Rapids Historical Society
Volume 36, number 3!
November 2014
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society
Inside this issue: Cover Story: November program Letter from our President, page 2 Upcoming workshops with the Genealogical Society, pages 4-5
A H i s t or y of t h e Gr an d R ap i d s P oli c e D ep ar t m en t by Lt. Patrick Merrill Co sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Thursday, November 13, 2014: 7:00 p.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Support GRHS with a Griffins game page 6 Christmas shopping with GRHS page 6 Happening in History, page 7 Photo Sleuth, page 7
Search: Grand Rapids Historical Society
Next Program: Federal Building to W.N. Ferris Building: Renewal and Reconstruction. Save the date: January 8, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at Kendall College of Art & Design: Woodbridge N. Ferris “The Fed� Building..
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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 Kurt Yost 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 this age of instant messaging, Facebook, cellphones, twitter, email, web sites, etc. we can be engaged with people constantly. We let people know what is happening in the next 30 seconds, to the next thirty days and beyond. There was a time when the Society kept you informed of upcoming programs only through the newsletter and maybe a postcard or two. We have an active Marketing/ Membership committee that is working very hard to keep you informed of what is going on in the area regarding history related programs. I have heard from several of you that there is confusion about Gina Bivins, GRHS President. A few years what programs are Historical Society before she became president. Can you tell offerings, and which are not. The which one she is? programs that the Society puts on are free of charge to members and the public. The newsletter often lists programs by other organizations that feed the need to know more about the area’s past. In the case of our September speaker, Thomas R. Dilley, we added a promotion for his newly published book on cemeteries, which many of us had been anticipating for quite some time. As of late there has been some promotion, via email and our Facebook page, for tours that are not part of the Historical Society programming. These may have a charge attached to them. If you only want to receive email regarding Historical Society information please let us know at grhs.local@gmail.com. Here is a little information on some of the tours that are available that are not part of the Society’s programming: TourGR: Where Past is Present offers tours and sightseeing opportunities, led by Jim Winslow. Jim has done extensive research on 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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the Powers family, and their many businesses, including the west side power canal and the Power’s Opera House. He was instrumental in arranging the behind the scenes tours for the Historical Society this past summer. Visit tourgr.com to find out what he is offering right now. Grand Rapids Running Tours was started by local runner Caroline Cook. She invites you to burn calories while on a guided group or custom tour. There are a variety of themed tours that you can choose from. Take a look at grandrapidsrunningtours.com. Visit www.ghostsofgrandrapids.com to learn more about the official guided tour based on the local ghost stories book Ghosts of Grand Rapids by authors Nicole Bray, Robert Dushane and Julie Rathsack. Learn local history mixed with stories of the paranormal. When you receive this newsletter we will be just past the season for this tour, but ghosts
Welcome to New Members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society: Deborah McNabb Patrick Evans Brian Patterson Jennifer Jordan & Michael Molitor Peggy Sivins Gary Reid Jon Muth
never sleep, so maybe they will go on through the winter. If you know of history tours being given that you think the membership would be interested in let us know at grhs.local@gmail.com and we can include them in our newsletter based on space available. Jim Winslow and Caroline Cook both went through the Certified Tourism Ambassador program through Experience Grand Rapids. An important component of the half day training is the history of Grand Rapids and its environs. Lisa Verhil, the Experience GR staff member who is the driving force behind the CTA program, brought together people from many backgrounds to write the notebook that each participant receives. There were people from music, theater, catering, hotels, transportation, restaurants, history, recreation, sports, history and more.
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. Please enroll me as a member of the Grand Rapids Historical Society: ___ New ___ Renewal ___ Gift
Members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society: • Lifetime memberships: 71 • Annual memberships: 279 • Organizations: 35 • Baxter Award winners: 20
____ 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
Becoming American: Research with Naturalization Records Western Michigan Genealogical Society
Although one of the most important tools in family history research, naturalization records can often be very difficult to locate. This program will explore naturalization records, the many tools available to assist you in your research, and successful strategies to locate citizenship records, utilizing both online and print resources. Currently a Senior Archivist at the Archives of Michigan, presenter Kris Rzepczynski previously worked for 12 years at the Library of Michigan as the Michigan/Genealogy Coordinator. He holds a Masters in Library and Information Science from Wayne State University, a Master of Arts in History from Western Michigan University, and a Bachelor of Arts in History from the University of Michigan. Kris has presented at national, state, and local conferences, including the National Genealogical Society, Federation of Genealogical Societies, Ohio Genealogical Society, Public Library Association, Historical Society of Michigan, Michigan Library Association, and for dozens of local genealogical societies.
Preserving Newspapers Western Michigan Genealogical Society
In addition, Kris is a member of the Board of Directors for the Federation of Genealogical Societies and a Past President of the MidMichigan Genealogical Society. His memberships also include the Association of Professional Genealogists, Polish Genealogical Society of Michigan, and Historical Society of Michigan. Kris W. Rzepczynski, MLS, MA
Saturday, November 8, 2014, 1:30 p.m., Grand Rapids Public Library, Ryerson Auditorium. (Second Saturday rather than the normal day; due to the Day of the Dead celebrations at the Library). All meetings are free and open to the public.
Understanding and Using US Census Records
mini class
For many people, newspaper clippings are a significant part of their personal heritage. However, newspapers are some of the most difficult of documents to preserve. They are printed on very low quality wood pulp paper that is extremely high in acid content, use poor quality inks, yellow quickly and are not meant to last forever. This class will show you some things that can be done to prolong the life of your newspaper clippings. Instructor: Bonnie Woodman Grand Rapids Public Library Adult Computer Lab, lower level Saturday, November 8 Noon to 1:15 p.m. Free and open to the public.
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Understanding and Using US Census Records: Census records offer a wealth of information to the genealogical researcher. Learn how to access, use and understand US Census records to aide in your genealogical research. Instructor: Bill Grinstead Grand Rapids Public Library Adult Computer Lab, lower level Wednesday, November 12 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Free and open to the public.
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DNA Testing for Genealogists A Visual Introduction to the Basics and Beyond Western Michigan Genealogical Society
Last year, Richard Hill shared his personal journey with us…an adoptee finding his biological family through DNA testing. This time he will set aside his story and lead us step-by-step through the wonders of today’s genetic genealogy tests. Using photos and screen shots from various DNA accounts, presenter Richard “Dick” Hill will explain and demonstrate the leading tests. You will see how these tests report genetic matches, relationships, family trees, geographic origins and ethnic ancestry. Richard Hill's groundbreaking use of genetic genealogy tests in adoption search has been featured on the front pages of The Wall Street Journal, The Grand Rapids Press, and the Detroit News. His first book, "Finding Family: My Search for Roots and the Secrets in My DNA," is an award-winning memoir recounting his personal experience as an adoptee searching for his biological
family. He recently published his "Guide to DNA Testing," a Kindle Short Read on Amazon.com. This 99-cent eBook provides a concise, easy-to-understand overview of genetic genealogy.
Saturday, December 6, 2014, 1:30 p.m., Grand Rapids Public Library, Ryerson Auditorium. All meetings are free and open to the public.
Researching Catholic Records Western Michigan Genealogical Society
Father Dennis Morrow, Pastor of SS. Peter & Paul Church and Archivist of the Diocese of Grand Rapids, knows where many bones are buried! He is happy to help introduce researchers to the best procedures and etiquette to use to gain access to records which might be of use to them in seeking family information. Parish and institutional sacramental records, cemetery records, where to look, where not to bother looking, why the very item that I'm looking for can't be found, ethnic concerns, all will be on the table for presentation, discussion, and lots of entertaining questions. Monday, December 1, 2014 6:30 - 8:30 p.m. Grand Rapids Public Library, Adult Computer Lab, lower level All meetings are free and open to the public. Grand River Times!
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Grand Rapids Historical Society - Griffins Hockey Nights What do the Grand Rapids Griffins have to do with Grand Rapids history? They’re helping raise money for the Grand Rapids Historical Society. Get discounted tickets to the Friday, November 14 game against the Texas Stars, or Wednesday, December 10 game against the Lake Erie Monsters, and part of the ticket proceeds go to benefit the Grand Rapids Historical Society. Upper-level tickets are $16, Lower-level tickets are $20, a savings of $4 off day of game prices PLUS no per-ticket service fees. To order tickets, go to griffinshockey.com/promocode and enter “HIST”. Games are at 7:00 p.m. each night at the Van Andel Arena at 130 West Fulton in downtown Grand Rapids. For questions regarding the
offer or for groups of 10 or more, please contact Joseph Yancho at (616)774-4585 ext. 3023, or email: jyancho@griffinshockey.com.
Christmas Shopping with the Grand Rapids Historical Society Do some of your Christmas shopping online this year at the Grand Rapids Historical Society website (www.grhistory.org). Look under “Shop” to find: Grand River Valley Review magazine from 1980 to 1991 Grand River Valley History magazine from 1992 to 2012 Books Videos Poster Prints Or consider a gift membership to the Grand Rapids Historical Society. You can print a membership form from the “Membership” tab, and we’ll mail a letter announcing your gift before Christmas. Please let us know any special instructions. From all of us at the Grand Rapids Historical Society, have a wonderful and safe holiday season.
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Happening in History: November 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, November 6, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Come explore the Lakes with the Grand Rapids Public Library! They’re reading 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 is led by librarians and takes place the first Thursday of each 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. November’s selection is The Blind Assassin by Margaret Atwood. Preserving Newspaper Clippings Saturday, November 8, 2014, 12:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE For many people, newspaper clippings are a significant part of their personal heritage. However, newspapers are some of the most difficult of documents to preserve. They are printed on very low quality wood pulp paper that is extremely high in acid content, use poor quality inks and yellow quickly. They are printed on a daily or weekly basis and are not meant to last forever. This class will show you
some things that can be done to prolong the life of your newspaper clippings. The Life and Art of Manierre Dawson Thursday, November 13, 2014, 7:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE Manierre Dawson, a native of Chicago, lived in Mason County as a fruit farmer for 55 years. Dawson was a pioneer of abstract art: the first artist in America to move away from representational painting that sought to copy nature and towards complete non-representational abstractions. Dawson's works can be found in the collections of over 30 museums including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Smithsonian American Art Museum, and the Art Institute of Chicago. Author Sharon Bluhm will highlight the artist's life and art, illustrating her presentation with images and sculptures by Dawson. Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, November 19, 2014, 7:30 p.m. DeWitt Student Center, Kuyper College 3333 East Beltline NE John Urschel comes to the Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table in October. Topic to be announced. Visit www.grcwrt.com for details.
Grand Rapids Public Library Photo Sleuth “Thanksgiving, after all, is a word of action.” – W. J. Cameron In advance of the Thanksgiving holiday in 1939, these East Grand Rapids grade–schoolers assembled food items for the elderly and shut-ins of their community. We'll be grateful if you can help the Local History Department identify these cheerful givers! If you can identify any of these children, please email Heather Edwards at the Grand Rapids Public Library at hedwards@grpl.org, or call 616 988-5402, extension 5497. Since the beginning of the year, the Grand Rapids Public Library has been able to add 25 names to its photo index with help from the public, including Grand Rapids Historical Society members. Thank you! Grand River Times!
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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
A History of the Grand Rapids Police Department by Lt. Patrick Merrill Co sponsored by the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum November 13
Inside this issue: Cover Story: November program Letter from our President, page 2 Upcoming workshops with the Genealogical Society, pages 4-5 Support GRHS with a Griffins game page 6 Christmas shopping with GRHS page 6 Happening in History, page 7 Photo Sleuth, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org