1928-1942.
Scope and Contents
Contains material in regards to Howard Frances Baxter. It is divided among the following subseries: biographical sketch, correspondence, business records, newspaper clippings, certificates, and executive manual. Biographical sketch portrays the early life of Howard Baxter. Business records contain information which pertains to the function and operating costs of the family laundry company.
The correspondences and newspaper clippings portray the years of Mr. Baxter as a state senator for the Kent area 16th District, president of Baxter Laundries Company, general chairman of the 32nd (Red Arrow) Division Association, chairman of the welfare advisory council, of the Municipal Utility Board, the war transportation committee of Kent County Defense Council, and of the automobile parking authority. There are newspaper clippings that portray the lake Michigan sail boat races, which Baxter was involved in. In addition, there are also clippings pertaining to his boats. It also contains certificates in regards to his involvement in American Society of Planning Officials, 126th Infantry, Michigan National Guard, Volunteer Veterans' Reemployment Rights Commission, United States Naval Institute, National Aeronautic Association of U.S.A., American Arbitration Association, Grand Rapids Association of Commerce, Alpha Delta Phi, and Selective Service System.
Most valuable is the certificate from President Harry Truman, which pertains to Baxter's services in the administration of the Selective Service System. Finally, there is the Executive Manual of the Baxter Laundries Corporation which contains information from the following divisions of the company : general manager; finance and accounting - cash and banking, accounts receivable, sales and payrolls, invoices, insurance, statistics, stock subscriptions; advertising and selling - public relations department, personnel service, telephone, advertising, route selling, special sales plans; purchases and supplies; laundry production; and dry cleaning production. This manual is most valuable in describing the functions and operating costs of the company from 1928 to 1942.
Dates
- 1882-1980
Extent
From the Collection: 6 Linear Feet (Fourteen boxes)
Language of Materials
From the Collection: English
Repository Details
Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497
localhis@grpl.org