Rapids Historical Society
Volume 35, number 7!
April 2014
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society
Inside this issue: Cover Story: April program: Letter from GRHS President, page 2
The Most Christian Nation in the World: Religion in Society on the Civil War Homefront Thursday, April 10, 2014, 7:00 p.m.
Photo Sleuth, page 4
Special Location St. Mark’s Episcopal Church 134 Division Ave North Grand Rapids, 49503
St. Mark’s members who fought in the Civil War, page 5
Presented by Father Robert Miller
Happening in History, page 6 Taking over the Press in 1914, page 7 Remembering the Tornado of 1956, page 7
Search: Grand Rapids Historical Society
Next Program: GRHS Annual Banquet and The Extinction of the Passenger Pigeon Save the date: Thursday, May 8, 2014, at Women’s City Club. Time to be announced.
Grand River Times!
Cosponsored by the Grand Rapids Civil War Roundtable In 1860, the single most socially influential factor in America was religion and faith. The United States literally was the most Christian nation in the world’s history. The great majority of Americans – both North and South – approached the issues surrounding the Civil War through the lens of their faith, religion, and specific cultures. Faith defined many aspects of American culture:
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Immigrants “link” to “home” Education and schooling Basic source of societal information The pervasive values for all of America
Religion had already been crucial to America’s founding, and helped the country slowly move apart since the Revolution. Now on the eve of Civil War, differing sectional approaches to Faith and the Bible further split the county socially,
Ministers’ views easily reached southern whites, most of whom had evangelical Protestant backgrounds. This drawing, reproduced from a contemporary envelope, depicts a clergyman and the devil at the pulpit; each has one hand on the open Bible.
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Dear GRHS Members, Grand Rapids has often been called a city of churches. In fact, there is a section of the Westside that calls itself Steepletown and the church I go to downtown is within easy walking distance of no fewer than ten other worship centers. Our speaker on April 10 will give us a glimpse of what life was like “on the Civil War home front” and the role religion played.
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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I decided to do a little research and find churches that were organized before or during the Civil War that are still holding services. As sources I used Gathered at the River, published by the Grand Rapids Area Council for the Humanities in 1993, The Catholic Church in the Gina Bivins Grand River Valley authored by Father John McGee in GRHS President 1950, Where the Star Came to Rest by Father Gus Ancona, 2001, and Baxter’s History of the City of Grand Rapids, 1891. I also used a couple of other books I have about individual congregations. I am not surprised by the number of our churches with that long history and I am sure I missed a few. • Cascade Christian (1864) • First Baptist Church of Alpine and Walker (1856), in 1909 merged with First Congregational of Alpine and Walker to become Trinity Congregational UCC • First Baptist (1837) became Fountain Street Baptist which became Fountain Street Church • First Christian Reformed (1857) • First Congregational Church of Ada UCC (1849) • First Park Congregational (1836) • First Reformed of Grandville (1859) • Grand River Mission of the Methodist Episcopal Church (1835) became First United Methodist • Holy Trinity Alpine (1848) • Immanuel Lutheran (1856) • Temple Emanuel (1857) • Terrace Baptist (1864) became Kentwood Baptist 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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St. Mark’s Episcopal (1836) St. Mary’s Mission (1833) became St. Andrew’s Catholic Cathedral St. Joseph, Wright Twp. (1853) Westminster Presbyterian (1861)
My interest in local history comes partly from the fact that my mother’s father descended from a family that helped organize St. Joseph Wright, and her mother from a family who were early residents north of the city and attended Holy Trinity Alpine. I attend the Cathedral of St. Andrew. All three of these congregations were organized prior to the Civil War. I will be paying close attention as our speaker gives a glimpse into life at the time of that great conflict. Our venue for the April program is in one of the churches on the list. St. Mark’s Episcopal located on N. Division at the east terminus of Pearl Street is the oldest church edifice in Grand Rapids. Built in 1848 of limestone hauled from the Grand River, the setting is perfect for the program on the 10th.
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Welcome to new members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Hillary Spruit Matthew Taber Harry Kooyman Julie Hoogland The Grand Rapids Historical Society is grateful for recent gifts totaling $3,000. •
$500 from the Mel Goolsby family
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$2,500 from an anonymous trust at the Grand Rapids Community Foundation Thank you!
J oi n t h e Gr an d R ap id s H is t or ic al S oc iet y or Gi ve a M em b er s h i p as a Gi ft 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. 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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politically, theologically and (ultimately) irretrievably. The impact of religion would continue well after the War was won – as African Americans moved into an uncertain future, and as a new “civil” religion began to replace traditional pre-war fervor. We will look at American culture on the eve of war through the prism of the Faith of two different families, and
their differing cultures, economies, backgrounds, and belief systems. These families – one from Michigan (German evangelical Presbyterian), and one from Mississippi (Southern Baptist) – capture well the painfully transforming issue which the Civil War became in American history.
Families like the Cash family (above) and the Weigandt family (right) brought different beliefs with them to the Civil War.
Gr an d R ap i d s P u b li c Li b r ar y P h ot o S leu t h This image comes from the Robinson Studio Collection (#125), showing the Student Managers for Kroger Grocery Stores, January 8, 1936. Kroger had 50 stores throughout Grand Rapids in 1936. If you can identify any of the men in this photo, please let us know by emailing your information to khazlew@grpl.org, or call 616 988-5402, extension 5497. Last month's image and future images were chosen because they were recently added to GRPL’s online Archival Digital Collections (grpl.contentdm.oclc.org/ index.php). If you ever wondered what is done with the names discovered, they are added to the photo’s index so future generations can find these photos of family and friends. 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.” 4
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Members of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church who served in the Civil War -Compiled by Chuck Bocskey Members Who Lost Their Lives: • Major Peter Weber: Cavalry Officer with the 6th Michigan Cavalry. Killed July 14, 1863 at Falling Waters, Maryland.
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2nd Lt. Charles E. Bolza: 6th Michigan Cavalry killed at Falling Waters, Maryland.
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Charles P. Parks: Asst. Engineer U.S. Navy. Killed April 26, 1864 on the Red River, Louisiana.
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Lt. Charles H. Carey: killed near Vicksburg, Mississippi, July 18, 1863.
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Lt. Daniel Littlefield: Died January 1864 in Alexandria, Virginia.
Returned to Civilian Life in Grand Rapids: • Lt. Charles Walbridge Calkins: Served with Company B, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. Regimental Adjutant for Col. Innes’ Staff. Served at Perrysville, Chickamauga, Atlanta, and siege of Cornith. Practiced law in Grand Rapids. Died March 28, 1918. Buried in Fulton St. Cemetery.
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Brigadier General Stephen G. Champlin: Began War as a Major with the 3rd Michigan Infantry at age 34. Wounded at Fair Oaks, Virginia on May 31, 1862. After a short leave to recuperate, he returned to the War effort. His hip wound ruptured and he was sent home. He served as a Recruiter until his death on January 24, 1864. Buried in Fulton Street Cemetery.
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Rev. Dr. Francis H. Cumings: Resigned as Rector of St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, Grand Rapids, to be Chaplin of Michigan 3rd Infantry in 1861. Died August 26, 1862 of illness.
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Col. William P. Innes: Commanding Officer, 1st Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. Brevet Brigadier General 1865. Born 1826. Died 1893. Buried in Fulton Street Cemetery.
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Major James G. MacBride: Commanded an assault at Shiloh 1862.
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Lt. Col. Byron Root Pierce: 3rd Michigan Volunteers. Saw action at Williamsburg, Fair Oaks, Malvern Hill, 2nd Bull Run, Chancellorsville, and Gettysburg, where he was seriously wounded. In 1864 was promoted to Brigadier General. Remained in army to the end of the war. Returned home and served as Commandant of the Soldiers’ Home in Grand Rapids, MI. Born September 20, 1829. Died July 10, 1924. Buried in Fulton Street Cemetery.
An Interesting Side-Story: On December 31, 1862, Col. Innes and 390 men under his command were in LaVergne, Tennessee when they were attacked by Confederates under Gen. Joe Wheeler’s Cavalry. Some 3,000 Confederates attacked 7 times as Innes and his men fought from behind wagons and brush defenses. After a day of fighting, Wheeler sent a Lt. with a white flag to Innes offering him a chance to surrender. Innes replied, “We don’t surrender much.” The fighting continued, and the next day, Wheeler sent another message to Innes asking for a truce, so he could bury his dead. Innes granted the request. As evening set in, Gen. Wheeler pulled out his forces. As the War ended, Col. Innes returned to Grand Rapids and civilian life. In 1880, St. Mark’s called as their Rector, the Rev. Elisha Spruille Burford from New Orleans, LA. After a time, William Innes and Rev. Burford realized their common Civil War experience: for Rev. Burford was the Lt. who delivered the note to Col. Innes asking for his surrender at LaVergne, Tennessee. After the War, Burford had entered Seminary and become an Episcopal priest. Rev. Burford and Innes worked together on Veterans’ issues, including the establishment of the Soldiers Home in Grand Rapids. The men became close friends keeping in touch even after Burford left St. Mark’s Church for New York City. Gen. Innes died in August 1893 and Rev. Burford, at the family’s request, returned to Grand Rapids from New York to conduct the burial service. Gen. Innes is buried in Fulton Street Cemetery.
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Happening in History: April 2014 If you have history-related events you would like included in our calendar, please let us know at grhs.local@gmail.com.
period that was once seen on every major highway in Michigan.
Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, April 3, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE For a complete list of books, visit www.grpl.org/rtgl. April’s selection is The Story of Edgar Sawtelle by David Wroblewski. Genealogy Lock-In Friday, April 11, 2014, 6:00 p.m. Main 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. Registration required: www.grpl.org/ register or call 988-5400. West Michigan Postcard Club: Modern as Tomorrow: Mid-Century Modern Architecture Along the Michigan Roadside by M. Christine Byron Monday, April 14, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church – 2600 7th St NW, Grand Rapids The Michigan roadside landscape changed dramatically after WWII with the rise of “mid-century modern” architecture. Sometimes referred to as “googie”, “jetset”, “space-age”, “Jetsons”, or “populuxe”, this style of architecture is characterized by flat planes, geometric angles, large glass windows, 1950’s colors, and oftentimes flat roofs. Although Michigan produced a wealth of wellknown architects, such as Alden B. Dow and Eero Saarinen, most of the motels, restaurants and gas stations in this presentation were not created by such well-known figures. And unlike the buildings by these famous architects, most of the roadside mid-century modern buildings have beed razed, significantly changed, or “remuddled.” Through her postcard and ephemera collection, Byron has tried to document this architectural 6!
Tilling the Soil: African American Genealogy Series Saturday, April 19, 2014, 2:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Tracing your African American family roots is exciting, but with so much information available it may be confusing where to begin. This presentation will introduce you to valuable resources to assist in researching your family history, provide preparation methods, and give tips for organizing your findings. Become the master gardener of your family tree! Community Bike Ride Saturday, April 26, 2014, 11:00 a.m. Departs from the Main Library – 111 Library St NE Join the Boston Square Community Bikes and Friends of Grand Rapids Parks on a 6.5-mile bike ride that explored the parks and history of Grand Rapids. This group ride will depart from the Main Library at 11:00 am. Boston Square Community Bikes will be offering free bike tuneups outside the library from 9-10:30 am. Helmets are required for this ride. Riders under 16 must be accompanied by an adult. Book and Media Swap April 21-26, 2014, during open hours West Leonard Branch – 1017 Leonard NW Yankee Clipper Branch – 2121 Leonard NE Stop by and swap your old books, audiobooks, CDs, DVDs, and video games. Bring what you don't want or need and take something new-to-you to keep. Grand River Times
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
A S u ffr agi s t S p r i n g: Tak i n g Over t h e Gr an d R ap i d s P r es s i n 1914 Presented by Ruth Van Stee, Grand Rapids Public Library, History and Special Collections 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 argue for 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. In the celebration of the suffrage edition, the first section of one of the May 2, 1914 copies of the Grand Rapids Press will be on display. The Council’s usual March gathering at the Women’s City Club was moved to April 30 this year to more closely coincide with the 100th anniversary of the Suffrage Edition of the Grand Rapids Press on May 2, 1914. Women’s History Council Reception Wednesday, April 30, 2014 5:00 p.m.: Hors d'oeuvres & wine ticket bar ($5/glass); 5:30 p.m.: Presentation Women's City Club, lower level auditorium, 254 Fulton Street Free & Open to the Public Join Council members for hors d'oeuvres & wine ticket bar. Free wine ticket for members whose membership is paid up-to-date.
R em em b er in g t h e Tor n ad os of 1956 Path of Destruction: The Story of West Michigan's Worst Natural Disaster Thursday, April 24, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Ernie Ostuno, author of Path of Destruction, will discuss the April 3, 1956, tornados in west Michigan. An F5 tornado touched down in Hudsonville killing 17, injuring 340, and leveling downtown Standale. Many people, some of them badly injured, helped the National Guard in the immediate recovery by searching for neighbors trapped under the debris of what had been their homes. Local history librarian Tim Gleisner will share the library's archival materials on the natural disaster that affected our city. Order Paths of Destruction (book and DVD) at www.grhistory.org!
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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
The Most Christian Nation in the World: Religion in Society on the Civil War Homefront Thursday, April 10, 2014, 7 p.m. St. Mark’s Episcopal Church
Inside this issue: Cover Story: April program Letter from GRHS President, page 2
Presented by Father Robert Miller
Photo Sleuth, page 4
Details inside!
St. Mark’s members who fought in the Civil War, page 5 Happening in History, page 6 Taking over the Press in 1914, page 7 Remembering the Tornado of 1956, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
