The Old Settlers' Society of Kent County was formed February 22, 1858. The purpose of the association was to gather facts about the early history of Kent County and Michigan and to form a social feeling among those who ranked as pioneers. To be eligible for membership, a man must have settled in Kent County, Territory of Michigan, prior to January 26, 1837 (the date Michigan became a state). During the Society's first years, as Baxter states in the History of the City of Grand Rapids, "for nearly 10 years the members seemed to forget that their Society needed concerted action in order to maintain an existence and during that time only occasional and casual meetings of the Old Settlers were held."

On December 27, 1871, a meeting was held at Sweet's Hotel to reorganize and draft a new constitution and by-laws. By January 17, 1872, reorganization was completed. Two of the major changes were the qualifications for membership and enlarging the territory of the society. To become a member, a man had to be 35 years old and be a resident of the Grand River Valley, in Ottawa, Kent and Ionia counties, for 25 years or more.

Changes were again made January 26, 1876, when the members voted to change the name to "Old Residents' Association of the Grand River Valley." Also in 1876, women were permitted to be honorary members. Prior to 1876 only men were allowed to join the Association. But when it was decided to hold a banquet and ball, the men found they couldn't hold such a function without women and decided to allow their wives to become honorary members. Later women were admitted as regular members.

The Association continued to thrive over the years, their annual picnics were very successful. The reason for the Association's demise is unclear. It appears that in the late 1950s declining membership and interest forced the Association to dissolve. Also it is possible that other historical and social organizations were being formed and these new groups drew more young members.