Volume 35, number 1!
Rapids Historical Society
September 2013
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society
Inside this issue:
Taking a Look at the Greenwood Cemetery
Cover Story: September program: Taking a Look at the Greenwood Cemetery Letter from our President, page 2
September 7 and 8, 2013 10 a.m. both days Greenwood Cemetery, 1401 Leonard St NW - near Leonard and Walker Presented by Thomas R. Dilley, GRHS Board Trustee
2013-14 Historical Society Program Season, pages 4-5
Tom Tom Dilley’s cemetery tours are among the most popular programs from the Grand Rapids Historical Society each year. This year we’re heading to the northwest side of town to the Greenwood Cemetery. The 20 acres making up the Greenwood Cemetery were deeded to the city of Grand Rapids by Daniel and Sophronia Bush on February 8, 1859. Like the Oakhill Cemetery tours of past years, Dilley’s tours will tell the stories of important and interesting players in Grand Rapids history and explain the elaborate art and architecture of the monuments to those people. The tours will take place on Saturday, September 7 and will repeat on Sunday, September 8. Mr. Dilley will use a microphone again this year.
Happening in History, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
Search: Grand Rapids Historical Society
Next Program: The Powers Theater; a Century of Entertaining, by Jim Winslow
Photos from previous tours at Oakhill Cemetery.
In case of severe weather, cancellation will be announced on Grand Rapids Historical Society’s Facebook page.
Save the date: Wednesday, October 9, 2013, 7 p.m., at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum. Note: this program is on Wednesday versus the usual Thursday.
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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 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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The Albert Baxter Award was created by the Grand Rapids Historical Society in 1980 to honor persons who have made significant contributions to the preservation and interpretation of Grand River Valley history. The Board chose the Western Michigan Genealogical Society as the 2013 recipient. The certificate was presented to the current WMGS president Don Bryant at the Society’s annual meeting in May. “The Western Michigan Genealogical Society (WMGS) was founded in 1954 with the purpose of preserving and making available for genealogical Gina Bivins research the records of our ancestors; encouraging and GRHS President assisting members in genealogical research; promoting the exchange of knowledge and encouraging the deposit of genealogical records in established libraries and archives.” Their area of focus includes Kent County and the counties immediately surrounding; namely Ottawa, Muskegon, Newaygo, Montcalm, Ionia, Barry and Allegan Counties. There is some extension beyond these counties into other areas of the Western Lower Peninsula. The objectives and purposes for which the Society is organized are: 1. to preserve and make available for genealogical research the records of our ancestors; 2. to encourage and assist members in genealogical research; 3. to promote the exchange of such knowledge; 4. to encourage the deposit of genealogical records in established libraries and archives; 5. to publish a genealogical newsletter, bulletin, or magazine on a quarterly basis. Continued on page 3
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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WMGS has published many books based on research done by members. The latest is STATE LAND PATENTS, KENT COUNTY, MICHIGAN. Originally compiled by Western Michigan Genealogical Society in 1984, this publication was redone and improved in
vital records, family histories, society news and helpful hints are regular features. All members are encouraged to submit material for publication. Visit their web site at www.wmgs.org to learn more about what they are doing and how you can join.
On a personal note, in the mid to late 1970s I began to really dig in to my family history, realizing that there was a generation that had stories that might be lost unless someone asked about them. I was trying to figure out a way to organize all the information and to make all the connections. Having ancestors from Alpine, Wright and Chester townships, I knew this would be the group to join. So I did, rather than tough it out on my own. Even though I never made a meeting due to lack of free time, I learned a lot reading MICHIGANA. The materials deposited in the local history room at the main branch of the Grand Rapids Public Library were invaluable and are available to everyone. Many years later, as the Public Programs Manager at the Grand Rapids Public Museum, I approached the WMGS asking for help with a Boy Scout badge workshop I wanted to offer. With the opening of the Newcomers: The People of This Place exhibit, I knew the Museum had the visual “stuff” and the stories needed to help the scouts Don Bryant, President of the Western Michigan Genealogical Society, achieve their goal. WMGS members offered the necessary organizational and detail information. receives the Albert Baxter Award from Gina Bivins, Grand Rapids There was no hesitation on their part to help Historical Society President, at our annual meeting and banquet held create a successful program for future at the Women’s City Club on May 9, 2013. genealogists. Fast forward to today, and I am still encountering the WMGS on a regular basis. The 2010. Original land patents given by the Michigan Grand Rapids Historical Society board meets on the 4th State Government from approximately 1840-1879 are Tuesday of the month at the library. There are always included. These are very members of the Society there doing research, but important records, as perhaps more important is the fact that they are Kent County had more helping others learn how to use the research materials state land for sale than available at the library and organize what they find. any other county in lower Michigan at that For more information about the Western Michigan time. Genealogical Society please visit their website at The society’s quarterly publication, MICHIGANA specializes in original and unpublished material, concentrating on western Michigan. Bible records, tombstone inscriptions, newspaper excerpts,
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www.wmgs.org
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Grand Rapids Historical Society 2013 - 2014 Program Season All programs co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Museum and held in the Museum auditorium unless otherwise noted. Free and open to the public, free parking.
a Bachelor of Science degree in History and also attended the Historic Preservation graduate program. Rob enjoys exploring Michigan’s outdoors, much of which is a result of the success of the CCC.
September 7 and 8, 2013, 10 a.m. both days Taking a Look at the Greenwood Cemetery Thomas R. Dilley, GRHS Trustee Off site: Greenwood Cemetery near Leonard and Walker
February 13, 2014, 7 p.m. Pine Rest: 100 Years of Changing Lives Pine Rest staff Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
October 9, 2013 (Wednesday), 7 p.m. The Powers Theater: A Century of Entertaining Jim Winslow Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum November 14, 2013, 7 p.m. Beer Brewing in Grand Rapids William W. Seeger, GRHS Trustee Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum January 9, 2014, 7 p.m. The Legacy of the Civilian Conservation Corps in Michigan Rob Burg Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum In 1933, President Franklin Roosevelt created the Civilian Conservation Corps as part of his “New Deal” programs to conserve our natural landscape and to improve the lives of our young men. In only nine years, the CCC Boys would plant millions of acres of forests, create national, state, and local parks, fight forest fires, build dams, and do so much more. In Michigan, more than 102,000 men, living in 125 camps throughout the state, planted more than 484 million trees, stocked fish, created Isle Royale National Park, and many state parks. Historian Rob Burg will highlight some of the successes of the CCC and their work in Michigan from 1933-42. Rob Burg has been a historian/historic sites manager for the Michigan Historical Museum for more than fifteen years. Rob has managed the Hartwick Pines Logging Museum at Hartwick Pines State Park in Grayling, the Michigan Civilian Conservation Corps Museum at North Higgins Lake in Roscommon, the Tawas Point Lighthouse at Tawas Point State Park in East Tawas, and the Sanilac Petroglyphs near Bad Axe. Rob attended Eastern Michigan University where he received
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Over 100 years ago a small group of women and men of vision saw a need for a compassionate place of healing for people suffering from mental illness, a ministry where those whose minds kept them in chains could come and be treated with dignity and respect, and they could find release and healing. The story of Pine Rest begins quietly in the pastures of Cutlerville, and now reaches and extends throughout several states. From a garden to the city. From a small group of immigrant people to lives touched in the entire community in all its diversity. In one way, the Pine Rest of today is far removed from the Christian Psychopathic hospital of 1910, but the strong roots established a century ago have provided the foundation necessary for modern mental health care. March 13, 2014, 7 p.m. Women at the Bar: The First Century of Women Attorneys in Grand Rapids, 1870s-1970s Ruth Stevens, GVSU Faculty Co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum April 10, 2014, 7 p.m. In the Army of the Lord – Catholic Civil War Chaplains Reverend Robert J. Miller Co-sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum and the Civil War Roundtable Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
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May 8, 2014, 6 p.m. GRHS Annual Banquet and The Extinction of the Passenger Pigeon Cindy Laug Off site: location to be announced
Carrier Pigeon or the well-known Messenger Pigeon, we are talking about the gregarious Passenger Pigeon which lived and nested in enormous migratory flocks and became extinct in 1914. Did Grand Rapids play a role in its demise? It sure did! Come and find out more about this amazing species and explore how and why it went from billions to none in such a short span of time.
What is that thunderous noise; why are the skies darkening as if the sun is hidden; what is that unusual smell; and why the sudden wind change? The Passenger Pigeon (Ectopistes migratorius) is estimated to have soared through the skies at 60 miles per hour in flocks of millions as early as 1600. Pigeons were estimated to number between 3 and 5 billion, and estimated 40% of the total bird population in North America, during the 19th century. Yet human exploitation plunged this species into extinction over the course of just a few decades. Not to be confused with a
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.
Welcome to new members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Dustin VanderPlants Matthew Cole James Schutz Roberta Parker Dale Kuipers
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
Happening in History: September 2013 If you have history-related events you would like included in our calendar, please let us know at grhs.local@gmail.com.
WMGS Family History Writers Workshop Tuesday, September 17, 2013, 1:30 - 4:45 p.m. Dominican Center, 2025 Fulton East Fulton Street
Archives A to Z Exhibit April 8 – December 31, 2013 Main Library – 111 Library St NE
WMGS normally meets the third Tuesday of each month to help and support each other’s desire to write about our families with a kind eye and lots of humor. Public is welcome.
Come explore the unique treasures found in the Grand Rapids History and Special Collections Department of the Grand Rapids Public Library. Using letters, business documents, personal recollections, scrapbooks, photographs and other items, this exhibit explores unusual and little known stories of Grand Rapids history using the 390 processed collections and over one million photographs held in the department. Free and open to the public. Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, September 5, 2013, 7:00 p.m. 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 lead 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. For a complete list of books, visit www.grpl.org/rtgl. September's selection is Devil in the White City by Erik Larson. Torch Club: The History of Fluoridation in Grand Rapids Tuesday, September 10, 2013, 5:30 p.m. University Club, 10th floor of Fifth-Third Bank Building In the early 1900s the seriousness of the widespread health problem with dental cavities, including teenagers having to have dentures made, could not be overstated. There was much controversy (then and now) about the introduction of flouridation to public water supplies. Chase Klinesteker will discuss the research and the successful results of the first-in-the-world study conducted to fouridate a water supply right here in Grand Rapids. Go to www.torchclubgr.org/rsvp.htm for details and the required reservation form.
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Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, September 18, 2013 Doors open at 6 p.m.; program at 7:30 p.m. Kuyper College, DeWitt Student Center, 3333 East Beltline NE Program to be announced. Visit www.grcwrt.com for more information as it becomes available. WMGS Genealogy Class: Beginners Introduction to Genealogy Thursday, September 19, 2013, 6:45 - 8:45 p.m. Dominican Center, 2025 Fulton East Fulton Street, Adult Computer Lab, lower level Star Spangled Banner returns to Detroit Sunday, September 29, 2013, 2 p.m. Detroit Historical Museum On September 29, 1813, the United States returned to the Motor City. Detroit had been occupied by British forces for 13 months during the War of 1812. The Detroit Historical Society and the Michigan War of 1812 Bicentennial Commission present a special ceremony to mark the historic event. The program takes place in the Legends Plaza in front of the Detroit Historical Museum. Visitors will see a performance by the Madame Cadillac Dancers, re-enactors from the Provincial Marines, Amherstburg, the Lacroix’s Company from the River Raisin National Battlefield Park in Monroe, and learn about of the War of 1812. Along with the Society and the 1812 Commission, the program includes Algonquin Club of Detroit & Windsor, Daughters of the British Empire in Michigan, U.S. Navy Sea Cadets, Society of Sons of the War of 1812, United States Daughters of 1812-Michigan , and the United States Navy Detroit Recruiting District Assistance Center. A reception with light refreshments will be held following the ceremony.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Grand Rapids Public Library Photo Sleuth
These images come from the newly processed Hollyhock Lane Parade Records Collection (#397). The Hollyhock Lane Parade began in 1934 when several residents from Giddings and Calvin Avenues decided to have a Fourth of July parade in the alley between the two streets. Those residents were Otto Frey, Clarence Gill, Howard Lee, Orrie Sluiter, George Vruggink, and Herman Wolhferd. In 1935 the group was organized with a permit under the name Screech Owls, Inc. By 1941, the parade committee was incorporated as The Calvin-Giddings Patriotic Association, Inc. It was in 1946 that the parade became known as the "Hollyhock Lane Parade" due to the stretch of hollyhocks that lined the alleyway. It is the longest running Independence Day parade in the state of Michigan. Both of these pictures are so cute, it was hard to decide which one to publish (so you have them both). They are dated circa 1950. If you know any of the people in these photos, please email your information to khazlew@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.”
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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
Taking a Look at the Greenwood Cemetery
Inside this issue:
September 7 and 8, 2013
Cover Story: September program: Taking a Look at the Greenwood Cemetery
10 a.m. both days Greenwood Cemetery, 1401 Leonard St NW near Leonard and Walker Presented by Thomas R. Dilley, GRHS Board Trustee
Letter from our President, page 2 2013-14 Historical Society Program Season, pages 4-5
Details inside! Happening in History, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
