Jeannette and Irving Reuter Collection

M2012.08.01

"Janet and Irving Reuter" [reu019_mod], D.H. Ramsey Library Special Collections, UNC Asheville

In 1927 at Eaton Rapids, Michigan, Reuter and his wife, Janet Reuter (1886–1984), built a lavish country home they called Medovue. Some photographs of the estate are seen in this collection. The Reuters resided there from 1928 to 1935 and hosted many prominent members of American business and automotive companies. In 1935, Irving retired at the age of 50, where after he and Jeannette lived in Florida, and then moved to Asheville, NC in 1937. Irving and Jeannette remained in North Carolina until Irving passed away in 1972, and Janet followed in 1984.

In accordance with their wishes, their estate was used to found the Janirve Foundation, a philanthropic group whose name was derived from the combination of their first names. 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 University of North Carolina  Asheville has been the recipient of large grant funds as well, resulting in the Reuter Center for Creative Retirement, which has since been re-titled the Osher Institute for Lifelong Learning. The Janirve Foundation was disbanded in 2012, though a legacy fund ensures established recipients will continue to receive funding. During the course of its existence, the foundation contributed over $100 million to local organizations.

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[Includes birth and death dates for family members]