Grand Rapids Underworld

by Mary Jane Dockeray

The underpinnings of Grand Rapids have molded its history and continue to influence our lives and commerce to the present day with water, salt, limestone, petroleum, gypsum, peat, sand and gravel. Discover how each of these resources have — and in many cases still do-— affect our fair city. The slides depict an era long gone or at least modified.

About the Author

Mary Jane Dockeray is a community treasure and possesses a wealth of information. Among her many achievements she notably visualized and spearheaded the building of Blandford Nature Center which encompasses 143 acres of diverse habitats, an interpretive center, and several historic buildings. She was Curator of Natural History at the Grand Rapids Public Museum and spent years visiting local schools educating children about birds, animals, and the environment. She taught classes in geology and science methods for Michigan State University and she wrote a book, “Let's Go Exploring”, outlining family and class field trips in the area.

She has received numerous awards for her work some of which are: a Delta Kappa Gamma International Scholarship in 1971 toward her Ph.D. work, the 1985 Michigan Audubon Society Outstanding Member Award, and a Mary Jane Dockeray Scholarship established by friends to recognize outstanding high school seniors planning on science careers.

“Grand Rapids Underworld” Thursday, October 13, 2016, 7:00 p.m.at the Grand Rapids Public Library, presented by Mary Jane Dockeray.