Exterior views of plant (8)
Scope and Contents
The collection contains primarily 4x5 photographic contact prints and 8x10 original photographs. Some exterior views exist, but most views are interiors, including various departments involved in the knitting process. Images begin with the drying and cutting processes through to the final stages of packaging and shipping. One interior shows a women's softball team. A 2003 gift adds an image of a post-war 1940s men's baseball team, as well. An album contains twenty-one (21) original 8x10 photographs, taken by Hesselink & Phillips studio of Grand Rapids, each with a paragraph description.
A 7-paged typed history accompanies the photos. Published documents have been added to the collection for additional context and history. The early history of The Globe Knitting Works chronicles the early days of Mr. Eilert Alfred Clements who founded the business; the history describes his experiences that lead him to establishing Globe. It describes the strong market for the newly conceived underwear design that Mr. Clements developed. It also presents a fairly detailed account of the company's early expansion leading up to its production of underwear for the armed services during WWI and WWII. The individuals who made up the Board of Directors, including Mr. Clements two sons, are also described.
Dates
- 1900-1920s
Extent
From the Collection: 0.42 Linear Feet (Two 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