Abstract Benjamin Baum (1913-1991) served as the chairperson of the Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area Study committee from 1955 through 1959. The Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area Study was an independent committee formed by the Grand Rapids Community Council to study the needs and problems of public services in the Grand Rapids metropolitan area. The committee was assigned to compile reports and make recommendations for the consolidation of services between the city and surrounding suburbs. The collection...

Abstract

The David G. Winter papers contain material on racial imbalance in schools in mid-century Grand Rapids, Michigan. Researchers of Civil Rights, segregation in education, neighborhoods, and the history of public schools in Grand Rapids would find this collection helpful. for Included are official reports, a dissertation, a photograph, maps, and articles by other researchers and the donor.

Abstract Harland Bartholomew (1889-1989) was a city planning expert from St. Louis, Missouri during the early part of the 20th century. In 1926, he was contracted by Charles Garfield, head of the Grand Rapids City Planning Department, to survey Grand Rapids and prepare a growth plan for the city. He prepared numerous drawings and based frm his findings the Planning Department produced a booklet titled, "Planning the Future of Your City: The Grand Rapids City Plan." Included in the collection are 35...

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

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 The Wilson and Seydel family papers contain material related to William Wallace Wilson (1899-1997) and Frances Louise Seydel Wilson (1901-1995) and their families. William’s father, S.H. Wilson, is well known for platting and developing Wyoming Park, Michigan. These papers include plat maps of the areas he developed, real estate advertisements, business records, correspondence, ephemera, and photographs. William Wilson graduated from Grand Rapids Central High School in 1916. A portion of the...