The Blodgetts of Brookby

by Jeffrey Sytsma

An article in the Michigan Tradesman observing John Blodgett’s death in 1951 said “Future generations will bless the name of Blodgett because of the philanthropy of John Wood of that name.”1 In order to bless a name, or thank an individual, one needs to be familiar with that name or individual, or at least remember the person. Local historians as (Personal collection of Rebecca Smith-Hoffman) well as older generations might remember or recognize the family, who they were and what they did for this city. However new generations of residents in Grand Rapids are only familiar with a new generation of prominent families who have moved to the forefront of the local newspaper and media. It is therefore worthwhile to consider the lives and contributions of an earlier generation of entrepreneurs and philanthropists to see the longer patterns of a city’s history.

A view of the formal gardens looking back at Brookby taken during the early 1940s.

Sam Cummings personal collection

A view of the formal gardens looking back at Brookby taken during the early 1940s.

Sam Cummings personal collection

John Blodgett standing in the formal gardens in 1941.

Sam Cummings personal collection

2012 / Grand River Valley History