Volume 37, number 2
October 2015
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue:
Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience
Cover Story: October program Letter from our President, page 2
PRESENTED BY: Levi Rickert (Potawatomi), Publisher/Editor,
2015-2016 GRHS Schedule page 4 Happening in History,
Native News Online Thursday, October 8, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
page 6
Life-long Grand Rapids area resident Levi Rickert, a tribal citizen of the Potawatomi, will provide an overview of a new exhibition that will open Pulaski Days on November 3, 2015 at Grand Page 7 Valley State University’s Mary Idema Pew Library, named Photo Sleuth, “Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ page 7 Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience.” Rickert has been part of the planning team that developed Search: Grand Rapids Historical Society “Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ ________________________________ Footsteps: An Urban Native Next program: After the October American Experience.” The program, the Grand Rapids Historical exhibition originated within the Society’s next program will be on Kutsche Office of Local History, November 12, 2015 at the Donnelly located in Brooks College of Center at Aquinas College. The Interdisciplinary Studies at Grand speaker will be Tom Buettner. Mr. Valley State University. Buettner will be speaking about the The new exhibition is the beginning of a series that will highlight Pere Marquette Railway and how it impacted Grand Rapids. Native Americans living in the Grand Rapids area during the last halfcentury. Continued on page 3 Grand River Times
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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 Tim Gleisner Marilyn Hamill Chris Kaupa Gordon Olson, emeritus Nan Schichtel Wilhelm Seeger, emeritus Jeff Systsma Jim Winslow
Over 500 people attended the two tours given by Tom Dilley at Oak Grove Cemetery on the southeast end of town near the intersection of Kalamazoo and 28th street in early September. The weather was perfect for one hour tours that turned in to two hours. Tom, so generous with his knowledge of local cemeteries and graveyards, yes there is a distinction, stayed even longer to answer questions and sign books. I look forward to finding out where we will be next year. Every time I have been at a cemetery tour there are always a number of people there to learn more about the place their ancestors are buried. This time certainly was no different. It seemed to me that the Slater family had a reunion with some meeting for the first time. If you are searching for ancestors in the Grand Rapids area the Genealogy Lock -In at the Grand Rapids Public Library on October 30 is a program for you. You will get a tour of the local history department on the 4th floor. You will be encouraged to ask your genealogy questions. You will have access to library computers, or better yet, bring your own laptop. Learn how to efficiently use the on-line sites. Network with others seeking information about past generations. All of this is while the library is closed, locking you in from 6 pm to 10 pm. We Have Moved. Our home for this program year is the John F. Donnelly Conference Center on the Aquinas College campus. The entrance to the parking lot is on Woodward Lane SE. Please join us for an enlightening program presented by Levi Rickert, who is the editor of NativeNewsOnLine.net. Join us.
Kurt Yost Jessica Riley, editor Grand Rapids Historical Society c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503 Website: www.grhistory.org Email: grhs.local@gmail.com Grand River Times
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Continued from cover The exhibition is a small portion of the work done already in conjunction with the “Gi-gikinomaage-min (We are all teachers): Defend Our History, Unlock Your Spirit” project that was kicked off last fall by the Kutsche Office of Local History. This project is conducting oral history interviews with Grand Rapids American Indians. The exhibition consists of historic documents and objects made by local Native Americans. The “Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience” exhibition is a collaborative effort of the GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History, Grand Rapids Public Library and the Public Museum of Grand Rapids.
About Levi Rickert Levi Rickert is the publisher and editor of the Native News Online, an online website that is a daily American Indian news publication. He co-founded Native News Network in February 2011, which became Native News Online two years ago. In just over four years, Native News Online has become one of the country’s most read daily American Indian news publications in the country. Native News Online has over 300,000 Facebook “likes” and almost 30,000 Twitter followers. Mr. Rickert has covered stories in Washington, DC, San Francisco, Chicago, Albuquerque, Minneapolis, Phoenix and some 30 American Indian reservations in Indian country. His work has taken him to the White House Tribal Nations Summit, Capitol Hill, Alcatraz Island and coverage of the Longest Walk IIIReversing Diabetes. Mr. Rickert is a tribal citizen of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and is the former executive director of the North American Indian Center of Grand Rapids. His community involvement in Grand Rapids has reached beyond the American Indian community. He has served as president of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission; vice chair of the City of Grand Rapids Community Relations Commission; board member of the Dyer-Ives Foundation; board member of Camp Blodgett; member of the Secchia Millennium Commission, among several others. Currently, he sits on the Native American advisory board at Grand Valley State University and the GVSU’s Kutsche Office of Local History advisory council. In November 2012, Mr. Rickert received the Innovation Health Hero award by the Alliance for Health. The Alliance Health Heroes are those who go above and beyond to promote health and help people in need, while creating positive, healthy change among their communities. Mr. Rickert is the author of three published essays in three different books. His most recent, “Indian Pride” is in "Voice on the Water: Great Lakes Native America Now," (December 2011, Northern Michigan University Press). The previous two essays are: “Grand Rapids Indians at the Millennium” for “Heart and Soul: The Story of Grand Rapids Neighborhoods” (November 2003, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company) and “Even Though I Was Not ‘Raised Indian’” for “Thin Ice: Coming of Age in Grand Rapids” (May, 2007, William B. Eerdmans Publishing Company). Mr. Rickert’s work and commitment to American Indians is featured in the 2013 “Our Fires Still Burn: The Native American Experience,” a documentary film that has been shown throughout the nation on PBS stations. Grand River Times
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2015—2016 Grand Rapids Historical Society Programs September 12 and 13, 2015, Cemetery Tours Saturday, September 12 10:00 a.m. Sunday, September 13, 12:00 p.m.
February 11, 2016
Presented by: Thomas R. Dilley, Oak Grove Cemetery – Kalamazoo and 28th St. Entrance off Kalamazoo between the fire station and the ballfield.
Presented by: Yvonne Sims, Grand Rapids Study Club and Jo Ellyn Clarey, GRSC and the Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council
October 8, 2015 Walking beyond Our Ancestors’ Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience. Presented by: Levi Rickert Life-long Grand Rapids area resident Levi Rickert, a tribal citizen of the Potawatomi, will provide an overview of a new exhibition that will open on November 3, 2015 at Grand Valley State University’s Mary Idema Pew Library, named “Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience.” November 12, 2015 How the Pere Marquette Railway Impacted Grand Rapids Presented by: Tom Buettner
Community Builders: Early African American Women in Grand Rapids
March 10, 2016 Federal Building to W.N. Ferris Building: Renewal and Reconstruction Presented by: Tom Mathison and Gene C. Hopkins Program on site of Ferris/Kendall Building April 14, 2016 Fighting the Civil War: Historical Treasures of the Conflict in the Collection of the National Civil War Museum. Presented by: Wayne E. Motts, CEO of the National Civil War Museum, Harrisburg, PA May 12, 2016 GRHS Banquet and Program, Wicked West Michigan Presented by: Amberrose Hammond
***Please note: The programs this year (unless otherwise specified) will be held at Aquinas College in the Donnelly Center. Aquinas College is located at 1607 Robinson Rd. SE
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY JOIN THE GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY OR GIVE A MEMBERSHIP AS A GIFT The Grand Rapids Historical Society sponsors eight lectures each year. 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 _____Lifetime:
$400.00 one-time fee
_____Individual/Family Membership
$30.00 per year
_____Senior Citizen or Student
$20.00 per year
Name: Address: City/State/Zip: 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
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. 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% 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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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HAPPENING IN HISTORY : OCTOBER 2015 Reading the Great Lakes
West Michigan Postcard Club
Thursday, October 1, 2015, 7:00 p.m. Main Library—111 Library St. NE
Monday, October 12, 2015, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church 2600 7th St. NW Free and open to the public
Come explore the Lakes with the Grand Rapids Public Library! They are 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 will be lead by 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. October’s selection is Love, Sex and 4-H: a memoir by Anne-Marie Oomen.
M. Christine Byron and Thomas R. Wilson will be presenting: Vintage Views Along Scenic M-22 including Sleeping Bear Dunes. The presentation follows a trail of vacationers and travelers along one of Michigan’s most scenic roads. M-22 winds through northern Manistee County, along the western side of Benzie County and loops along the Leelanau Peninsula.. Vintage postcards,
West Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, October 3, 2015, 1:30 p.m. Main Library- Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Long before the advent of modern social welfare, Michigan county governments utilized poorhouses to support an area’s poor, elderly and indigent population. Explore the early history and evolution of Michigan Poor Law. Discover research strategies for tracing poorhouse inmates as well as see examples of relevant documents. Adam Oster, librarian at the Kentwood (Richard L. Root) Branch of Kent District Library, will be presenting. photographs, maps and advertisements illustrate a time when M-22 first beckoned motorists to come north to the land of beautiful beaches and sand dunes, lakes, rivers, woodlands, farms and orchards. Featured are quaint towns and villages, old hotels and resorts and attractions along the road. You’ll stop at lighthouses and life saving Online registration for Got stations, take a trip in a dunes-mobile, fish for Mackinaw Ancestors?! 2015 "We’re trout, and shop for souvenirs. You’ll visit state parks and learn how Sleeping Bear Dunes became a National Here! — Now What?" Lakeshore with D. Joshua Taylor is now open online at http:// GotAncestors.com/ registration/ Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, October 21, 2015, 7:30 p.m. It is exciting to have Josh DeWitt Student Center, Kuyper College come to Grand Rapids this 3333 East Beltline NE year and everyone is
GOTANCESTORS?! — Annual Seminar "We’re Here! — Now What?" Featuring D. Joshua Taylor
looking forward to his presentations on Friday evening, October 9 and Saturday October 10 at the Salvation Army Kroc Center at 2500 South Division Avenue – just north of 28th St. Grand River Times
David Finney will be presenting about Michigan in the Civil War.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Pulaski Days, October 2, 3 & 4, 2015 Pulaski Days is celebrated annually the first full weekend of October. There are many fun events from kielbasa eating contests to a fun, family-friendly parade. Pulaksi Days, besides being a celebration of Polish and community camaraderie, it is an event that honors the life of General Casimir Pulaski. General Pulaski was an American Revolutionary War hero who was also a Polish immigrant. He was born into a family of nobility and sacrificed his life for liberty in America. The General was the father to the U.S. Cavalry and is a beloved figure in Polish-American culture. Pulaski Days are a great way to honor Polish heritage in the United States and particularly in Grand Rapids.
Early Poles in Grand Rapids According to an article by Edward Symanski of www.polishroots.com reprinted from Polish American Studies, the first Pole, Joseph Jakubowicz, came to Grand Rapids alone in 1853 from Kalisz, Russian-held Poland. He was an exception since the majority of the Poles settling in Grand Rapids until around 1900 came from German Poland. A large percentage came from the town of Trzemeszno near Poznań. Most of them were skilled workers who found ready employment as shoemakers, tailors, blacksmiths, carpenters cabinet-makers and wagon-makers. There were a number of factors which induced Poles to migrate to the United States. Political oppression, the failure of the 1863 insurrection against Russia, lack of work and land, and the hope of economic improvement were just some of the forces that brought Poles to the United States. By 1869 there were about a dozen Polish families living in Grand Rapids. They were Joseph Jakubowicz, Anthony Stiller, Jacob Pogodzinski, Simon Dzieniszewski, Andrew Poposki, Stanislaw Cerklewski, Thomas Kolczynski, Albert Damski and F. Tloczynski.
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY PHOTO SLEUTH It's back-to-school time! Time to start thinking of classrooms and schedules and packed lunches. Maybe a peanut butter-and-jelly sandwich, like the trio in this photo have. This 1949 Robinson Studio image is from an elementary class in the Hall Street School, who were making the sandwiches to sell and raise money for a school trip. Do you know any of these young scholars, or their teacher? If so, please email the Local History department at localhis@grpl.org.
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Non-Profit Org. U.S. postage PAID Grand Rapids, MI Permit No. 234
Grand Rapids Historical Society, Inc. c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Walking Beyond Our Ancestors’ Footsteps: An Urban Native American Experience BY LEVI RICKERT
Thursday, October 8, 2015, 7:00 p.m.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: October program Letter from our President page 2 2015-2016 GRHS Schedule page 4 Happening in History Page 6 Pulaski Days, Page 7 Photo Sleuth Page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, please visit www.grhistory.org Grand River Times
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