Ryskamp Brothers, Inc. records
Scope and Contents
The collection consists of two series, correspondence and business records. The correspondence and business records provide financial background and detail information regarding the store's business. Some of the more interesting letters are to: Ferris Institute (1906), Douma Brothers (1906), Board of Public Works (1907), Denison, Dykema & Co. (1909), Sanitary Plumbing Co. (1909), Pulte Plumbing & Heating Co. (1909) and Automobile Repair & Supply Co. (1911). Business records consist of day books, cash books, sale books, and account journals; containing information regarding accounts, sales, debits and credits, business transactions.
Dates
- 1890-1957
Biographical / Historical
Ryskamp Bros. Inc. was a paint and hardware business in Grand Rapids, 1890-1974. The firm was founded by three brothers, Jacob, Cornelius and William Ryskamp. All three were born in The Netherlands, and had emigrated to Grand Rapids in 1881. They were active in the paint and decorating business until their retirements. Social activities of the men centered on their charter membership of Sherman Street Christian Reformed Church. William was also a member of Eastern Avenue Christian Reformed Church, where he served as organist for several years. The store is last mentioned in the 1974 city directory.
Extent
13.13 Linear Feet (Twelve boxes)
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The Ryskamp Brothers store was a paint and hardware business in Grand Rapids, Mich. from about 1890 until 1974. This collection includes correspondence, account journals, cash books, day books, ledgers and sale books from the business. The correspondence and business records are valuable in providing financial background and detailed information on the store's operations.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Frank Ryskamp, accession number 1986.553
- Title
- Finding aid for the Ryskamp Brothers, Inc. records
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Bruce Lee Siebers
- Date
- February 1987
- Description rules
- Describing Archives: A Content Standard
- Language of description
- Undetermined
- Script of description
- Code for undetermined script
- Language of description note
- 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