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Grand Rapids Public Library furniture industry collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 233

Scope and Contents

This collection was created in 1999 to house the fragments and small accessions within the archives that relate to the furniture industry in Grand Rapids. Information on non-Grand Rapids furniture companies is not actively collected, though some national material can be found in Collection #335, Furniture Design Archival Collection, National Literature. The other complimentary collection with a national focus is the Furniture Design Book Collection, which is housed in its own room within the Grand Rapids History & Special Collections department.

Dates

  • no date

Extent

68.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This is a devised collection that brings together miscellaneous small and unknown accessions related to the Grand Rapids furniture industry. The collection includes photographs, drawings, graphic clippings, ephemera and other material. Some items relating to Michigan furniture companies are also included.

Related Materials

Some furniture periodicals are included in this collection, but others are shelved in the Local History periodicals.

Coll. 232, Grand Rapids Public Library Trade Catalog Collection.

Coll. 084, Furniture Manufacturers Assoc.

Oral History Collections. See select oral histories of furniture manufacturers or designers in the various oral history collections of the GRPL Archives.

Coll. 164, the GRPL Oral History Collection, currently has only a draft transcription for interview #110, Charles Sligh. See also the American Furniture Hall of Fame website for a Sligh oral history.

Coll. 263, GRPL Manuscripts Collection. Includes biographical information, including memorials for former officers and others associated with the furniture industry, such as Robert Wilkins Merrill, Phoenix Furniture Company.

Processing Information

Box 14.8 was removed from the collection and its contents were combined with 2022.048. These materials can now be found in Box 62 and Box 63.

Title
Finding aid for the Grand Rapids Public Library furniture industry collection
Status
Completed
Author
R. Mayne
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