The stereographs in this collection have been collected by a succession of librarians, with about half of the collection a single donation by Ross DeWindt (1986.054). Where known, the accession number for the item has been recorded with the entry in the finding aid, though much of this information has been lost.

There is evidence the stereographs have been separated from the accession with which they were received, such as those found here which have “Lawrence Collection” on the back. These were probably received along with other material in the Lawrence collection (Collection 002).

The collection contains many of the closest to first generation prints of historic Grand Rapids, Michigan photographs (mounted on stereo cards). The images present original views of late nineteenth century Grand Rapids buildings, houses, street scenes, logging, panoramic views, the United States Centennial celebration in Grand Rapids and the Historic Furniture Exhibit.

Some cards have no source identification. Other cards list the photographer. Occasionally, the back of the card is used, for an information note on the images or for advertising. Occasionally, the name of the firm selling or providing the card is added, along with the photographer.

Most of the cards in this collection are from photographer Schuyler C. Baldwin of Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo, Michigan. He used a variety of colored card stock, but most often on a red/orange card or light green, but also pink. His photos are squarely cut, as compared with some from an unidentified source, which cut the top of both views in an arch. Several unidentified cards use the red/orange as well, which overall appears to be the primary color backing for the cards. Other mounting colors in the collection include a cream color or a golden yellow. Baldwin’s cards are not all the same size.

There is one set of cards in the collection from a leading national stereography company, Keystone View Company. This set currently contains 50 cards, including #1, the title card, which has an extensive historical note. That card is titled “An Exposition of American Furniture-Making, from 1878-1928, on the occasion of the hundredth semi-annual furniture market at Grand Rapids. The other cards are labeled “Grand Rapids Historical Furniture Exhibit in connection with One Hundredth Furniture Market, Jan. 3-21, 1928.” This set has two numbering systems, 1-50, or 4150-4199. This set has no. 5 or 4154, missing, but has two copies of no. 8, or 4157.

Photographers or producers listed on the various stereocards in this collection include: Child’s Art Gallery, Marquette, Mich. L.V.Moulton (Grand Rapids) Northern Michigan Views / B.D. Jackson, photographer O.W. Horton, including a set of Centennial Views, and one item with a typed historical note on verso C.L. Merrill & Co. (Grand Rapids) Merrill, Bayne & Co. Schuyler C. Baldwin (Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo) Views of the Valley City / photographed by I.G. Tompkins.

As of September 2000, there were 361 items in the collection. One of several collections in the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections archives developed around physical format, this collection is occasionally added to as new accessions of a small number of stereo cards are received. Many of these original images have been reproduced by later photographers, and thus may be seen again in the archival collections for those photographers, including Hooper, Fitch, and Anderson and Winslow. Some historical viewers are also available in the department, though these are rarely used, and may not be fully intact.

Reproduction note Reproductions made as close to the original image as possible are generally considered of better quality content. Thus, reproductions made from these stereo cards may be of better quality than those made from one of the second or third generation prints copied by other photographers. However, some of these cards show their wear and tear, and the “original” presented in these well used versions may not now copy as well.

“L” = Item created to the Lawrence Collection “R” = A copy photo is in this collection, Box 3.