On October 6, 1945, Mrs. Earl Pierson, then assistant librarian, issued a request to every DeWitt Township organization to send two representatives to discuss the possibility of building a community center.  A piece of property on West Washington Street had been generously donated by Mr. and Mrs. Rogerson for the purpose of building a library, but they were also agreeable to the construction of a combination library and community center.  The first donation was a pledge of $1,000 from Mr. And Mrs. Verne Walker.  All the local organizations agreed to raise money for this purpose making the vision a reality.  Original incorporators of the building included L. J. Griswold, J. B. Vincent, Leo Spayde, Leon Blizzard, Mildred Carris, Hazel Norris, Mr. and Mrs. Vern Walker and Mr. and Mrs. William Rogerson.   The groups formed a non-profit organization named the Memorial Association which would oversee the construction and maintain the building in future years.  Once completed, the building was dedicated to all veterans of all wars.  A bronze plaque placed in the lobby of the library by the DeWitt Blue Star Mothers read: "Lovingly dedicated to the men and women who served in all branches of military service, and to those who gave their lives to their country."  The plaque also lists the eight names of local men who gave their lives in World War Ii.  The building was opened for partial use for the 1947 Ox Roast and was dedicated at the annual event in 1948.  Although the library (now located on Schavey Road) is no longer housed in the Memorial Building, the structure still serves as a meeting place for many organizations.  The building has been and continues to be a meeting place for local organizations and is quite unique in its inception and use. The lower level features a meeting room, complete with a full kitchen.  Upstairs, a large reception area can accommodate groups of 50 to 150 people.

The non-profit DeWitt Memorial Association sponsors the Ox Roast every year to cover the costs of maintaining the memorial Building.  Rent paid by weekend rentals also helps to defray costs.  The DeWitt Memorial Association Board of Directors consists of area residents volunteering their time to continue the mission of the building's creators.  Public meetings are held at 7:30 p.m. on the last Wednesday of each month on the second floor of the Memorial Building.  The Board and a vast number of dedicated volunteers also continue to bring the DeWitt Ox Roast to the community making it one of the longest running festivals in Michigan.  The first point on, the Ox Roast has been the principal supporter of the Memorial Building continuing its mission and providing family entertainment to thousands of visitors.