Volume 36, number 5!
Rapids Historical Society
February 2015
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society
R ob er t a Gr iffit h , Vis ion ar y Inside this issue: Cover Story: February program Letter from our President, page 2 In the Local History Department, pages 4-5 Happening in History, page 6 Ethnic Festival, page 7 Photo Sleuth, page 7
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Next Program: Open Door: The One Hundred Year History of Grand Rapids Junior/ Community College. Save the date: March 12, 2015, 7:00 p.m., at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum.
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by Gordon Olson Co sponsored by: Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Grand Rapids Historical Society
Thursday, February 12, 2015, 7:00 p.m. at the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum Despite having lost her sight as an infant, Roberta Griffith led an extraordinary life on national, state, and local levels. Griffith, born in 1870, was ten years older than Helen Keller. Working together on more than one occasion, they travelled the nation with others, seeking to improve services for the blind. Griffith had graduated from Case Western Reserve University and embarked on a career in journalism before moving to Grand Rapids, where she then began a new career as a real estate agent at the same time she developed her own version of a braille system and produced a dictionary for the blind. Never losing her determination to learn, create, and help others, Griffith founded the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Grand Rapids in 1913. She served as its executive secretary until her death in 1941, for almost thirty years. Former city historian Gordon Olson will review the life and work of this extraordinary local woman, including her many innovative programs for the blind and visually impaired. He will be joined by Rick Stevens, current executive director of ABVI, which celebrated its centennial anniversary in 2013. Stevens will update us on Griffith’s legacy to Grand Rapids, today’s programs and services of the Association for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Dear GRHS Members, Date line: January 17, 2015 Grand Rapids Public Library
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 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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More than 200 lovers of local history gathered today to take in presentations by six speakers. Each speaker being allotted 45 minutes, with fifteen minute breaks between each and a lunch break, the day passed by quickly. I have always had an issue with reviews of one-time programs. I mean really, what good is that going to do me? I missed it. Well, I now get it. A review can let you know whether or not you should watch for a repeat at a later date. I am telling you to watch for a repeat or an update of any of the six programs and/or of the six Gina Bivins, GRHS President presenters. The audience may have changed as the day went on and as the topic changed, but all seats were occupied at the start of the day and most seats were occupied as the last speaker began. I would be remiss if I didn't give kudos to Melissa Fox, who has moved to London, England and stuck with this program even while packing for her move across the pond. She was the organizer from the library staff. Seven history related organization come together to make this whole thing happen. First up was Garret Ellison, giving some background on his Grand Rapids Press six part series on downtown urban renewal. He spoke of a new building that one critic said looked like an eleven story ice cube tray. We learned that 40 acres of downtown was redeveloped over 7 years. This came about after 120 plus buildings were demolished, many taken through the process of eminent domain. It was fascinating to learn of the twists and turns 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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that Garret went through to get the story. There are still a few "mysteries" he would like to solve. I will see if I can get those in writing. The last visual he showed was a photo of old city hall taken through la Grande Vitesse with one of the "new" financial buildings to the left. I wondered who the photographer was, but Garret was surrounded following the presentation so I didn't ask. He said that old city hall looked like it had been beamed into GrandRapids from Transylvania once the new buildings were being built. What a loss. Matthew Daley, professor of history, schooled us in the ways furniture factories were woven into neighborhoods. He took us inside the building to see what features were key to making the factory run well. It was a rapid run through the river corridor, then further away as the power source changed. Many of the older factories have been torn down and most that stand today have been repurposed. Many are still surrounded by neighborhoods. The difference being, the factory does not necessarily play a part in the peoples lives now. Continued on page 5
Welcome to New Members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society: Carol Bergman Daniela Lynn Marley Florez Jeff Neumann Frederick van Hartesveldt Terry Jolink
Chris Byron holds visitors’ attention as she takes them on a trip around Michigan through picture postcards during the final session of History Detectives. Photo courtesy of Gina Bivins.
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 ____ 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
From the Local History Department at the Grand Rapids Public Library The Local History Department of the Grand Rapids Public Library is an excellent source for research on local people, places, and events. You can see its digitized collection at www.grpl.org. Scroll down and click on the Local History box in the Your Library section. Better yet, experience it first-hand on the 4th floor of the main GRPL branch at 111 Library Street NE, Grand Rapids, 49503. You can also email the staff at localhis@grpl.org.
The open stacks in Local History. Photo courtesy of Heather Edwards.
James C. Craig, Prominent Grand Rapids Man in the 1800s An example of interesting information you can find in the archive are these findings on James C. Craig in Collection 49: Wm. M. Glen Papers. The following is from his obituary that ran in the Grand Rapids Press on December 3, 1902 (page 9, column 1). Grammar and spelling matches the obituary: James C. Craig, one of the foremost of the colored Masons in this city and a man who has been prominent in the barber business here for thirty years, died yesterday at the Fletcher hospital in Kalamazoo of general paralysis after an illness of nearly a year. His body was brought to his home at 43 Jackson street last evening. The funeral services will be held tomorrow afternoon at 2:30 in Arnett chapel and will be conducted by Golden Rule commandery, C. K. T. The address will be made by Rev. J. H. Alexander of Battle Creek, the interment being at Oak Hills. Mr. Craig was born in Louisville, Ky, in 1858 and came to this city in 1872. He formed a partnership with Daniel Scott and engaged in the barber business in
What would round-trip tickets from Grand Rapids to Detroit cost today? From the Grand Rapids History & Special Collection, Archives, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, MI. Collection 49: Wm. M. Glen Papers.
the Morton House. Later he opened a shop under his own name in the vicinity of Canal street and Crescent avenue, and continued in business for himself in this locality for twenty-five years, owning the shop at the southeast corner of Canal street and Crescent avenue at the time of his death. It was in colored Masonry that he was better known perhaps than in any other way. He was one of the founders of North Star lodge, De Mar chapter and Golden Rule commandery, and held many offices. He was the first eminent commander of Golden Rule, in which capacity he served for many years. He was grand master of Michigan for a number of terms, deputy grand high priest of the grand chapter and active in the grand commandery, serving for years as generalissimo. He was also a founder of Martha chapter, O. E. S., and past grand patron of the grand chapter of the Eastern Star for the state of Michigan and jurisdiction. He was married in 1874 to Miss Mary E. Buckner of Battle Creek, who died in 1897. Surviving him are three daughters, Mrs. Lena Crisup and the Misses Myrtle and Grace Craig all of this city. These are the only relatives he had. During his life he had acquired a considerable fortune. In the same collection is a letter James. C. Craig wrote in response to a request for details about his life to include in a book about prominent colored people. Notice some of the details are different from the obituary. Which would Continued on page 5
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the year 1865. Then in the year 1868 I went to Battle Creek Michigan. Live their untill 1870. I went to Quincy Michigan and went into business for my self. I did not meet with success, as I expected. In 1871 I came to Grand Rapids and open up business, again as a barber.
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you consider to be more accurate? Grammar and spelling are as appeared in the original letter. Dear Sir: I received your letter, your request of me to send you my photograph and the most important sketches of my live. In which I will do so with pleasure.
I am please to tell you that I have made it a success this time. My place of business is 70 Canal St.
I was borne in the City of Louisville, Kentucky the second day of April 1849. I was a slave untill 1862. I followed the 23 regiment of Michigan through the southern states and left them at Atlanta Georgia. Then I came to Flint Michigan in year 1864 with Captain George Buckingham’s home for he was takin sick. Then I learn the barber trade in
Oct 28 1884 I was appointed Honorary commissioner of 5th District {Colored Men’s Department} of the worlds fair at New Orleans by B.K. Bruce.
J.C. Craig
James C. Craig. This photo appeared with his obituary in the Grand Rapids Press on December 3, 1902.
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Tom Dilley gave us a lesson in Egyptian art, architecture and symbolism. The Grand Rapids connection can be found in cemetery art, mainly found in Oak Hill. Creative modifications of the Egyptian style are out there, but I think you have to know what you are looking for. Now I do. Adam Oster began his research on Maple Grove, the Kent County Poor farm, as a school project. It seemed to me that it became much more than that. We learned about the people who ran it, the people who lived there, and the evolution of the farm itself. I loved his graphic of a Monopoly "Pay poor tax of $15" dollar card to make a point. I knew right then the presentation would be good. It was. Marcie Beck did an marvelous job of making Fannie Boylon come alive. A female architect without any formal education on the subject, designed homes that her husband then built. It wasn't one or two houses, it was as many as 1,200. Marcie still is adding to her list. Although very few pictures of Fannie are around, the realty card collection at the GRPL local history department has pictures of Fannie's houses. They were designed with woman in mind. I had heard this presentation before but enjoyed it even more the second time. Chris Byron stepped in for the last speaker who fell ill a few days earlier. The presentation took Grand River Times!
us on a great trip around the state through picture postcards. The images were divided into distinct groups; gas stations, banks, restaurants, motels and more. Some were more modern in design than others. Some are still standing, some have been gone a long time. It reminded me of a time when mom and pop places were the norm. It also made me think of a trip taken two years ago along the east side of the state from Tawas City north, where there are quite a few motels from "that" era. All in all, a good time was had by all.
Federal Building to W.N. Ferris Building: Renewal and Reconstruction.
Unfortunately our January program was cancelled due to inclement weather. Our apologies for any inconvenience this may have caused. We hope to reschedule the program soon and will keep you up to date as plans develop. The easiest way to know if one of our programs is cancelled is to follow us on Facebook or to check our Facebook page. You can also email us at grhs.local@gmail.com.
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Happening in History: February 2015 If you have history-related events you would like included in our calendar, please let us know at grhs.local@gmail.com. Exhibit: Eye Contact – African American Portraits February 1-28, 2015 Main Library – 111 Library St NE Joshua Johnston (1763-1824) or Johnson as some call him, is often viewed as the first person of color to make a living as a painter in the United States. He is known for his paintings of prominent Baltimore residents while still a slave. Johnston received his freedom in 1782 and began advertising himself as a portrait painter or limner. African American artists have used his portrait painting as a method of conveying their history and continue today with contemporary artists like Kehinde Wiley and Simmie Knox. This exhibit is a small collection of artwork that shadows Johnston's tradition. The bulk of the works are by West Michigan artists of color. The subjects of these artists represent a cross section of society, of occupations and of time periods. The portraits capture the soul of the sitter—not a quick selfie but an indepth look at the person. Sponsored by Bayard Gallery. Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, February 5, 2015, 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. February’s selection is The Other Side of the River by Alex Kotlowitz. Exploring Family Search Saturday, February 7, 2015, 1:30 - 3:00 p.m. Main Library – 111 Library St NE, Adult Computer Lab In this class the Western Michigan Genealogical Society will give a short history of how FamilySearch got started which will give the audience an appreciation of what is
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available through the FamilySearch website. The presentation will include an overview of FamilySearch/ Tree: Navigation of the website; functions of the Menu Bars; using the source box and attaching to your tree; and adding memories. Visit wmgs.org for details.
West Michigan Postcard Club Monday, February 9, 2015, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church, 2600 7th St NW This program uses vintage postcards to help tell the story of the rich history of Muskegon, once known as the ‘Lumber Queen of the World’. Muskegon also excelled in heavy manufacturing, and its role as port city. The demise of the city trolleys and Occidental Hotel is included. Experience the WWI Homecoming Parade, the 1937 Centennial Celebration, and Lake Harbor. Taste of Soul Sunday – 10th Anniversary Sunday, February 15, 2015, 1:00 – 4:30 pm Main Library – 111 Library St NE Celebrate African American history and culture at the tenth annual Taste of Soul Sunday at GRPL. Sample African American art, music, literature, history, and food. Free and open to the public. Call 616-988-5400 or visit www.grpl.org for more information. Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, February 18, 2015, 7:30 p.m. DeWitt Student Center, Kuyper College 3333 East Beltline NE Michigan Boys at Andersonville. Visit www.grcwrt.com for details. Grand Rapids Torch Club program. Membership is not required to attend and guests are always welcome. There is a $29 meeting charge for members ($33 for guests), which includes the meal, and reservations are required (torchclubgr.org). The social hour and dinner are an integral part of the Torch experience as they offer the opportunity for members and guests to become acquainted and share and exchange knowledge and ideas. •
George Welsh, The Making of a Grand Rapids Political Leader. Diana Barrett, Torch Club member. February 10, 2015
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Coming in February: Ethnic Heritage Festival
Join the Grand Rapids Public Museum on Saturday, February 7, 2015, 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. for the Ethnic Heritage Festival. The city of Grand Rapids and the surrounding region have a long standing history of diversity and various cultural traditions dating back from early explorers and fur traders, to modern day cultural rituals from new residents of the region. The Festival is a day-long celebration of music, dance, crafts and food representing the various ethnic groups that call West Michigan home. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and features a variety of organizations, performances, beer tastings and presentations. The Museum CafĂŠ will feature ethnic food selections. There will be a special International Beer
Tasting from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. The beer tasting is open to those 21 and above for $6.00. Tickets will be available at the door. Colorful performances by various ethnic groups will take place throughout the day in the Meijer Theater and Galleria. Visitors will be able to view the Museum’s exhibitions with two specific exhibitions having a primary focus on diversity and culture: Newcomers: The People of This Place which highlights the ethnic groups that have settled the Grand Rapids area, and Anishinabek: The People of this Place which focuses on the Native American culture in the region.
February 7, 2015, 10 a.m. at the Grand Rapids Public Museum
Grand Rapids Public Library Photo Sleuth It's February, and time to start thinking of those spring votes that are just around the corner. These five gentlemen had the same idea when they worked with the Junior Association of Commerce to get out the vote in March 1940. Can you help the library identify them? If so, email Heather Edwards at the Grand Rapids Public Library at hedwards@grpl.org, or call 616 988-5402, extension 5497. Last year, the Grand Rapids Public Library added more than 25 names to its photo index with help from the public, including Grand Rapids Historical Society members. Thank you!
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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
R ob er t a Gr iffit h , Vis ion ar y
Inside this issue: Cover Story: February program
by Gordon Olson Co sponsored by: Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum
Letter from our President, page 2 In the Local History Department, pages 4-5
Grand Rapids Historical Society
Happening in History, page 6
Thursday, February 12, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
Ethnic Festival, page 7 Photo Sleuth, page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, visit www.grhistory.org
