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Ryskamp Brothers, Inc. records

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 031

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

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