Volume 34, Number 8
May 2013
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society
Mugging for the Camera: Mug Shot Book, 1897-1911 Inside this issue: Cover story: May program, Mugging for the Camera The other side of the law, page 3 Archives A to Z, page 3 Identifying criminals, page 4 Prohibition in Grand Rapids, Page 5 Happening in history, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
Gina Bivins, President, Grand Rapids Historical Society Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Women’s City Club Cocktails at 6:00 pm, dinner at 6:45 pm Tickets are $30, program following the dinner is free
I became fascinated with the mug shot book in the early 1980s when I volunteered for the Grand Rapids Public Museum open house, held once a year at the building on Jefferson Street. The recreated shops in the 1850s Gaslight Village were open to the public only at this special time. The Police Station was my assignment one year. The mug shot book stood on a desk just inside the door, open. Six criminals of the past stared out all day as visitors took a peek into the small room housing a cell with bunk beds, a desk and not much else, as I recall. I am sure there were pictures on the wall, a uniform coat, perhaps a billy club and a set of handcuffs. But for me, the focal point was the book. There was information about each person, and I read every word.
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Years later I worked in collections during the construction of the new museum building on Pearl Street. At some point I had the opportunity to take a closer look at the book. Wearing the appropriate gloves, I carefully turned pages and read about the people within. The most common crime seemed to be larceny. Sometimes the person was charged with both larceny and burglary. There were murderers and assault with the intent to murder. There were counterfeiters and forgers, embezzlers and grand larceny. In fact, I found more than 29 different offenses listed. Continued on page 2...
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
continued from page 1… When I first started working on this project I didn’t know what direction to go. I just knew I wanted to share this interesting piece of local history. The entries begin in the fall of 1897, and although the last entry is in 1915, I stopped my research in 1911. It was just too overwhelming to go any further.
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.
There are people from all over the country. City residents are by far the most common. There were a notable number from Detroit, Toledo and Chicago. The majority of people arrested were under the age of 30. The youngest I found was fifteen and the oldest sixty nine. After a while I decided I didn’t need any more statistical information, I wanted to know what happened. That is when I started looking in newspapers to get the story behind the crime. The presentation for the Historical Society will take a look at a small sample of crime. There are 1,100 separate cards in the book, with each individual having a story. My talk will focus in on 40 of those people, while giving several others a simple glance. —Gina Bivins
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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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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The other side of the law The miscreants in the mug shot book may have passed through the Kent County Jail (left), ridden in the paddy wagon (bottom left) or had run-ins with these police officers (bottom right). Left: Kent County Jail at Louis and Campau, opened in 1872. Bottom left: Patrol wagon, also known as “Black Maria,” 1890s. Bottom right: Patrolmen leaving police headquarters in 1907. All photographs are from the Grand Rapids Public Library (Collections 33-11-28, 138-5-4 and 54-41-14).
New exhibit at the Grand Rapids Public Library: Archives A to Z With 395 collections and counting, the GRPL Archives is full of unique and fascinating items – photographs, letters, furniture catalogs, maps, and so much more. The earliest collections came to the archives in 1905 and include the papers of John Lawrence, Rebecca Richmond, and the Old Residents’ Association, as well as Lewis G. Stuart’s collection of maps of the Old Northwest Territory. By the early 1950s, the archival holdings had grown to include the archaeological drawings of Thomas Porter; the papers of surveyor, politician, and land developer Lucius Lyon; the papers of city engineer and amateur archaeologist Wright L. Coffinberry; and John Ball’s personal papers. A new exhibit showcases items that are representative of the collection, but also uniquely Grand Rapids in nature. So, from the Austin Automobile Co. to the Zalewski’s dog, the Local History staff searched the archives for an interesting item for each letter of the alphabet. Visit the Archives A-Z exhibit, currently on display in the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections Department on the 4th floor of the Main Library!
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Identifying criminals: Alphonse Bertillon Alphonse Bertillon (1853-1914) was a police officer in Paris who created the first system of physical descriptions to identify criminals. Previously, police relied on eyewitness descriptions and piles of unorganized photographs. Bertillon was frustrated with these haphazard methods and set out to find a better way. His system relied on describing and measuring a suspect’s physical features, particularly their facial features. In the early 1880s he outlined techniques for measuring things like the shapes and angles of eyebrows and ears and the distance between eyes. He also developed instruments to use and a method for recording all of the data. Bertillon called his system anthropometry, but it became known as Bertillonage. Eventually it included body measurements, fingerprints, photographs and a verbal description.
A self portrait of Bertillon in 1900 (courtesy Wikipedia.org).
The physical measurements were coded, leading to a unique number for each person. This allowed police to sort through cards, so that if they knew someone’s measurements they could narrow down the suspect pool. The Grand Rapids mug shot books include a line for ‘Bertillon measurements.’ The measurements are recorded as a long string of numbers: 63.1, 64.0, 86.0, 18.0, 14.7, 5.7, 24.8, 11.0, 8.3, 44.0. The cards clearly reflect Bertillon’s influence, with all the components of his system present. Bertillon’s process was tough to learn and time consuming to implement. Two officers taking measurements from the same person could come up with different numbers and some measurements could change as a person aged. These problems eventually led to fingerprinting taking over as the preferred identification method. Despite the phasing out of his system, Bertillon contributed to the field of forensic science. He standardized identification systems and encouraged the use of mug shots and physical descriptions. Excerpts from Bertillon’s 1893 book, Identification anthropométrique.
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Prohibition in Grand Rapids: 1830s-1933 Prohibition groups began forming in Grand Rapids as early as the late 1830s. During the late 1840s, communities in Michigan decided whether or not to issue liquor licenses in a yearly vote. The first attempt at complete prohibition in Michigan came in 1853, with the passage of a law modeled after the 1851 Maine law. The 1853 law prohibited the sale or manufacture of intoxicating beverages, except for medicinal, mechanical and manufacturing purposes. The 1853 prohibition law turned out to be difficult to enforce. Many local saloons simply carried on business as usual. In early 1854, a decision in the Michigan Supreme Court brought the constitutionality of the 1853 prohibition law into question. After that, the law became virtually ineffective.
1916 Wet and Dry Map of Michigan (GRPL, Coll 283-3-14).
Over the next 60 or so years, communities across Michigan voted on prohibition laws locally. During this time, Kent County remained a “wet” area. Grand Rapids did support a variety of liquor licensing laws, as well as restrictions against alcohol on Sundays and on holidays. Prohibition advocates remained active, and in 1916 a statewide prohibition law was passed. This was followed by the Eighteenth Amendment to the United States Constitution in 1919, banning alcohol from the entire country. Prohibition remained in effect until the Eighteenth Amendment was repealed in 1933. Gospel and Temperance Songster (GRPL, Coll 283-3-18)
“Pearl Button” In 1922, Mrs. Gilford T. Hughes, alias “Pearl Button,” was arrested on charges of bootlegging. Ms. Hughes reportedly sold liquor "to an established clientele" in office buildings in downtown Grand Rapids. Mrs. Eileen Burns reported to police that Mrs. Hughes sold a bottle of liquor to Mrs. Burn's husband, Frank. Mr. Burns testified that he had bought liquor from Mrs. Hughes and had trouble hiding it from his wife. His attempted hiding places included behind a pickle barrel, in a coal box and in a waste basket (where his wife discovered the bottle). Mrs. Hughes was sentenced to 6 months to a year in the Detroit house of correction. At her sentencing she told the judge "I wouldn't mind being in jail in the winter, but I certainly don't like being cooped up during the summer."
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Happening in history: May 2013 Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, May 2, 2013, 7:00 pm Main 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. May's selection is The Living Great Lakes by Jerry Dennis. Free and open to the public. Spring Into the Past Tour of West Michigan Small Museums Saturday and Sunday, May 4-5, 2013, 11 am - 5pm Twenty-four small museums of West Michigan open their doors the same days and hours the first weekend in May for their annual Spring into The Past tour. Visit one or several of these quaint charmers of the Tri River Historical Museum Network located along the Flat, Grand and Thornapple Rivers from Edmore to Hastings, Plainfield to Sunfield and discover the rich history and charm of area people, past and present. Located in historic buildings such as depots, town halls, churches, homes or stores, they invite you to take a look into the past to see what life was like before all of today's modern technology. Admission is FREE but donations are always welcome. Booklets with information and a map of all museums are available at any museum or see information on commoncorners.com. Growing up Grand Exhibit open May 7, 2013 - May 2014 Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Follow Gerald Ford from his birth in Nebraska, to his growing up in Grand Rapids, to his graduation from the University of Michigan. A first-of-its-kind look at the making of our 38th president. Regular museum hours and admission apply. Michigan's Vanishing Train Stations: Architecture, History & Sense of Place Monday, May 13, 2013, 7:00 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE In the 2013 Michigan Notable Book, Michigan's Historic Railroad Stations, journalist Michael H. Hodges photographed and profiled 31 depots across the state, from Detroit to Three Oaks to Iron Mountain. Discover the evolution of the train station and the
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styles architects employed to both tame and exalt rail transportation. Touching on news accounts, literature and film, Hodges also considers the central role the depot once played as the nation's principle crossroads: a much-used, much-loved public space that has no real analog in American life today. A book-signing will follow the presentation. Free and open to the public. Pre-1912 Grand Rapids Street Name Changes (Adult Computer Class) Tuesday, May 14, 2013, 6:45 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Did you think that Grand Rapids only changed street names in 1912? The first street name change in Grand Rapids occurred in 1857. East Bridge Street was changed to Michigan Street in 1909. Learn about the history of Grand Rapids street name changes prior to 1912 to pinpoint where your ancestors REALLY lived. Basic computer skills are required for this class. Free and open to the public. House History 101: Learn how to research your house's past Saturday, May 18, 2013, 9:30 am Main Library – 111 Library St NE Join us to learn how the library can help you research the history of your home! Library staff will provide a tour of the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department emphasizing materials and guides useful for researching Grand Rapids buildings. Following the tour, staff will give brief presentations showcasing a residential and a commercial building, using materials from our collection. In the afternoon, the Vander Veen Center for the Book will be available for participants to use as a home base while conducting personal research and get assistance from library staff. Registration required: www.grpl.org/register. Free and open to the public. The Heritage Hill Annual Weekend Tour of Homes Saturday, May 18 from 11 am to 5 pm Sunday, May 19 from 12 to 6 pm Tour one of the country's largest urban historic districts in its spring bloom. The 44th annual Heritage Hill Tour opens doors to 8 private houses and 2 historic buildings. An array of architecture, colors, decorating styles and great urban gardens await you. Advance tickets for the tour are $15.00 and are available at the Heritage Hill Association office or go to www.heritagehillweb.org for online sales. To obtain tickets by check, send to the Heritage Hill Association, 126 College SE; Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Tickets on the weekend of Tour are $20.00. Please call 616-459-8950 with any questions or for more information.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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 and served as the Michigan State President in 1928. She headed the National League's Efficiency in Government Committee from 19321934. This photograph from the League of Women Voters is dated May 1954, Trade Fair. What was the Trade Fair about? Who are these women? Why were they dressed as such? Can you help us answer any of these questions? 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
Mugging for the Camera:
Inside this issue:
Mug Shot Book, 1897-1911
The other side of the law, page 3
Gina Bivins, President, Grand Rapids Historical Society Archives A to Z, page 3
Thursday, May 9, 2013 at the Women’s City Club Cocktails at 6:00 pm, Dinner at 6:45 pm Details inside!
Identifying criminals, page 4 Prohibition in Grand Rapids, page 5 Happening in history, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
