Volume 38, number 8
May 2017
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover Story: May program Letter from our President page 2
The History of St. John’s Home and its Founders PRESENTED BY: Mark Thomson
Baxter Award Winner: Thomas R. Dilley page 3
Thursday, May 11, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Women’s City Club
GRHS Annual Banquet and Program page 4 Antique Tractor Show page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
Search: Grand Rapids Historical Society
As he looked about the city of Grand Rapids in the late 1880’s, Bishop Henry Richter saw hundreds of children left homeless by the epidemics of his time—diphtheria, typhus and cholera. He knew that something needed to be done for these poor children. From his pulpit, he appealed to the community to lend a hand. John Clancy, a wealthy lumber baron and bachelor, responded to the Bishop’s pleas for help. His donation of $60,000 led to the founding of one of the earliest children’s services programs in West Michigan—St. John’s Home—and forever changed the Grand Rapids community. The building of this orphanage would bring a group of nuns to the area who would not only establish one of the largest social services agencies in the area, but profoundly affect the Catholic educational system in Grand Rapids its surrounding communities. Come hear the story of the founding and history of St. John’s Home and the remarkable women who came to save hundreds of orphaned children and, in the process, changed an entire community.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dear GRHS Members, I first encountered Thomas R. Dilley as “tdgr”. Many years ago I was enthralled by the idea that I could find Grand Rapids related postcards and small pieces of GR memorabilia without going through bins of old postcards, used book stores and antique shops. I could find stuff on line, bid on it, and occasionally be the high The Grand River Times is the bidder. However, on the items I prized the most I newsletter of the Grand Rapids was always outbid by the mysterious “tdgr”. It Historical Society, published six times annually. Established in 1894, was not until I was on the Grand Rapids Historical Society Board that I the Grand Rapids Historical Society realized I had been up against Thomas R. Dilley of Grand Rapids. As I got is dedicated to exploring the history to know him I happily realized that he was a historian and researcher with of West Michigan; to discover its the intent of sharing with the public his finds, whether through romance and tragedy, its heroes and scoundrels, its leaders and its presentations, in writing or as donations to libraries and museums. ordinary citizens. The Society Tom has published several books with Arcadia Press of images from collects and preserves our heritage, his large Grand Rapids postcard and stereo card collections. His most passing it on to new generations notable book is The Art of Memory: Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids through books, lectures, and education projects. Michigan. It is not only a written walk through these hallowed grounds, but also a history of cemeteries in general, the attitudes of different eras regarding death, and stories of those who lie there. Executive Committee: Tom has sat on the Board of Trustees of this organization since I Gina Bivins, president came on. I value his counsel and insight on many topics, even if it is Matthew Daley, vice-president required that I use the gavel now and then to get the meeting back on track John Gelderloos, treasurer when he has led us astray. I am pleased that he has agreed to stay with us Nan Schichtel, secretary one more term. Board members: Alan Bennett Charles Bocskey Thomas Dilley Marilyn Hamill Chris Kaupa Gordon Olson, emeritus Wilhelm Seeger, emeritus Jeff Sytsma Jim Winslow Tony Wright Kurt Yost Jessica Riley, editor Grand Rapids Historical Society c/o Grand Rapids Public Library 111 Library St. NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
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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 2
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2017 Baxter Award Winner: Thomas R. Dilley The Baxter Award was created in 1980 by the Grand Rapids Historical Society to honor persons who have made significant contributions to the preservation and interpretation of Grand River Valley history. It is named in honor of Albert Baxter, one of Grand Rapids early historians, who published the History of the City of Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1891. This year, 2017, marks thirty eight years of honoring those who have made a difference. The Grand Rapids Historical Society is pleased to announce that the 2017 recipient of the Baxter Award is Thomas R. Dilley. Thomas R. Dilley’s contribution to local history is profound. He has published several books through Arcadia Press including; Grand Rapids in Vintage Postcards 1890-1940, Grand Rapids Community and Industry, and Grand Rapids in Stereographs 1860-1900. The research regarding each of the images in these books is thorough. The most exceptional of his publications is, The Art of Memory: Historic Cemeteries of Grand Rapids, Michigan. This book, published in 2014 by Wayne State University Press, won the Michigan Notable Book Award in 2015. Tom currently sits on the boards of the Grand Rapids Historical Commission, the Grand Rapids Historical Society and is on the Board of Trustees of the Grand Rapids Public Museum Foundation as well as the museum’s Collections Committee. He previously sat on the Grand Rapids Public Library Foundation board. Tom gives presentations throughout the area on local history topics. Hundreds have accompanied him on tours of cemeteries (over two hundred and fifty people on some tours). He has spoken about his postcards and research regarding his collection to volunteers at the Grand Rapids Public Museum. Tom is modest in his acknowledgement in the donation of objects and ephemera to the local library and the museum. In the museum’s collection are objects as varied as a flour bag from the Voigt Milling Company to a token from the West Michigan State Fair. The Thomas R. and Debra C. Dilley Historical Collection #364 can be found on the 4th floor of the main library. It contains postcards, trade cards, scrap books, booklets, yearbooks, etc. of local companies and organizations. At present the collection totals thirty boxes, with the finding aid fifty eight pages long.
Thank you Tom Dilley, and a special thank you to his wife Debra and daughter Sarah for sharing him with the community.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Grand Rapids Historical Society Annual Meeting and Banquet Thursday, May 11, 2017 Women’s City Club, 245 Fulton St. SE $30/ticket 6:00 p.m.—Gathering
6:30 p.m.—Dinner Short Meeting Baxter Award Presentation 7:30 p.m.—Presentation
Menu House Salad, Chicken Saltimbocca, Garlic Smashed Red Skin Potatoes, Broccoli Mornay, Crème Brulee Vegetarian option available: Portabella Mushroom Ravioli
Mail reservations no later than May 4, 2017 to: Grand Rapids Historical Society 111 Library NE Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Name (s )_________________________________________________________________ Phone______________________Email_______________________________________ Number of Tickets_____________ Amount Enclosed_____________________________ Number of Vegetarian Options______________
Include check or money order no later than May 4, 2017 Grand River Times
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Continued from page 2 I recently had a message on Facebook from a person whose name and picture I did not recognize. The question they asked, was I related to Mike Zinn (my brother), got me curious. Yes, I said, and through a several messages back and forth I found myself “talking” to Linda McNamara, who I had not seen nor heard from in more than 50 years. I had thought of her this year because of our last program of the year, the history of St. John’s Home. Linda had lived at St. John’s for some time and was known to my family because at a very early age lived next door to us when I live at 711 Chatham NW. Our family moved to the northeast end, which is where I grew up. The children at St. John’s Home were sent to several schools, one of them being Blessed Sacrament on Diamond NE north of Knapp St. Linda was at BS at least one of her grade school years. Connections.
New Members Judith Bishop Grace Hendricks Patrick Murray
Antique Tractor Show Sunday, May 21, 2017
Alpine Township Community Building, 2015 7-Mile Rd. NW Tractors and Equipment will be on display from late morning to mid-afternoon
AND Local Author Adele Bradford Jones with her book:
“Lifetime Journey….. Your Family Story”
Have you ever wished you had one place to keep track of life events and capture family history as it happens? This book is for you! It’s a month and day journal, easy to use and full of extras!
2:00 p.m. Presentation Grand River Times
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HAPPENING IN HISTORY: MAY 2017 Reading the Great Lakes Thursday, May 4, 2017, 7:00 p.m. Main Library—111 Library St. NE 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. May’s selection is The Charm Bracelet by Viola Shipman. Western Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, May 6, 2017, 1:30 p.m. Main Library-Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Topic: Lincoln Memorialized: Early Monuments to the 16th President Presenter: Bruce Butgereit
While most everyone can recognize the Lincoln Memorials in Springfield, IL and Washington D.C., these were not the first memorials built to honor the martyred president. This PowerPoint presentation will provide a timeline of the early efforts to memorialize President Abraham Lincoln.
Bruce B. Butgereit is local and regional historian. Bruce is recognized for his research ability in a wide variety of subjects that include the Civil War, post-Civil War patriotic and fraternal organizations, Kent County war memorials, Abraham Lincoln, and the Lincoln Highway. This research has been shared over the past 40 years through history presentations, articles (magazines, newspapers, newsletters, and journals). Bruce is the recipient of many awards and recognition for his work. Grand River Times
West Michigan Post Card Club Monday, May 8, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church 2600 7th Street NW Topic: Where Greyhound Got Its Name: The West Michigan Connection Presenter: Ron Pesch A native of Ludington, Edwin Carl Ekstrom launched Safety Motor Coach Lines in 1924. Providing intercity bus service between Muskegon and Grand Rapids, the firm was an instant hit with the public, and an immediate competitor to local interurban service. Within a span of two and a half years, Ekstrom and his fleet of "Greyhounds" shook up the transportation industry, with service that ultimately extended well beyond state borders. However, Ekstrom's legacy and the connection to West Michigan has been forgotten. Historian Ron Pesch explains how Greyhound Lines got its name and logo in a colorful tale that played out along the shoreline during the Roaring Twenties. Historian for the Michigan High School Athletic Association for the past 20 years, Ron Pesch has written on local history topics for Michigan History magazine, MLive and a variety of other publications. A graduate of Western Michigan University, he is a board member of the New York based International Buster Keaton Society and the Muskegon Area Sports Hall of Fame. Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, May 17, 2017, 7:30 p.m. De Witt Student Center Kuyper College 3333 East Beltline NE
This meeting will be an open round table and about membership.
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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
GRAND RAPIDS PUBLIC LIBRARY PHOTO SLEUTH This month's Photo Sleuth selection comes from the Robinson Studio Collection's negatives. In this circa 1939 photo, six unidentified young women pose after a theatrical performance at Union High School. If you know who any of these young starlets are, please email the Grand Rapids Public Library's 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 The History of St. John’s Home and its Founders PRESENTED BY: Mark Thomson Thursday, May 11, 2017, 7:30 p.m. Women’s City Club
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: May program Letter from our President page 2 Baxter Award Winner: Thomas R. Dilley page 3
GRHS Annual Banquet and Program page 4 Antique Tractor Show page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, please visit www.grhistory.org Grand River Times
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