Volume 34, Number 7
April 2013
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover story: April program: Medical Myths & Misconceptions of the American Civil War Letter from our president, page 2
Medical Myths & Misconceptions of the American Civil War Thursday, April 11, 2013, 7 pm Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum By Julian Kuz, MD and Bradley Bengtson, MD. Presented by Dr. Kuz Co-sponsored by the Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table
Local history roundtable, page 3 Letters from home, page 4 Civil War broadsides, page 5 Happening in history, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
War, considered one of the greatest causes of human suffering, inevitably brings rise to some of the greatest advances in medical treatments. The American Civil War is usually written from the perspective of great battles and generals. The medical aspects of the war are frequently unknown or misunderstood. These misunderstandings persist even today. The Civil War was a catalyst for the development of trauma management, including general wound management, amputation techniques, triage and transportation of wounded
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soldiers. The war, by necessity, accelerated surgical knowledge and treatment of gunshot wounds of the extremities more than any previous event. The war also served as the impetus for the eventual specialization of surgical skills, hospital systems, and medical data collection. The Civil War played an especially important role in the development of orthopaedic surgery. This specialization deals with injuries to the skeletal system and associated muscles and ligaments. At the time of the war it was not a recognized specialty in the United States. ...continued on page 3
Next program: Mugging for the Camera: Mug Shot Book 1897-1911, Gina Bivins, President, Grand Rapids Historical Society May 9, 2013 Women’s City Club Cocktails at 6:00 pm Dinner at 6:45 pm
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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 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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I often say that the variety of topics covered in Society talks throughout the year is incredible. I knew the program in March would be well presented, because Marcie Beck always does such a wonderful job. But I was surprised by the depth of involvement in our community by Josephine Ahnefeldt Goss. I am usually surprised by what I learn at talks and that is why I am always pleased that I make the time to attend them.
Gina Bivins GRHS President
There is only one program left before our annual meeting / dinner / program in May. In April we collaborate with the Civil War Roundtable. This time we bring you Dr. Julian Kuz, who co-authored two books with Dr. Bradley Bengtson: Orthopaedic Injuries of the Civil War: an Atlas of Orthopaedic Injuries and Treatments during the Civil War and Photograhic Atlas of Civil War Injuries: Photographs of Surgical Cases and Specimens.
The title for our program is Medical Myths & Misconceptions of the American Civil War. I am fascinated with the advancements made each time our country goes to war, and yet I am saddened that our country is at war, no matter how noble a cause may be. Over a year ago the Grand Rapids Public Museum held a Civil War Saturday event and I had hoped to book Dr. Kuz, but it didn’t work out. This will be my chance and your opportunity to hear him speak. I have been diligently working on my program for the annual meeting. Nearly all of my research has entailed reading old newspapers. I am greatly enjoying the writing styles of 1897 to 1911, the time period of my inquiry. As in any research project, I keep getting sidetracked by an interesting tidbit that has nothing to do with the subject I am investigating. But what fun. See you at the Ford Museum on April 11 at 7pm.
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
Medical Myths & Misconceptions, cont. While many dramatic discoveries in medicine in general, and specifically, in the area of orthopaedic surgery were not to be uncovered until the twentieth century, many of the basic orthopaedic procedures and techniques were developed during the Civil War and continue to be used today. Hopefully, by a greater accounting of medicine practiced during the war, misconceptions can be dispelled. Some of these medical myths and historical inaccuracies can finally be put to rest!
Julian E. Kuz, M.D. is a native of Minnesota and received both his undergraduate and medical degrees from the University of Minnesota. He completed his orthopedic surgery residency at the Grand Rapids Orthopedic Surgery program and his subspecialty training in hand surgery and microsurgery at the University of Minnesota. While at the University of Minnesota, he identified a number of archived historical materials regarding American Civil War medicine and developed an interest in the field. He subsequently co-authored two books on Civil War surgery. He resides in Grand Rapids, Michigan with his wife, Cheryl, and their three children. He practices at Orthopaedic Associates of Michigan and has extensive experience with upper extremity trauma, upper extremity posttraumatic reconstruction, and has published a number of scientific papers and a book chapter.
This year’s Local History Roundtable, presented by Grand Valley State University’s Kutsche Office of Local History, will be on April 18. Eric Hemenway, Director of the Repatriation, Archives and Records Department for the Little Traverse Bay Band of Odawa Indians, will relate the narrative of the Odawa in the Great Lakes. Author and historian Marjie Viveen will introduce us to the diverse members of Rix Robinson’s fur trading crew. Paul Trap, former teacher and local history writer, will reveal his discoveries regarding the fascinating and influential Ferry Family. The day will also include a guided Harbor Transit bus tour of Grand Haven, hosted by the Tri-Cities Historical Museum, as well as scheduled time for peer-to-peer mentoring and professional networking. Thursday, April 18, 8 am-3 pm. Registration is $20 and includes both a light breakfast and lunch. For more information, or to register, please go to: www.gvsu.edu/localhistoryroundtable
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Letters home: a Civil War soldier writes his family David Noble was a carpenter from Sparta, Michigan who volunteered for Civil War service in Company C of the First Michigan Mechanics and Engineers. The regiment was organized at the suggestion of several Grand Rapids residents, including Wright L. Coffinberry and James W. Sligh. The companies of the First Michigan Mechanics and Engineers assisted the war effort by building bridges, boats, forts and saw mills for the Union and by destroying enemy railroads. David enlisted in September 1861, at the age of 44. David wrote letters home to his wife, Mary, and three young children, Wilbur, Sarah and Edward. The letters talk about training and boredom, food and medical services and his concern for matters at home on the farm. Letters from Mary to David talk about the health and welfare of the family. Sadly, David did not return home. He died of disease on June 22, 1862 in Tuscumbri, Alabama. Below is a transcription from just one of David’s letters (capitalization and punctuation have been added). Based on military records, it appears that David resigned his position as corporal eight days after this letter was written, on October 29, 1861. David and Mary’s letters to each other are available in the archives at the Grand Rapids Public Library (Collection 101).
October the 21th 1861 Respected wife, I will write a few lines to let you no that I am well and hope these few lines will find you the same. I received your letter yesterday and I was glad to hear from you and to hear that you and the children was well. I feel a little more contented if you get along well and keep well I can content myself. You sayed in your later that [duttens?] folkes wanted to buy frank. I don't no how you will get along without him if you do sel him. You must have … them give you [bail?] or pay you in something that you can turn to [?]. If you let him go you will want [?] so you can get around this winter. You wanted to no whither I get more than 17 dollars or not. That is what the solgers get. I will get to dollars more if I don't resine my commision as [eight?] corprel. I think that I will. We expect to be mustered in wensday and then we will no [where] we shal go. They tel us to day that we ar going to Kentuckey. I [wouldn’t mind] if we went to Kentuckey. I think we will be hear three weakes longer and may longer stil. I will go and see your father the last of this weake if they will give me a pas. I have not got any money nor I don't no when I will get any. Now a word to my childern Wilbur, Sarah and [Nedd?]. How do you get along ar you well and ar you good children? I hope you will be good to mother and help her. That is what father wants to hear. Be good my little children to your mother. This from your father write often. David Noble
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Civil War broadsides These Civil War era broadsides were collected by Henry McConnell, who donated them to the Grand Rapids Public Library in 1932 (Collection 117). Henry was born in Grand Rapids and was 8 or 9 years old at the start of the war. The collection includes a total of 10 posters, which advertise for recruits, inform families of benefits and announce talks.
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Happening in history: April 2013 Kent Garden Club 100th Anniversary Exhibit Opens March 30, 2013, Grand Rapids Public Museum Celebrate the Kent Garden Club’s 100th Anniversary in 2013. The display will showcase historic photos –most notably the Club’s first president in 1913. Highlights also include: a history of the organization, antique gardening tools, and details about Garden Club projects such as: Ken-O-Sha, the flower show and Blue Star highway. Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, April 4, 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. April's selection is The Nick Adams Stories by Ernest Hemingway. Free and open to the public. West Michigan Post Card Club Monday, April 8, 2013, 7:00 pm Highland Middle School, 4645 Chandy Drive NE Jay DeVries and Norma Lewis will discuss their book, Legendary Locals in Grand Rapids. Free and open to the public. Adult Computer Class: Dutch Heritage Databases Tuesday, April 16, 2013, 6:45 pm Grand Rapids Public Library – 111 Library St NE Genlias and Zeeuws Archief are online databases for locating vital records in the Netherlands. Zeeuws Archief is the official database for the Province of Zeeland and contains over 5.3 million records. Genlias is an official Dutch database with records from all provinces. Dutch vital records exist from at least 1811, but there are some records dating back to the 1700s. This class with teach you how to access these databases in English, locate abstracts of vital records and make copies. Free and open to the public. Basic computer skills are required.
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Natives, Settlers, Founders: our shared story of community growth (Local History Roundtable, Grand Valley State University’s Kutsche Office of Local History) Thursday, April 18, 2013, 8 am—3 pm Grand Haven Community Center, 421 Columbus. See page 3 for details. Genealogy Lock-In Friday, April 19, 2013, 6:00 pm Grand Rapids Public Library – 111 Library St NE Come to the Grand Rapids 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! Free and open to the public. Registration required: www.grpl.org/register or call 988-5400.
History of the Rapids Wednesday, April 24, 2013, 7:00 pm Grand Rapids Public Library – 111 Library St NE Tim Gleisner, Head of the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department of the Grand Rapids Public Library will discuss the history of the rapids on the Grand River. Learn what the rapids were originally like when Europeans first came to our city and see what happened to them over time. What did the rapids originally look like? Why were they altered and when? Where did the rock go that formed the rapids? Free and open to the public.
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Grand Rapids Public Library Photo Sleuth This photo comes from the Dorothy Leonard Judd Collection (#104). Judd was an active member in the League of Women Voters, served as the Michigan State President in 1928. She headed the National League's Efficiency in Government Committee from 1932-1934. This group of women are identified as the officers of the League of Women Voters, May 6th. Can you help us identify these women? 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. 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
Medical Myths & Misconceptions of the American Civil War Thursday, April 11, 2013, 7 pm Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum By Julian Kuz, MD and Bradley Bengtson, MD. Presented by Dr. Kuz Co-sponsored by the Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Details inside!
Inside this issue: Letter from our president, page 2 Local history roundtable, page 3 Letters from home, page 4 Civil War broadsides, page 5 Happening in history, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
