Volume 41, number 1
September 2019
Grand River Times The Newsletter of the Grand Rapids Historical Society Inside this issue: Cover Story: September program Letter from our President page 2 2019/2020 Program Schedule page 4 Meet the Trustees page 5 Happening in History page 6 Photo Sleuth page 7
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Grand Rapids Historical Society
Next program: After the September program, the Grand Rapids Historical Society’s next program will be on October 10, 2019, at the Grand Rapids Public Library. Julia Bouwkamp will be speaking about: From Managerial Void to the Medical Mile: The Evolving Roles of Women and the Enduring Presence of History Grand River Times
Grand Rapids at the Dawn of Hydroelectric Power PRESENTED BY: James R. Winslow Thursday, September 12, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Grand Rapids can lay claim to the world’s first hydroelectric power plant, and the first to supply commercial electric lighting service in Michigan. William T. Powers, an enterprising manufacturer, in 1865 and 1866, purchased the necessary river frontage and in the two following years constructed the West Side Water Power Canal, completing it in September 1868. Powers became interested in electricity after he learned of an exhibit to take place at the Franklin Institute, Philadelphia in 1877, of an electric lighting system. Frederick W. Powers, grandson of William T., related that his grandfather attempted to make an incandescent lamp before the day of Thomas Edison’s in 1879. The elder Powers could not solve the vacuum problem, and his lamps burned out within minutes.
Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power Company buildings (left to right) William T. Powers’ Sawmill built in 1868 used temporarily for the electric company from September 1880 to November 1881. The next building north of the sawmill was the first building constructed specifically for the Hydroelectric Power Plant in the Winter 1880–81. The two-story City Lighting Plant constructed in November 1881. The brick building built in the mid-1880s. (Photo circa 1902 from Grand Rapids Public Library, Archives & Special Collections #54-12-10)
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY Dear GRHS Members,
Welcome to new members and welcome back to all who continue to support the work of the Society. Board members have been busy over the summer. Although the programs for this year are in place, the Program Committee is already searching for speakers for 2020/21. Feel free to share your suggestions. Jim Winslow has been preparing his presentation for September 12 about canals in downtown Grand Rapids. Join us at the Library. There will be really interesting pictures and lots of The Grand River Times is the newsletter of the Grand Rapids information. We have been collaborating with the Kutsche Office of Local Historical Society, published six History at GVSU and their project Connections Along the Grand River. It has times annually. Established in 1894, the Grand Rapids Historical Society been made possible by a Michigan Humanities Third Coast Conversations: is dedicated to exploring the history Dialogues about Water in Michigan grant. There will be more about the of West Michigan; to discover its culmination of this project in the October newsletter. The Society will be romance and tragedy, its heroes contributing two panels, one about bridges and one about canals. We continue and scoundrels, its leaders and its to have a place at the table in planning History Detectives which has been held ordinary citizens. The Society collects and preserves our heritage, in January. Some Board members were able to meet in late July to do some passing it on to new generations strategic planning. Our by-laws have been reviewed. This newsletter goes to through books, lectures, and the printer before our August Board meeting, so there will more to come. education projects. Thirteen years ago Dr. Carl Bajema was the recipient of the Albert Baxter Award. On Tuesday, August 13, 2019 the Grand Rapids Public Library Executive Committee: held a reception for Dr. Bajema in honor of the donation of his papers from Gina Bivins, president decades of research covering hundreds of topics. There is an emphasis on Matthew Daley, vice-president railroad, lumber, natural resources, and social history of Michigan. There is a John Gelderloos, treasurer finding aid for the Carl Bajema Michigan History Collection on line at https:// Nan Schichtel, secretary www.grpl.org/uploads/grhsc/488.pdf . He is co-author of The Street Railways of Grand Rapids and The Lake Line: The Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Board members: Muskegon Railway. There are over 1,000 binders and a number of maps that Alan Bennett are part of this treasure trove of research. The history Charles Bocskey community thanks Carl for donating so that it is Thomas Dilley available to researchers. Matthew Ellis Chris Kaupa Gordon Olson, emeritus Wilhelm Seeger, emeritus Jeff Sytsma Julie Tabberer Jim Winslow 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 Grand River Times
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
Continued from cover page William T. Powers organized the Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power Company, March 22, 1880, in associated with William H. Powers (son), Amasas B. Watson, James Blair, Henry Spring, John L. Shaw, Thomas M. Peck, and Sluman S. Bailey. The company acquired a sixteen-light Brush dynamo which was installed in the Wolverine Chair & Furniture Company factory. The machine was belt-driven from the factory’s line shaft, powered by a water turbine. On Saturday evening, July 24, 1880, sixteen electric lights glowed in Campau Place. The first businesses illuminated were Sweet’s Hotel, Powers’ Opera House, E. S. Pierce’s Clothing, Spring & Company Dry Goods, Mill & Lacey Drugs, A. Preusser’s Jewelry, and Star Clothing. The brilliant electric lights Consumers Power Company Hydroelectric Plant, May 1, 1956, proved such a draw for merchants that demand shown here less than three months after it was decommissioned outgrew the capacity, and the machine was moved on February 29, 1956 at 4:15 PM. The last remaining addition to Powers’ sawmill at the downstream end of the to the Hydroelectric Power Plant was built in 1917. (photo canal, and increased output by the installation of a courtesy Grand Rapids City Archives, Litigation Collection #010701) new forty-light generator. Growth of the business by the city street lighting contract March 1881, justified even more extensive operations. Powers transferred water rights from the West Side Water Power Company to Grand Rapids Electric Light & Power, sixteen first run-of-stone, amounting to two hundred and forty horsepower. On May 27, 1881, a contract was awarded to John H. Hoskin for the construction of a permanent powerhouse which was completed Nov 1, 1881.
ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Jim Winslow, Founder of TourGR.com, a Grand Rapids guided tour company which gives historical walks throughout downtown. Tour GR came about through his passion for Grand Rapids family history and all things having to do with the Grand River. It has been an offshoot of his latest research project documenting and mapping the history of Grand Rapids water power canals system, its industries, and historical contribution at the dawn of hydroelectric power. Jim also works at Grand Rapids Public Museum, serves on the Board of Trustees for Grand Rapids Historical Society since 2013 and is a 5-year member of the National Certified Tourism Ambassador program. Local historian and GRHS Trustee will be leading us through the history of the Grand Rapids water canals that once existed on both sides of the river, and of which this city once relied upon heavily for its industry.
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
2019-2020 Grand Rapids Historical Society Programs All programs held at the Grand Rapids Public Library in the Ryerson Auditorium at 7:00 p.m. unless otherwise specified. From Managerial Void to the Medical Mile: The Evolving Roles of Women and the Enduring Presence of History
143 Years of Bissell History Through Advertising and Design
Thursday, October 10, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Presented by: Julia Bouwkamp
Presented by: Tiffany Decker and Lori Huisman
Fleshing out the history of women founders of early Grand Rapids medical institutions, Bouwkamp reveals a pattern where they were pushed from the centers of organizations they had created to the more feminine realm of nursing. Despite their marginalization, these nineteenth-century women exploited limiting ideas about gender to continue the expansion and sophistication of our medical world.
Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time, Part 1 Wednesday, November 13, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Presented by: Ed Paciencia South Division has a rich history that most people today are unaware of. Ever since the riots in the summer of 1967, the street has been thought of as “skid row”, but this wasn’t always true. Prior to 1967, South Division was one of the biggest, thriving, major economic corridors in the city. Whether you were looking for doctors, dentists, lawyers, auto dealers, bakeries, restaurants, factories, hotels, or laundries, they could all be found on South Division. Take a trip back in time and see just how incredible this street was at one time.
Thursday, February 13, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Melville Bissell patented his first carpet sweeper in 1876, beginning a long history of cleaning innovation. Join us as we explore the Grand Rapids-based company’s rich history through advertising, design and brand collections that include influences from notables such as Claude C. Hopkins and Harley Earl. Learn about some of the people, products and key milestones that influenced BISSELL’s success.
A Journey from Plaster to Community: The Story of the GUB (Galewood-UrbandaleBurlingame) Thursday, March 12, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Presented by: David Britten This presentation will explore the history of Grand Rapids’ southwest neighboring community since 1833. Beginning with the discovery and milling of plaster, the advent of the electric interurban, growth of the industrial sector, rise of two key commercial districts, we’ll look at the key pioneers, changes over time, and the parallel growth of several churches and schools. We’ll also touch on the friction between Grand Rapids and Wyoming Township throughout decades of successful and unsuccessful annexation efforts.
Jewish Soldiers in Blue and Grey Thursday, April 30, 2020, 7:00 p.m. (offsite: Temple Emanuel)
Division Avenue: A Trip Back in Time, Part 2
Presented by: Peg Finkelstein and Megan Yost
Thursday, January 9, 2020, 7:00 p.m. Presented by: Ed Paciencia
Ten thousand Jewish soldiers fought in the American Civil War--some for the North, some for the South, some from Grand Rapids. Recent research and cemetery-walking have yielded surprising stories about local Jewish soldiers and their varied backgrounds. Enjoy a reception after honoring recently rediscovered veterans and exploring Temple Emanuel's hall displays and award-winning archive.
Part 2 will look back at the buildings and some of the events that took place on South Division between Wealthy and 28th Streets. This section, just like the first one, saw its share of good and bad times. Everything from bombings and bank robberies to celebrations and sidewalk sales took place in this stretch.
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St. Andrew’s Cemetery, Nice Quiet Neighbors Wednesday, May 13, 2020, 7:00 p.m. (offsite: The Bluff) Presented by: Cynthia Bailey There is a lot of Grand Rapids History buried in St. Andrews Cemetery. In this presentation Cynthia will "dig up" some interesting information about the Cemetery and some of the "nice quiet neighbors" in the cemetery that sits right in the middle of a neighborhood. 4
GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
Meet the Trustees We are highlighting different members of our Board of Trustees for our members to get to know. September’s Trustee is Chuck Bocskey who has been involved with the Grand Rapids Historical Society since the mid 1990’s Chuck Bocskey, a native of Grand Rapids, graduated from high school in 1960 and obtained his degree in Science Education from Ferris State University in 1964. In 1966 he married Rebecca, an elementary school teacher. Chuck went on to teach science in the Wyoming Public school system for thirty two years. Chuck has had an illustrious career with the Grand Rapids Historical Society having won the Albert Baxter award in 2003. He joined the Society in the mid 1990’s and has served two terms as president in the early 2000’s. He is a member of the Program Committee where he and the committee members decide on and schedule our monthly presentations. Chuck can be found introducing our speakers at these presentations. The quality of the monthly speakers and the wide variety of topics covered is a testament to the hard work of this committee. A big “thank you” to Chuck and the committee is extended. Chuck is a student of local history and he also maintains a collection of political campaign memorabilia. Chuck and Becky have two children and five grandchildren. Chuck is also active in his church, St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, located in downtown Grand Rapids, and he has served on many committees at the church. Chuck has been involved with the Michigan Education Association (MEA) and has been on the Board of Directors for this organization. He has also been active participant in the Teachers Union. We are grateful for Chuck’s years of service and leadership in the Grand Rapids Historical Society.
New Members: We would like to welcome the newest members of the Grand Rapids Historical Society:
Duane & Mari-Clare Culver
Amanda Montgomery
Julie Rathsack
Thomas & Philomena Paniwozik
Jeff Ripley
Therese Schliewe
Kari Formsma
Tyler Gaastra
Denise & Rod Pease
Steven Koster
Therese Quinn
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GRAND RAPIDS HISTORICAL SOCIETY
HAPPENING IN HISTORY: SEPTEMBER 2019 Western Michigan Genealogical Society Mini-Class Saturday, September 7, 2019, 12:00 p.m. Main Library-Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE
West Michigan Postcard Club Monday, September 9, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church 2600 7th St. NW
Topic: Genealogy of a House: “If These Walls Could Speak”
Topic: Retro Road Trip 1959: Tour West Michigan
Presenter: Linda Guth Are you curious about the history of the house you live in, or would you like to trace the history of a family property? Let’s learn how.
Western Michigan Genealogical Society Saturday, September 7, 2019, 1:30 p.m. Main Library—Ryerson Auditorium 111 Library St. NE Topic: Victorian Lady
Presenters: Thomas R. Wilson & M. Christine Byron Tom and Chris will explore West Michigan in their 1959 Edsel in this time-travel excursion. Starting at the Indiana border, you will travel along Michigan’s highways and byways, and end the trip by crossing the new Mackinac Bridge. There will be stops along the way for gas, food, lodging, and roadside attractions. Tom and Chris share a love of Michigan and a fascination with its history. They are especially interested in the history of Michigan’s tourism industry. Their collection of antique postcards and tourist and travel ephemera was the inspiration for their five “Vintage Views” books.
Grand Rapids Civil War Round Table Wednesday, September 18, 2019, 7:00 p.m. In this "Lost Arts" presentation, you will explore ways Doors open at 6:30 p.m. De Witt Student Center Kuyper College to date a vintage 3333 East Beltline NE photograph by using clues embedded in the photo Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council itself. We will study Victorian fashion changes, Tuesday, September 24, 2019, 7:00 p.m. Aquinas College—Wege Ballroom hair styles, jewelry, hats, studio props and more - and 1700 Fulton St. SE use this information to date Topic: Women Trailblazers: Celebrating 100 Years of a photo as close as possible Women’s Suffrage in Germany and the U.S. to the year it was taken. The Greater Grand Rapids Women’s History Council Also covered will be the will join a collaborative event featuring representatives bizarre Victorian from academics, the community, and the German photography Embassy. A panel discussion will customs from highlight milestones in women’s "photoshop" to post mortem photography history before and after suffrage was customs. Guests are encouraged to bring in achieved in Germany and the United their own photos for group discussion. States. There will also be a poster exhibition on the German suffrage movement. Presenter: Wendy Batchelder
Free and Open to the public. Light refreshments are provided. Grand River Times
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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 Our September Photo Sleuth selection comes from the Robinson Photo Studio Collection's negatives. This interesting picture is of four boys and the title of the picture is “Airplane Club, Calvin Avenue”. The date of this picture is July of 1941. If anyone in this picture looks familiar, please email the Grand Rapids Historical Society at grhs.local@gmail.com
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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
Grand Rapids at the Dawn of Hydroelectric Power PRESENTED BY: James R. Winslow Thursday, September 12, 2019, 7:00 p.m.
INSIDE THIS ISSUE Cover Story: September program Letter from our President page 2 2019/2020 Program Schedule page 4 Meet the Trustees page 5 Happening in History page 6
Wolverine Chair and Furniture Company on Saturday evening, July 24, 1880, saw the first Hydroelectric Power Plant begin operation. (photo courtesy of Grand Rapids Public Museum, Archives Photo Collection #0000014)
Photo Sleuth page 7
For more information on Historical Society programs, please visit www.grhistory.org Grand River Times
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