Grand Rapids Sesquicentennial images
Scope and Contents
The collection includes snapshots taken during the Sesquicentennial events. Two rolls of film (24 and 36 exposures) were taken by staff from the city of Grand Rapids Community Enrichment office. Edited reprints were later made of several of the images. The original envelopes are included in Box 1. Negatives are also included, although they do not appear to be comprehensive.
The snapshots include many of the events during the week, such as the birthday cake, dedication of the sesquicentennial tree in Veteran's Memorial Park, the 5k run/walk, the antique car show, Civil War re-enactment and an ice sculpture. Several images also show billboards and signs posted around the city.
Locations depicted in the images include Ah-Nab-Awen Park, the Monroe Mall Amphitheatre and pedestrian mall, the walkway to the City Centre, US-131, Veterans Memorial Park, Michigan Street (Federal and State buildings) and Monroe Avenue (Hall of Justice).
Dates
- 1988
Biographical / Historical
The city of Grand Rapid's 150th birthday was April 5, 1988. A week-long celebration was held from April 4-9, 1988. On April 5, festivities were held throughout the day, starting with the cutting of a birthday cake at the Monroe Mall amphitheatre. Other activities at the amphitheatre included an old-style fashion show, activities such as clowns, jugglers and music and a noontime program. The celebration continued at the Grand Rapids Public Museum with a Civil War re-enactment, family story hour and sing-along, costume contest and children's games. There was also an antique car show that toured around the old village limits.
Other activities during the week included a Grand Luncheon with talks from Gordon Olson and former Governor John B. Swainson; a Dunkers skit and awards; exhibits; dedication of a sesquicentennial tree and a 5k run/walk around the original city boundaries.
Extent
0.3 Linear Feet
Language of Materials
English
Abstract
The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan celebrated its sesquicentennial (150th) birthday on April 5, 1988. A week-long celebration was held, including programs, exhibitions, an antique car show, a 5k run/walk, children's games, an old-style fashion show and dedication of a sesquicentennial tree. This collection includes approximately 60 images taken during the celebration. The images are snapshots and show events as well as billboards and signs posted around the city.
Immediate Source of Acquisition
Norman Tubbs, Director, City of Grand Rapids Parks Department; accession number 1989.012
- Title
- Finding aid for the Grand Rapids Sesquicentennial images
- Status
- Completed
- Author
- Julie Tabberer
- Date
- October 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
Grand Rapids Public Library
111 Library Street NE
Grand Rapids Michigan 49503 USA
616-988-5497
localhis@grpl.org