Volume 35, number 6!
Rapids Historical Society
March 2014
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society
Inside this issue: Cover Story: March program: The First Century of Women Attorneys in Grand Rapids, 1870s 1970s Letter from our President, page 2 Rediscovering Merze Tate, page 4 A Suffragist Spring, page 5 Mel Goolsby, page 5 Happening in History, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
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Next Program: The Most Christian Nation in the World: Religion in America on the Civil War Homefront Save the date: Thursday, April 10, 2014, 7:00 p.m., at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church (134 Division Ave North).
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Women at the Bar: The First Century of Women Attorneys in Grand Rapids, 1870s - 1970s Thursday, March 13, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Presented by Ruth Stevens, Attorney and Grand Valley State University professor Cosponsored by the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s Historical Commission In the 1960s and 1970s, a new wave of women attorneys began joining the bar in Grand Rapids, paving the way for many who followed. Yet they were not the first female attorneys to practice law in Grand Rapids. In the late 1870s, Elizabeth Eaglesfield, one of the early female graduates of the University of Michigan Law School, hung out her shingle and began advertising for clients. Shortly after 1900, Ella Mae Backus became the longlasting backbone of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Western District of Michigan. She was followed by the occasional individual, like Gale Saunders, largely unknown today. Before women became fully enfranchised citizens in 1920, they had more difficulty entering the law than they did many other professions. As women, they were disenfranchised. As lawyers and licensed members of the legal profession, they had position within the conventional institutions of power. But even graduates of good law Continued on page 4 Elizabeth Eaglesfield (right) began a private practice when she returned to Grand Rapids in 1886 and had office space in the relatively new Twamley Building (see page 4). City directories, however, indicate that her office moved frequently until, toward the end of her career in Grand Rapids, we find her address in the office of another attorney. As early as 1889 Eaglesfield commented on the difficulties faced by women attorneys in a Grand Rapids newspaper feature: “I can’t say that my business is increasing with that rapidity that I could desire. . . . The advance of our sex in the professions has been so rapid and so recent that many prejudices exist against us. Men are afraid to associate us with them in the trial of a cause . . . and clients are afraid to trust us with cases that have to be submitted to [an all-male] jury.”
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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 Matthew Daley, vice president John Gelderloos, treasurer Board members: Alan Bennett Charles Bocskey Thomas Dilley W.D. Frankforter, emeritus Tim Gleisner Marilyn Hamill Chris Kaupa Gordon Olson, emeritus Nan Schichtel Wilhelm Seeger Jeff Sytsma Jim Winslow 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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In the midst of this hard winter I have thought a lot about the blizzard of '78. I was nine months pregnant with my third child and with the change in barometric pressure labor began. For the duration of the blizzard my husband shoveled out the car every couple of hours and convinced a friendly city plow driver to cut in a little at our driveway so we would be able to get out when "it was time". When the storm subsided, so did labor. My wonderful stubborn child, due January 28, waited until February 14 to make her appearance. I am writing this on January 25, 2014. It has been bitterly cold. It has been windy enough to cause numerous Gina Bivins drifts. Plow drivers are desperately trying to keep up. GRHS President At this very moment I am staffing the parking ramp booth at the museum I work at and the sun is so bright it hurts to look at the snow. Freezing temperatures are scheduled to continue and five more inches of snow is predicted for tomorrow. I am certain that by the time you read this the two end of January storms, 36 years apart will be compared by those who were affected by both. ... It was only a brief respite from the snow. It has started again. It will be interesting to see what the totals are in comparison. In Continued on page 3 The photo to the right, from GRHS board member Chris Kaupa, reminds us what it was like digging out after the Blizzard of ’78.
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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'78 the 44th Street Armory was opened up as a shelter. Underpasses on 131 south of Grand Rapids drifted shut and front end loaders had to be brought in to dig them out. I am finishing this article on February 22. In the past week we have had fierce winds, heavy rain, more snow, icy roads, upper 30s temperatures, cloudy days, below freezing temperatures, and beautiful blue skies. I think spring is on the mind of many, and yet that can be dangerous. How many remember, or witnessed the '56 tornado? When relating a past event we often include the weather conditions at the time. Sometimes the weather itself is the event, as it has been this year. What weather events made a mark in your life? What weather events of January and February of 2014 will become part of your history? By the time of our March 13 program I am certain we’ll experience more signs of spring. We hope to see you there!
Welcome to new members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Robert Olree Melissa Fox
This photo from the National Weather Service in Grand Rapids shows a station wagon driving to what was then the Kent County Airport on January 28, 1978.
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:
• Lifetime memberships: 71
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.
• Annual memberships: 263
Please enroll me as a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Society: ___ New ___ Renewal ___ Gift
• Organizations: 41
____ Individual/Family Membership: $30.00 per year ____ Senior Citizen or Student: $20.00 per year ____ Lifetime: $400.00 one-time fee
Members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society:
• Baxter Award winners: 19
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 Grand River Times!
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
R ed is c over in g M er z e Tat e: A Tr eas u r e in Ou r B ac k yar d Celebrate Women’s History Month with the Grand Rapids Study Club! On March 20 the GRSC will host a program on Merze Tate, born an African American girl near Blanchard in 1905 rural Michigan. She graduated first in her class from Western Michigan University in 1927, earned a doctorate from Oxford University, worked for the State Department, and traveled around the world twice. Tate became a Howard University history professor and sometime U.S. diplomat, held patents, spoke five languages, wrote seven political books, and purchased a ticket for a flight into outer space – before leaving a legacy of millions to educational institutions. Merze Tate captured her world through the lens of her camera. Kalamazoo’s Sonya Bernard-Hollins will show
you Tate’s world through her own eyes, long after her death in 1996. The account of this unique African American woman’s life will also illustrate the tenacity and courage necessary for her to defy the odds during the Jim Crow and pre-Civil Rights eras. At one point her own State Department labeled Tate "a public relations risk." Hear her story!
Noon, Thursday, March 20, 2014 Fair Housing Center of West Michigan 20 Hall Street SE (just east of Division) Lunch provided & parking available Please RSVP at: aybiyoyo@aol.com or 616-243-2963
Searching for Merze Tate sent journalist Sonya Bernard-Hollins on a fascinating journey of her own. Discoveries in the WMU archives have resulted in a traveling photo exhibit, a Kalamazoo youth travel club, and much travel for Bernard-Hollins herself as she spreads the word about this amazing woman whose story should never have been lost in the first place. On March 20, meet Merze Tate through Sonya Bernard-Hollins’ eyes. Learn more at www.merzetate.com. Merze Tate posing with Oxford’s towers looming behind her.
Continued from cover
schools had a difficult time practicing, and many early women attorneys rarely left their desks in the back rooms of their husbands' law offices. The first women in Grand Rapids did not fit that norm. Then beginning in the 1940s and 1950s a handful more women attorneys kept alive the idea that women could practice the law until new pioneers began arriving in greater numbers. Attorney and GVSU professor Ruth Stevens will trace the history of the first century of women lawyers in Grand Rapids, bringing to life the stories of the early attorneys and linking them to the next wave of pioneers who helped shape the Grand Rapids legal community as it is today. Right: The Twamley Building circa 1950. It was a relatively new building in the 1880s, at the corner of Lyon and Monroe, and the location of Elizabeth Eaglesfield’s first office shortly after receiving her law degree from the University of Michigan Law School. 4
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A S u ffr agi s t S p r i n g: Tak in g Over t h e Gr an d R apids Pr ess in 1914 When setting goals for 1914, the National Equal Suffrage Association called for rallies, participation in parades across the country, and suggested that the Equal Suffrage Associations take over their local newspaper for a day to promote the cause. The Grand Rapids Equal Suffrage Association met this challenge by editing and producing the May 2, 1914 edition of the Grand Rapids Press. Ruth Van Stee will talk about this edition, the local women involved, and how the work of the Grand Rapids women fit into the national movement. Join Council members on April 30. Free wine ticket for members whose membership is up-to-date.
Wednesday, April 30, 2014 Women's City Club, Lower level auditorium, 254 Fulton Street Ruth Van Stee, Grand Rapids Public Library, History and Special Collections Women’s History Council Reception 5:00 p.m.: Hors d'oeuvres & wine ticket bar ($5/glass); 5:30 p.m.: program & meeting Free & Open to the Public
1994 B axt er Aw ar d W i n n er , M elvi n Gools b y, D ies We are sad to report that longtime member of the Grand Rapids Historical Society and the 1994 winner of the Albert Baxter Award has died. Melvin (Mel) Goolsby was born in Rayle, Georgia in Wilkes County on June 4, 1918. His parents, Emmett and Lola Goolsby, brought him to Grand Rapids in 1923. Mel attended South High School and was the first African American baseball player to earn a varsity letter for the sport. He excelled in academics and was often on the honor roll. His love for knowledge never waned. As a paperboy, he was fascinated with reading newspapers and his normal daily regimen consisted of reading two newspapers. He was also an avid book reader, often spending enough on books that his wife made him join the “Book of the Month Club” to save money. After reading Roots by Alex Haley, Mel purchased a tape recorder and went south to re-acquaint himself with the relatives he had lost touch with. He recorded hours of conversations and began to piece together the history of his family. He was also an avid researcher and contributor to The Allen Family Reunion (his wife’s family) as well as documenting several Centennial Farms in Michigan.
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! He received many awards and honors for his contributions, one of which was the Albert Baxter Award in 1994 from the Grand Rapids Historical Society “for an outstanding contribution to the study, interpretation and preservation of history in the Grand River Valley”. Mel was a WWII veteran, serving in the Army, and spending a good deal of time in Europe. He also worked at the U.S. Post Office in Grand Rapids, before retiring in 1978. He loved Jazz and had the pleasure of meeting jazz greats Billie Holiday and Django Reinhardt in person, receiving autographed photos from both. ! He was preceded in death by his wife Opal (Allen) Goolsby. He is survived by his son David (Beverly), ten grandchildren, thirteen great Young Mel as he entered the grandchildren and two service in 1941, leaving his great-great grandchildren. job at the Peninsular Club. He will be missed by many.
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Happening in History: March 2014 If you have history-related events you would like included in our calendar, please let us know at grhs.local@gmail.com. Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, March 6, 2014, 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. March’s selection is A Sand County Almanac by Aldo Leopold. The Meeting Sunday, March 9, 2014, 1:30 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE The Meeting is a play written by Jeff Stetson, an internationally acclaimed award-winning playwright and screenwriter. Fascinating and dramatically compelling, this eloquent play depicts the supposed meeting of two of the most important men of modern times: Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Differing in their philosophies, but alike in their mutual respect, the two men debate their varying approaches to the same grave social problems, both prepared to die for their beliefs but neither aware of how soon their assassins' bullets would await them. This three-man play will be performed by Kevin Porter, playing the role of Rashad; Sam Prince playing the role of Malcolm X; and John Wilhite playing the role of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The Great Michigan Read: Annie's Ghosts Saturday, March 15, 2014, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Three area experts will explore the themes found in Steve Luxenberg's book Annie's Ghosts, which was selected as the 2014 Great Michigan Read. Author D.E. Johnson will discuss Eloise Hospital using information and photos gained from researching his book Detroit Breakdown. Christy Buck, executive director of The Mental Health Foundation will provide an overview of mental health treatment and practices from the 1900s to now.
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Genealogist Don Bryant will share tips on how to find your family's real past. Free and open to the public. Kalamazoo Living History Show March 15 - 16, 2014, 9:00 a.m. each day Kalamazoo County Expo Center www.KalamazooShow.com for details The largest, nationally recognized, juried show in the United States devoted to pre-1890 original or reproduction living history supplies, accouterments, and related crafts. More than 10,000 historical re-enactors from the French and Indian War through the Civil War, history buffs, collectors, and the general public come together for a festive weekend to buy, sell, and trade. The event attracts over 270 of the finest craftspeople and dealers of living history supplies and related crafts from throughout the United States. Anyone attending the show in pre-1890 style clothing will be eligible for a prize drawing.
Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, March 19, 2014, 7:30 p.m. DeWitt Student Center, Kuyper College 3333 East Beltline NE Al McGeehan comes to the Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table in March to present, When The Flags Were Furled, Where Did It All Go? Why 27 Million People Attended the 1893 Chicago World's Fair Monday, March 31, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Discover Michigan's numerous contributions to the Chicago World's Fair. From the massive Michigan Building with 3,000 examples of Michigan wood to the award-winning exhibits in the Mines and Minerals Building and samples of Michigan furniture from Grand Rapids, Michigan's contributions to the World's Fair were impressive. Come see why Michigan contributed to the success of the World's Fair.
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Grand Rapids Public Library Photo Sleuth This images comes from the Robinson Studio Collection (#125). This team of lady bowlers represented Brogger's Recreation in Grand Rapids. Brogger's Recreation was located at 42 Ottawa NW from 1927 to 1947, according to the Polk city directories. From the hairstyles, the photo appears to be from the 1930s. While women were bowling in the latter half of the nineteenth century, it wasn't until 1917 that the Women's International Bowling Congress was born in St. Louis. Encouraged by proprietor Dennis Sweeney, women leaders from around the country participating in a tournament decided to form what was then called the Women's National Bowling Association. In the few years prior, the men had standardization established, and major national competitions could be held. If you know the identity of any of these ladies, please let us know by emailing 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.”
Change of location for April 10, 2014 program Please note a change in location for our April program. The Most Christian Nation in the World: Religion in America on the Civil War Homefront Father Bob Miller In 1860, the most socially influential factor in America was clearly religion and faith. A great many Americans approached the War through the lens of their faith, religion and specific cultures. We will look at American culture on the eve of war through the prism of the Faith of two different families and religious upbringings. These families – one North, one South – capture well the painfully transforming issue which the Civil War became in American history. Thursday, April 10, 2014, 7:00 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 134 Division Ave North Grand Rapids, 49503 The program and parking are free.
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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
Women at the Bar: The First Century of Women Attorneys in Grand Rapids, 1870s - 1970s Thursday, March 13, 2014, 7 p.m. Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Presented by Ruth Stevens Details inside!
Inside this issue: Cover Story: March program: The First Century of Women Attorneys in Grand Rapids, 1870s - 1970s Letter from our President, page 2 Rediscovering Merze Tate, page 4 A Suffragist Spring, page 5 Mel Goolsby, page 5 Happening in History, page 6 Photo Sleuth, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
