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Grand Rapids Public Library Michigan and Grand Rapids/Kent County historical business, city and telephone directories

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 301

Scope and Contents

This collection contains reference books or lists that record personal or corporate names and may also provide address and phone number information. It includes directories from Grand Rapids, Kent County and the Greater Grand Rapids area. For Michigan directories in general, or for directories from other Michigan cities included in the holdings of the Archives, see Coll. 281.

Dates

  • no date

Conditions Governing Use

Several of the volumes are in poor condition and additional preservation microfilm will be sought when possible. Due to this poor condition, heavy use and great importance of these sources, photocopying is only available for those items which already have microfilm, or with staff permission, where the physical condition of the item permits.

Extent

29.1 Linear Feet (Over 50 boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This is a devised collection that brings together a variety of directories that include listings for Grand Rapids, Michigan area citizens, businesses and organizations. The directories often include addresses and telephone numbers and sometimes occupations (for indidivuals) or members (for businesses and organizations). The oldest directory currently documented for the collection is Williams Grand Rapids Directory, City Guide and Reference, 1859/1860. Some of the directories, such as the Polk directories, are housed in the public service area.

Related Materials

Directories can be found in other archival collections, particularly as related to organizations. These are too numerous to repeat here though some areas of research are suggested.

Church Directories may be found in Collection 096, Western Michigan Genealogical Society church records; Collection 270, Gathered at the River and Collection 347, Grand Rapids Public Library church references collection.

Business Directories may also be found in Collection 046, Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce.

Directories for clubs and organizations can be found in individual collections or in Collection 216, Grand Rapids Public Library Ephemera collection.

Title
Finding aid for the Grand Rapids Public Library Michigan and Grand Rapids/Kent County historical business, city and telephone directories
Status
Completed
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