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Caroline P. Campbell papers

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 123

Scope and Contents

The earliest papers in the collection are legal documents that Campbell copied or acquired, most of these belonged to Freeman and Silas Godfrey. These documents include land contracts and deeds, receipts, warranty deeds, leases, notary public papers and tax records. Other documents include wills, indentures, mortgages, pension papers and estate papers belonging to various other people.

The bulk of the material is in the form of correspondence, newspaper articles, pamphlets, photos and programs, detailing Campbell' work in numerous societies as well state and local historical agencies. Of note are her files on early Grand Rapids, Louis Campau, Lucius Lyon, William Pangborn, Rix Robinson, the Women's International League for Peace and the city flag. Of the photos, those of particular interest show Campbell and a gathering of YWCA women.

Her correspondence with Frederick Church contains many original Church illustrations. These illustration have been removed to the security file and photocopies have been placed in the collection.

An original graphic item, accessioned as 1986.378, “Sketched from memory by Mr. Clements of Ada, August, 1921, from Mrs. James H. Campbell.”, is located in Safe 1.1. Neg. #3042, 132 & 133 & 134.

The genealogical materials cover the following families: the Bradleys, the Burrs, the Golds, the Hancocks, the Hulls, the Mix's, the Robbins', the Royalls, the Sanfords, the Saxtons, the Shermans, the Squires, the Turners, and the Whites.

Dates

  • 1777-1934

Creator

Biographical / Historical

Caroline Belzora Portman (1859-1926) was born in Marshall, Michigan to Reverend James H. Portman and Caroline Miner. She married James H. Campbell on January 18th, 1879 and they resided in Grand Rapids, Michigan for more than forty-four years.

Campbell was active in the YWCA, the DAR, the Michigan State Federation of Arts, the American Red Cross and the Daughters of 1812. She also did much work for the Historical Society of Grand Rapids, and was an active supporter of the local public library. Campbell conducted extensive research on the history of Michigan during the Civil War, helping to create a permanent museum in Grand Rapids for the relics and manuscripts she had collected. Her efforts resulted in the recognition and protection of numerous historic landmarks.

As with Rebecca Richmond, she received letters from Grand Rapids artist Frederick Stuart Church, that often included illustrations by the artist. Church exhibited at the Grand Rapids Public Library, which served the community as gallery space in lieu of the yet to be formed art museum. It may be Campbell or Richmond's connections with the Library that brought him back to the Grand Rapids Public Library, which finally resulted in a gift of Church's work from the Estate of the famous art collection and Church's friend, Charles Freer.

Extent

3.5 Linear Feet (Seven boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Caroline P. Campbell (1859-1926) was a civic leader in Grand Rapids, Michigan. She worked with organizations such as the YWCA, Michigan State Federation of Arts, American Red Cross and Historical Society of Grand Rapids and was an active supporter of the Grand Rapids Public Library. Her participation and membership in these and other societies are documented here through correspondence, newspaper articles, pamphlets, photos and programs.

Included is information on various historic research projects conducted by Campbell, particularly regarding the Campau family and the founding and history (through 1900) of Grand Rapids. Her correspondence with artist Fredrick S. Church includes many original Church illustrations. Also included are legal documents of the Godfrey's, and genealogical material concerning various families. The bulk of the documents date during her lifetime. Many of the items with 18th and early 19th century dates are copies, gathered during her historical research.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Caroline P. Campbell, 1922, 1934.

Accession numbers 1986.318, 1986.341, 1986.378, 00.[2310].1-3.

Related Materials

Caroline Campbell (Mrs. James), was a patron of the library, and her name can be found on book plates in the book collections.

Coll. 154, Diary of the early West Michigan pioneer, Bethuel Church (1784-1859) was a gift from Mrs. Campbell.

Coll. 224. GRPL Arts & Graphics Collection. Marinus Harting image, formerly in the Vertical Files, is documented as from the Estate of Caroline Campbell.

Coll. 311. Fountain Street Church Coll. See sermon delivered at Fountain St. given by Campbell.

Coll. 347, See information on St. Mark's Church in this and other archival collections, which may be gifts from Campbell, who was an active member.

M333.Un3. Report of The Committee on Public Lands of the House of Representatives of the U. States, in relation to Claims to Lands in the Territory of Michigan. Jan. 2, 1828. L. Lyon April 1, 1834 Association.

See archivist for other Campbell archival materials still unprocessed. 1986.295. 1986.178.

Title
Finding Aid for the Caroline P. Campbell papers
Status
Completed
Author
Laura Bachelder
Date
August 1990
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description
Undetermined
Script of description
Code for undetermined script

Repository Details

Part of the Grand Rapids History Center Repository

Contact:
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497