Volume 34, Number 6
March 2013
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover story: March program: Educator Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss Letter from our president, page 2 Excerpts from The Michigan Cyclist, page 3 First open air school in Michigan, pages 4-5 Indexed: Women’s Defense Cards, page 5 Happening in history, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
Search for: Grand Rapids Historical Society Next program: Medical and Surgical Myths & Misconceptions of the American Civil War, by Julian Kuz, MD and Bradley Bengston, MD. Presented by Dr. Kuz.
A Progressive Era Activist: Educator Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss Thursday, March 14, 2013, 7 pm Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Presented by Marcella Beck, Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss impacted the lives of many: from young lumberjacks to girls learning to cook and from children bundled up in a classroom to soldiers going off to war. Her work as an educator, politician, inventor and suffragist spanned a lifetime of public service. Born in 1859, she came to Grand Rapids in 1887 to take the position of principal at the Jefferson Street School. Her work on the Grand Rapids Board of Education helped to guide the city’s public schools through the turbulent years of 1897 to 1907. As principal of Sigsbee School from 1911 to 1931, she instituted innovative educational programs which continued to shape curriculum and facilities for the next half century. In her “spare time,” she raised two children, presided over the Ladies Literary Club, patented an invention, promoted public libraries and fought for woman’s suffrage. Although her story is unique, she also represents the scores of dynamic women who were inspired by the progressive ideals of the late 19th and early 20th century to move this country forward by bringing opportunity to all. Historian and educator Marcella Beck has given numerous talks and has published in the Grand River Valley Review. Among her many volunteer activities, she works with the Grand Rapids Public Library and Museum and is president of the Board of Trustees at Westminster Presbyterian Church.
Co-sponsored by the Grand Rapids Civil War Roundtable. Save the date: Thursday, April 11, 2013, 7 pm at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Dear GRHS Members, Jennifer Moelling Metz gave an enlightening talk about the Auburn Hills development at our February program. The audience stayed on long after her presentation was over to discuss the issues addressed. It was another great choice by the Historical Society Program Committee who I don’t thank often enough for all their efforts in putting together a well-rounded slate of topics, so thank you. 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 Julie Tabberer, 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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Gina Bivins GRHS President
The March 14 presentation will be about the Progressive Era activist Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss. Marcella Beck is sharing her research on this dynamic woman. The program is offered in collaboration with the Greater Grand Rapids History Council. Check out their web site (www.ggrwhc.org) to find out what else is being offered in March by this fine organization, which is currently celebrating its 25th anniversary.
I will be portraying a Progressive Era woman, Helen Churchill Hungerford Candee this week as part of A Night to Remember at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Helen was a passenger on the Titanic and that is the theme of the evening. I have done some research about her and am quite fascinated. After learning about this national figure, I look forward to learning more about Ms. Goss and what was going on locally in the women’s movement. It is that time of the year that we begin looking for people interested in being more active in the Society. There is at least one Trustee position available. If you have an interest in local history, have the fourth Tuesday of the month free (board meetings) and are able to give a little time on one of our committees, talk to one of the Board members at our program in March or email me at grhs.local@gmail.com.
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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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The Michigan Cyclist was a weekly magazine devoted to the sport and trade of cycling. Published in Grand Rapids, the magazine was directed to followers of bicycle racing and touring. Judging by these excerpts from issues published in 1895 and 1896, bicycling had avid women followers. Figuring out how to balance clothing norms with riding a bicycle, however, was not easy. Want to see more from the Michigan Cyclist? Check out a display at the Grand Rapids Public Library from March to May.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The first open air school in Michigan
In 1911, Grand Rapids became the first city in Michigan to begin an open air school. The open air schools were established in hopes of preventing children from getting tuberculosis. In the summer the school was on the grounds of Sibley school and in the winter was located at Sigsbee school. Josephine Goss taught at the open air school and was a strong proponent for the program. Included here are photographs from a scrapbook compiled by the Grand Rapids Anti-Tuberculosis Society. The images are courtesy of the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections department at the Grand Rapids Public Library (Collection 386, Box 15, Folders 5, 19 and 20).
“During the summer of 1911 a new kind of school was established on the Sibley street school grounds—an open air school for children who are physically subnormal. None of these children had open tuberculosis. An examination by a competent physician was a prerequisite to entering them in this school. The school was remarkably successful. Twenty-two children were admitted and the improvement in health and strength and in interest in studies was very noticeable.” -Annual Report of the Board of Education, 1911 (page 18).
“The children are doing regular school work. The physical and mental improvement in some of them seems only short of miraculous. The following extract from a letter received from one of the mothers tells its own story: ‘I also wish to thank you for the open air school. It certainly is a success as far as my children are concerned. Our friends are so pleased with how well the children are looking.’” -Report of Mrs. Josephine A. Goss, of Sigsbee school, Annual Report of the Board of Education, 1912 (page 21).
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
“A portable building was erected at Sigsbee school which has proved very satisfactory. It is open on two sides, is well heated so that in the coldest weather the windows can be let wide open… The results of this first year’s trial have been astonishing. Children who had not been able to attend school regularly have been very punctual and have gained in health and in strength and have advanced rapidly in their grades.” -Annual report of the Board of Education, 1912 (page 19).
Indexed: Woman’s Defense cards The Women’s Defense cards contain data about women who registered for home front service during World War I. A full index to the cards is now available, thanks to volunteers Nancy Myers, Evelyn Sawyer and Gail Snow. You can find it on the Grand rapids Public Library’s website: http://grplpedia.grpl.org/wiki/index.php/ Indexes
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Happening in history: March 2013 ABVI Centennial: Celebrating Founder Roberta Griffith Eighth Annual Blind Dinner Date Thursday, March 7, 2013, 6-9 pm, social hour and dinner Goei Center, 818 Butterworth SW
afterward during a panel discussion to be led by Shelley Irwin, host of the WGVU Morning Show. To reserve your ticket, go to https://celebrationcinema.com/makers or call WGVU at 1-800442-2771 and reference Women and Girls Lead.
Hosted by the Grand Rapids Lions Club, Blind Dinner Date will celebrate the 100th Anniversary of the Association for the Blind (ABVI) and honor its founder Roberta Griffith. Former city historian Gordon Olson will offer a presentation on the 100 years of ABVI and Griffith's legacy. The event will raise funds to benefit local vision programs. Individual tickets are $75. For more information, please email dinner@grlions.org or call co-chairs Bill Reese at 616-361-6000 x 3016 or Shawn Eyestone at 616-7775292.
Exploring Michigan: Rivers, Islands, and Ghost Towns with Doc Fletcher, Deborah Gouin and Dianna Stampfler Saturday, March 16, 2013, 1:00 – 4:00 pm Grand Rapids Public library – 111 Library St NE
Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, March 7, 2013, 7:00 pm Grand Rapids Public Library – 111 Library St NE Come explore the Lakes with us! We'll read a range of titles including mystery, history, fiction, and nonfiction all taking place in the Great Lakes region--from Chicago to Cleveland. This book club will be led by our smart librarians and will take place the first Thursday of every month. Additional copies of the book are available to be checked out on Level 4 of the Main Library. March's selection is The Plan of Chicago by Carl Smith. Titanic Adventures Sunday, March 10, 2013, 2:00 pm Grand Rapids Public Library – 111 Library St NE Families and children under 14 are invited to learn about one of the most deadly disasters in history, the sinking of the Titanic. Explore what it was like to sail on the Titanic from the staff of the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Learn to be a deck hand and tie knots, pulley systems and the way staff communicated. Discover the ranks and different classes in the 1900s through the hats people wore. Experience Titanic's lifeboats, iceburgs and more through hands on activities. Free and open to the public. RED CARPET NIGHT: West Michigan MAKERS Tuesday, March 12, 2013, 6 pm networking, 6:45 pm screening Celebration! Cinema North Join WGVU's Engage / Women & Girls Lead for a screening of the PBS documentary MAKERS: Women Who Make America. Meet 22 local “makers" to be honored before the screening and
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Spend the afternoon at the library exploring the unique and hidden parts of Michigan. Canoeist Doc Fletcher will discuss Michigan's waterways in his program “Paddle Now. Chores Later.” Sailing enthusiast and U.S. Coast Guard Great Lakes captain Deborah Gouin will discuss the Les Cheneaux Islands in Lake Huron. Promote Michigan President Dianna Stampfler will share a historic tour of the ghost towns in Michigan. A book signing will follow the program. Free and open to the public. Adult Computer Class: Genealogical Research Using Online Databases Tuesday, March 19, 2013, 6:45 pm Grand Rapids Public Library – 111 Library St NE Participants will learn what it takes to conduct genealogical research through an understanding of genealogy database software, and techniques for locating and organizing family history information. Several key online databases will be explored. Basic computer skills are required for this course. Community Film Discussion: Eve's Bayou Tuesday, March 26, 2013, 6:30 pm Grand Rapids Public Library – 111 Library St NE Dr. Veta Tucker from the Kutsche Office of Local History will lead a screening and discussion of the film Eve's Bayou. Free and open to the public. Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Birthday Party - Celebrating 25 Years! Thursday, March 28, 2013 5:00 pm Women’s City Club, 254 Fulton 5:00 pm Hors d'oeuvres & wine ticket bar ($5/glass); 5:30 pm: program. Free and open to the public.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Grand Rapids Public Library Photo Sleuth
This image comes from the Dorothy Leonard Judd Collection (#104). Governor Murphy signed the State's first Civil Service statute on August 5, 1937. Before the creation of a civil service system for the State government, personnel actions were dictated by a politically oriented spoils system. The statute guaranteed equal opportunity through merit. Can you help us identify any of those present at the signing? Please contact Karolee at khazlew@grpl.org or call 616-988-5402, ext. 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.”
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. 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.
Welcome to new members! David Smith and Lizabeth Coleman-Smith Julie Tabberer
Please enroll me as a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Society: ___ New ___ Renewal ___ Gift ____ Individual/family membership: $30 per year ____ Senior citizen or student membership: $20 per year ____ Lifetime membership: $400 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. c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A Progressive Era Activist: Educator Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss Thursday, March 14, 2013, 7 pm Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Presented by Marcella Beck, Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Details inside!
Inside this issue: Cover story: March program: Educator Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss Letter from our president, page 2 Excerpts from The Michigan Cyclist, page 3 First open air school in Michigan, pages 4-5 Indexed: Women’s Defense cards, page 5 Happening in history, page 6 Photo sleuth, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
