Volume 38, number 5
February 2017
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover Story: February program
Brookby and the Blodgetts PRESENTED BY:
Jeff Sytsma Letter from our President page 2
Thursday, February 9, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Ryerson Auditorium, Grand Rapids Public Library
Grand Rapids Area AfricanAmerican Museum & Archives page 4 African-American History Month page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
Search: Grand Rapids Historical Society Next program: After the February program, the Grand Rapids Historical Society’s next program will be on March at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Louis Moore will be speaking about the history of boxing in Grand Rapids with a presentation titled: Fighters From the Furniture
City. Grand River Times
The affluent and wealthy citizens of Grand Rapids once lived in the neighborhoods we know today as Heritage Hill and Cherry Hill. And the 400 block of E. Fulton was once lined with magnificent homes and impeccable lawns and gardens. Eventually these residents pushed further into the country, and many built country homes around the areas of Reeds Lake and Fisk Lake, in East Grand Rapids. The 1920’s saw a boom of construction around this area, with craftsmanship and hand-detailed work rarely seen today without a computerized machine. Among these country homes, one estate was built which was more aristocratic, more stately, and was better known than all the rest. This was the estate of Brookby. It’s owners were John W. and Minnie C. Blodgett. Today in the 21st century, most citizens really don’t know the Blodgett family. The family that lived here has all passed away, and the grandchildren and great-grandchildren are spread across the country. However, 100 years ago the Blodgett name summoned visions of, not only great wealth, but of civic leadership and philanthropy. Along with the Waters, the Lowes, the Bissells, and other similar families, the Blodgetts were among the top leaders in the greater Grand Rapids area, but their influence was felt across the country. Continued on page 3 1
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dear GRHS Members, Thank you to Carl Bajema and Tom Mass for a program that whet our appetite for their forthcoming book about streetcars. We will let you know when it is published and where it is available. As any author can tell you, a publication date is fluid. The Ryerson Auditorium at the library was full for the event. Questions were asked, and comments made throughout the presentation. At one point an attendee, Judy McDonald, stood up and proclaimed The Grand River Times is the excitedly "that's my grandfather in the picture". She was in attendance with her newsletter of the Grand Rapids dad who is the son of Mike McDonald, the person in the photo, a well known Historical Society, published six times annually. Established in 1894, conductor in the world of Grand Rapids Street car history. Judy, a classmate of the Grand Rapids Historical Society mine at Catholic Central more than a few years ago, was able to see at least one is dedicated to exploring the history more photo of her ancestor before the end of the evening. Carl and Tom had a of West Michigan; to discover its long list of people who helped on this project. Anyone who is aware of the romance and tragedy, its heroes and scoundrels, its leaders and its research Carl has done knows that this is decades of work coming to fruition. ordinary citizens. The Society Tom put lots of effort into maps that will be featured collects and preserves our heritage, January 1 I began a personal/family project that has been rewarding. I passing it on to new generations have in my possession the 1924 and 1928 journals of my great-grandfather through books, lectures, and Daniel Heinbeck. I have been posting them on a group page that is for the education projects. descendants of Elmer and Rita Zinn. Daniel was in his sixties when he wrote the entries. He was still working at least part time, running the elevator in the Executive Committee: Houseman building downtown. Also, he and his wife Catherine were raising Gina Bivins, president my mother Rita Brown, who was born in November of 1921. Her own mother Matthew Daley, vice-president having died in August of 1923. What has perhaps excited me the most is the John Gelderloos, treasurer enthusiasm with which my siblings and their off spring have had about this Nan Schichtel, secretary "blog", if I can call it that. At the time Daniel was writing, he lived at 711 Chatham Street NW, the house where I was born twenty years later. Board members: Alan Bennett Charles Bocskey Thomas Dilley Tim Gleisner Marilyn Hamill Chris Kaupa Gordon Olson, emeritus Wilhelm Seeger, emeritus Jeff Sytsma Jim Winslow Tony Wright Kurt Yost
Jessica Riley, editor Grand Rapids Historical Society c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St. NE
Grand River Times
I hope you all have great history projects to keep you busy this winter and into spring.
About the Grand Rapids Historical Society. The Grand Rapids Historical Society sponsors eight programs each year, beginning in September and running through May, including lectures, audio/video presentations, demonstrations, collections, or special tours. Membership. Membership is open to all interested persons with annual dues of $30 per family, $20 for seniors and students, or $400 for a lifetime membership. The membership year runs from May to the following May. Members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society receive eight newsletters each year and a subscription to our annual magazine, Grand River Valley History. Members also receive a 20% discount on books published by the society as well as books published by the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. Change of Address. If you will be permanently or temporarily moving to a new address, please notify GRHS before your change occurs. Let us know your new address and the date you plan to leave and plan to return. Email to grhs.local@gmail.com, or mail to Grand Rapids Historical Society, c/o Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503 2
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Continued from front page The Blodgetts were a lumber family. They were lumber barons in an era when Captains of Industry still existed. Along with Michigan, the Blodgetts owned and controlled millions of acres across the country, including Missouri, California, Oregon, and into Canada. Started by D.A. Blodgett, the family patriarch, the family business expanded under the leadership of his son John W. Sr., who eventually would be succeeded by his son, John W. Jr, (Jack). The Blodgetts harvested millions of acres of lumber, much of which was used in construction of bridges, homes, and furniture. The biggest client of the Blodgett’s was the U.S. Government, who bought back the harvested land for reforestation purposes. John Blodgett expanded the family business and made a vast fortune, building upon the fortune he inherited from his father. However, he also was very involved in the community, giving behind the scenes far more than he gave publically. Still, he did give publically. He donated the money for Blodgettt hospital in honor of his mother Jane. His wife was a supporter of Camp Blodgett, the children’s camp on Lake Michigan. And they also supported the D.A. Blodgett Children’s Home, funded by, and named after, his father. During the Great Depression, John personally saved 3 banks from failing. He was also served a term on the Federal Reserve Board in Chicago, and was heavily influential in Republican politics for his entire life. As a legacy to their success, (which seems pretentious today, but was the norm in an era where society and class levels existed and mattered), the Blodgetts built Brookby. This 41 room mansion sat on 8 acres, and also had three other cottages on the grounds for the Gardener, Chauffer, and Gatekeeper. It also had an 8-stall heated garage with plumbing, and its grounds were done by the prestigious firm the Olmsted Brothers. It was designed by the New York architectural firm Walker & Gillette, who did many Gold Coast homes along Long Island. When an event of the Blodgett family occurred in the Society pages, it simply would state it happened at “Brookby House.” When mail was sent to them, it was simply marked “John Blodgett, Brookby House, East Grand Rapids, MI.” Today, the Blodgetts exist only in memory, in yellowed newspapers and micro-film, in black and white photos, and as names on buildings. But Brookby still stands proudly, albeit silently. A testament to the success of a family who once conquered Michigan’s greatest industry in the era before the automobile. (From Olmsted Brothers Archives Col.# 07447)
About the Speaker: Jeff Sytsma is a former high school history teacher who, after ten years, changed careers into landscaping. As one who is passionate about historical gardens, Jeff was drawn to the original gardens at Brookby, and is working to restore them to their once original condition. What started as a research paper for a graduate class 11 years ago slowly has blossomed into a pet project. Jeff has cataloged all the invoices for the construction of the home and has (and still is) cataloging all the original blueprints for the home. As a Trustee of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, Jeff published an article on the home which, unfortunately, was bought by every Blodgett family member across the country, selling out the magazine. He has also given OLLI classes on this subject for Aquinas college and works closely with Aquinas on the caretaking of Brookby. Jeff hopes to someday compile a history on several of the wealthy leaders of this era, and the majestic homes they built. Grand River Times
3
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Grand Rapids Area African–American Museum & Archives The Grand Rapids African-American Museum and Archives (GRAAMA) has opened downtown at 89 Monroe Center NW. The museum had its grand opening on Monday, Dec. 26, 2016, the first day of Kwanzaa, a seven-day festival celebrated by African-Americans. The museum also includes a store and donation drop-off center. A local artist and collector, George Bayard III, has headed up this effort to open Grand Rapids’ first museum of African-American history. Bayard is a Grand Rapids resident of nearly thirty years. He is an artist by trade, but began collecting items as several people came to him with special things from the past. He thought the mementos of African-American history in Grand Rapids would be the right fit for a museum. For the past several years Bayard has pursued his constant dream to open the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives. He has assembled a board of directors and has started obtaining grants. He has also started relationships with collectors all over the region, state and nation. He has secured commitments from other Michigan museums to use their archives. Oral histories will be an important component of the museum and it’s collection. (Photo Credit: Amy Carpenter-Leugs, The Rapidian) Bayard anticipates opening the museum’s permanent home, which he hopes will include a performance hall, in 2018 and hopes that it will also include national history exhibits. The museum is looking into building in the 1000 block of Division Avenue for its permanent location, but is still in negotiations. They are also taking monetary donations for construction. Monday, January 16, 2017, was the first time that the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday was commemorated at the new museum. The museum also houses a matchbook from the (photo credit: WOOD TV8) Lorraine Hotel where Dr. King was staying when he was assassinated in 1968. Some of the other interesting items in the museum include a baseball bat from the city’s African-American softball team in the 1960s. There are also items that represent the darker side of history such as an application for the Ku Klux Klan. The museum is open from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m., Tuesday—Saturday . If you are interested in having special event hours please call 616 540-2943 for more information. Grand River Times
4
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
February is African-American History Month West Michigan Postcard Club Monday, February 13, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church 2600 7th St. NW Topic: Snapshots of African Americans in Early Grand Rapids Presenter: Ruth Van Stee In the 1850 census there were only 15 citizens in Grand Rapids who named their race as Black or Mulatto. By 1880, 100 African Americans resided in the city of 50,000, less than 1% of the total population. By 1920, just before the first “great migration” of African Americans from the southern states to northern cities, the African American population in Grand Rapids was still only 1% of the total. Who were these early Grand Rapids residents and what did they contribute to the culture of this area? Van Stee will give an overview of the population and snapshots of the lives of some of the members of this small but culturally rich community. At the turn of the last century, one of the wealthiest “colored men” in the nation lived in Grand Rapids. Another was one of the “most prominent Colored men in Michigan” according to a Detroit newspaper. Yet another continued the fight for his civil rights with the Ramona entertainment centers in 1904. Ruth Van Stee is retired from her work at the Grand Rapids Public Library in the Local History department and serves on the board of the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council. She has prepared presentations on women business owners in Grand Rapids history, the local women leaders in the suffrage movement, and the leaders in the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union.
February 19, 2017, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Save the date for this year’s Taste of Soul Sunday! Join us as we celebrate African American history and culture. This popular event is free and open to the public thanks to the support of the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation and Downtown Grand Rapids Inc. Schedule of events: TBA
Grand River Times
5
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HAPPENING IN HISTORY: FEBRUARY 2017 Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, February 2, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Main Library—111 Library St. NE Come explore the Lakes with the Grand Rapids Public Library! They are reading a range of titles including mystery, history, fiction, and nonfiction all taking place in the Great Lakes region—from Chicago to Cleveland. This book club will be lead by librarians and will take place the first Thursday of every month. Additional copies of the book are available to be checked out on Level 4 of the Main Library. For a complete list of books, visit www.grpl.org/rtgl. February’s selection is Anatomy of a Murder by Robert Traver. Western Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, February 4, 2017, 1:30 p.m. Main Library-Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Topic: In the Wake of Disaster: The Lake Erie Black Friday Storm of 1916 Presenter: Matthew L. Daley On Friday, October 20, 1916 two freighters sailed onto Lake Erie and into one of the worst storms in Great Lakes history. Only one man, the captain of the James B. Colgate survived to tell the story of his vessel’s loss. The crew of the Merida had no one, only lists of documents to determine what happened to them once they came ashore. This presentation examines the shipwrecks and the efforts to locate and identify sailors and their families in the years before unions. Great Lakes sailors can be difficult to trace and recommendations on how to conduct research into their lives is also featured. Matthew L. Daley is an Associate Professor of History, GVSU, Allendale, Michigan. He spends his time researching and teaching about Michigan, Great Lakes, local, and urban history. He has articles published in journals such as the International Journal of Maritime History, Technology and Culture, Minnesota History, and MI Historical Review. He serves on the board of the journal Michigan Historical Review & the Association for Great Lakes Maritime History. Grand River Times
Creating a City of Inclusion: Modern Immigration, Local Impact Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE
How has immigration impacted our city historically, as well as today? How can our community better support our immigrants? Dive deeper into these questions, and more, with a panel discussion in partnership with Grand Rapids Public Library. Panelists from organizations working within immigrant & refugee services will share historical insights & impacts of immigration on Grand Rapids, as well as how we can better support immigrants to create an inclusive, diverse community. Local immigrants will also share their personal experiences in this critical community discussion. All attendees will receive a discount to Grand Rapids Civic Theatre’s upcoming production of Ragtime – an epic, historical musical of how our county, and those who immigrated here, share the same hopes and dreams while struggling with class and racial divides. RSVP is not necessary. For questions, contact Autumn Hubbard at a.hubbard@grct.org.
Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, February 15, 2017, 7:30 p.m. De Witt Student Center Kuyper College 3333 East Beltline NE Jim Spurr will be speaking about Captain Robert Small.
6
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOIN THE GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY OR GIVE A MEMBERSHIP AS A GIFT The Grand Rapids Historical Society sponsors eight lectures each year. Members of the society enjoy these benefits:
The Grand River Times is the newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society. Published and mailed to members eight times a year, it includes current items of historical interest, details of upcoming lectures, historically relevant activities, and short articles.
The Grand River Valley History is the society’s annual magazine. Featured are illustrated articles by local history researchers and contributions from the Grand Rapids Public Museum, the City Archivist, the Grand Rapids Public Library, and the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
20% Discount on all books and other items published by the society.
Please enroll me as a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Society: ____ New ___Renewal ____Gift _____Lifetime:
$400.00 one-time fee
_____Individual/Family Membership
$30.00 per year
_____Senior Citizen or Student
$20.00 per year
Name: Address: City/State/Zip: Please make check payable to the Grand Rapids Historical Society and mail it with this form to: Grand Rapids Historical Society, c/o Grand Rapids Public Library, 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY PHOTO SLEUTH This month's Photo Sleuth selection comes from the Robinson Studio Collection's negatives. In this undated photo, five unidentified young dancers pose on a tiered backdrop as part of a Valentinethemed performance. If you know who any of these little ladies are, please email the Grand Rapids Public Library's Local History department at localhis@grpl.org.
Grand River Times
7
Non-Profit Org. U.S. postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 234
Grand Rapids Historical Society, Inc. c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Brookby and the Blodgetts PRESENTED BY: Jeff Sytsma
Thursday, February 9, 2017, 7:00pm Ryerson Auditorium, Grand Rapids Public Library
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: February program Letter from our President page 2 Grand Rapids Area AfricanAmerican Museum & Archives page 4 African-American History Month page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, please visit www.grhistory.org Grand River Times
8
