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Stocking School PTA records

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 376

Scope and Contents

The collection contains scrapbooks and meeting minutes of the Stocking School Parent Teacher Association. The contents mostly focus on the activities of the association, such as fund raising, field trips, events, conferences and programs. Newspaper clippings are included throughout the scrapbooks and include articles featuring students or student's parents. Some photographs are also included.

The collection also contains some items from the city and state levels of the PTA.

Dates

  • 1922-1965

Biographical / Historical

In the late 1880s, Seventh Street School was constructed at the southeast corner of Seventh Street and Stocking Avenue. In 1906, an organization called The Mothers Club was formed, whose mission was “to bring a about a closer unity between the home and school.”

In 1923, a new school was built at the northeast corner of Seventh Street and Walker Avenue. The property had belonged to the Stocking family and the school was named Stocking School after them. The Mother's Club was continued at the new school, but at some point was renamed the Stocking School Parent Teachers Association.

When it was first constructed, Stocking School was home to an Orthopedic school, which was associated with Mary Free Bed. The school provided classes and therapy for children with disabilities. In 1929, the orthopedic school was moved to Eastern Elementary School.

Grand Rapids Public Schools closed Stocking Elementary after the 2009-2010 school year. As of early 2011, the City of Grand Rapids is working to purchase the school property and turn it into a neighborhood park.

Extent

3 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

This collection contains scrapbooks and meeting minutes of the Stocking School Parent Teacher Association in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The organization was first formed in 1906 as the Mother's Club at Seventh Street School. The scrapbooks include newspaper clippings, photographs and programs. Information covers the school, principals, teachers, students and parents. Some material from the city and state level of the Parent Teachers Association is also included.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Katherine Sainz, accession number 2010.024.

Title
Finding aid for the Stocking School PTA records
Status
Completed
Author
Julie Tabberer
Date
March 2011
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