Rapids Historical Society
Volume 34, number 4!
January 2013
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society
Inside this issue: Cover Story: January program: Are We There Yet? One Hundred Years of Kent County Road Construction Letter from our President, page 2 Kent County GenWeb Photo Sleuth, page 3 History Detectives, pages 4-5 Happening in History, page 6 Ethnic Heritage Festival, page 7
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Are We There Yet? One Hundred Years of Kent County Road Construction January 10, 2013, 7:00 p.m. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Presented by Tom Byle, Kent County Road Commission Every kid has asked and every parent has heard the question from the backseat of the car. It was a frequent question in the days before the freeways and handheld video games. Join Tom Byle, a 40-year employee of the Kent County Road Commission as he tells the history of roads and street in Kent County. The story is amply illustrated with photos from the 1920s and ‘30s, which was the first golden age of road building in Michigan. The photos are taken from the Road Commission Annual reports of that era. Come see and hear the evolution of the Indian trails to the highways of today as well the equipment used to build
and maintain the roads. Tom is a graduate of Michigan Technological University with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is a licensed engineer in the State of Michigan. In addition to his interest in the history of roads and construction, he is also interested in old construction equipment and owns several old crawlers and graders and an antique tractor-trailer to haul them.
Next Program: Red-Lining and Auburn Hills: Developing an AfricanAmerican Neighborhood in 1960s Grand Rapids, by Jennifer Moelling Metz, Past Perfect, Inc. Save the date: Thursday, February 14, 2013, 7 p.m., at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Grand River Times!
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Dear GRHS Members,
The Grand River Times is the newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, published six times annually. Established in 1894, the Grand Rapids Historical Society is dedicated to exploring the history of West Michigan; to discover its romance and tragedy, its heroes and scoundrels, its leaders and its ordinary citizens. The Society collects and preserves our heritage, passing it on to new generations through books, lectures, and education projects.
Executive Committee: Gina Bivins, president John Gelderloos, treasurer Board members: Alan Bennett Charles Bocskey Matthew Daley Thomas Dilley W.D. Frankforter, emeritus Tim Gleisner Marilyn Hamill Sharon Hanks Chris Kaupa Gordon Olson, emeritus Nan Schichtel Wilhelm Seeger Jeff Sytsma John Morrison, editor
Grand Rapids Historical Society c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Web site: www.grhistory.org Email: grhs.local@gmail.com
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Are We There Yet? is part of the title of our January 10th program at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum auditorium. As I write this article for our first 2013 newsletter I am thinking “We Are Already There!” When you receive this issue of Grand River Times it will be 2013. Where did 2012 go? There are several history and history related events that we all can look forward to in the month of January. First is the Society’s program. Second, History Detective Day at Grand Rapids Public Library Main on January 19. This all-day event is sponsored by a number of history minded organizations. There will be six presentations in all. Third, the Grand Rapids Public Museum presents the DTE Energy Foundation Ethnic Gina Bivins Heritage Festival on January 26. DTE Energy Foundation GRHS President underwrites front door admission for this event, so it is a free day. There will be at least 20 organizations representing many ethnic groups and will include music, dance, craft demonstrations, food, planetarium shows, beer from around the world, and the opportunity to get to know the rich ethnic diversity of West Michigan. Are We There Yet? One Hundred Years of Kent County Road Commission is a program I am looking forward to. Think about the changes in county roads in your lifetime. I worked at Woodland Mall when it opened in the late ‘60s. One of my co-workers lived in Caledonia. I remember driving out there to visit and thinking that it was so far away. Today with the road improvements and the spread of the city it seems so much closer. Speaker Tom Byle will even be showing pictures from the 1920s and ‘30s, the golden age of road building in Michigan. How do you find out more about these events? If you have access to the internet I invite you to explore the web sites of the Grand Rapids Historical Society, the Grand Rapids Public Library and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. For those who want a print copy, there is a brochure about History Detectives day at the library branches and some books sellers around town. Bundle up and come downtown to enjoy one or more of these great events.
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. Programs are co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. 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 percent 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.
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Ken t Cou n t y M ic h igan Gen Web P r oj ec t A great resource for all kinds of information from Kent County is the Kent County Michigan GenWeb Project website, which you can find at kent.migenweb.net. To go along with this month’s program topic of Kent County road construction, type the word “road” in the search bar. Here’s a sampling of the links you’ll get: Chapter XLVI: Early Highways, Stages and Plank Roads (Baxter 1891) Chapter XLVIII: Street Railways and Gravel Roads (Baxter 1891) Old Grandville Road Chapter L: Village Roads and City Streets (Baxter 1891) Clicking on the link above then takes you to several more links: Village Roads and City Streets Early Wagon Roads First Village Roads Laying Out Streets Number and Length of Streets And much more. Give the website a visit. We’re pretty sure you’ll stay a while!
Grand Rapids Public Library Photo Sleuth This image comes from the Latinos in Western Michigan Collection (#321). This collection began as an initiative to document the Latin American community in this area. A video, "Voces Latinas/ Latino Voices" by created by Grand Valley State University, photographs and oral histories were collected by representatives of the community. This image is of the Mexican Festival, 1952 and the men are unidentified. Can you help us identify any of the men. If so, please email your information to kgillman@grpl.org, or call 616 988-5402, extension 5497. Each month the local history department of the Grand Rapids Public Library posts a different photo on a web page called Photo Sleuth to enlist the public’s help in identifying individuals in the photos. To find the photo on GRPL’s website, go to www.grpl.org/history and click on “Archives and Photos.” Grand River Times!
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2013 H i s t or y D et ec t i ves : S leu t h i n g for Loc al H i s t or y S at u r d ay, J an u ar y 19, 9: 30 a. m . - 4: 00 p . m . Michigan’s Great Time Confusion 9:30 - 10:15 a.m. Dave Smith Who read and interpreted the sundial for Grand rapids in the 1880s? Did Michigan once have 27 time zones? How many different times were observed in Detroit? In 1883, the railroads operated by over 50 different time standards; how many different times were used at the railroad depots in Grand Rapids? (Hint: Pittsburgh had six.) Did the confusion end when
scenic beauty of the 31 western counties of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Under Gray’s guidance and untiring enthusiasm, the tourist industry of West Michigan grew bit by it, then by leaps and bounds, becoming the second largest industry in the state. Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Society and the Grand Rapids Public Library. Saving John Ball Park’s Historic Legacy 11:30 a.m. - 12:15 p.m. Jack Hoffman Grand Rapids’ historic John Ball Park was originally designed according to principles now called urban American “country park.” This program will illustrate how early theories of landscape design, developed first in England and continental Europe, were applied in the United States, specifically to John Ball Park. The park’s historical status as a designed landscape became an important factor in the recent past when the John
the U.S. Congress passed the Standard Time Act of 1918? We will explore these questions and more. Come prepared to go back in time, to imagine life without clocks, to appreciate a different pace of life, and to recognize the forces that pushed our communities to a new national identity. Sponsored by the Western Michigan Genealogical Society and the Grand Rapids Civil War Roundtable. How Did Michigan Become the “Tourist Empire of the Inland Seas?” 10:30 - 11:15 a.m. Christine Byron and Tom Wilson At the turn of the 20th century, long before the “Pure Michigan” campaign, the state was just starting to become a prominent tourist destination. The various steamship and railroad lines, hotels, and resorts promoted the areas that they served. But until 1917, when the West Michigan Tourist Association was formed, Hugh Gray there was no organized body promoting the entire West Michigan region. At the time there was little cooperation between nearby communities and few resources for hotel and resort operators. Under the direction of Hugh Gray, the West Michigan Tourist Association took on the role of promoting and advertising the charms and 4
South Knob from East Meadow, John Ball Park Ball Zoo Master Plan called for the park’s demolition. A fight between 2002 and 2004 to preserve the park was successfully resolved when the zoo board adopted development principles based on the strengths of historical landscape design. Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. Lunch 12:15 - 1 p.m. Boxed lunches are $7.00 and must be ordered in advance. Please call 616.988.5492 or email: rsvp@grpl.org by 5 p.m. on January 15 to reserve your lunch and include your sandwich choice. Sandwich choices: turkey, ham, roast beef, or vegetarian. Included are a fruit cup, pasta salad, individual condiments, and bottled water. Although lunches must be reserved in advance, cash payment must be made when the lunch is picked up on January 19. Attendees may choose to bring their own lunch as well. Pop will be available for an additional $1.00. Please not the library cafe is not open on
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Saturdays. Lunches sponsored by the Cherry Deli; bottled water by Meijer; afternoon cookies by Lomonaco Sicilian Cookies. Under the Dome: An Early History of Women in a Man’s World, the Michigan State Capitol 1:00 - 1:45 p.m. Kerry K. Chartkoff Grand Rapids’ Eva McCall Hamilton made history in November 1920 when she won a state senate seat, making her the first woman ever elected to the Michigan legislature. But Hamilton was not the first woman to work under the dome. Chartkoff will place Hamilton’s legislative experience into a continuum of women - from the humble to the notable - who worked for a living, lobbied for change, made laws, and, finally, led the state from the Capitol. Sponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council. Inside a 1950s Black Barbershop: An African American Cultural Oasis 2:00 - 2:45 p.m. Dan Groce What goes on in a black barbershop besides shaving mustaches and cutting hair? How important is a barbershop to a black community? Where did black men learn this trade? Learn about an early black barbershop in Grand Rapids from the son of Mr.
Daniel S. Groce, who owned and operated his barbershop on Grandville Ave. from 1951-1972. Daniel Groce, Jr. shares what he remembers from listening, working, and growing up in his father’s barbershop in the 1950s. Sponsored by the Kutche Office of Local History. Powers & Ball: The Family, Furniture and Factories 3:00 - 3:45 p.m. Jim Winslow This presentation will follow John Ball and his extended family from the White Mountains of New Hampshire through family tragedy in Lansingburgh, New York to the Village of Grand Rapids. Learn what knowledge they brought
John Ball
Powers Theatre 1903
with them that benefited the family’s business ventures, which included Powers & Ball Furniture, West Side Power Canal, E.K. Powers Confectionery, Grand Rapids Paper Box Company, Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power Company, Powers Opera House, and the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Sponsored by the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Parking Limited parking is available in the library lot. Parking is free in the library lot with a validated parking lot ticket. Additional parking will be available at the GRCC Bostwick and Lyon student parking ramp. Guest parking vouchers will be available from volunteers on the day of the event.
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Happening in History: January 2013 If you have history-related events you would like included in our calendar, please let us know at grhs.local@gmail.com. Western Michigan Genealogical Society: Family History Writers Workshop Tuesday, January 15, 2013, 1:30 p.m. Dominican Center, 2025 Fulton St East We help and support each other’s desire to write about our families with a kind eye and lots of humor. Everyone is welcome. Topic this month: An incident from your childhood where your behavior caused some negative repercussions. How did you survive the resulting wrath from parents, teachers, or friends? Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table: More True Crimes of the Civil War Wednesday, January 16, 2013, 7:30 p.m. Kuyper College, Dewitt Student Center, 3333 East Beltline NE Tobin Buhk returns to continue his fascinating look at True Crimes of the Civil War. History Detectives Saturday, January 19, 2013, 9:30 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE 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. Topics include: Michigan's Great Time Confusion; How Did Michigan Become the Tourist Empire of the Inland Seas; Saving John Ball Park's Historic Legacy; An Early History of Women in the Michigan State Capitol; Inside a 1950s Black Barbershop; and Powers & Ball: The Family, Furniture and Factories. All events are free and open to the public. Celebrate the Dream Monday, January 21, 2012, 11:00 a.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Martin Luther King, Jr. was an advocate for peace and harmony between all people. On October 14, 1964, he received the Nobel Peace Prize for combating racial inequality through nonviolence. To commemorate Martin
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Luther King, Jr.'s birthday, come to a special celebration at the library. Families can hear the books I Have a Dream by Dr. King, Martin's Big Words by Doreen Rappaport, and The Crayon that Talked by Shane DeRolf. These books celebrate imagination, creativity and individuality. Families can also stop by anytime during the day to make an origami paper crane or decorate a paper dove to celebrate peace. Free and open to the public. Adult Computer Class: Basics of Ancestry.com Tuesday, January 22, 2013, 6:45 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Ancestry if an online subscription genealogy database that is provided by the Grand Rapids Public Library free of charge. Ancestry has grown into a powerful database and can be of great benefit in your genealogical research. Learn some techniques to help you search. Basic computers skills are required for this class. Genealogy Lock-In Friday, January 25, 2013, 6:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Come to the Local History and Special Collections department for a free after-hours program just for genealogists! Learn how to use the microfilm reader/ scanner/printer, save images, and take advantage of free copying and printing during the event. Use the time to search databases—we will have plenty of computers available or bring your own laptop and use the Library’s WiFi network. Bring your genealogy questions or Ancestry and Heritage Quest problems – volunteers will be on hand to assist. Network with other genealogists – you never know what you might find! Registration is required—visit www.grpl.org/register or call 988-5400.
Let the Grand Rapids Historical Society know about events in the community related to history. Email details to grhs.local@gmail.com
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DTE Energy Ethnic Heritage Festival January 26, 2013 Grand Rapids Public Museum
Visit the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Saturday, January 26 for a free, day-long celebration of music, dance, crafts, and food representing the various ethnic groups that call West Michigan home. Look for the Grand Rapids Historical Society’s booth! Participating organizations include: Ancient Order of Hibernians Congress of North American Bosniaks Edelweiss Club of Grand Rapids Gaelic League Grand Valley American Indian Lodge Latvian Association of Grand Rapids West Michigan Filipino-American Association
Join the Grand Rapids Historical Society or Give a Membership as a Gift The Grand Rapids Historical Society sponsors eight lectures each year, which are co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. 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 ____ Individual/Family Membership:
$30.00 per year
____ Senior Citizen or Student: $20.00 per year ____ Lifetime: $400.00 one-time fee Name: Address: City/State/Zip Email: 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
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Grand Rapids Historical Society, Inc.
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 234
c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Are We There Yet? One Hundred Years of Kent County Road Construction January 10, 2013, 7:00 p.m. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Presented by Tom Byle, Kent County Road Commission Details inside!
Inside this issue: Cover Story: January program Letter from our President, page 2 Kent County GenWeb Photo Sleuth, page 3 History Detectives, pages 4-5 Happening in History, page 6 Ethnic Heritage Festival, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
