Volume 41, number 3
November 2019
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover Story: November program Letter from our President page 2 2020 Program Schedule page 4 In Memoriam—Alan Bennett page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
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Grand Rapids Historical Society
Next program: After the November program, the Grand Rapids Historical Society’s next program will be on Thursday, January 9, 2020, at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Ed Paciencia will continue with: Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time, Part 2.
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Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time, Part 1 PRESENTED BY: Ed Paciencia Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Part 1 will look back at the evolution of South Division from the very beginning when it was just an Indian trail. Over time it became a dirt road that connected Grand Rapids to Kalamazoo. Over the next 100 years, attempts would be made to improve the quality of the road bed by using various materials, some of which were failures. At one time the quality of the road was so bad that a poem was written about the misfortunes of traveling on the road. Eventually, in the 1920’s when the city realized just how important this street was, and how fast it was growing, a decision was made on what would be the biggest improvement project this street ever saw. Not only was the street widened, but several of the buildings were either cut back or moved back to gain the extra room needed for the wider road. The ones that were cut back had a new face put on them which explains why some of the buildings that were built in the 1800’s have a date of 1928 on the front of them. Continued on page 3 1
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dear GRHS Members, I have been enjoying going to CARC (Community Archives Research Center) once a week and working with other researchers identifying photographs in the Public Museum’s collection. John and Sue, who also volunteer for the City Archives, do a lot of the looking up. I do a lot of the computer input. Other volunteers, that I never see, come in on a different day and continue to scan photos. Over 7,000 are now scanned. We use a variety of resources to make identifications. The photos range from The Grand River Times is the events, like parades, to civic groups, individuals, houses, new construction, newsletter of the Grand Rapids demolition, trains, planes and automobiles. And much more. Historical Society, published six City Directories are a favorite tool of mine. I recently went into the data base times annually. Established in 1894, to update a photo that someone had sent more information about. When I read through the Grand Rapids Historical Society is dedicated to exploring the history what was already in the description I realized that the person who originally entered the information, and had used City Directories to cite the location, did not know the of West Michigan; to discover its romance and tragedy, its heroes secret of Grand Rapids street numbers. and scoundrels, its leaders and its As many researchers know, street names in any city are sometimes changed. ordinary citizens. The Society But I don’t know of any other city changed all the addresses in one year. In 1911 the collects and preserves our heritage, City of Grand Rapids changed the boundaries for the numbering system. Besides that passing it on to new generations they changed some street names. A very important street, Canal which began at Pearl through books, lectures, and and went north, became Monroe. Hotels and commercial shops, including the earliest education projects. Herpolsheimers was on it. Prior to 1911 Monroe was only those blocks that we now call Monroe Center. It was this bit of information that the person who originally Executive Committee: described the photo did not know. The shop did not move from Canal to Monroe, they Gina Bivins, president simply had the street name changed, oh, and the number. Matthew Daley, vice-president What all of this means is that when researching early Grand Rapids you need John Gelderloos, treasurer to know that what was built prior to 1911 had address numbers changed. When Nan Schichtel, secretary researching houses, people didn’t move a couple of blocks, the number changed. The dividing streets became what they are today, Fulton being the north south divider and Division the east west divider. You do have to pay attention once Division ends and Board members: Plainfield begins since Plainfield angles off a bit to the northeast. There are several Alan Bennett streets that become the east west divider. Charles Bocskey The 1912 Polk’s City Directory has the new number listed with the old Thomas Dilley number in parenthesis. It is a much sought after edition Matthew Ellis because it holds the code. I hope all of this is clear now. Chris Kaupa Happy researching. Gordon Olson, emeritus Wilhelm Seeger, emeritus Jeff Sytsma Julie Tabberer Jim Winslow Kurt Yost Jessica Riley, editor Grand Rapids Historical Society c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Website: www.grhistory.org 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. 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 cover page This first part will also look at how South Division played a major role in the local Christmas economy. Back then there were no big malls or shopping centers on Alpine, Plainfield, or 28th Street to go to, as they didn’t come into the picture until the late 1950’s and 60’s. The only other street in the city to compete with South Division would have been Monroe, and that street didn’t have nearly the number of retail businesses on it as South Division did. With this, the city made the effort to keep Christmas shoppers in the spirit by decorating every light pole with wreaths and garland. The rest of part 1 will look at some of the buildings located between Fulton and Wealthy Streets. Things like the buildings architecture, the businesses that occupied them and some of the events that took place in and around them will be featured. Some of these events include a major parade and visitor during World War II, the deadliest hotel fire in Grand Rapids history, and the big Cybernet scandal. Many interesting facts will be shown during this presentation, including how the first brick business block to be built on South Division still stands today and is now the oldest brick building on South Division. Another interesting fact to be shown and talked about will be the Cody Hotel, which was owned and operated by the cousins of Buffalo Bill Cody, the famous western showman. During the nearly 15 years of research done for this project, many artifacts from this stretch of South Division were collected and are scheduled to be on display in October at the Grand Rapids Public Library’s Local History Department on the fourth floor.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: I have had an interest in buildings since I was a kid growing up in the suburbs of Syracuse New York. My family moved to Wyoming Michigan when I was in 4th grade. When I was a teenager, my brother and our neighborhood friends would ride our bikes to the zoo during summer vacation. They would ride through Johnson Park in favor of the scenery while I took a different route, via South Division, so I could see the old buildings. I have been in the building and construction business for 15 years and in the trade for 22 years. In 2006 I rebuilt the two front entrances on the former Grand Rapids Calendar Building located at 906 S. Division. That is where I got the idea and inspiration to write a book on the History of South Division and its buildings. I’ve been working on it ever since which brings us to tonight’s event.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2020 Grand Rapids Historical Society Programs All programs held at the Grand Rapids Public Library in the Ryerson Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified. Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time, Part 2 Thursday, January 9, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Presented by: Ed Paciencia Part 2 will look back at the buildings and some of the events that took place on South Division between Wealthy and 28th Streets. This section, just like the first one, saw its share of good and bad times. Everything from bombings and bank robberies to celebrations and sidewalk sales took place in this stretch.
143 Years of Bissell History Through Advertising and Design Thursday, February 13, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Presented by: Tiffany Decker and Lori Huisman Melville Bissell patented his first carpet sweeper in 1876, beginning a long history of cleaning innovation. We will explore the company’s rich history through advertising, design and brand collections that include influences from notables such as Claude C. Hopkins and Harley Earl. Learn about some of the people, products and key milestones that influenced BISSELL’s success.
A Journey from Plaster to Community: The Story of the GUB (Galewood-Urbandale Burlingame) Thursday, March 12, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Presented by: David Britten This presentation will explore the history of Grand Rapids’ southwest neighboring community since 1833. Beginning with the discovery and milling of plaster, the advent of the electric interurban, growth of the industrial sector, rise of two key commercial districts, we’ll look at the key pioneers, changes over time, and the parallel growth of several churches and schools.
Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Grey Thursday, April 30, 2020, 7:00 p.m. (offsite: Temple Emanuel) Presented by: Peg Finkelstein and Megan Yost Ten thousand Jewish soldiers fought in the American Civil War--some for the North, some for the South, some from Grand Rapids. Recent research and cemetery-walking have yielded surprising stories about local Jewish soldiers and their varied backgrounds. Enjoy a reception after honoring recently rediscovered veterans and exploring Temple Emanuel's hall displays & award-winning archive.
NEW MEMBERS St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Nice Quiet Neighbors Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 7:30 p.m. (offsite: The Bluff) Presented by: Cynthia Bailey There is a lot of Grand Rapids History buried in St. Andrews Cemetery. In this presentation Cynthia will "dig up" some interesting information about the Cemetery and some of the "nice quiet neighbors" in the cemetery that sits right in the middle of a neighborhood.
Please welcome the following people to the Grand Rapids Historical Society:
Karl Lundeen Chloe Rynties
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
In Memoriam—Alan Bennett (Tuesday, October, 1, 2019) By: Chuck Bocskey The Grand Rapids Historical Society Board of Trustees lost a dedicated member and friend. Alan Charles Bennett passed after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease. I first met Alan when he became a board member. After a short time of knowing him, I realized he was the type of person that made one feel like you had known him forever. I was impressed by how well he worked with people, and how smoothly he built lasting relationships based on trust and respect. A gentleman at all times, he was a good listener and had a steady hand on the reins – talents that also served him well as an attorney specializing in environmental law and commercial litigation. I served with Alan on the Program Planning Committee of the Society. We are charged with searching out possible programs and presenters for our yearly program schedule for the community. Alan’s contacts and ideas for programming were of great value to the Society. The committee met at his home in the Ottawa Hills neighborhood. When we had concluded our business, he would serve us pie, and, you guessed it, ice cream. Both were served with that great smile of his. Now you know why we always suggested meeting at his place. It was an honor to know and work with you, Alan Bennett. Wishing you and your family peace. We miss you already. https://obits.mlive.com/obituaries/grandrapids/obituary.aspx?n=alan-charles-bennett&pid=194052807&fhid=11464
DIA DE LOS MUERTOS—A Community Exhibit Honoring Day of the Dead Wednesday, October 30 – Sunday, November 3 During open hours—Ryerson Auditorium—Level 3 Come celebrate Día de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) with the Grand Rapids Public Library. Día de los Muertos is a Mexican holiday that honors family and friends who have passed on. Loved ones come together to build altars that celebrate the life and memory of the dead. This is a time of celebration and joy, filled with talk and memories of those who have died. Altars from members of the community honoring family and friends will be on display. FAMILY DAY Sunday, November 3 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m. Ryerson Auditorium—Level 3 Families are invited to learn more about the Dia de los Muertos holiday, get their faces painted, and join in other activities. The day will include bilingual story times, live music, and food from local restaurants.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HAPPENING IN HISTORY: NOVEMBER 2019 Western Michigan Genealogical Society Mini-Class Saturday, November 9, 2019, 12:00 p.m. Main Library-Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE
West Michigan Postcard Club Monday, November 11, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church 2600 7th St. NW
Topic: Trello for Genealogy
Topic: Michigan Industry in Postcards
Presenter: Michele Hoogewind
Presenters: Wally Jung
Learn what Trello is ... And isn't ... And how you can utilize it to help you with your genealogy research.
Michigan industry has a rich history, and much of it was captured and recorded on picture postcards. From the gathering of raw materials, to the final finished product, and the depiction of the workers at their tasks, the Industrial Revolution was well documented for us. Wally Jung, postcard collector, dealer, and show promoter will lead us through the early years of the 20th Century, as Michigan evolved from an agrarian society to the Arsenal of Democracy by mid-century.
Western Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, November 9, 2019, 1:30 p.m. Main Library—Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Topic: Understanding the Ethnic Ancestry in Your DNA Test Presenter: Richard Hill Many DNA tests now include a breakdown of your overall ethnic ancestry. Yet many people don’t get the results they expect. And different companies may show different results for the same person. People also wonder why siblings see different results on the same test. Or why Native American ancestry does not always show up when expected. This session will address these issues and more. We will review ethnicity reports from AncestryDNA, 23andMe, FTDNA’s Family Finder, MyHeritage, Living DNA, GEDmatch, National Geographic’s Geno 2.0, and Insitome. Hill was the first known case of an adoptee using genetic genealogy DNA tests to identify his birth family. His book, Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA, is an awardwinning memoir that follows his search for his birth parents. He authors the web site, DNA-Testing Adviser.com and presents on genetic genealogy. Grand River Times
Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, November 20, 2019, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Kuyper College, Room #213 (note new room) 3333 East Beltline NE Steve Soper will be presenting: Grand Rapids Soldiers that Died in the Civil War.
SAVE THE DATE HISTORY DETECTIVES Saturday, January 18, 2020 9:30 a.m.—3:45 p.m. Grand Rapids Public Library
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A day-long event made up of six programs exploring various aspects of Grand Rapids history. • Presented by area historians and members of historical and cultural organizations, topics are varied and reflect the unique heritage of West Michigan. Admission is FREE, and you are welcome to come to one, or all, of the programs. Questions? Please email historydetectives@gmail.com http://subjectguides.grcc.edu/HistoryDetectives
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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.
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 HISTORICAL SOCIETY PHOTO SLEUTH Our November Photo Sleuth selection comes from the Robinson Photo Studio Collection's negatives. This undated photo shows six adorable children, in costume, dancing in harmony. If anyone in this picture looks familiar, please email the Grand Rapids Historical Society at grhs.local@gmail.com Grand River Times
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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
Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time, Part 1 PRESENTED BY: Ed Paciencia Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: November program Letter from our President page 2 2020 Program Schedule page 4 In Memoriam—Alan Bennett 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
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