Abstract Samuel M. Dix (20 November 1916-20 June 2006) was an industrial engineer/consultant and a community activist in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This collection reflects his interests and includes material on the Grand Rapids Symphony Society (1958-1968), Fountain Street Baptist Church (salary survey, 1960-1961), abortion reform (1969-1977), the U.S. energy crisis (1977-1978), the Cannon Monitors (Cannon Township political group, 1992) and on the development of Dix's property into the Dix Farm...

Abstract Duncan E. Littlefair (1912-2004) was the pastor of Fountain Street Church in Grand Rapids, Michigan from circa 1945 to 1979. This collection primarily includes sermons and pamphlets detailing his theology. Littlefair's tenure at Fountain Street Church continued a doctrine of liberalism. Littlefair, schooled in a theology based on 1930s modern humanism, created a popular liberal environment that increased membership and involvement, making the church one of the most prominent local...

Abstract The Fountain Street Church collection has been created primarily from material transferred to the archives from the GRPL Local History Vertical File and the Local History Book Collection. It includes publications on the history of the Church and its architecture and stained glass. It includes documents related to the business of the church such as annual reports, committee and budget reports. Also included are programs of the services, as well as sermons by select former pastors of the...

Abstract This collection of dairies are mainly those of Robert B. Loomis (1832-1907). Born in Maine, he moved with his family to Boston, Massachusetts at the age of six. He married Emily Goodhue with whom he fathered four children. From 1862 to 1866, he lived in Washington D.C. and then moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan where he ran his own business and was involved in church, civic, and state affairs. He died in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1907. His diaries document his business activities, personal...