Volume 41, number 4
January 2020
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover Story: January program Letter from our President page 2 2020 Program Schedule page 4 History Detectives page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
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Grand Rapids Historical Society
Next program: After the January program, the Grand Rapids Historical Society’s next program will be on Thursday, February 13, 2020, at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Tiffany Decker and Lori Huisman will be speaking about: 143 Years of Bissell Through Advertising and Design Grand River Times
Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time, Part 2 PRESENTED BY: Ed Paciencia Thursday, January 9, 2020, 7:00 p.m. In part 2, we will look back at more than 70 buildings that were located in this stretch of road. In addition to the buildings, the two railroads that cross South Division, as well as Plaster Creek, will be discussed. This part of South Division was home to several factories that produced a variety of civilian goods during peace time, and a few that produced goods for the military during World War II. There were a few furniture manufacturers that got their start on this part of South Division and went on to become some of the biggest furniture names in the country. There were several major fires that happened over the years. One of these took place at night and was so intense; the red glow could be seen from Reed City. Other significant events that took place were bombings that were a result of labor disputes, and a bank robbery that was said to be the biggest one in Grand Rapids history at the time.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dear GRHS Members,
Happy New Year. It is the beginning of our 126th year as an organization. We have been working on some 21st Century ideas such as a history harvest, where you will be able to bring in ephemera that will be digitized and sent off to the cloud for preservation. We are investigating a way to effectively tape our programs (with the permission of the speaker) and download it to the internet so those The Grand River Times is the unable to make the event can still see it. As simple as that sounds, we want it newsletter of the Grand Rapids to be a quality video so are checking into how to do it well. We continue to Historical Society, published six times annually. Established in 1894, partner with a group of local organizations in presenting History Detectives. the Grand Rapids Historical Society This year it will be held on Saturday January 18, 2020, with the first is dedicated to exploring the history presentation starting at 9:30 a.m. and the last of six presentations starting at of West Michigan; to discover its 3:00 p.m. This will be at the Grand Rapids Public Library and held in the romance and tragedy, its heroes and scoundrels, its leaders and its Ryerson Auditorium at the downtown branch. Come for one or come for all. ordinary citizens. The Society Lunches do require a reservation ahead of time. See more information in this collects and preserves our heritage, newsletter with topics, speakers and other details. passing it on to new generations As a board, we have voted to discontinue the publication of the Grand through books, lectures, and education projects. River Valley History magazine. This was not an easy decision. The first issue was printed in 1979 and through the dedication of a long list of volunteers we were able to issue almost forty years of thoughtful, insightful, well written Executive Committee: stories about the West Michigan region. However, the cost of editing, layout, Gina Bivins, president printing and postage has caught up with our treasury. We will be putting an Matthew Daley, vice-president extra effort into our newsletter, a web site update and our support of John Gelderloos, treasurer programs the Society organizes, as well as collaborations. We are Nan Schichtel, secretary investigating some new ideas that we will be letting you know about. Board members: Charles Bocskey Thomas Dilley Matthew Ellis Chris Kaupa 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
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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
Email: grhs.local@gmail.com Grand River Times
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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There were a lot of “firsts” that took place here as well. One of these was a laundry company that was so good at what it did, people from other parts of the country sent their cloths and rugs to them for cleaning. This same business was also the first in Grand Rapids to use an adding machine, which local bankers came to see how it was used before buying their own. The local furniture manufacturers built their bureau drawers based on how this laundry folded its shirts. This part of Division wasn’t all commercial buildings, there were several houses located throughout this stretch. One of these was a house that was said to be “one of the finest in the city” back when it was built in the 1840’s. 90 years later, this same house was used for an advertising campaign that was intended to show people how inexpensive it was to fix up their houses during the Great Depression with some paint and varnish. Believe it or not, this event lasted for three months and began with a parade down South Division. Part 2 also includes a look back at Campau Park’s glory days and Antoine Campau’s house that was located there. The park today is nothing like it was a hundred years ago. Further down Division is a part of the street known as Burton Heights. At one time, this area was almost like a city of its own. With a variety of stores, restaurants, doctors, dentists, and a movie theatre, they often held their own special events, sidewalk sales, and celebrations. There is a little bit of history from Alger to 28th Street, but not as much as the rest of the street, as this part of town wasn’t really developed until the 1940’s. The oldest thing in this stretch was a toll house which was torn down long ago.
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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. 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.
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.
Continued from page 2 That said, please watch for a publication we are supporting that is being issued by the GVSU Kutsche Office of Local History in the spring of 2020. A copy will be mailed to our members. Over the last year the Kutsche Office has been collaborating with over sixteen history organizations from Portland to Grand Haven. In October of 2019, the project came together as an exhibit on campus entitled, “Connections Along the Grand River”. The Historical Society’s contribution was two panels. One focusing on the history of hydroelectric power, the other, bridges over the Grand in downtown Grand Rapids. The topics that other organizations contributed are as varied as clamming on the Grand to the logging industry. I had the opportunity to view the exhibit and was very happy to learn that it will be made into a publication. It is very interesting to see the different topics and perspectives from communities along the river. Finally, since it is the new year, I would like to give thanks for an amazing group of people who are the board of the Society. They are a hard working board. As I have found with all volunteer boards I have sat on, they are all very busy people who make time to selflessly give so that others might learn. Thank you. And a sincere thanks to Jessica, who keeps things in order behind the scenes. Grand River Times
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HISTORY DETECTIVES, GRPL—Ryerson Auditorium Saturday, January 18, 2020 9:30 a.m.—10:15 a.m. All Aboard for Kalamazoo! Marty Arnold Prepare yourself for a bone-shaking stagecoach ride down the “old plank road!” The year is 1855 and we’ll board at the Eagle Tavern on Market Street, pay the $2.50 toll and wait for the driver to shout, “All aboard for Shingle Corners, Wayland, Bradley, Martin, the Junction and Kal-amazoo!” Arnold will show both historical and contemporary photos of the plank road to illustrate why the Kalamazoo road was such a boon to the little village of Grand Rapids and how the gypsum trade contributed to its demise.
10:30 a.m.—11:15 a.m. House History: Uncovering Stories of Early African-Americans in W. Michigan Don Bryant The "where" and "when" of the history of 618 Sherman Street in the South Hills neighborhood of Grand Rapids are not as important as the "who" and "why." Built in 1923 as a parsonage for a small Dutch church next door, the house has had an intriguing variety of residents over the decades. Long before the Great Northward Migration of the 20th Century, many African American families had already made their way to West Michigan, and some later passed through this house. Myles L. Woods Jr. owned the home for over six decades, becoming its longest-termed resident and most fascinating host. Woods was a Grand Rapids police patrolman from 1933 to 1966, and his extended family connects to 19th-century Mackinac Island and Grand Haven and includes abolitionists and other reform activists. Revealed are prominent artists, entertainers, and the people behind the founding of St. Philips Episcopal church and local chapters of the Urban League and NAACP.
11:30 a.m—12:15 p.m. CENTENNIAL 2020! Grand Rapids, Suffrage City Julia Bouwkamp & Jo Ellyn Clarey At History Detectives the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council will launch a new digital suffrage exhibit and a year-long celebration of the centennial of the 19th Amendment granting universal suffrage. The outline of the national suffrage story is well known—but the national story is not the whole story, and local movements were critical. Grand Rapids’ efforts began in 1874 and at times took center stage, not only in Michigan, but nationwide. In 1910, local suffragists sponsored a float heralded as “the first public affair of its kind ever held in Michigan.”
1:00 p.m.—1:45 p.m. How the Pokagon Avoided Removal Marcus Winchester A citizen of the Pokagon Band of Potawatomi Indians, Marcus Winchester will discuss how the Pokagon Band avoided the Indian Removal Act of 1830 with tactfulness, relationship building, and ingenuity. In his role as director of the band’s Department of Language and Culture, Winchester promotes and maintains Potawatomi history, language, and culture for the future generations of his tribe. Today, many tribal members live in southwestern Michigan and northern Indiana; some live in the Grand Rapids area.
2:00 p.m.—2:45 p.m. An Island in the Furniture City: The Black Hills Neighborhood and Grand Rapids Industry
Matthew Daley Sandwiched among the industries of Godfrey Avenue, the Black Hills neighborhood continued a vital and rich community despite the collapse of the household furniture industry during the Great Depression. This discussion will examine the intersection of worker housing and homeownership, private developers, and the growth of a neighborhood specifically aimed at industrial workers. The community, tied to shifts in industry and with only two streets for access, developed its own identity. Though not a traditional “company town,” the Black Hills neighborhood exemplifies the design, location, and financing of an entire industrial landscape crafted by an industry at its peak, in combination with private developers.
3:00 p.m.—3:35 p.m. Roots and Results: The Furniture Strike of 1911 Tim Gleisner In April 1911, over four thousand furniture workers made common cause, walked off their jobs in 35 factories, and shut down the Grand Rapids furniture industry. The largely recent immigrants--Dutch, Poles, and Lithuanians--overcame their history of cultural divisions and language barriers to take on the powerful Furniture Manufacturers Association, a group employing one-third of the city’s work force. Grand River Times
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HAPPENING IN HISTORY: JANUARY 2020 Western Michigan Genealogical Society Mini-Class Saturday, January 4, 2020, 12:00 p.m. Main Library-Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE
Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, January 15, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. Kuyper College, Room #213 (note new room) 3333 East Beltline NE
Topic: TBA Presenter: TBA
Jerry Berg will be presenting: Hand to Hand Combat in the Civil War.
Western Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, January 4, 2020, 1:30 p.m. Main Library—Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Topic: Michigan Online: Family History Tools for the Great Lakes State Presenter: Kris Rzepczynski This session will explore key Michigan online genealogy resources, including both popular and lesser -known sites, as well as effective search strategies for Michigan research. A Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan, where he specializes in family history and Michigan research, Kris has worked in the genealogical community for nearly 20 years. He holds a Master of Library and Information Science from Wayne State University and a Master of Arts in History from Western Michigan University. Kris has presented at national, state, and local conferences, including the Federation of Genealogical Societies, National Genealogical Society, Ohio Genealogical Society, Historical Society of Michigan, Indiana Historical Society, and for dozens of local genealogical societies and public libraries. A former Vice-President of Membership for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a former President of the Mid-Michigan Genealogical Society, his current memberships include the Association of Professional Genealogists, Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan, Western Pennsylvania Genealogical Society, and Historical Society of Michigan. Grand River Times
If any of our members are interested in submitting short articles for publication in Grand River Times please email us at grhs.local@gmail.com. We are interested in articles about a page long, with pictures, on any historic topics that pertain to Grand Rapids and the surrounding areas.
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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 January Photo Sleuth selection comes from the Robinson Photo Studio Collection's negatives. Four young people are seated around a typewriter in 1950. If anyone in this picture looks familiar, please email the Grand Rapids Historical Society at grhs.local@gmail.com
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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 2 PRESENTED BY: Ed Paciencia Thursday, January 9, 2020, 7:00 p.m.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: January program Letter from our President page 2 2020 Program Schedule page 4 History Detectives 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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