Abstract Father Dennis W. Morrow (1948-2020) as the pastor of St. Peter and Paul Roman Catholic Church, archivist for the Roman Catholic Diocese of Grand Rapids and chaplain for the Grand Rapids Fire and Police Departments. Father Morrow grew up on the West Side of Grand Rapids, Michigan and had a deep knowledge of the history of the area. This collection contains mostly photographs that Father Morrow took or collected. The photographs document the 1950s US-131 freeway construction project, houses...

Abstract

This collection, donated by Mrs. Richard H. Meade (Mary Robinson) consists of Grand Rapids Planning Comission minutes and reports from 1943-47; zoning maps and plans from 1934-60; articles of incorporation for the Metropolitan Planning Association and correspondences in regards to its founding; and copies of the "Metropolitan Planner" 1944-46.

Abstract

This collection contains the minutes of the Metropolitan Grand Rapids Planning Association in Grand Rapids, Michigan. The Planning Association started in 1941. The most active years for the Association were 1943-1952. Its most notable achievement was the preliminary plans for the U.S. 131 Expressway.

Abstract The Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) photograph collection contains photographs of buildings in Grand Rapids, Michigan shortly before they were demolished for the construction of US 131 and I 196 expressways (1960-1962). This is only a sampling of the buildings that were razed, not a complete documentation. The images in the collection are copies taken from original negatives held by the Michigan Department of Transportation. Accompanying the images are photocopies of maps which...

Abstract

This collection contains official records, maps, and agreements pertaining to the Michigan State Highway Department's construction of US 131 and the proposed changes to the existing railroads.

Abstract Charles (1909-1998) and Eniz (c. 1911-1986) Rogers lived in the Buchanan Elementary school neighborhood in Grand Rapids, Mich. and were active in local civic affairs. This collection contains papers and newspaper clippings kept by them during the 1950s-1960s. Eniz and Charles were both active in the PTA at Buchanan school. Newspaper clippings and some papers document safety concerns due to the condition of the building, the hiring of the first school crossing guard in Grand...

Abstract William F. Drueke, Jr. (1912-2000) was a Grand Rapids, Michigan businessman. He headed the family business, the Drueke Game Company. This collection contains photographs he took of various scenes in Grand Rapids from 1958 to 1979. The images depict urban renewal, including demolition of buildings. A large portion of the collection documents the construction of Interstate 96 through Grand Rapids. Also shown are many scenes of downtown Grand Rapids and the Grand River, including building...