Grand Rapids (Mich.) -- History
Subject
Subject Source: Library of Congress Subject Headings
Found in 397 Collections and/or Records:
Gerald Elliott Michigan authors collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 304
Abstract
Gerald Elliott (1907-1994) was an editorial writer for the Grand Rapids Press in Grand Rapids, Michigan. This collection consists primarily of published work by Michigan associated authors. Also included are items published in Michigan, those having information about Michigan or some other Michigan association. All items in the collection are believed to have been collected by Elliott, or received by him as part of the book review process, for reviews he primarily prepared for the Grand...
Dates:
no date
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Gerald Elliott papers
Collection
Identifier: Collection 529
Abstract
Gerald Elliott (1907-1994) was born in Grand Rapids and attended Grand Rapids Public Schools, Grand Rapids Junior College, and Davenport Business College. He worked as a professional musician (1924-1941), social worker for federal and state emergency relief (1933-1941), caseworker and administrator for the Bureau for Homeless and Unattached Men, soldier in the Second World War, and finally as editor for The Grand Rapids Press from 1941 to 1972. After his retirement,...
Dates:
Majority of material found within 1935 - 1991
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Gerald R. Ford photographs and memorabilia
Collection
Identifier: Collection 243
Abstract
Gerald R. Ford (1913-2006) was the 38th President of the United States. A former resident of Grand Rapids and East Grand Rapids, Michigan, Ford served as a member of the House of Representatives for the 5th District of Michigan from 1949 to 1973. This collection contains reference material for general use related to Ford. Included are letters, photographs, speeches and memorabilia. The library does not widely collect original Gerald R. Ford documents, as these are primarily held by other...
Dates:
circa 1915-2006
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Giacomo "Jack" Buzzitta Stow and Davis furniture design collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 361
Abstract
Giacomo "Jack" Buzzitta (1910-1989) was a furniture designer in Grand Rapids, Michigan. He designed for Stow & Davis for the majority of his career, from 1936 until his retirement in 1975. This collection includes furniture drawings and technical specifications completed by Buzzitta for Stow & Davis. Also included are catalogs and photographs relating to Stow & Davis, Widdicomb and Irwin furniture, as well as photographs from the periodical Good Furniture.
Dates:
circa 1950s-1980s
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Glenn A. Barrett World War II collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 509
Abstract
Glenn Albert Barrett (1923-2000) lived in Grand Rapids, Michigan and served in the Army during World War II (1943-1946). Through his service in the military, Barrett traveled extensively and wrote about his experiences in letters home to his mother, Myrtle M. Barrett (nee Burtles); grandmother; and to various friends. Some letters contained in the collection are written to Barrett as well. Additionally, the collection contains some photographs of Barrett and others. A researcher interested...
Dates:
1934 - 1950
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Globe Knitting Works collection
Collection
Identifier: Collection 062
Abstract
The Globe Knitting Works was a clothing manufacturer established in Grand Rapids, Michigan in 1897. The collection contains primarily photographs. Some exterior views exist, but most views are interiors, including various departments involved in the knitting process. Images begin with the drying and cutting processes through to the final stages of packaging and shipping. A 7-paged typed history also accompanies the photos. Published documents have been added to the collection for additional...
Dates:
1900-1920s
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Gmelich family papers
Collection
Identifier: collection 538
Abstract
Mabel Gork Gmelich died from a post-delivery infection in 1930, leaving her newborn Marilyn, her daughter Lezette, and her husband, Herman Gmelich, alone. Mabel and Herman, both born in Grand Rapids, Michigan, were married there in 1925. This collection was anonymously donated to the Grand Rapids Public Library in July 2025. It contains a 1918 yearbook of Camp Custer, Michigan—where Herman Gmelich served as a butcher during World War I—and Mabel Gork’s 1915 Union High School yearbook, which...
Dates:
1915 - 1973
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Godfrey J. Anderson manuscripts
Collection
Identifier: Collection 023
Abstract
Godfrey J. Anderson (1895-1981) was the son of Swedish immigrants and served during World War I as a member of the 337th Field Hospital (the "Polar Bear" expedition). This collection contains his personal reminiscences, where he describes Christmas time among the Swedish immigrants in West Michigan and the beginning of the Swedish mission movement. Also included are Anderson’s World War I reminiscences, describing his experiences as a member of the Polar Bear Expedition to...
Dates:
1982-1986
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Gordon Van Smith postcards
Collection
Identifier: Collection 377
Abstract
The Gordon Van Smith posts contains over 250 postcards of the Grand Rapids area. The postcards range in date from the early 1900s through the 1980s. Many local landmarks are represented, as well as street views, river scenes and bridge views.
Dates:
1900s-1980s
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center
Grace Oakes Carling photographs
Collection
Identifier: Collection 477
Abstract
This small collection contains family snapshots and photographs related to Grace Oakes Carling (1890-1988). The images mostly depict members of the Carpenter, McClure and Oakes families, as well as friends from Wurzburgs. Many of the photographs are snapshots and depict Grace and her friends and family relaxing and spending time together. Other photographs are formal portraits of family members. Also included are a few obituaries and funeral programs related to the family.
Dates:
1887 - 1975
Found in:
Grand Rapids History Center