Volume 41, number 5
February 2020
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover Story: February program Letter from our President page 2 2020 Program Schedule 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 Thursday, March 12, 2020, at the Grand Rapids Public Library. David Britten will be presenting: A Journey from Plaster to Community: The Story of the GUB (Galewood-Urbandale Burlingame) Grand River Times
143 Years of BISSELL History Through Innovative Design and Advertising PRESENTED BY: Tiffany Decker & Lori Huisman Thursday, February 13, 2020, 7:00 p.m. It was 1876. America was celebrating 100 years of freedom. Ulysses S. Grant was struggling to unite the nation. In the growing city of Grand Rapids, Michigan, Anna and Melville Bissell were unpacking dishes in their crockery shop on 27 Canal Street. The straw dust, which was used as packing material for the housewares, clung to floors and was difficult to clean up. Mechanically inclined, Melville invented and patented a sweeper that would clean up the dust rather than pushing it around. His invention was a success, and Melville & Anna began making and selling these sweepers out of the second floor above their crockery shop. The business grew and, in 1883, a factory was built in Grand Rapids specifically designed for manufacturing carpet sweepers. Thus, the Bissell Carpet Sweeper Company was born. When Melville unexpectedly died in 1889, Anna took control of the Company becoming one of America’s first female CEOs. She continued the BISSELL tradition of creative sales, and advertising techniques were developed that propelled the Company to prominence both in America and around the world. Continued on page 3
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dear GRHS Members,
Saturday January 18, 2020, was a great day for history lovers. History Detectives, a collaboration of seven groups, offered six presentations. I was able to sit in on four of them, I substituted for a speaker that was unable to attend due to circumstances beyond their control, and missed one due to Historical Society table duties. My husband, who saw all six, said I missed a great talk about the The Grand River Times is the 1911 furniture strike. The presenter was Tim Gleisner, who once headed the newsletter of the Grand Rapids local history room at the main library. Because Grand Rapids Community Historical Society, published six times annually. Established in 1894, College Media Technologies streamed the presentations over the library the Grand Rapids Historical Society Facebook page I was able to watch Tim’s talk after all. In reality there was is dedicated to exploring the history an eighth collaborator, GRCC, and because of them you will be able to of West Michigan; to discover its watch on line. There will be more information about this in next month’s romance and tragedy, its heroes and scoundrels, its leaders and its newsletter with all the details. I am aware you all may not be on Facebook ordinary citizens. The Society and it is my understanding that there will be another way to view the collects and preserves our heritage, presentations. passing it on to new generations I stepped in for Marcus Winchester who was scheduled to speak on through books, lectures, and education projects. “How the Pokagon Avoided Removal”. I had so hoped to hear him. I did a rework of my freeway talk with pictures taken by Seymour Beiboer. I have additional pictures of churches torn down along Front, Scribner and Turner Executive Committee: Avenues for the building of 131 added to the program. A question I am Gina Bivins, president asked each time I give the presentation is how many houses/buildings were Matthew Daley, vice-president torn down. So I am doing some research on that using a 1956 City Directory John Gelderloos, treasurer that I own. I am concentrating on a section of the west side and am Nan Schichtel, secretary astounded by the number. 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
Continued from cover page During our presentation in February, we will take a journey through several key moments in BISSELL’s history, highlighting the innovations and advertising styles that drove the Company to success over the past 143 years. Some of the interesting and notable figures that have played a part in BISSELL’s history include such names as Claude Hopkins, Norman Rockwell, Leo Burnett, Peter Muller-Munk and Harley Earl, among others. With such a long and varied history, BISSELL’s advertising platforms have ranged from newspapers & flyers to radio & television and everything in between. One of the more unique platforms for advertising was a 9-foot Ferris wheel that was built for BISSELL’s display at the World’s Fair in 1904. Miniature Ferris wheels were then built for department stores, displaying between eight to twelve BISSELL sweepers each. A small replica of one of these Ferris wheels can be seen on display at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Join us in February as we highlight some great advertisements from our archives and relive a bit of BISSELL’s deep history in product innovation & design!
About Presenters: Tiffany Decker Tiffany Decker’s love of history has fueled a passion to uncover forgotten stories. As Senior Data Assets & Archives Coordinator for BISSELL Homecare, Inc., she oversees the digitization and preservation of 143 years’ worth of records—including fine art, prints, photographs, media, and objects. With a bachelor’s degree in Art History from Kendall College of Art & Design, she has worked in collections management and maintenance for over 10 years in settings ranging from academia to museums and libraries. Tiffany is an active member of the Association of Records Managers & Administrators and the Society of American Archivists, and she is currently pursuing a master’s degree in library and information sciences. Tiffany lives and paints in Muskegon, Michigan with her rescue dog, Penelope, and her cat, Gypsy.
Lori Huisman Lori has worked at BISSELL Inc. for 16 years, and works in the Corporate office as the Associate Specialist – Board & Shareholder Relations. She has a Bachelor’s degree in Business & Psychology from Calvin College. She currently lives in Caledonia with her husband and two children.
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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.
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)
NEW MEMBERS
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.
Linda Gazan Peter & Gabriella Meijer Ms. Cameron O’Keefe
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The February program is about the Bissell Carpet Sweeper Company. The history of this company has a special place in my heart. My first paid gig at the Grand Rapids Public Museum was to accession the Bissell carpet sweeper collection, including the company scrapbooks. Anna Fraser and I worked diligently on cleaning, documenting, and building storage shelves for the 1200+ sweepers. Once those were all done it was time to take a look at the 80 or so scrapbooks that were part of the donation. Each book was gone through page by page and checked for any problems. Many of the advertising pieces were works of art. I came to love the company and the story of Anna Bissell. I look forward to learning more from Tiffany Decker and Lori Huisman on Thursday February 13 at 7pm in the auditorium at the Grand Rapids Public Library. I hope to see you there.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
February is African American History Month In 1926, Historian Carter Woodson announced that the second week of February to be “Negro History Week”. This week was chosen because it coincided with the birthdays of both Frederick Douglass and Abraham Lincoln. In 1969 students and educators at Kent State University proposed that February become “Black History Month” and it was first celebrated on campus in 1970. In 1976, President Gerald Ford recognized Black History Month during the United States Bicentennial. He urged Americans to "seize the opportunity to honor the too-often neglected accomplishments of black Americans in every area of endeavor throughout our history". Grand Rapids has a many events and ways to promote and celebrate African American History in February and year-round.
GRAND RAPIDS AFRICAN AMERICAN MUSEUM AND ARCHIVES
Black Family History Series Saturdays, February 8, 15, 22, 10:00 a.m.– 3:30 p.m. Vander Veen Center for the Book— Main Library What parent or grandparent hasn’t been asked where they came from, what their job was, or how they met their spouse? While these family history questions are universal, answers can be challenging to find. This is especially true for African Americans interested in their family history. Join us for a series of workshops that will help you learn about and document your family’s genealogical history. Hosted by local genealogist Joyce Daniels, the series will help you investigate your roots and connect with others around family history. Registration is not required, however a lunch will be provided if you RSVP to rsvp@grpl.org.
George Bayard officially opened the Grand Rapids African American Museum and Archives, better known as GRAAMA, in December, 2015. The museum has been well-received by the Grand Rapids community and has been an important addition to the cultural offerings within the city. The mission of GRAAMA is to promote, preserve, display, collect and honor the lives, culture, history and art of local African Americans. GRAAMA is located at 87 Monroe Center and is open from 12:00 p.m.—5:00 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Any questions about the museum can be directed to (616) 649-3778 or by email at George@graama.org
Sunday, February 16, 2020, 1:00 p.m. – 4:30 p.m. Main Library Join us as we celebrate African American history and culture at Taste of Soul Sunday. Sample African American art, music, literature, history, and food. Performances by Kevin Murphy, Lady Ace Boogie, Serita’s Black Rose, and The Gospel Believers. Presentations by We Are Lit, Dr. Randal Jelks, the Ebony Road Players, and New Hope Baptist Live, Grand Rapids African American Museum & Archives. Free food samples provided by Daddy Pete’s BBQ, Savor the Flavor, and Flavorful Pound Cakes.
FREE AND OPEN TO THE PUBLIC Grand River Times
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HAPPENING IN HISTORY: FEBRUARY 2020 Western Michigan Genealogical Society Mini-Class West Michigan Postcard Club Saturday, February 8, 2020, 12:00 p.m. Monday, February 10, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Main Library—Vander Veen Center Faith United Methodist Church 111 Library St. NE 2600 7th St. NW Topic: Black Family History Series Presenter: Joyce Daniels Western Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, February 8, 2020, 1:30 p.m. Main Library—Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Topic: Finding Your Immigrant Ancestors Presenter: Jessica Trotter America is a nation of immigrants but it's not always easy to track our ancestors back to a boat, let alone their town of origin. This presentation offers tips and resources for your search with ideas for: what types of records might include origins, strategies for working with whole families, and important factors to keep in mind depending on the time period you are researching. Jessica Trotter holds a Master of Science in Information, Archives and Records Management Specialization from the University of Michigan—but works in public libraries by day. Her genealogy research areas include Midwest, African American, British Isles, Canadian, and Early American research. She also maintains a genealogy research related blog called Genie Road Trip at http:// genieroadtrip.wordpress.com.
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Topic: Ice Breaking at the Straits
Presenters: Bob Campbell This presentation chronicles the yearly battle between ship and ice necessary to keep this commercial waterway open. Since the early 1880’s, when railroads reached the Straits of Mackinac, large ferries with ice breaking capabilities were used. Bob will share his own photographs to illustrate the efforts that older ferries, the famous Chief Wawatam, as well as today’s Coast Guard have utilized to keep the Straits open during the frigid winter months. Bob Campbell became interested in the ships of the Great Lakes at a very young age. He was intrigued by stories shared by his Uncle Jerry, who worked in the recorders room at the Soo Locks. Bob bought his first camera in 1966 and has been photographing boats ever since. His photographs have also appeared in Michigan History Magazine and he has also authored the book, Classic Ships of the Great Lakes. Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, February 19, 2020, 7:30 p.m. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. NOTE NEW LOCATION: The Chapel, Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary 2965 Leonard Street NE Grand Rapids, Michigan
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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 February Photo Sleuth selection comes from the Robinson Photo Studio Collection's negatives. Three children mix cookie dough and spoon it onto cookie sheets at Alexander Elementary School in December of 1949. 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
143 Years of BISSELL History Through Innovative Design and Advertising PRESENTED BY:
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: February program Letter from our President page 2
Tiffany Decker & Lori Huisman 2020 Program Schedule page 4
Thursday, February 13, 2020, 7:00 p.m. 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
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