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Tad Shaw collection

 Collection
Identifier: Collection 408

Scope and Contents

This collection consists of a variety of materials that pertain to the life of Tad Shaw, a newspaper wholesaler and distributor of Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1922-1959. The collection contains newspaper clippings of Tad Shaw throughout his life, illustrations by Ray Barnes of Tad Shaw for Razzing the Rapids, newsletters from organizations Tad Shaw was involved with, home movie reels from the 1920's and 30's, a scrapbook of article clippings pertaining to boats and boat racing during the 1920's and 30's, and a small collection of personal letters. Also included are portrait photographs of Tad Shaw throughout his life, photos of his book shop in the early 1920's located in the Gilbert Building, a collection of costume party photos from the Cascade Country Club, and collection of Lowell Band members from the late 1800's. There are also early Grand Rapids newspapers that Tad Shaw collected of certain historical moments: an 1898 Evening Press edition featuring the Homecoming of the 32nd Regiment, a Grand Rapids Press 1916 edition featuring the end of WWI, and a 1934 Grand Rapids Herald featuring Grand Rapids' 1884-1934 Golden Anniversary Jubilee edition.

Dates

  • 1875 - 1959

Biographical / Historical

Tad M. Shaw (1891–1959) was a wholesaler and magazine distributor in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He owned a bookshop at 41 Monroe Avenue in the Gilbert Building from 1922-1931, closing it to devote his full attention to wholesaling and distribution of newspapers and magazines as owner of the Shaw News Company. He was involved in various clubs and organizations, to include President of the Exchange Club, a member of the Grand Rapids Advertising Club, member of the Cascade Country Club, and President of the Peninsular Club from 1948-1949. He was married to Ruth Asman in 1913 and had three children, Priscilla, Betty and Jane. His daughter Priscilla died at the age of 15 in February of 1938. The collection includes various articles cut from magazines and newspapers, newsletters from the organizations he was involved with, a collection of Christmas cards he was known for sending, personal letters, newspapers, scrapbook,16mm film home movies and a collection of photographs.

Extent

4.5 Linear Feet

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Tad Shaw was a wholesaler and magazine distributor in Grand Rapids, Michigan from 1922-1959. He owned a book shop located in the Gilbert Building from 1922-1931. Tad was involved in many clubs and organizations in Grand Rapids throughout his life and eventually became president of the Peninsular Club from 1948-1949.

Immediate Source of Acquisition

Accession No. 1986-129 & 1986-222; Received as gift from Mrs. Arthur Shaw

Title
Finding aid for the Tad Shaw collection
Status
Completed
Author
Katherine Besemer
Date
2014
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