Reuter lived in various locations in Florida and Asheville, where they moved in 1937.
Irving Reuter died in North Carolina. Janet Reuter passed at the age of 98 in 1984.
Meadovue Estate
In 1927 at Eaton Rapids, MichiganEaton Rapids, Michigan
Eaton Rapids is a city in Eaton County in the U.S. state of Michigan. The population was 5,214 at the 2010 census.The city is located in the south of Eaton Rapids Township, on the boundary with Hamlin Township, though it is politically independent of both townships...
, Reuter and his wife, Janet Reuter (1886–1984), built a lavish country home they called Medovue. From 1928 to 1936, prominent members of American business and automotive companies were their guests at social functions. They were listed both in Who's Who in America and Who's Who in Michigan during their Medovue residency. In 1936 he abruptly left his position at Oldsmobile and retired to Florida, although they evidently moved on to North Carolina.
The home was built by the Reniger Construction Co. of Lansing in about a year from a "countryhouse" plan created by Architect Harold Childs of East Lansing. The home includes large expanses of Pewabic Pottery
Pewabic Pottery
Pewabic Pottery is a studio and school located in Detroit, Michigan and founded in 1903. The studio is known for its iridescent glazes, some of which grace notable buildings such as the Shedd Aquarium and Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception. Pewabic Pottery is on display...
, and the grand (and for the time technologically advanced) main bathroom is a festive work of decorative arts. Also credited is architect, Kenneth Black, who in 1930 added a rear wing and bedroom space.
Thereafter, the home was owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing
Roman Catholic Diocese of Lansing
The Catholic Diocese of Lansing is located in Lansing, Michigan. It encompasses an area of 6,218 square miles including the counties of Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Hillsdale, Ingham, Jackson, Lenawee, Livingston, Shiawassee and Washtenaw...
from 1940 to 1962, and Joseph H. Albers
Joseph H. Albers
Joseph H. Albers D.D. was born in Cincinnati, Ohio. In 1929 at the age of 38, he was consecrated Auxiliary Bishop of Cincinnati, making him one of the youngest Roman Catholic bishops in the country. He continued in this role until he was assigned to establish the new Diocese of Lansing, Michigan...
, first Bishop
Bishop
A bishop is an ordained or consecrated member of the Christian clergy who is generally entrusted with a position of authority and oversight. Within the Catholic Church, Eastern Orthodox, Oriental Orthodox Churches, in the Assyrian Church of the East, in the Independent Catholic Churches, and in the...
of the diocese
Diocese
A diocese is the district or see under the supervision of a bishop. It is divided into parishes.An archdiocese is more significant than a diocese. An archdiocese is presided over by an archbishop whose see may have or had importance due to size or historical significance...
, used the home as his private residence. In 1989, the house was renovated and converted into a conference center, and in 1991 was declared a Michigan State Historical Object
Michigan State Historic Preservation Office
The Michigan State Historic Preservation Office is in charge of the listing of historic resources of local, state, and national interest in the U.S. state of Michigan, including buildings, lighthouses, bridges, historic districts, and many other properties deemed important to the history of Michigan...
(Registered Site L1824, erected 1992 at 677 S. Michigan Road, Eaton Rapids, Michigan.)
Meadovue's 10000 sq ft (929 m²) building and grounds are now devoted to a bed and breakfast and a restaurant for fine dining. Many of the furnishing are original antiques, and the site is an important tourist destination in Eaton Rapids. The 15 acres (60,702.9 m²) estate includes the original pergola, nature trails, artesian well, annual and perennial gardens.
Philanthropy
Irving Reuter established the Janirve FoundationCharitable organization
A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization . It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A charitable organization is a type of non-profit organization (NPO). It differs from other types of NPOs in that it centers on philanthropic goals A...
in 1954. The name "Janirve" is a neonym derived from the first names of Jeanette and Irving Reuter. Mr. Reuter died at his home in Asheville in 1972 at the age of 87. Much of his estate was transferred to the Janirve Foundation following the death of his wife Jeanett, which occurred in 1984. She was 98. The foundation was to have a limited life, and thus has been the source of a protracted legal wrangle.
One source noted that from 1984 to 2002, the Janirve Foundation distributed $59,863,536 in 1388 grants. Another source reported that: "In 1984, the foundation became involved in grant making, and since that time has issued 1,612 grants totaling $78,897,103. In 2005, there were 78 organizations that received grants in nine different categories that include Arts and Culture, Children and Youth, Community Projects, Education, Environment, Healthcare and Shelter, Social Services, and Miscellaneous. The total amount of funds issued in 2005 equal $5,521,800."
Through the foundation, the Reuters made large philanthropic gifts to the University of North Carolina
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is a public research university located in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, United States...
at Asheville
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a city in and the county seat of Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 11th largest city in North Carolina. The City is home to the United States National Climatic Data Center , which is the world's largest active...
.' The Reuter Center is part of the Center for Creative Retirement, and they funded much of the building. The Reuters also donated large sums to Habitat for Humanity. A $2 million matching grant to the west North Carolina Young Men's Christian Association was the largest donation in the organization's history (the building is named in their honor). The also donated to many other Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville, North Carolina
Asheville is a city in and the county seat of Buncombe County, North Carolina, United States. It is the largest city in Western North Carolina, and the 11th largest city in North Carolina. The City is home to the United States National Climatic Data Center , which is the world's largest active...
charitable and civic organizations, such as the Asheville Symphony Orchestra.
The Janirve Foundation Advisory Committee Members: Richard B. Wynne, Vice Chairman; E. Charles Dyson, Chairman Met R. Poston, Committee Member; John W. Erichson, Secretary; and James W. Wollcott, Committee Member.