Volume 38, number 6
March 2017
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue:
Fighters and the Furniture City
Cover Story: March program
PRESENTED BY: Letter from our President page 2
Louis Moore Local History Books page 4
Thursday, March 9, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Ryerson Auditorium, Grand Rapids Public Library
GGRWHC Banquet page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
Search: Grand Rapids Historical Society Next program: After the March program, the Grand Rapids Historical Society’s next program will be on April 13 at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Robert Girardi will be speaking about the
murder of Major General William Nelson. Grand River Times
Although Grand Rapids doesn’t have a ring reputation that rivals larger cities like Philadelphia, Detroit, Chicago, New York, and Los Angeles, the “Furniture City” has produced some of boxing’s best and most colorful fighters. From Stanley “The Michigan Assassin” Ketchel to Floyd “Money” Mayweather, captivating champions have fought their way out of the “Furniture City” and into the ring record books. At the turn of the 20th century, Ketchel was one of the most popular fighters in the game. His hard-hitting aggressive style attracted audiences and made him one of the few must see fighters of his generation. Continued page 3 1
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dear GRHS Members, Since my last letter to the membership there have been two wonderful events that I have attended. History Detectives was a very successful day with a full auditorium which required the opening of the Vander Veen room for simulcast. The February Historical Society program about the Blodgett estate presented by trustee Jeff Sytsma had an equally impressive audience. Jeff is intimately involved in the restoration of the gardens at Brookby, as the Blodgett The Grand River Times is the is called, but his knowledge about the house and its interior is impressive. We newsletter of the Grand Rapids must ask Jeff to give us periodic updates during this long term project. Before Historical Society, published six times annually. Established in 1894, and after photos will of course be required. the Grand Rapids Historical Society On January 17, I received an email from a life member of the Society is dedicated to exploring the history that informed me that a packet of documents was being sent to our mailbox at of West Michigan; to discover its the library. In the packet were copies of documents written by Charles W. romance and tragedy, its heroes and scoundrels, its leaders and its Garfield and Bessie Clave Hoogesteger. The subject matter is the Kent ordinary citizens. The Society Scientific Museum, the "dear old Seymour school", and a memory by Charles collects and preserves our heritage, Garfield. The papers came from the estate of the life member's grandfather G. passing it on to new generations Adrian Heyboer, one time President of the Holland American Wafer Co. through books, lectures, and Adrian's secretary was Bessie, who formerly had been secretary to Charles. education projects. Garfield Park, located on the southeast side of Grand Rapids on Burton between Jefferson and Madison, is named for Charles. Executive Committee: Since the Society does not have archives of its own, we will be placing Gina Bivins, president these in the capable hands of the Grand Rapids Public Library for present and Matthew Daley, vice-president future researchers to access. As a long time employee of the Grand Rapids John Gelderloos, treasurer Public Museum I will be making sure their archive has a copy of these Nan Schichtel, secretary documents also. When documents such as these come to us everyone on the board of the society discusses program possibilities. It would be wonderful to Board members: know about research or programs you, our members are working on and if Alan Bennett these materials are helpful in furthering that research. I look forward to seeing Charles Bocskey you the second Thursday of March when Louis Moore will give a presentation Thomas Dilley on Fighters from the Furniture City. 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 Rapids, MI 49503
Grand River Times
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 He battled and beat the best of them, and soon the Polish-American pugilist became a “white hope,” a symbol of pride and toughness and a man who would hopefully win the Heavyweight Championship back from the so-called evil clutches of Jack Johnson, the first African-American Heavyweight Champion. But the undersized “Michigan Assassin,” who famously fought Jack Johnson in 1909, quickly learned that some men weren’t to be tangled with. A century later, Mayweather, like Ketchel, was considered must see in the ring. Unlike Ketchel, however, Mayweather overwhelmed his opponents with ring science, speed, and artistry. But his career represented a great paradox in boxing: the most celebrated fighter in America was also public enemy number one. Floyd’s flamboyant “Money” persona, combined with legal troubles, irritated the sensibilities of a lot of fans. They paid to see him fight, however, they paid to see him lose. While luminaries like Ketchel and Mayweather reached the top of their profession and garnered most of the attention, men like Buster Mathis—a rival of Frazier and Ali in the 1960s—his son Buster Mathis Jr, Roger and Floyd Mayweather Sr, and Tony “TNT” Tucker, gave the city a steady supply of talent that Grand Rapidians could celebrate. Widely known as some of the best boxers of their respective generations, these men were made in the Furniture City.
While paying special attention to these fighters and their lives, this presentation will explain how fighting and fighters were made in the Furniture City. During the course of the talk, Moore will give a brief history of the development of boxing in Grand Rapids while also discussing issues of race and class outside of the ring that shaped how the public viewed fighters from the Furniture City.
***SAVE THE DATE*** The annual Grand Rapids Historical Society banquet will be held on Thursday, May 11, 2017 at 7:00 p.m. The evening will include a meal and a presentation about the history of St. John’s Home and it’s founders. The presentation will focus on the remarkable women who came to save thousands of orphaned children, and in the process, changed the entire community.
Ticket information and location details to follow soon.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Feature: Books about local history BLOOD ON THE MITTEN
RAKISH REEDS LAKE
Before Michigan became a state, there were witch trials, scalp collectors, dirty sports, and a massacre of epic proportions. The lumber era that followed made Michigan as much of a wild west as Deadwood, and Prohibition allowed a group of Detroit thugs to run roughshod over even the likes of Al Capone. Author Tom Carr will be at the Grand Rapids Public Library on Tuesday, March 14 at 7:00 p.m. and will share stories of crimes of passion, crimes of necessity, and cold, calculated evil as he examines the historical context of murder in Michigan and beyond. A book signing will follow the presentation.
Gail Snow, author of the 2013 release Remarkable Ramona Park, has a new book, Rakish Reeds Lake. Rakish Reeds Lake chronicles the time period from 1834, with the first settlers of the area, through 1935, when street cars were replaced. In the 21st century, the mention of Reeds Lake in East Grand Rapids conjures images of wealth with its shores lined with beautiful homes and a yacht club.
Enhanced with the inclusion of a profusion of illustrations, "Blood on the Mitten: Infamous Michigan Murders 1700s to Present" is a consistently compelling read from beginning to end. Exceptionally well researched, written, organized and presented, "Blood on the Mitten" is unreservedly recommended for community, college, and university library American History collections in general, and Michigan History supplemental studies reading lists in particular. —Small Press Bookwatch, Midwest Book Review
Grand River Times
The history of Reeds Lake is colorful and surprising. This book explores everything from the early pioneer settlers to the problems that came along from liquor (which was available at every business establishment, even the small boat rental places had a lunch counter with drinks available), gambling, rowdy sports, drownings, and murder—when the lake became a popular leisure destination. The book contains many pictures, descriptions and news clippings of hotels, saloons and resorts, as well as businesses such as ice harvesting.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Annual Reception and Program
Wednesday, March 29 ICCF Assembly Hall Third Floor of the Inner City Christian Federation 920 Cherry Street SE, Grand Rapids, west of Diamond 5:00 pm - Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and wine. 5:30 pm - Brief annual meeting and celebratory program. The GGRWHC will honor the nineteenth-century women’s organizations that created and managed the children’s programs necessitating construction in 1908 of the Blodgett Home for Children--now the ICCF, the host for the day. Guided by GVSU’s Cindy Laug, you will see how those programs proliferated in the twentieth century and led to Mary Free Bed taking over the building for rehabilitation projects. Appropriately, this event on March 29th will offer an opportunity to visit a building itself beautifully rehabilitated. Join the GGRWHC to toast the recent 125th anniversary of the Mary Free Bed Guild, whose members in 2016 were inducted into the Michigan Women’s Hall of Fame.
Free admission and free parking. Join us, but please reserve: 616-574-7307 or info@ggrwhc.org. New Members: James Flaggert Judy Nyman Carrie Smucker Wanda VandenBerg Grand River Times
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HAPPENING IN HISTORY: MARCH 2017 Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, March 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. March’s selection is Know the Mother by Desiree Cooper. Western Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, March 4, 2017, 1:30 p.m. Main Library-Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Topic: Find the Midwife! Discovering midwives in online records and other sources Presenter: Janet Sjaarda Sheeres
Over forty-five heretofore forgotten Dutch immigrant midwives who served in the Dutch colonies across the United States have been uncovered. In this session Janet will share some practical research tips on how to find immigrant women who served as midwives in their various ethnic colonies. This session will show how woman were often sidelined in the early historical and Census Records. Janet Sjaarda Sheeres is an independent scholar, genealogist, and freelance author who researches and writes on the subject of family, church, and Dutch emigration/immigration history. Grand River Times
West Michigan Post Card Club Monday, March 13, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church 2600 7th Street NW Topic: Rakish Reeds Lake Presenter: Gail Snow This presentation will show some of the highlights of the newly published book, Rakish Reeds Lake. This popular area was probably best known for Ramona Park, which lasted from 1903 until 1954. Also remembered are the many types of boats upon Reeds Lake waters, from small canoes to very large steamboats. However, there is much to the history of the area that most people would find surprising, because a visit today would reveal almost nothing about this history. The channels in Hodenpyl Woods and a couple of buildings are all that remain. Who would ever guess that there was a home for retired Masons, a couple of hotels, a hospital, boat clubs, swimming beaches, a facility for harvesting and storing ice, several saloons and many resorts? Besides these, the construction of Reeds Lake Boulevard, Fisk Lake points of interest, and a mysterious drowning will also be included. Since her retirement from teaching and computer programming, Gail Snow has more time for research. She is the author of Remarkable Ramona Park and Rakish Reeds Lake.
Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, March 15, 2017, 7:30 p.m. De Witt Student Center Kuyper College 3333 East Beltline NE The presenter will be Ben Cwayna.
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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 circa 1940 photo, five unidentified men and women enjoy themselves at a newspaper party at the Pantlind. 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.
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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 Fighters and the Furniture City PRESENTED BY: Louis Moore Thursday, March 9, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Ryerson Auditorium, Grand Rapids Public Library
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: March program Letter from our President page 2 Local History Books page 4 GGRWHC Banquet page 5 Happening in History page 6
Photo credit: Library of Congress)
Photo Sleuth page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, please visit www.grhistory.org Grand River Times
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